Turkish ambassador receiving a gift from the city mayor of Buea
By Guy-Bruno Maimo
His Excellency Volkan Oskiper, Turkish Ambassador to Cameroon, made a strong humanitarian appeal during his first official visit to Buea on 27 January, 2026, urging local authorities and NGOs to leverage his support in addressing critical community needs.
Speaking at a meeting with UNICEF and local NGOs, Ambassador Oskiper said, “I have been in Cameroon for a year and don’t know everything, one of the many reasons for this visit and interaction. I am a humanitarian, here to be used; use me.” His statement set the tone for discussions on pressing social challenges in the South West Region, particularly in communities affected by ongoing crises.
Turkish ambassador in a discussion with local authorities and NGOs
During the meeting, NGOs presented the difficulties they face, highlighting funding shortages and inadequate health facilities, particularly affecting women, mothers, and children. They outlined plans to implement programmes in peacebuilding, humanitarian assistance, and community development, and appealed for resources to strengthen their initiatives. The Ambassador listened attentively and assured them of his commitment to facilitating support and collaboration.
Ambassador Oskiper’s visit to Buea also included courtesy calls to the Mayor of Buea, Barrister David Mafani Namange, and other municipal authorities. Mayor Namange welcomed the Ambassador and emphasized Buea’s social and economic potential, describing the city as a hub for youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship, popularly known as the “Silicon Mountains.” He expressed hope that Turkish support could complement ongoing initiatives for youth empowerment, women, and single mothers, particularly in technology, culture, and sports development.
Ambassador poses At UNICEF with youth
The Ambassador described Buea as a city with significant cultural and sports potential and emphasized that his visit was both a friendly courtesy call and an exploratory mission to strengthen community-to-community and society-to-society ties.
The visit concluded with discussions on priority development projects, group photographs, and the signing of the Council’s Visitor’s Book. Ambassador Oskiper’s declaration: “use me,” resonates as a strong commitment to humanitarian action, signaling Turkey’s readiness to support local organizations and communities in Buea. This visit has set the stage for closer collaboration between local authorities, NGOs, and the Turkish Embassy, offering hope for concrete initiatives that will improve the lives of vulnerable populations across the city.
