The population of Bangem Sub Division, Kupe Muanenguba Division is in shock and consternation following the last minute cancellation of Bangem from the programme of the 2nd edition of the International Banana-Plantain Festival, scheduled from the 30th of November to the 4th of December 2023.
According to the official programme, the closing ceremony of the festival was scheduled for Bangem on December 2, 2023. Some of the activities programmed for Bangem include visit to exhibition stands in the Banana-Plantain Village, the festival and handing over to the next host region.
Immediately the official programme was published, the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher mobilized the population for a Clean-up Campaign within the town.
People have been cleaning their houses, environment, and gutters in preparation to receive guests in Bangem. The forces of law and order have also been working hard to ensure maximum security before, during and after the event.
Major renovation and painting has been ongoing at Paul Biya’s Stadium Bangem, the festival ground. The National Youth Council has spent sleepless nights cleaning the grandstand while palm fronts are being placed on major roads to welcome the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Personal Representative of the President of the Republic.
The Ultimate learnt that the Mayor Ekungwe had already mobilized and paid for catering services for the event. Also banners of the festival are already flying in Bangem.
Business persons especially dealers in beer and juice have stocked their business centers to serve guests during the event.
The Director of Rural Youths Leadership and Sustainable Development, RUYOLSUDEV, Henry Nzuobontane who doubles as the National Treasurer of the Association of Banana-Plantain, Cameroon has been mobilizing greatly for the event.
Venue of Festival
In the midst of the heightened preparation, the South West Regional Assembly is said to have called the Mayor on the 28th of November to halt all preparations for the festival because Bangem has been dropped from the programme.
When The Ultimate contacted Mayor Ekungwe, he cried that it is dangerous to call him few days to the event to indicate that Bangem has been dropped.
The Mayor said he has already carried out huge financial engagements preparing for the festival while awaiting the budget from the Regional Council.
“I couldn’t fold my arms and wait for the budget. In order to be proactive, I had to undertake financial commitments for the success of the event. Where do I start now? How to I handle farmers with the huge stock of plantain for the festival?” Ekungwe questioned.
Meanwhile Nzoubontane insisted to The Ultimate that the Festival must hold in Bangem on the 2nd of December. He said officials from Fertile Ground Cameroon, their international investors were in Bangem on the 28th of November 2023. “Bangem has not been canceled from the programme.” He added.
All Plantain Reserved for Festival
Farmers in Agony
Ndumbe Ivo, a plantain farmer wailed that he has not harvested plantain from his farm for two week waiting for the festival. “I have about 75 bunches of plantain in the farm. How can they do this to us? What has Bangem done to deserve this?” Ndumbe cried.
Ekuh Rawlings, Manager of Winners Inn Bangem said he has incurred great financial lost with the ousting of Bangem from the program. “Imagine that I have canceled all reservations this weekend in preparation to receive guests for the festival. This is politics. I am so disappointed.” Ekuh wept.
At press time, the South West Regional Council has not release any official communique on the changed programme.
By Olive Ejang
4 Comments
Chaii shock
So Shocking
When a country has no checks and balances, it becomes a banana republic and management does everything as they please. Our country is pitted and eroded with rust holes as though it has suffered an acute attack from small pox. These people need to think about community for once. We must learn to live together as brother and perish together as fools. We can only be human together. Muabi Chief.
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