Meet a PNB Ambassador: Francis Wainchom Nkwain II, Public Relations and Communication Mogul

Francis Wainchom Nkwain II

I am Francis Wainchom Nkwain II.

It never seizes to impress me how exciting the reality of the North West Region is. Its people and geographical attributes are a reality and yes there’s more that can be done but when you look at what is there already, there’s much to be excited about.   

I studied at Sacred Heart College, Mankon before doing my A’Levels in St. Joseph’s College Sasse. I read Law at Brunel University and went to work for numerous years in the Entertainment, Publishing and institutional Politics sectors before founding a Public Relations and Communications outfit.  I currently operate in London and Yaoundé. My client list covers a spectrum of individuals and corporations from big business to professional athletes and artistes, with a single common denominator, their African identity. I also run www.horizononline.org, a pan-African platform that supports the promotion of Africa’s success stories, a small contribution to the wider issue of the repositioning of the African in the modern world.

It would be unfair to promote generalizations but I do think there are three key qualities that form the thread that sows the North West Region and its people together:

Tradition: a great appreciation for history and culture and a general understanding of the need to be true to the values that bind its numerous tribes.

Respect: Be it for each other or the institutions that shaped and continue to shape it, the North-Westerner is respectful of assigned roles.

Pride: A combination of the above (Tradition and Respect) inspires Pride in its daughters and sons, a pride borne of a sense of identity and a sense of responsibility as custodians of values that precede us.

In very specific terms, I am keen to see Bamenda play a very important part in the opening up of Cameroon to the Nigerian market place with the new transportation links being developed. We are currently developing 2 key strategic partnerships with 2 Nigerian agro-industrialists to accompany this commitment and thereby expand on the productivity and economic opportunities available through industrialized farming.

I have been a fan of the energy of the people behind Project New Bamenda as individuals so to see them fusing their efforts into a project like PNB, I am both excited and optimistic as I think the project both commendable and much needed to gather and garner a much-needed synergy that could make Bamenda and the North West pivotal to the emergence of our nation.

I hope that my children inherit a Bamenda City and a North West Region that is the envy of the continent. We have the talent, quite simply lack the platforms that permit the talent to shine and develop further. Young “soldiers” like Tito, Jovi, February 16,  T’neeya, DebraDebs but to name a few…They are “taking” what is rightfully theirs rather than waiting to be given a chance. It’s a great spirit!!!

One Last One

As proud son of Kom, I enjoy abain (fufu corn) , mbas (vegetable) and katti katti (chicken). I have a particular soft spot for the undulating valleys and hills of that particularly picturesque corner of the North West. However, overall, I am what you could term a “Bamenda-Boy” harbouring a very strong bond with a rather loose concept of identity rooted in a geographical location imbued with cultural effervescence of a kind unmatched, let alone unsurpassed by any other.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Paul Jing, Founder Jing & Partners Law Firm

Jing Paul

I am called Jing Paul.

I am from North-Western Region. I was brought up there, educated at Government Primary School Bamenda Station, Sacred Heart College Mankon, CCAST Bambili before proceeding to read law and becoming an attorney at law.

I reside in Douala, Bonapriso precisely. My Law Firm is also located in Bonapriso/Douala.

I am a Graduate in Corporate Law from Harvard University.

I am a Member of Cameroon and Nigeria Bar Associations, Partner and founder of Jing & Partners, a Corporate Law advisory firm.  My areas of focus are corporate finance, capital markets, foreign investments, oil and gas, mining and intellectual property.

So I advise in creating companies, governance, mergers, spin offs, liquidations and winding up depending on the legal requirements of and from the corporate clients.

Based on our firm’s profile and law firm rating, we are now proud to be perceived by international investors as a leading Law firm in Africa.

There is relative harmony in the diverse cultures of the North West Region. I feel very secure when I drive into, around and out of Bamenda. We are self sufficient in terms of food. The weather is excellent. The North West Region is truly blessed.  The region in my opinion is very rich in unexploited natural resources. 

Bamenda has a great potential for tourism that is not currently being addressed or is virtually ignored. The hotels are substandard and industry is absent.  For this reason, I am willing to devote some time to provide free legal advisory services for start-up companies in the mining, energy and tourism sectors (if any). 

I will gladly offer scholarships to deserving candidates in the field of law who meet the required exigencies of our law firm.

Project New Bamenda is a great initiative. Awesome! That is why I am a sponsor.

My dreams and hopes are impliedly indicated in my answers above. We need an industrial fabric to create opportunities for our young entrepreneurs and jobs for our youth.

We need investments in our infrastructure. Our Government Delegate, Mr. Vincent NDUMU needs adequate funding to upgrade infrastructure, especially in terms of roads. It goes without saying that where there are good roads, development inevitably follows. Tourism will thereafter flourish in the North West Region in general. It is a statement of fact that the North West Region boasts of some of most spectacular natural locations in Cameroon. 

Lastly, we need working health care systems, good hospitals, mortuaries meeting required standards so can we preserve and bury our loved ones with dignity.

One Last One

My favourite dish from Bamenda is Fufu-corn, Njama njama and Katti-Katti.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: ANANGA Michael ANANGA, Esq.

ANANGA Michael ANANGA

My name is ANANGA Michael ANANGA, Esq.

I’m currently in Yaoundé working as a Senior Corporate Counsel at C.S.P.H (The Hydrocarbons Prices Stabilization Fund). I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Boston University School of Law, in Boston, MA where I specialized in Corporate Finance law. I thereafter interned at Hunton & Williams LLP in Richmond, VA while preparing for the New York State Bar Exam and later was a full associate at Alston & Bird LLP in Atlanta, GA working on Corporate and Securities Law issues in the Business Practicing Group. In 2007, I relocated to Cameroon and started working in my current company (CSPH).

Opportunities abound in the North West Region, so there is huge potential in diverse sectors in the region. But what piques my interest the most in this region is the hard work and work ethic of its people. And with such a collective attitude, the sky is the limit!

My commitment to the development and growth of this particular region is clear: to be of use and value in any way, shape or form to highlight the region’s diversity and potential. My strong point is public speaking, so I can be of help in this area, spreading the word through various media and getting people to recognize the true value of the region!

Project New Bamenda is a laudable cause and vision. I believe I have echoed these sentiments on its website and elsewhere! PNB remains a vehicle through which the region’s best and brightest will bring out their best to encourage others to see what they recognize and value in the region. It only will add value to the region’s potential, but will give the region visibility and exposure!

I’m an attorney by training, so I believe in the power of articulating a cause or vision. My hopes for this region is to see it grow in leaps and bounds, be it in the entertainment industry where collaboration with neighbouring Nollywood in Nigeria is quite possible, or in the energy sector (my sector), where alternative energy resources could be tapped within the region, not forgetting the hydro energy potential the region has, or in the tourism sector, the region providing some of the most spectacular and breath – taking views there is to see in this country!

One Last One

My favourite dish from the NW Region has to be peppered “kati kati” and grilled chicken (Kom style). Shout out to the people of KOM!

A revolution starts with an idea, an idea that Uncle Fritz will not let die for any reason for this New Bamenda.

 Felix N. FON-NDIKUM

A revolution starts with an idea; an idea that is conceived and nourished to grow by determination and steadfastness.

Some of us who have gone ahead have the amazing power to influence this change with even less than we care to give; in the words of Maya Angelou, ‘...you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back’. 

What better occasion do we have to throw something back than to support a dream that will transform a generation?

What better way to do that but give a little to a dream and watch it bloom fully?

Let us not allow this dream of a new Bamenda to be deferred - the time is NOW!

A few words, a few francs, a few strings and most especially, our love will make a difference.

I therefore urge all those from this Region and sympathizers to come together with one voice and heart to see a dream that will transform our hometown to put all hands on deck to see this dream realized.

To the amazing team of Project New Bamenda, my unwavering support is yours to have.

  

Felix N. FON-NDIKUM

General Manager Commercial Legal & Company Secretariat at MTN Cameroon

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Dr Daisy Ayim, Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr Daisy Ayim

I am Dr Daisy Ayim, Diplomate of American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, born and raised in Bamenda.

My mother is from Mudum I and father from Widikum. I love growing up in Bamenda and I am absolutely proud of my roots.  My fondest memories are roaming the open hallways of Bamenda  General Hospital  as my mother was a busy midwife in the maternity unit and attending the wonderful games of PWD Bamenda where my dad was a serious footballer. Oh yes, the long walks to primary school in Aziri. Again, I love Bamenda!

I currently own and operate a private practice in Houston USA encompassing all aspect of women’s health and cosmetic medicine since 2009. Prior to starting my practice, I held faculty position at Johns Hopkins Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and served as Administrative Chief Resident at Howard University Hospital Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. I enjoy the entrepreneurism and opportunities available in USA to accomplish my vision. This vision will extend to Bamenda in either assisting our beloved Bamenda General Hospital via my time, resources, recruitment of fellow physician friends, etc. and/ or building an independent multispecialty health care facility. Regardless, Bamenda needs more access to quality health care.  However, my vision is not limited to health care industry as I forecast Bamenda to be an excellent opportunity for other business ventures on my agenda. 

We are progressive, dynamic people who are richly blessed in so many ways that our time has come to propel us to the world. This concept of Project New Bamenda is wonderful and our young energy is the key to re-vitalize our city.

One Last One

My favorite place is Commercial Avenue because of the hustle and bustle energy it radiates. I am a city girl at heart.

My favorite foods are Ekwang, Cocky-corn, Egusi Pudding, Puff Puff and Beans, Burning Fish with Miondoh.

My motto:  What you think you become.

My favorite village proverb: "When you present yourself as a doormat, don’t be surprise you are treated as such".

  

Bamenda calls…Let's all join Simonie Achu in answering to Bamenda's desperate call for change.

Simonie A. Achu-Mpondo

I call her home. Home, not because I have made her a place of residence, but home because she gives me my fondest memories. I go away from her for as long as I always do, but I sigh with contentment each time I drive in. Her picturesque view from the station hill is unique. I can actually see my house from there and how that makes me excited. Somehow she seems to have stayed the same. At least I still feel the same warmth that comes from her bosom. Her lights still glow at the same spots like time never changes. She is familiar territory; very little beats that. Today, I dare call her home.

Over the last 2 years, I have made more than ten trips to Bamenda. Looking back, it seems my trips were all planned like a fast track routine.                                                                                                                                                             

It’s a four to five hour drive from Douala, where I now work and stay.  That means leaving Douala by 4 a.m. gets me to Bamenda by 9 a.m. at the latest. Usually, it is an event to attend that brings me to Bamenda in the first place. After attending my event, I may ‘hang out’ that evening for a couple of hours only to leave again by 4 a.m for Douala the next morning.

Now that I look back at these marathon visits to my beloved Bamenda, I feel embarrassed and so self conscious. How come I make so little effort to spend more time back home? Does anyone feel guilty of this as I do?

Well, this is not intended to come across like someone looking for partners in crime, but it is for a fact that so many of us in this generation are guilty of “home negligence”. True, we have our jobs to protect and families to take care of, but if we can take a Friday off to go to Kribi for the weekend, we can do same for Bamenda. What is it we are afraid to see, do or meet that is so horrible if we stayed longer? If we had to accuse this town of something, what would that be? No “classy” places to hang out in? No recreational spots? Too many people seemingly just lined up to ask for help? What? Sad to say but our generation can take very little credit for the growth of Abakwa. If anything, we should be charged! We can get out of this Bamenda town only as much as we put into it. As one of our age old politicians once said, “Scratch ma back I scratch your own”.

Let’s talk greener pastures- how greener can it get elsewhere when we have a home with endless, unexplored, untouched possibilities. Projects our parents started that have all been abandoned. When a legacy passed down is broken at some point, the chain of growth is severed automatically.

The probably boring cliché “many hands do light work” suits this situation. It is rather sad that Bamenda youths living away from the town, have tried and are actually succeeding to change the image of “the Bamenda” in terms of our fashion style, social behavior and even professional achievements. It is now rare to hear the common slangs “le Bamenda” as an insult. We have succeeded in changing the image of our town from outside. We need to take this a step further; bringing that growth and positivity back home; change Bamenda from what it is now “a town of necessity” to a place to be. We should want, need and look forward to going back home. It should be our very own heaven. And we are to make it what we want it to be.

It is tough call to those who have settled in other parts of the world and even a tougher call for those of us who live in other towns in Cameroon – so close and yet the farthest. It all begins with that thought.

“Just think it and you‘ll definitely get it’’.  Rhonda Byrnes. The beloved Bamenda waits with open arms.

Simonie A. Achu-Mpondo.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Roland N. Fomundam, Technology Entrepreneur, CEO & Founder of JolaVentures

 Roland N. Fomundam

My names are Roland N. Fomundam

I hold a Master of Science in Technology Entrepreneurship from North Eastern University where I also obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Business Administration. Upon graduation, I have laid focus on the establishment of a true social enterprise with a goal to alleviate poverty with focus on agriculture and rural development initiatives. 

I am the CEO and Founder of JolaVentures USA and Jolaventures Cameroon as well as the Chair and Founder at Youth Action Africa; the Director General at the African center for Renewable Energies and Sustainable Technologies (ACREST) – an Innovation and Entrepreneurship visiting lecturer at the Cameroon Christian University – a business consultant, a husband to a beautiful wife and mentor. 

My work has been recognized by numerous organizations notably the World Bank, the Ministries of Agriculture, Innovation and Research, Technology Development and the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Cameroon, the United States Department of Agriculture, The Dell Innovation forum, The National Collegiate Innovators and Invention Alliance and most recently I was recognized with the most prestigious award - the Martin Luther King award for Leadership and Community service in the USA. I also sit among the members of the Obama’s Young African Innovation forum.

The vast amount of opportunities and resources present in the North West region are a big attraction for a seasoned entrepreneur like me. These opportunities must be transformed into resourceful avenues that can create jobs and provide a living for our people in the North West Region. 

What I like most about the North West Region is our homogenous culture and hardworking people. North Westerners possess the will to strive through difficulties with a smile on their faces. 

Project New Bamenda has been much awaited. It is certainly the way forward – a platform that will ignite fusion of ideas and be a conduit for introducing brand image for the region and its people.

Someday, the North West region shall be the breeding ground for innovations and inventions that will take Cameroon from developing to developed nation. It shall set the blueprint for successful businesses and corporate social responsibilities.

One Last One

My favorite place is the top cliff at up station that gives you a bird’s eye view of Bamenda. I love the view.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Boniface Njakenji, CEO BONN GROUP

Boniface Njakenji

                                                                                 

I am called Njakenji N. Boniface.

I am the CEO of five main major companies under the BONN GROUP umbrella, namely B and B Construction which is involved in general civil engineering, construction of roads, earth and surface dressing, water supplies, schools, embellishment of towns, shopping malls and centers. 

Cameroon Foods Industry which is into Livestock Farming and transforming it into consumable goods like sausages, harked meat, steak etc. All these from locally grown chicken, pigs, cows, rabbits dukes, cane rats, goats and fresh fish.

The IMAGINE Bakeries-Coffeshop-Supermarket is our trade mark and one of our new chains sales points.

LABO-Adel Medical is also under the BONN GROUP umbrella and is the largest supplier of hospital and pharmaceutical products in the CEMAC sub-region. 

BG Logistics is involved in the transportation of Liquefied Petroleum Product (LPG) from SONARA- LIMBE and KRIBI using special trucks to AFRIGAZ Filling stations all over Cameroon to SCDP stations all over the country and the CEMAC Zone.We are also involved in the transportation of fresh fruits, fresh vegetable, farm products, fresh bananas to Douala and cities all over Cameroon and the CEMAC zone.

And finally BONN GAZ which is a leading company in the Propane/Butane distribution in Cameroon, distributing the AFRIGAZ Brand gas bottles and accessories.

The chain extends into the US where we have BONN GROUP America and a representation in Mozambique, with a partnership with K-Atlas in France.  

Bamenda is one of the places in the country with the fastest economic growth.The people are very hardworking and highly welcoming, making it a conducive environment for investments and new ventures.

I am currently located at Nke-Mvi Tower Meta Quarters which is the Head quarter of my BONN Group. 

What I like the most about the North West Region and its people is that they are extremely  hardworking - I am particularly a hardworking person, they socialize a lot and have solidarity amongst themselves with a strong desire to grow together.

As the Regional Delegate of the Chamber of commerce (I also hold a position in the national executive bureau), I am very keen about the topic of my commitment to the development of Bamenda because I am a developer and I like to see Bamenda and the North as a whole grow economically and otherwise. That is the reason why I get myself involved in a lot of developmental activities like being part of the Chamber of agriculture, representing Bali where I come from and Mezam Division as a whole. 

My desire is that all businesses in the Region grow not only individually but communally with the hope that every business venture is profitable.   

I will like to be involved in the development of the North West Region by building more and more avenues for growth.

Currently I am involved in the construction of a good number of market stores to assist young businessmen who before now have been unable to acquire a business site to sell their products. 

There is a project underway to construct a shopping mall with a capacity of approximately 1.000 shops in the Food Market area that will be personally financed by my group and investors with the partnership of the Bamenda City Council. This is to be realized by the year 2015.    

Project New Bamenda is a very lofty project and is driving people to know more about what is taking place now and will take place in Bamenda in a few years to come.

The notion that Bamenda is a ‘backyard’ in Cameroon is now history and the world should know that. I think the aim of the initiators of Project New Bamenda and its Ambassadors is to expose the town and region to as many as possible the world over. Letting them know what we can do and what we cannot do hence calling for collaborations in areas of need.

My hopes and dreams for Bamenda in the growing field of entertainment are as strong as my passion to see the region grow in business. Right now we have venues like Dreamland Cabaret which is a wonderful initiative, talk less of the many nightclubs like Revolution, Manjong and Rocket Nightclubs with world glass standards. There are countless Restaurants, Bakeries like the Imagine Bakery and its chain and hotels mushrooming around the city.

These all serve as indicators that the town is ready to welcome bigger businesses and the long awaited entertainment industry with open arms.  

One Last One

My favorite dish is fufu-corn and njama-njama . 

Let Your Voice Be Heard For The New Bamenda

Project New Bamenda has no desire to change Bamenda.

Whole and complete change depends on the collective effort of all who seek the good of the Region. That means YOU! All we seek to do is bring to light the great minds of the Region and sympathizers by inviting them to the debate table to brainstorm, suggest and fine-tune on a possible outlet of the immense potentials we are all pregnant with-to the benefit of change as each desires-of course for the benefit of all. We are just the channel for this movement.

We therefore invite you to this virtual debate table.  Your voice will make a difference.

You have the floor. What will you like to change in Bamenda?

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Sine Tum, Music Artist

Sine Tum

My name is Sine Tum Emmanuel. I go by SINE (formally Sidney), both on stage and off.

I am from the Aghem tribe in Menchum division, Wum.

I am a music artist currently residing in Yaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon. The journey has been long. I had the honor of representing Cameroon in 2008 in Gabon in the first edition of AFRICA STAR in which I came out on top of the competition.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to record with top Cameroonian artists like Richard Bona, Petit Pays, Lady Ponce and many others. Also, performing in different countries within and out of Africa has been very beneficial in preparing me to face the challenging career of a musician in Cameroon.

Today, I am signed to STM Records and I work at STM Studios (The record label’s studio, housed at the Solomon Tandeng Muna Foundation), where my album was recorded and will be coming out soon. The first single, “Njoka Njoka” is now on the market and pleasantly, it is doing very well.

I went to CS Bayele primary school and later GBHS Bamenda. Bamenda is a precious priceless part of my life. I started my Career as a singer in Bamenda at the former Hollywood cabaret for those who can still remember. Bamenda holds a special place in my heart. I love the hardworking nature of the Bamenda man. I appreciate the fact that people are down-to-earth, and extremely welcoming. I’m proud to call it home.

In order to contribute to development, it is imperative that I excel at my craft. This is why I work tirelessly to constantly make great music. I have for the past years been working on an album project to also place myself in the competitive world of the music business. I am opened to any project that has to do with the development of this sector and any other sector like the health sector where I've been working with some renown NGOs like “K.O PALU” for the fight against Malaria, and “AAA” for the fight against HIV and Malaria. I believe that the more successful I am at what I do, will shine the light in the music business in Bamenda, creating more opportunities to the locals and an awareness to the world that Bamenda is ready.

Project New Bamenda is a great initiative. It is time for Bamenda to embrace the bright future that lies ahead of it. Congratulations on a great initiative. You have my full support.

My dream is to be able to support young artists from the North-West Region by creating the opportunities that I did not have when I was growing up. I want to see state-of-the-art art schools, recording studios flourishing in the North-West region, so that young people do not feel like they have to go somewhere else look for greener pastures which  is always around the corner.

One Last One

• My favorite dish is water fufu and eru but I won't say no to ekwang or Kati -Kati .

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Peter Njodzeka, CEO Penjo Entertainment

Peter Njodzeka

I am Peter Njodzeka a.k.a. Penjo Baba.

I was born in Kumbo, in the North West Region of Cameroon. I have been an entertainment entrepreneur since 2003 by founded Penjo Entertainment where I work as CEO till date.

Penjo Entertainment is into photography, production of documentaries, movies and beauty pageants. My stories have such titles as “Slave Village”, ‘’ The Kids”, “Changing Lives, Improving Health”, “The truth”, “Beriwo” just to name a few. 

I have also been blessed to work with some international and renowned companies and programs like CNN World View, BBC World News, Diageo Foundation Community Water Projects and CRTV.

As producer of pageants, I have organised competitions like Miss University Africa for the CEMAC Region and Miss West Africa Cameroon 2011. 

My work has been recognized by some of the most prestigious awards in Cameroon and beyond in the likes of the Award Winning People's Choice at the Cameroon Entertainment Award in the USA, Best Director of Photography at the Cameroon Movie Merit Award where I was nominated in the categories Best Editor, Best Director of Photography, Best Movie Promoter and Best Production House.

My job gives me the opportunity to travel to different places in Cameroon and Africa, all the while learning from the different cultures and meeting different people.

This has left me with a very appreciative heart for our unique culture, sincerity, honesty, love and respect for Humanity which are all found in excess in the North West Region. That also gave me the push and desire to contribute in the development of my own community.  This then let me into creating Life and Water Development Group Cameroon (LWDGC) five years ago which is involved in providing clean and potable water to isolated villages and communities in Cameroon.

Running two organizations is not easy but I do not consider it work as it is a blend of all my passions.

I want to be an active part of the change in the North West Region and contribute in building our entertainment industry and promoting our culture through movies, music, fashion, etc. 

I think Project New Bamenda is a good initiative. This project will help promote our NW culture. Being part of it is an honour. 

My dream is to see the North West Region becoming a leader in business and entertainment and a model for other regions of Cameroon to emulate. I see Bamenda having a growing influence in the future of our country with a voice that can speak and be heard. I hope Project New Bamenda will constitute a signal that we should start pushing ourselves further to prove to the world that we deserve more and can only achieve if we believe.

One Extra One 

My favourite dish is Fufu and Njama njama and  kahti kahti.

Njodzeka means “What is My Crime”.