While trying to catch our breath after the hectic schedule prior to May 19th, which was the launch date of Project New Bamenda, one of the most spectacular events the city of Bamenda has witnessed in years, we should not lose focus on the main objective of PNB.
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| Walters N. Ntumngia, CEO Think Tank Plus & 'Project New Bamenda' Project Director |
Even though our focus was not the event itself, it served as a good learning platform to the team in preparation for even greater challenges ahead.
Please permit us brood a little over the accusations we received, the countless criticisms, second guesses, deceptions and our own very personal shortcomings. Against all the odds, we believe the seed of change has been sown in many minds.
This change in ideology which has given birth to the movement is something no one individual can take credit for. Bamenda, obese as it is, is set to blow. Greater things will, sooner than later, find their rightful positions.
How dare you not be who you want to become when we are all born to shine?
It is not the smartest of us who succeed, but all those who overcome their fear of not being adequate to challenge themselves to reach for the stars, and in the process, be liberated from their fears and in turn liberate others around them.
This is the birth of a revolution. A change in ideology is its aim, and greatness is its goal so that the world can listen to our ideas and dance to our tunes.
But… it is counter-productive to boost the esteem of an individual, group, city or region when it does not deserve it. We have spent tremendous amount of energy highlighting the potentials of Bamenda, a Region of plenty awaiting the 'touch' to make it the next business and entertainment hub. However, without a guide to the actualization of these, the skills, talents and potential we boast are doomed to stagnation.
It is on this backdrop that from the 1st of July 2013, we will embark on what we call ‘Network for Better Opportunities’ (NBO) which, as the name connotes, is the bringing together of talents, investors, sponsors, coaches, resource persons and experts in all walks of life to liaise for… well, better opportunities.
A theme has been selected for each month, ranging from Fashion, Construction, Real estate management, Media, Transportation, Information Technology, Advertisement, Supply, Tourism etc.
If, for example, Music Production is the theme of the month of July, our platform will link Producers, Executive Producers, Talents, Designers, Consultants, Marketers, Vocal Coaches, Choreographers, Engineers, Event Promoters, Event Producers, etc. from all around the world to help build a solid chain in the domain of music which, most often than not, is broken.
We aim also at building solid webs where, not only will contacts be established, but also monthly training programs will go along to make all the participants of business and entertainment from the Region to be prepared for the most anticipated boom.
NBO under the PNB label is designed to provide mutual benefits to all parties involved.
Aspiring lawyers will benefit from scholarships awarded by firms like Jing and Partners (see Jing Paul), beginners in business will be able to ‘pick the brain’ of business role models, e.g. Joseph (see Nsoh Joseph), obtain a business plan module from Rufor (see Rofur Mbunkur), or reap from the benefits of Suh Ndamukong Foundation which is currently being launched in Bamenda by the athlete himself.
My message will however not be complete without a special thank you to all those who stood by us in our darkest and brightest hour; before, during and after the launch. The list is long. We pledge to give all that we freely received to the betterment of all.
Ladies and gentlemen, The New Bamenda is born. Together, let’s fight the good fight and, if we don’t relent, we will win.
The stage is set, the willingness of the inhabitants is immense, the talents are hugely untapped and most importantly, Bamenda is calling. Heed to the call now and let’s make a difference.
Walters N. Ntumngia
