Varied cultural aspects were on display.
By Elias Ngalame
From their traditional outfits, carnival display, food, music and religion, arts and craft, the culture of the people of the Southwest was everywhere on display in Buea.
The people in their numbers from the six divisions, KupeMuanenguba, Ndian, Meme, Fako, Manyu, Lebialem answered present at the maiden edition of the Southwest chief’s cultural festival held in Buea 13-14 December 2924.
Placed under the patronage of Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, who was represented by the Minister of Secondary Education Nalova Lyonga, the 2-day event brought together sons and daughters from the region, traditional rulers, parliamentarians, senators, heads of parastatals, elite, students and others for a common purpose; showcase the cultural pride, unite the people of the Southwest in celebration and renewal.
According to the President of the Southwest Chief’s Conference Chief Moses Obenofunde
“There is need for the people of the Southwest to continue to unite, cooperate and work together for their development,” he said.
For Professor Nalova Lyonga, the Southwest cultural festival, 2024 has made history, creating stories that will be told for generations to come. “The grand celebration of peace, cultural revival, social cohesion, and investment promotion by sons and daughters from the Southwest is a milestone achievement that makes the region unique. The Southwest has shown that it is the Southwest, that is why everybody wants to be in the Southwest. We must be proud of ourselves as a people, loving and welcoming to everyone,” Professor Nalova told a cheering crowd at the Bongo Square.
Participants were treated to a spectacular showcase of fashion parades, traditional dances, artistic music, gastronomy, exhibitions, and vibrant networking opportunities. With over 10,000 attendees observers say, the event was a remarkable success, embodying unity in diversity while passing down the knowledge and skills of a rich cultural heritage to the younger generation.
Observers acclaimed the chiefs for the brilliant idea of organizing the cultural event.
“We raise our hats to our chiefs, the custodians of our land, whose visionary leadership made this majestic event possible. Their insights also led to the creation of the Eyasu fabric, a powerful symbol of our shared identity and a testament to our common vision of making the South West Region “The Place to Be.” It was an honor for me to serve on the Fundraising Committee and contribute to this historic endeavor,” says Madam Omam Njomo Esther, member of the fund raising committee of the festival.
According to Senator Mbella Moki Charles, culture is a powerful bridge to peace that must be jealously uphold.
“The South West Cultural Festival reminds us that culture is a powerful bridge to peace in fragile settings. Through unity in diversity, we celebrate our shared heritage, strengthen community bonds, and foster resilience. Together, we transform challenges into opportunities for lasting harmony,” Mbella Moki said.
The Southwest chiefs said they have also made a move to culturally reinforce the identity of the people of the region with the creation of the EYASU fabric , meaning ‘Our Own’ aimed at strengthening efforts to preserve the region’s culture and history, as well as improve its educational sector.
“ We have also carried our peace initiatives, like the back to school campaign, door to door sensitization in the villages. These and many more initiatives towards development are in the pipeline,” says chief Obenofunde.
