A Speech by Chief/Nhon George Ntungwe Enongene, Traditional Ruler of Muabi – Nhia Clan, on the Occasion of the Launching Ceremony of Women’s Day in Muabi, March 4, 2024
The rare privilege of choosing our village, Muabi, to launch activities for the 39th edition of the International Women’s Day in the Kupe-Muanenguba Division of the South West Region, has brought me and my people so much joy.
There is something special about a woman dominating a man’s world. It takes a specific new energy, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take NO for an answer. Stay strong, stand up, have a voice.
The moment is not only historic, but it is also an unforgettable moment. On this score, as custodian of the tradition and custom of the Muabi people and beyond and a royal father in Kupe-Muanenguba, I am grateful to God for a season such as this.
A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman, but searching for that voice could be daunting. A Bakossi adage says, “If you don’t know how to carve a spoon, behold the dog’s ear and copy.” All of you women out here today, look at Dr. Olive Ejang (the Divisional Delegate of Communication) and copy her example of an emancipated woman. Blessings will be on the way. She’s a woman of fiber and caliber whose style is worth emulating.
To all women of Kupe Muanenguba at home and abroad, I am seizing this opportunity to salute your resilience and contribution to the well-being of humanity. I know you face constraints on several fronts, especially in rural settings across Kupe Muanenguba. It will always be an uphill climb, but rest assured that with sustained effort, God will help you realize your dreams.

As the theme of this year’s Women’s Day: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” suggests, I see it as a green light for us to unite and forge to achieve expected progress and development. You will not be left alone in this uphill climb; the queen of Muabi, I, and the entire Kupe Muanenguba population are behind you to buttress your dreams.
As custodian of culture and tradition, I will continue to pledge and contribute my quota to all endeavors to better the lot of Kupe-Muanenguba women. Rest assured, together, we will work to forge your dreams into reality. We will renew efforts to transition from survival farming into agro-industrial farming to inoculate value to what you’ve been doing through different evolutional projects.
That is the big dream that must be attained in making Muabi (the enduring capital of our cherished clan Nhia) in particular and Kupe-Muanenguba Division in general excellent. We must desire growth and development and secure space for women to be active forces in this dream drive. Champions keep playing until they get it right. If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman. We encourage women to step up. Don’t wait for someone to ask you. We must reject not only the stereotype that others hold of women but also the stereotype that women hold of themselves.
I pray for unity, peace, and love to encapsulate our communities. Remember, women are the backbone of the nation. You are our wives, sisters, cousins, collaborators, aunts, and mothers. Continue to be strong, resilient, hardworking, and collaborative.
Women who believe in each other can survive anything. Women who believe in each other create an arsenal to capture kingdoms and wars. A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows it is in the journey that she will become strong.
Permit me to thank in a special way the new Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub division, Dairou Saly for coming to Muabi for the first time.
I equally appreciate the Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family, Kupe Muanenguba, Mwene Cecilia Mbolle, for the choice of Muabi for this ceremony.
Accept warm and kindred wishes for the Year 2024 from me and the Muabi palace queen, Maya Enongene.
God bless women of Kupe Muanenguba in particular and Cameroon in general.
Happy Women’s Day
His Majesty Chief/Nhon George Ntungwe Enongene
Traditional Ruler of Muabi – Nhia Clan