Culture Minister Absent At Ngonnso Festival

By Willibroad B. Nformi| 13 April 2010 | The Post|

L-R: HRH Mbinglo I of Nso & Sultan Mbombo Njoya during Ngonso celebrations

Despite the ecstasy that characterised the 2010 edition of the Ngonnso Cultural Festival in the Northwest Region, Culture Minister, Ama Tutu Muna, Yaah (queen) in the Nso Fondom was conspicuously absent at the launching Monday, April 5.

Not even an official from the Ministry of Culture was present at the launching ceremony which saw Foumban Sultan, Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, in attendance. The only official from Yaounde was Francis Fonye, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister, himself of Nso extraction.

Although no explanation was given for the Minister’s absence, some sources said the organising committee of the cultural jamboree did not follow up the invitation that was forwarded to the Minister. Others, however, believe that the absence of the Culture Minister was not unconnected with the presence of the Libyan envoy from President Muamar Ghaddafi at the occasion.

Representing the Culture Minister, Bui Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, Daniel Panjouono who apologised that he had no formal speech from the Minister, however, acknowledged that the Nso people are so culturally inclined but advised that culture must be dynamic, taking into consideration modern trends. The SDO who hails from Foumban lauded the presence of the Mbombo Njoya, saying his presence was to strengthen the brotherly historical bond between the Bamoum and the Nso people.

He said despite the linguistic barriers of English and French that separate the two brothers; they are still closer to one another, than the Nso and Bayangi people who both speak English.
The SDO castigated the advocates of secession in tact reference to the SCNC movement, saying if a couple divorces after 50 years of marriage, then each of the spouses will die a bachelor or a spinster.

Speaking on behalf of the Libyan Head of State, Muamar Ghaddafi, his envoy said Ghaddafi’s message is the unity of all Africa. Talking to the press, Sultan Njoya said it was necessary for him to be by his brother during the ceremony. He promised that he would stop at nothing to ensure that their brotherly ties grow from strength to strength.

Other speeches came from Mayor Njong who described Nso as a great kingdom but warned overzealous title holders. The occasion, which began on April 3 with traditional rites, has since witnessed a fiesta of cultural displays. Ngonnso, it should be recalled, is the woman who is said to have founded the Nso dynasty.