COVID-19: Bamenda based fine and graphic artist in prevention campaign

 Linus Ngha Beng very well known by his artistic name Bobo Leennox a Bamenda based fine and graphic artist has started a campaign in his city to prevent the Coronavirus pandemic.
The campaign that has been on for a few days is focused on the distribution of face masks and hand sanitizers as well as public demonstrations on proper hand washing.

With almost everything used like buckets and the hand sanitizers  made in his commercial avenue workshop, Bobo Leennox explains why he engaged the campaign.  "It is my social responsibility to get into this. We can not sit and wait government while these pandemic is killing and driving towards us. We must as individuals put efforts to stop it or narrow it down."


During his outdoor campaign the artist turned philanthropist tells this reporter that he is "Sensitizing and creating awareness in all forms that this virus is real and its not a white man's illness. It's running towards us so we must try to stop it and follow guidelines given by health experts, scientists and the WHO."

Campaign along the commercial avenue

In a community where many have argued the existence of COVID-19, he tells those who care to listen "We should stop all conspiracy theories and myths. Follow rules put in place. Basic Hygiene, Social distancing and lockdown while our health experts are finding a way out"


Bobo Leennox says public  response has been  awesome and there is  need for additional efforts.

Bobo Leennox and volunteers set for campaign

"We gave out 500 hand sanitizers and 1000 face masks. That isn't enough. This concerns us. We should mobilize from our various ends and put efforts to halt it. First through sensitization and creating awareness. I could have done more but for my limited funds." He said



In a crisis hit city and region, the artist says he has received some encouragement from well wishers and those who believed his idea. " I thank those who appreciated the initiative and supported either as volunteers or partner. We call on everyone to mobilize. If funds are available we all take Phase 2 and target more people especially those in enclaved areas."

Bobo Leennox on a sensitization campaign on a local radio

He sees the serious life threat and thus appeals " We need individuals, Businessmen,  Organizationz to support this drive. While l advice government officials to take better measures to stop or slow it down, individuals in their neighborhoods, towns, villages should not wait else we are doom. Join the next project Operation one man one mask and one man one hand sanitizer."



Public health officials say no case of COVID-19 has been recorded in Bamenda and the North West Region as a whole.They have been engaged in monitoring any symptoms from passengers traveling into the region at the main entrance in Matazem. But health experts say many could be asymptomatic thus providing room for a possible importation of the dreaded coronavirus into the region which for now is considered free.



"I didn't do this because l had plenty of money. I didn't do it because l want to show off or impress anyone. I did it because it is important at this point in time." He said adding that all he gives out is free and only meant for this COVID-19 prevention. "Had it been we had donors we would have produced more and distributed for free plus free face masks." He expressed the wish.


In the city of Bamenda many are still ignoring government measures with business still functioning and people socialising normally.





"We keep not only 1m distance at work but 2ms. We have hand sanitizer at all sales points and particularly the reception. Workers put on mask and wash their hands before serving each customer. But we just trust that God will not let this Corona virus thing get into Cameroon, because if God allows it then we are finish. If powerful Economies are in trouble, a weak economy like our own we will just die." Halle Augustine manager of Blue Pearl Hotel Bamenda tells this reporter after being quizzed on what measures were being taken taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 


Though Halle sounds like not too sure that the Coronavirus is in Cameroon he has done something unlike his colleague Sihala of Amiral Hotel in Bamenda who responded to this reporter saying "no measure yet".

At least two cases of the coronavirus have been detected in the neighbouring West Region and with the campaigns Bamenda city dwellers still seem less concern as they still shake their hands, do not wear mask or respect social distancing.