Friday November 10, 2023 was a historic day in the lives of the people of Poala.
After the coronation of their chief in December 2022, H.R.H Chief Esong Winsome Ebah returned home to commune with his people, especially the Mbororo community of Muanenguba (Poala II).
A mammoth crowd from Poala village and the entire Mbororo community welcomed their ruler with horses and motorbikes at the Chief’s Palace in Poala I.
Addressing his people at the palace, Chief Esong said Poala prides herself to be an inclusive and multi-cultural community that demonstrates the true spirit of living together in unity and diversity.
He said unlike other communities, Poala recognizes their Mbororo brethren as brothers and sisters from different ancestral origins. The Chief assured his people that they have been living together for over five decades and will stop at nothing to ensure that the love, peace and unity that always existed amongst their fore-fathers continue to grow from strength to strength.
Chief Esong promised free primary education to all Mbororo children of school going from September 2024.
The Chief assured his people that they will continue living together with the Mbororo community as one people who are committed to building a common and prosperous future together.
The National President of Poala Cultural and Development Association (POCDA), Ekuh Edmond saluted the commitment of the peaceful coexistence between the Mbororo community and the Poala people. He said this commitment was very well demonstrated by the active involvement of their Mbororo brothers and sisters living in Muanenguba-Poala II during the enthronement of their Chief and traditional leader last December.
“What a great time for our Mbororo brothers and sisters to join hands to foster a new direction and inject into our community, a fresh wave of energy, projects and participation for oneness and togetherness, and to make our community a place to be.” Ekuh disclosed.
The President announced projects that have been earmarked to improve on the living conditions of all Poala sons and daughters. He promised the Mbororo community that challenges faced by farmers and grazers will be dealt with and efforts made to harness every opportunity that abounds.
The Chairperson of the Poala Traditional Council, Njabe Cletus announced that a resolution has been arrived at to have a representative of the Mbororo community in the traditional Council, just as they are represented in the National Executive of POCDA.
The Chief’s homecoming was crowned with POCDA General Assembly on Saturday November 11, 2023 at the palace with a massive attendance of the Mbororo people.
Also present at the event was Ekuh Ojeh Simon, former Mayor of Bangem Council, kingmakers and notables of Poala.
Traditional dances, singing and animation from Poala and the Mbororo community spiced the event.
By Olive Ejang
