The Moment of Actualization

While trying to catch our breath after the hectic schedule prior to May 19^th, 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.

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 1^st 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

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Kenneth SOH BEJENG, CEO of the SOH Group

Kenneth SOH BEJENG

I am Kenneth SOH BEJENG.

The North West Region interests me for its people and how the region’s social fabric is put together.

I am presently the CEO of the SOH Group, a business consultancy that started in 2004 with offices in Yaoundé, Accra, Ghana, Kisii, Kenya, and Durban, South Africa. We pride ourselves in the services we offer businesses across the continent. We have assisted over 500 companies in our close to 10 years of existence.

What I like about the North-West Region and its people is their energy, kindness and hardworking nature.

The SOH Group is creating Cameroon’s first indigenous Private Equity firm and our focus will be to assist SMEs in the North West Region in order to procure the necessary finances needed to sustain their activities.

Project New Bamenda is a fabulous project and one that needs to be encouraged. I hereby offer my total support.

Our private equity firm will be a game changer for companies in the North West Region. We will begin our focus on the SMEs who have traditionally not been well-served by the banking sector.

One Last One

My favorite dish from the North West Region is Fufu and Katikati, favorite place is Mbatu, 2 miles from Bamenda.

Milestones Awards: The Winners!!

Meet A PNB Ambassador: Gerald Sunjo Layu. Co-Owner & CEO Autograph Hotel

Gerald Sunjo Layu

My name is Gerald Sunjo Layu.

I’m a Banso man and a “Bamenda boy”. I attended nursery school up the Hill at Veterinary Junction, in what is now the actual veterinary building if memory serves. Then I did a round of primary schools over six years: first CS Bayele, then St John’s Foncha Street, then PS Atuakom; a change of scenery that would overwhelm any pilgrim. I attended college at Sacred Heart Mankon, then high School at GBHS Bamenda - two head-spinning years in which I spent just as much time attending booms in Bambili, Mbengwi and an assortment of other venues (along with ill-advised forays into Bali) as I did within the four walls of a class. I read law afterwards at Birmingham University in the UK and spent a further six years in Europe after my degree putting off an inevitable return until I caught the business bug and rode a wave of optimism home.

My most enduring and nostalgic memories have Bamenda as a backdrop though: crossing “two bridge” from Bayele and having close shaves and near misses all the way home; collecting even-tempered dogs in the “quartier” with my mates while at St John’s and going hunting for squirrel and cutting grass around the hills of what is now GTHS Bamenda and beyond; Coupe Top at Ntamulung; Chinese and Indian films at Rota. That was my Bamenda.

Over the years of the life of the nation, the people of the North West have demonstrated a resilience and a single minded determination to succeed in less than perfect circumstances. There is a disciplined approach to life and living which is in our DNA. Our parents insisted we become professionals: doctors, lawyers, engineers etc and invested forcefully in that ideal. No football, music or other frivolity. At least not back then. Whatever the demerits of this approach it is mighty hard to make an argument against it as I think it has served our generation well. The PNB ambassadors I see on this blog are testament to that.

Our parents educated us and built homes on modest incomes. Njangis and the Credit union scene are lasting tributes to a rare fiscal discipline. In addition to tireless toil, North-westerners take every aspect of tradition seriously: our elders, our dialects, and all those routine cultural rituals and observances that punctuate daily life. These things define us. They are who we are.

I live in Douala and co-own and run a boutique hotel in Limbe with my brother called Autograph. A good many PNB readers are our loyal guests. At least I hope so. As tough an economy as ours is I remain convinced of the possibilities and opportunities in an emerging Bamenda and in Cameroon. Our generation has the opportunity to shape and contribute to the entrepreneurial landscape of the future. In concrete terms it means being bold, taking risks and above all fostering a collaboratory spirit among us.

Bamenda has been good to me. A “New Bamenda” I suspect will be even better for us and future generations. I commend the ethos and timing behind the Project New Bamenda initiative. Bamenda, I feel, is taking confident, visible strides into the future at the moment. One can feel the momentum building; one can see the progress being made. I believe in partnerships. Partnerships of ideas; partnerships in effort; a collective approach in service of a grander vision for our town and region; a pooling of financial and human resources with generous doses of creativity and innovation. Previous generations provided the platform and we have the opportunity to make use of the skills and tools at our disposal to creating a vibrant business environment.

One Last One

My favourite place in Bamenda is the Station hills. Not so much from the top down - as much as the town coming into view upon arrival gives me pleasure - but looking at them from the bottom up. It’s always given me a feeling of security; like we are walled in. A sort of “Fortress Bamenda”.

The New Bamenda is Here!!

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Francis Kilaghan Bonghan, Founder and CEO of Novelty Tax & Accounting and Franco Records

Francis Kilaghan Bonghan

My name is Francis Kilaghan Bonghan (aka Franco Bonghan).

I attended primary school at Government Primary School Up-Station and St John at Foncha Street Nkwen the latter on to St Augustine College Nso and CHS Bambui and then CCAST Bambili.

What  particularly interests me in Bamenda is the untapped human and material resources of the region. The grasslands and rich folklore provide a huge opportunity for tourism and cultural dynamism.

I am currently based in Houston Texas and I am the founder and CEO of Novelty Tax& Accounting, a tax Consulting and Litigation firm in Houston Texas for 8 years. I am also the CEO and founder of Franco Records, a Record label based in Houston Texas with a singular mission of representing the unnoticed voices in Africa. 

Academically, I have earned two Masters: in Accounting and Financial and Strategic Management from Keller Graduate School of Management in Houston Texas.

I like the hospitality of the people and the hardworking parents who never cease to give the best for their children. Education here is of prime importance.

Franco Records seeks to provide a platform where talents can be showcased at a world class level.

                            

According to statistics on the ground, more than 90% of the talents in the North West Region will die due to a lack of access and connections to the business and entertainment world.

We are strategically positioned to do that. In the next five years, I will like to propel the new generation of artists by giving the necessary tools to compete in the international market place.

I will network with projects like PNB and any other stake holders as long as it is for the development of the North West Region.

Presently, I am working on setting up a state-of-the-art recording studio and provide the right personnel in Bamenda to help give access to world class recording to any talented individual, market musical products, develop and produce, all the while making it possible for them to compete in the international market place.

In business, I wish to establish a venture capitalist firm in Bamenda.

This, I believe, will help in my little way in promoting our talented young boys and girls from Bamenda.

Project New Bamenda is a divine idea that needs the benediction of all sons and daughters of the region, to rise up and answer this call to a more prosperous North West region.

I salute the PNB team for their effort so far. May God bless Project New Bamenda.

One Last One

My favorite dish from Bamenda is fufu-corn and khati khati.  I just love Ndamukong Street.

I believe in ‘’stand up and stand tall’.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Linda Arrey, President and CEO of Women In Leadership Development and Empowerment, INC.

Linda Arrey

My names are Linda Arrey.

The North West Region particularly interests me for the rich culture and hospitality.

I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A

I am President and CEO of Women In Leadership Development and Empowerment, INC. (WILDE), a membership based leadership non-for-profit organization made up of a unique network of professional women from diversified backgrounds and experiences who aim at enhancing women’s skills and involvement at all levels of society.

WILDE was birth from my vision and dedication to the education and empowerment of women globally, and my inclination to improving individual and community standards. As a philanthropist, I am constantly seeking innovative ways to give back to the community through mobilization, direct service, donations, and more.

I am also the owner of Lindaarrey, INC., a consultation firm specializing in Public Speaking, Non-Profit Startups, Non-Profit Infrastructure and Implementation, and Small Businesses. I am an Officer with the United States Air Force and currently serve as a Health Care Administrator. Some prior positions and organizations I have held include Administrator for legislators, Secretary General of the African Women Development Foundation Inc., and Manager of the Miss Africa USA Pageant.

I hold a Masters in Health Care Administration / Public Health Administration. I currently seat on several organization’s boards.

Through WILDE’s Project2020, we are working on opening vocational training universities in some African countries including Cameroon. Currently Bamenda is a “city of interest” under this project. The goal of Project2020 is to :

1) Increase access to vocational and technical training,

2) Improve quality of higher education by developing research strategies based on the country’s developmental priorities, and

3) Improving the quality of workforce development by equipping the students with workforce skills ready to add to the country’s developmental goals. 

WILDE universities will also promote home economics education—which is fast eradicating in today’s schools, and leadership skills which are rarely offered in most African school systems. These Universities will be attended for free for all qualifying students who meet the financial assistance requirements and for a minimal fee for students who do not.

I also look forward to hosting a WILDE Leadership and Development Conference in Bamenda in the near future.

I think Project New Bamenda is a great initiative to improve the standard of living in the city of Bamenda, while creating better communities and jobs at the same time. I think PNB will also open a new door for businesses to better reach out to their targeted audience and more room for networking between businesses with vested interests.

I will like to see a Bamenda where more people are not only educated, but also prepared for a job market that actually offers jobs and career opportunities. My hopes are also to see more women owning their own business and playing major roles in the corporate sector.

One Last One

The place I’ll like to visit in the Bamenda metro area is the Saddle Hill Ranch and Resort.

Meet a PNB Ambassador: Rofur Tchifu Mbunkur, Founder and CEO of HR & Systems Ltd

 

Rofur Tchifu Mbunkur

My Name is Rofur Tchifu Mbunkur.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

I am the founder and CEO of HR & Systems Ltd.                                                                                                                                                         

I am from Binka, Donga and Mantung division of the North West Region. Even though I was born and brought up out of the Region, Bamenda has always been home to me.

Bamenda is a place to be, a place to invest and a place to be proud of. With her increasing population, her rich and diversified culture, her abundant availability of natural and qualified human resources, I see it becoming a hub for business and entertainment in Cameroon and why not Africa.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Hr & Systems is a limited liability company based in Cameroon which I created in 2010 with its head office in Douala. I have a staff strength of 15 persons, and representative offices in Buea, Yaoundé and a soon-to-opened Bamenda branch.

We have a diverse client base both home and abroad to whom we offer our human resources and accounting services and have developed and implemented different types of systems for companies.

Our latest project which is still going on is the implementation of an online bus reservation system called dNET where Cameroonian can book and pay for their bus tickets online. We have already created more than 30 sales outlets in and around Bamenda.

In addition, we have also launched our business plan module where we are having a database of over 50 different business plans from which interested stakeholders may use to invest in Cameroon. Some of these plans encourage people to invest in Bamenda.

As an entrepreneur, I have as vision to grow the number of investors in Bamenda by offering a proper business setup through our project management services, a proper accounting and systems setup, systems development services and above all a proper human capital through our human resource services.

By doing the above mentioned there would be an increase in job opportunities and hence better living for all at home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Bamenda is an emerging market in Cameroon, to this effect, I encourage investors to open businesses in Bamenda or at least own a share in one. If you don not know how to do this, HR & Systems is there to assist you. 

Project New Bamenda is just wonderful and falls in line with one of my core values which is creativity and innovation. I must say Kudos to the team and let us keep up the fight. We shall get there because we are all in the right direction.

One Last One

My favorite food is round the world with one finger (ACHU) and of course khati khati

Before I end I would like my people to know "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

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