HRM Albert Njie Mbonde the Paramount Chief of Buea with chiefs at Palapala Field
By Guy-Bruno Maimo
The Bokwaongo-Membea chiefdom has marked the first anniversary of the enthronement of its fifth monarch, HRM Albert Njie Mbonde, as traditional rulers, parliamentarians, administrative authorities, notables and residents gathered to take stock of one year of reforms, cultural revival and development initiatives.
The celebration, which also served as a moment of reflection on what was described as a year of “rebirth” and reorganisation, brought together stakeholders who assessed progress in governance, infrastructure and social cohesion within the chiefdom.
Held on June 6, 2026, at the Bokwaongo Palapala Field, the ceremony attracted community members and authorities. During the proceedings, gifts from the Head of State, comprising rice, soap, mattresses and other basic relief items, destined for internally displaced persons, widows and the elderly were formally acknowledged, with residents also presenting tokens of appreciation to the monarch in recognition of his leadership during his first year on the throne.
Administrative authorities in attendance at the celebration
HRM Albert Njie Mbonde said the past year had been dedicated to restoring the identity of Bokwaongo-Membea and strengthening collective responsibility among its people, stressing that development could only be sustained through unity and shared commitment. He described the process as a gradual rebuilding of the chiefdom’s cultural and social foundations aimed at repositioning it as one of the most vibrant communities in Fako Division.
“We came from almost nowhere to find ourselves back to where we were supposed to be as one of the oldest and most vibrant villages in Fako Division,” he said, adding that the ongoing revival represents a “reanimation” of the community’s identity. He further insisted that development depends on the active participation of all citizens, noting that “it is with the collective sense of belonging and responsibility of all the sons and daughters of the chiefdom that we are going to go forward.”
Significant progress was recorded over the year in infrastructure and social services. These included the upgrading of the former Bokwaongo District Health Centre into a subdivisional medical facility, as well as improvements in electricity and water supply systems supported through state intervention and community mobilisation.
Education also featured prominently in the chiefdom’s development agenda, with scholarships awarded to pupils and students and the provision of learning and digital materials to schools. HRM Njie Mbonde stressed that investment in human capital remains central to the chiefdom’s long-term vision. Plans were also announced for a major water reservoir project to supply potable water to Bokwaongo and surrounding communities, including Likoko, Wonyanango, Brasa, Mapanya and Likombe.
A key highlight of the year was a community fund drive that raised about 13.2 million CFA francs within six weeks to restore electricity infrastructure. The funds were used to extend power lines and strengthen essential services, including support to schools.
“We started a fund drive to re-establish electricity and in only six weeks raised 13.2 million CFA francs,” the monarch said, describing the initiative as a clear demonstration of collective ownership of development efforts.
On governance, the monarch announced the suspension of land sales within the village, a measure aimed at regulating transactions and protecting ancestral land from misuse. He said the decision, though likely to attract criticism, was necessary to restore order in land administration and safeguard the community’s long-term interests.
He also warned against financial mismanagement within community structures, stressing that accountability would be enforced. “If we hear that village money is getting into people’s pockets, we shall name and shame them in public,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the knighting of two notable citizens, including gospel artist Iya Namondo Sarah, who was honoured for her contribution to cultural life through music. Overwhelmed with joy, she described the recognition as a defining moment in her artistic journey. “It is my happiest day,” she said, expressing gratitude to the chief for the honour and support extended to cultural practitioners in the community.
Head of State gifts displayed at the anniversary celebration
Closing the ceremony, the Divisional Officer for Buea Subdivision, Dr Abba Abdouraman, commended the achievements recorded under the monarch’s first year, describing them as a combination of infrastructural progress and strengthened social cohesion. He cited improvements in health, water supply and education infrastructure as key milestones.
Beyond physical development, he observed that the most significant achievement was the restoration of unity within the chiefdom, noting that sustainable development depends on collective support for leadership and community initiatives. “These achievements are possible because of visionary leadership, collective commitment and the willingness of the population to stand behind the common good,” he said, urging continued transparency, accountability and discipline in managing community resources.
As the ceremony concluded at the Bokwaongo Palapala Field, the first year of HRM Albert Njie Mbonde’s reign was described as a foundation for deeper transformation, with emphasis placed on consolidating development gains, strengthening cultural identity and sustaining unity within the chiefdom.
