Handicraft persons in Kupe Muanenguba have showcased their prowess in the production of goods with local materials. This took place on the 29th of September 2023 at the Bangem Council hall during the Divisional Handicraft Exhibition day for Kupe Muanenguba.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Divisional Delegate of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Kupe Muanenguba, Njumbe Metuge appreciated handicraft persons for their massive turnout and the showcase of quality products compared to previous years.
He was impressed that with such spirit, the division will be well represented at both the regional and the national handicraft exhibition.
Njumbe encouraged that every financial year, the government allocates a small amount of money for handicraft persons through councils. He was happy that the mayors of Bangem, Tombel and Nguti councils are all reaching out to handicraft persons in their various municipalities.
The First Assistant Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Djaoné Mouigoum congratulated handicraft persons for their massive turnout at the event and for projecting the division through their local materials. He said Kupe Muanenguba is endowed with raw materials that if transformed to finished products, will lead to an increase in the economic and financial strength of the people.
Speaking to The Ultimate at the end of the event, Henry Nzoubontane, Executive Director of RUYOLSUDEV involved in plantain tranformation said he was excited being part of the divisional fair. “We are happy with this initiative that started since 2013. Today we are talking about a plantain festival and the plantain factory in the Bangem Sub Division.” He stated.
Ngalle Clifford, a producer of traditional regalia, traditional calabash, brooms, caps, bags said some of the challenges faced include difficulties in getting materials and the low purchasing power of the people.
Christina Ngwesse a handicraft person representing Catholics Women Association, CWA Bangem said they are involved in the transformation of plantain into flour. She said their major challenge is transportation and packaging.
Alonge Marione from Tombel said she produces cocoa by- products like cocoa oil and cocoa powder. “We lack equipment to produce at large scale. We also need enough publication for our products since so many people are not aware of the importance of these products.” She disclosed.
Mekede Ngwe, producer of moringa and tumeric capsules pleaded with the government to provide them with processing machines to reduce production cost and reach out to a larger market. While appreciating the delegate for a successful exhibition, she promised to improve her products in order to win the regional and national trophy of the competition.
By Ewane Festus
