Movers and shakers in Noni

King Makers Confer Title of “Fon of Diaspora” on Illustrious Son!

By Francis Ekongang Nzante

Traditional Power brokers in Djottin-Noni have in an unprecedented move conferred the powers of Fon to an illustrious son. The difference however is that this new Fon will take care only of the Diaspora without influencing the way things are done back home. The maiden “Fon of the Diaspora” is Dr Nfii Ndikintum Kangong. This elevated position is referred to in the Noni Language as Nfon Nkwantè

This development comes against the backdrop of  a very successful Extraordinary Congress of the Djottin Area Development Association DADA that took place recently in Yaounde. Following the active and selfless commitment of their son to ensure the success of the Congress, the traditional Powers of Djottin-Noni decided to confer ambassadorial powers to Dr Nfii Ndikintum Kangong.

A close look at Nfon Nkwantè Nfii Ndikintum Kangong reveals that he has always been interested in the development of his Homeland. Prior to this recent development, he had been conferred the title Shey Ngenfwè which literally translates as an Agent of Development.

This notion of Nfon Nkwantè (Ambassador of the village)was hatched following the enthusiasm that has been ignited amongst the new generation of kedjottin in the recent past. It is simply the thirst for a new Djottin.

In the immediate past,  a Motive force has emerged, with a particular style proper to it, provoking a massive response to this burning desire to rebuild Djottin.

The notion of Nfon Nkwantè as proposed by the Traditional Powers of Djottin is motivated by the wish to provide an informed leadership among kedjottin outside Djottin. 

It is further geared towards giving the Nfons of Djottin “an international voice to speak on their behalf, everywhere, outside Djottin, where need be. This means the holder of such a position has the Authority of the Nfons to represent them everywhere outside Djottin.”

This implicitly means that the holder of this position exerts Ambassadorial prerogatives for the people of Djottin.

In a nutshell, the position is one of leadership for those in diaspora. It is a representation of the Nfons in the diaspora. It means being an Ambassador for Djottin “entailing negotiations for mutual cooperation benefits with the world outside Djottin.” 

This initiative clearly has “no conflict with, nor modifications to, the Traditional setting back at home, nor one with the traditional mission of DADA.” 

 This knighted illustrious son had already shown what he was and is capable of for the good of all kedjottin during the DADA Extraordinary Congress in Yaounde. During and after the Extraordinary Congress, he demonstrated his love and devotedness to the course with an uninhibited sacrificial tendency.

The Kwiyfon has, by this act, simply paid homage to a deserving son of the soil and empowered him not to relinquish his efforts but to, on the contrary, redouble them to cultivate love and unflinching attachment to his homeland.

 It is expected that kedjottin should welcome this innovative move and behave in such a way as to write the name of Djottin in History as the first to succeed in  making functional, the post of Ambassador of a village.

In a write up by Shey Nkene Ndinayi Thomas Tata-Gwei, emissary of the Kwiyfon entitled “The Bush on Fire” he enjoins kedjottin in the following words:

“Let us join hands please, to welcome our Ambassador, Nfon Nkwanté Nfii Ndikintum and give him the courage to show that Djottin has made no mistake in honouring him with such a high distinction and lofty calling. 

May the Good Lord buttress our endeavours and guide and protect him as he strives to make us a better people, living in love, and sacrificing for homeland, and, consequently,  enabling us and our posterity to enjoy the fruits of our labour.”

At the time of publication, this reporter had not succeeded to reach Nfon Nkwantè Nfii Ndikintum Kangong for comment.

 

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Book Launch

Publication on Life and Ministry of Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua Unveiled!

By Francis Ekongang Nzante

A publication focused on the Life and Ministry of His Grace Cornelius Fontem Esua, Archbishop Emeritus of the Bamenda Arch Diocese will be launched in the first half of the month of February in Bamenda.

The publication which is titled Indelible Footprints is a well crafted narrative that runs through the life of one of the greatest builders of the Roman Catholic Church in Cameroon from his birth in Mbetta in the Kupe Manenguba Division in the South West Region of Cameroon to his present life as the Archbishop Emeritus of the Arch Diocese of Bamenda.

It is a masterpiece and a product of the collective work of a cross section of dedicated people ranging from Religious to laity. This collection of Priests and Reverend Sisters working in close collaboration with the Chamber of African Elite Biographers successfully crafted a story that provides a vivid picture of the life and ministry of the Archbishop Emeritus.

The book is divided into four parts. The first concentrates on the early beginnings of the life of the Archbishop Emeritus. Here, early German and Mill Hill Missionary activities are vividly painted. It also touches on historical realities at the time like the effects of the Second World War. The difficult circumstances surrounding his first journey out of Mbetta on his way to Saint Joseph’s College Sasse, his life at Sasse College and the nursing of priestly Vocations also constitute parts of the first part of Indelible Footprints.

The second part of the publication wades through his life at the Bigard Memorial Seminary in Enugu, Nigeria and at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano, Roma in Italy. Part two also takes us through his Priestly Ordination in Mbetta and the beginning of his work as a priest in Mamfe. In part two we also see the earliest efforts put in by the respected Professor Bernard Fonlon that resulted in the creation of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Bambui. Light is  equally shed on his studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and in the Hebrew University.

By virtue of the fact that he was the maiden Bishop of the Kumbo Diocese and that most of his Pastoral works were carried out While he was in Kumbo, Indelible Footprints in Part three focuses almost completely on his life as the Bishop of Kumbo. The narrative in part three zooms through the creation of the Kumbo Diocese and the appointment of the first Residential Bishop. The subsequent imbroglio that came in the wake of his appointment as Bishop of Kumbo is vividly described. The Ad Limina Visit and Episcopal Ordination in Kumbo with its pump and pageantry are revisited with admirable artistry. This segment of the Publication which constitutes the nucleus, touches principally on Primary Evangelisation and challenges in establishing the Kumbo Diocese.

From Kumbo, the narrative shifts to Bamenda when His Grace Cornelius Fontem Esua was appointed to the Metropolitan See of Bamenda as Archbishop. From Kumbo to Bamenda, the Prelate is seen shepherding the flock, empowering, inspiring and shaping people.

The publication takes time to zoom in on the Archbishop's Biological family. As the vivid narrative runs through, we see a character with steadfast humility realising projects with long term impacts. We see him carrying out Priestly formation, we see him in the Youth Ministry and in family life. However , the most important thing in the life and ministry of the Archbishop Emeritus as hinted in the narrative is the Strategic Plan for Evangelisation. His achievements are enormous and are indeed surprising when we take into consideration the enormous health challenges that the Prelate had. The narrative does not ignore his role on the global stage of the Catholic Church.

Like a shepherd that does not abandon the sheep in danger, the Archbishop Emeritus maybe retired but is not tired.

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