Cross section of locally based donors
By Richard Nde Lajong
The courtyard of the Mankon Fon’s Palace was on Saturday, June 6 the meeting point of prominent sons and daughters of Mankon, as they gathered for a landmark ceremony. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a brand-new all-season vehicle to His Majesty, Fo Angwafo IV.
Receiving the gift, the Monarch said it came as a complete surprise. He explained that he had only been told some people were coming to visit, without any hint of their mission. “Only for me to come out and see a beautiful ‘maiden’,” he said, referring to the gleaming car parked in his palace courtyard.
The Gift and Donors
Cross section of donors
Team leader Nkumfon Elisius Nche Awah presented the delegation behind the initiative. He named key members including Ndefru Linus, popularly called “Better Man”, Nche Denis, Nsoh Joseph of Essoka Security, and Ngang Albert. Nkumfon Awah explained that this core group first conceived the idea and mobilized other elite who contributed until the dream materialized.
The coordinator also read out a list of members whose sacrifices made the purchase possible. Dr Nkwenti then handed over the car keys and accessories to the Fon. The package included one-year comprehensive insurance, a carton of washing detergents and towels, and a portable car wash machine.
Fo Angwafo IV described the vehicle as a “milestone gift”. He noted that four years after the passing of his father and predecessor, with him now carrying the mantle of leadership, he was encouraged to see Mankon sons and daughters ready to drive development in the Fondom. He said the gesture sets an example for others to emulate.
Call for Development and Education
Appreciating the donation, His Majesty called on all Mankon people at home and abroad to act in love and unity, stressing that unity remains the strongest bond for progress. He used the occasion to urge parents to prioritize education, noting that the more educated sons and daughters Mankon produces, the more development will flow into the community.
The Fon encouraged other elite to initiate projects in roads, water supply, hospitals, schools, and electricity for various quarters in Mankon. He said such projects would transform living conditions and secure the future of the Fondom.
To recognize their contribution, certificates of appreciation were awarded to those who supported the car purchase. The ceremony was enlivened by traditional dance groups and an inspection of ongoing projects within the palace. The Fon invited everyone present to join the new drive for community development.
Concern Over Drug Abuse
In a solemn moment, Fo Angwafo IV expressed disappointment over the growing consumption of narcotics among some youth. He warned that drug use pushes young people into criminality and destroys families. He urged parents, quarter heads, and community watch groups to be vigilant against those selling hard drugs, saying the rate had become alarming. He reiterated that sending children to school remains the best shield against crime and idleness.
Support for National Census
Full image of car
Speaking on the ongoing national population census across Cameroon, the Monarch called on all quarter heads to cooperate fully with census agents. He stressed that the exercise is critical for planning and development. “Sons and daughters should be ready to come back home to be counted,” he said.
Fo Angwafo IV explained that census data determines how resources and projects are allocated to communities. “The national population census is meant to bring development within a particular community,” he underscored. He directed quarter heads to ensure every resident is counted and appealed to Mankon people living outside the village to return home for the exercise. “It is about development in the country,” he concluded.
The event ended with a call for peace, unity, and progress in Mankon, as elite and other subjects of Mankon pledged to sustain the momentum for development.
