“Bakossi, one People, One Culture, One Future! – Our Roots. Our Pride. Our Legacy”

The Kupemuanenguba population are proud of the enormous community development work carried out back home by their diaspora brothers and sisters.

One of such diaspora groups, BACDA-USA is blazing the trail not only promoting community development, but flying the flag of Bakossi culture out there in the USA, teaching the kids to learn Akose language and the culture in general.

Their yearly come together dubbed BACDA- USA CONVENTION sets the stage for promoting brotherhood, conviviality and a common ancestral heritage.

As they prepare the 2026 convention to take place July 16-19, ECO OUTLOOK talked to the President Madam Epie Nyake to find out about this important event.

Excerpts;

1)  How prepared is BACDA-USA for the Boston Convention?

BACDA-USA is optimally prepared and beyond excited for what promises to be an extraordinary convention in Boston. Over the past several months, our National Executive Committee, Convention Planning Committee, Boston Chapter, Chapter Leaders, and our Gen Z team on the ground have worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail is carefully planned out and executable.

Our conventions are much more than a come together event, they are not just Family Reunions but a celebration of our heritage, and an opportunity to strengthen the bonds that connect us as Bakossi people. While no event of this magnitude is ever completely free of last-minute adjustments, I can confidently say that we are ready to welcome our brothers, sisters, friends, and guests to Boston for an unforgettable experience filled with unity, culture, fellowship, and purpose.

2) What will be some of the innovations in this year’s come together?

This year’s convention reflects our commitment to preserve our heritage while embracing the future.

One of our greatest priorities has been increasing youth engagement. We have created more opportunities for our Gen Z members to participate, learn about our culture, and take ownership of the future of our organization.

We are also placing greater emphasis on family-centered activities, cultural preservation, networking, community development, and showcasing the incredible talents within our Bakossi community. Our Family Fun Day (football match Nya Mbwogs against Saŋ Mbwogs over 60), cultural exhibitions, youth-focused programs, and enhanced convention programming are all designed to ensure that every attendee from our elders to our youngest members feels included and valued.

Most importantly, we continue to use the convention as a platform to discuss meaningful projects that positively impact our people both in the United States and back home in Ekośe land.

3) A Brief History of BACDA-USA (Bacda.org for more info)

BACDA USA, the Bakossi Cultural and Development Association, is a non-profit organization based in the United States of America. Comprised of Bakossi daugthers/sons and organizations focused on Ekośe, its mission is to safeguard and advance the vibrant cultural legacy of the Bakossi people from Cameroon. The association is dedicated to ensuring the transmission of Bakossi traditions, language, and values to future generations. This brilliant idea was conceived 36 years ago by visionary Bakossi sons and daughters who understood the importance of preserving our identity while supporting development initiatives in our homeland.

What began as a gathering of proud Bakossi people has evolved into a vibrant national organization with 8+ chapters and Independent Members across the United States. BACDA-USA serves as a bridge connecting our people, preserving our language and traditions, promoting education, supporting humanitarian projects, and fostering unity among Bakossi families living abroad.

Through the years, BACDA-USA has remained committed to the principles of cultural preservation, community service, education, youth empowerment, and development. Our motto (Strength in Unity) remains rooted in the belief that regardless of where we live, our heritage, our pride, and responsibility to one another remain unchanged.

4) I know it has not been easy to steer the BACDA-USA ship. What are some of the challenges and how have you as President been overcoming these?

Leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. Like any organization, BACDA-USA has faced its share of challenges. We are a diverse community spread across multiple states, with members balancing careers, families, personal commitments, and community service.

One of our greatest challenges has been ensuring sustained engagement while simultaneously delivering meaningful projects that benefit our people both here and back home. Financial constraints, differing perspectives, communication gaps, and the logistical complexities of managing a national organization can also present obstacles. The greatest challenge back home however is connecting with the right People or NGOs to manage our projects.

Fortunately, I firmly believe that challenges are opportunities for growth. My approach is and has always been rooted in active listening, collaboration, transparency, respect, and faith. I have been blessed with an exceptional executive team, dedicated chapter leaders, supportive elders, a wonderful partner/husband and hardworking members who continually step forward to serve for the benefit of Ekośe.

Together, we have focused on solutions rather than problems, unity rather than division, and progress rather than limitations. The achievements of the past few years, including health campaigns, educational initiatives, water projects, cultural preservation efforts, electricity poles project and youth engagement programs are proof that when we work together, there is very little we cannot accomplish.

5) Any appeal to the Bakossi community out there?

My appeal is simple: our collective efforts will change Ekośe land but we must remain united. No single individual can build the future we envision for our people alone. Every contribution matters. Every voice matters. Every chapter matters. Every family matters. I encourage all Bakossi sons and daughters to first and foremost come together and remain connected to our culture, support one another, participate actively in community initiatives, and help mentor the next generation. Let us teach our children who they are, where they come from, and why our heritage is worth preserving.

Our strength has always come from our collective spirit because when we stand together, we become an unstoppable force for good, not only for ourselves but for generations yet unborn.

6) Your Last Word

My final message is one of gratitude, hope, and love. I want to thank every member of BACDA-USA, our elders, chapter leaders, executive team members, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who continue to sacrifice their time, talents, and resources for the advancement of our community.

As we gather in Boston, let us remember that BACDA-USA is more than an organization, it is our legacy and family heritage. We did not choose to be Bakossi but we choose to make Bakossi matter and Ekośe land, one of substance and pride. Let us celebrate our culture, honor our ancestors, embrace one another with love, and recommit ourselves to building a stronger future together.

To every Bakossi son and daughter, I say this: Be proud of who you are. Be proud of where you come from. Preserve our heritage. Invest in our future. And never forget that our greatest strength lies in our unity.

A’Banyang, let us continue to move forward together, One People, One Culture, One Future!

Our Roots. Our Pride. Our Legacy.    Unapologetically Bakossi!