By Dewah Fabrice Teh
Indigenes of Baligham village in Santa Subdivision, Mezam Division of the North West Region, have raised the sum of 7,350,000 FCFA for the construction of a multipurpose cultural and development center in Yaounde. The money was raised during the launch of a fundraiser in Yaounde Sunday, April 27. The event was organized by the Centre, South and East branches of the Baligham Cultural and Development Union, BACDU.
The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Babila Henry Voma, and the Chairperson of BACDU Centre, South, East branch, Martin Kang Peter, coordinated the exercise.
The Fon of Baligham, His Majesty Fon Doh Gahnyam II, who doubles as the Mayor of Santa Council, graced the event. Sons and daughters of the Baligham alongside friends and well-wishers of the community also attended the event. Also in attendance was the Fon of Balikumbat village in Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region, His Majesty Fon Doh Gah Nyamnyin III and Member of Parliament, MP, of Santa, Kumase Simon and Senator Enwi Francis.
According to the Chairperson of the BACDU Centre, South, East branches, the exercise marks the start of a drive to raise between 15 and 20 million FCFA for the project. Baligham Fon lauds fund drive His Majesty Fon Doh Gahnyam II hailed Baligham people and well- wishers for their dedication and commitment to the project.
Fon Gahnyam II said the project to construct a cultural and development center in Yaounde is a key step in the development and decentralization efforts of the village. He expressed hope that the project will inspire and lead the community to continuous greatness. The Fon said he was delightful to see his subjects advancing development.
The Baligham traditional ruler said: “Coming together is the beginning, working together is progress and keeping together is success. In that light, I will ask them to continue with the same spirit”.
Fon Gahnyam II reiterated that upon completion, the center would open more doors for his subjects and others supporting them. “We at the level of the village are glad that our sons and daughters in Yaounde and elsewhere are also involved in our cultural and development activities wherever they are,” he restated.
BACDU Centre, South and East boss crusades more BACDU Chairperson for Centre, South, East, Martin Kang Peter, saluted the amount raised and urged the community to uphold its interest in development. The BACDU official said those handling the money would ensure it is judiciously used. Kang said the Baligham people had over the years, suffered logistically to organise events in Yaounde. But now, he said they would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the project sees the light of day.
“No franc will be spent on something else apart from that building,” the Chairman said.
Income-generating facility the Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the fundraiser, Babila Henry Voma, said the community is aiming to use the center to generate funds for further development in Baligham and other villages that make up Bali Chamba in and outside Cameroon.
“We need a conference center for the Bali Chamba not just Baligham. The center will be built for all these people. The facility will help in raising funds for the children or brothers and sisters who have been displaced internally,” he said.
His Majesty Fon Doh Gah Nyamnyin III of Balikumbat rained praises on the Baligham ruler and his people for initiating the project. Senator Enwe Francis made similar comments, describing the Baligham people as peace-loving and promoters of living
