Following the cancellation of Bangem, Kupe Muanenguba Division of the Southwest Region from the programme of the 2nd edition of the International Banana-Plantain Festival, a tensed atmosphere was witnessed in the town on the 30th of November and 1st of December 2023.
While rumour circulated in town over the cancelled festival on November 29, a banner of the festival in Bangem was reportedly pulled down.
But the Paramount Ruler of Bangem, HRH Nnane Nnoko Emmanuel appeared at the scene and rained hell on those who tampered to put down the banner. Joined by the National Treasurer of the Association of Banana and Plantain in Cameroon, Henry Nzuobontane, they instructed that the banner be kept flying in Bangem no matter the circumstances. “Were you praying for the festival to crash? How can you pull down the banner even before the festival?” They questioned.
The Chief cautioned that their eyes shall remain open till December 2nd, to see how a festival programmed for Bangem is cancelled without an official letter from organizers.
November 30th became more tensed when vehicles from SOWEDA reportedly entered Bangem to transport plantain to the festival ground at the Limbe Community Field for the ceremony the next day.
There was shouting in neighborhoods from farmers and the entire population as the vehicles entered to load the plantain. Afraid of what might befall them, the drivers parked the cars and disappeared. The Ultimate learnt that plantains were later loaded into the two Hilux vehicles for the Limbe festival.
Paramount Ruler Confronts Mayor
The Ultimate learnt that in the midst of heightened tension in Bangem, Chief Nnane reportedly met the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher and accused him of betraying his people by accepting to transport plantains from Bangem to Limbe. He said even the gods of Bangem will not allow this to happen. But the Mayor is said to have defended that he was only instructed by hierarchy to bring plantains to Limbe which he must obey.
Plantain Vehicles Arrive Limbe after Festival
The Ultimate learnt that as the vehicles with plantain to Limbe left Bangem accompanied by the Divisional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kupe Muanenguba, Oscar Ngoe Ngoe, their vehicles had several break down on the way. The crew struggled in vain to reach Limbe on time to showcase Bangem plantains at the festival.
The Ultimate also learnt that the consignment of plantains from Bangem was later distributed to dignitaries who attended the event.
Bangem Mayor Reacts
Speaking to The Ultimate, Mayor Ekungwe lamented that after serious disappointment with the cancelation of the festival from Bangem, he had to look beyond the festival for the benefits that has to come to Bangem. He said he couldn’t disobey the minister by boycotting the Limbe event out of anger.
According to the Mayor, what is more important is the processing unit coming to Bangem and having bulk buyers for Bangem plantains which is underway.
Plantains Processing Unit
However, the population of Bangem is consoled with announcement from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe, on the imminent construction of a plantain processing unit in Bangem.
Minister Mbairobe acknowledged the role played by farmers of Kupe Muanenguba Division as far as the production of plantains in Cameroon is concerned.
He said Kupe Muanenguba has one of the priciest varieties of plantains in the world, known as the ‘Bakossi Plantain’ very suitable for bread baking and other pastries.
The Minister said because of this, the government, after feasibility studies, has decided to build a plantain processing plant in Bangem.
By Olive Ejang
