Here are brief summaries of the honourees for the Hilltopvoices Most Influential Personalities and Institutions in Bamenda III Municipality 2024
Ntungfor Oliver Neba: Development enthusiast, educator
A passionate advocate for community development, Ntungfor Oliver Neba has dedicated his career to empowering many families by facilitating their insertion into foreign jobs through his company Ntungfor Diversity Consulting LLC. The remittances from such travels are evident in almost every home in our community.
He is continously striving to uplift and empower our community with contributions to all projects we undertake at home. Oliver has been relentless in assembling sons and daughters from community based in Asia. Reminds them of the need to remember and do something back home.
Melvin Asanji: Educator, Community leader
The young Melvin Asanji has played a pivotal role in shaping the minds of young individuals in our Municipality as a youth leader. He makes this list for many reasons including his known battle against drug abuse through sports particular football.
He is a known employer of labour through his businesses Asanji Plaza. While also serving as a community leader committed to social progress and cohesion, he has been contributing to development projects on health, education, infrastructure and more....
Choves Loh: Journalist, Media trade unionist
A respected journalist with close to 40years of service, Choves Loh has made outstanding contributions not only to the media but to Bamenda III his home. From Cameroon to the publisher of The News Newspaper, Choves has been one of the leadership voices that market Bamenda III Municipality as a symbol of hope in hard times.. He is a professional mentor and father future to many in the Municipality and beyond including our own Hilltopvoices Communications Group Ltd’s administrator Bakah Derick.
His contributions to the media landscape, advocating for press freedom and the rights of media professionals through active trade unionism is outstanding. He is and will be remembered always for his book Ugly Journalism which has become a mainstay in journalism schools today.
Boris Atanga: Architect
An innovative architect, Boris Atanga has been instrumental in designing sustainable structures that blend modernity with cultural heritage, enhancing the municipality's architectural landscape. Away from his constant followup of Council infrastructure projects in the municipality, Boris enters this list considering his dedication to the organisation of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament.
For the past three years despite the hard times, Boris Atanga has maintained a courageous character in Mobilising youths and implementing the football competition. He is someone our Municipality can count on
Promise Fornjum: Environmentalist
Promise Fornjum is a committed environmentalist focused on conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices to protect and preserve the natural ecosystem. In 2024, he led several initiatives on the collection of waste and garbage from our streets with his organisations, Sweden Alumni Network Cameroon. Through his organisations Life Changing Humanitarian Services (LICHA) send hundreds of children to school with didactic materials and also supported hundreds of Internally Displaced persons with startup materials including tables birds.
His engagement in ensuring menstrual hygiene education reaches hundreds of young women in community alongside disruption of menstrual hygiene management kits is proof of his wish to keep as many young women in school as possible. He is also a strong advocate for persons with disabilities particularly those with visual impairments giving them support through HSUVI everytime the need arises. .
Chick Sama: Disability advocate, administrator
As Coordinator of the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), Chick Sama has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. Today, our Municipality counts less or no people on our streets begging because of their disabilities.
Not only has he worked for their financial empowerment resulting in gainful employment but has also ensured many return to school. Today many are doing extremely well. He works day in and out to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunities within administrative frameworks including faith based organizations and state institutions. Congratulations Chick Sama
Rev. Fr. Killian Ndonui: Catholic Priest, School administrator
Rev. Fr Kilian Ndonui serves as a Priest of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Bamenda. Known for his engagement with the faithful on church and community issues, Rev Fr Kilian has build a lot of influence within the community around him. According to those who nominated him, he is not an 'ordinary priest' whatever that means. They celebrate him for his contextual messages and commitment to his work.
He is the principal of St Paul's Comprehensive High.Sxhool wherw many children are finding refuge for education in these difficult times. This unusual school administrator is guiding not just their spiritual growth but also overseeing educational initiatives that contribute to their moral and academic excellence.
Dr. Ndonwie Peter: Development consultant
Dr. Ndonwie Peter, a development consultant has spearheaded successful eye care campaigns, providing free consultations and medicated glasses. This has no doubt enhanced residents’ productivity and quality of life.
As the founder of the Community Radio for Rural Development, launched in 2024, he has created a vital platform for information dissemination, education, and advocacy, empowering rural voices and promoting community engagement and peace. Additionally, his active involvement in various community projects highlights his unmatched commitment to the social and economic progress of Bamenda III.
Benedicta Vuche Akumbom: Disability Advocate, Designer
Benedicta Vuche Akumbom is a dynamic disability advocate and visionary designer whose work has transformed lives in the Bamenda III Municipality. As the leader of Bamenda III Women with Disabilities and Subdivisional Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities, she champions the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all community activities, spreading the powerful message that disability is not inability. Her active participation in cultural and development initiatives highlights her commitment to breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity.
Through her training centre for girls and women with disabilities, especially those with hearing impairments, she empowers individuals with skills in dressmaking and traditional embroidery, enabling financial independence and societal contribution. Benedicta’s dedication, creativity, and leadership have made her a driving force for change and an inspiration to many.
Ndi Bernadette: Educator, administrator
Madam Ndi Bernadette is a dedicated educator and administrator whose career spans over three decades, greatly enhancing education in Cameroon. From teaching mathematics for 20 years to serving in various roles at the Cameroon GCE Board, including as Research and Publication Officer, Regional Representative for the North West, and Interim Registrar in 2023, she has consistently demonstrated excellence and leadership.
Her active involvement in community initiatives, humility, and commitment to promoting development make her an inspiration, particularly to women aspiring to leadership positions.
Koti Joseph: Lawyer, municipal administrator
Koti Joseph, a distinguished lawyer and Deputy Municipal Administrator, has played an instrumental role in shaping Bamenda III Municipality's governance and development. Called to the Cameroon Bar in 2024, he has been a key support system to Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe, contributing to the successful implementation of major projects such as road openings, agricultural promotion amongst others.
Hailing from the underrepresented village of Ndzah, Koti is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and social progress, notably through his insightful education on civil marriages, which has strengthened the foundation of many families in the municipality. Humble, approachable, and proactive, Koti Joseph’s leadership and dedication to community development make him a deserving honouree in the Hilltopvoices Most Influential Personalities list.
Yoye Blaise: Football manager
Yoye Blaise is a football manager who has nurtured local talent, contributing to the development of sports and providing opportunities for youth engagement in athletics in our community. Despite his appointment as team manager of the intermediate national team of Cameroon, Blaise Yoye has remained a community sports man promoting the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament and several sports communities in his quarter Mbelem.
In the history of our cherished holiday football tournament, never have we had a player from there intergrated into the official intermediate team. There is no way we dissociate Yoye Blaise from the fact that two of the players who played in Niboung played in the most recent two outings of the intermediate national team. He remains a valuable resource for us in the development of sports particularly football.
Mayor Fongu Cletus: Politician, municipal administrator
It would be remiss not to recognise the exceptional leadership of Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe at this Hilltopvoices Thank You Cocktail. As Mayor of Bamenda III Council, he has shown unparalleled dedication to improving the lives of his constituents. In 2024, his achievements ranged from road openings, promoting sports through the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament and agricultural promotion through farmer donations and the Agro-Pastoral Show to providing didactic materials and financial support for schoolchildren, all while maintaining one of the least corrupt and most efficiently managed councils, as confirmed by the Public Independent Conciliator's report for all 34 councils in the North West.
A landmark achievement in 2024 was the signing of a development MoU with Banyo Council in the Adamawa Region, highlighting his belief in south-south cooperation for shared progress. Under his stewardship, the Bamenda III Council has kept its water project operational, launched the Mile 4 market project, led public budget policy debates, and championed environmental protection efforts. Mayor Fongu's visionary leadership continues to shape a brighter future for Bamenda III Municipality, proving that collaborative efforts can drive impactful development.
Special Honourees
Shey Ngando Peter: Social entrepreneur
Shey Ngando Peter, a celebrated social entrepreneur, has been recognised as one of the Hilltopvoices Most Influential Personalities and Institutions in Bamenda III Municipality 2024. Through his visionary leadership, he has driven community development by addressing societal challenges and creating sustainable opportunities. As a unifier of one of the largest groupings in the municipality, he has provided employment to many through his chain of businesses while prioritising human capital development by investing in the education and empowerment of young people.
A proud holder of the prestigious Woo-Bi-Wong title from the Nso Fondom, Shey Ngando is a respected voice within the Nso community and a custodian of cultural heritage. His blend of traditional values and modern innovation has solidified his role as a leading figure in the municipality, making his contributions an example and inspiration for future generations.
Honourees who have emerged on the list for two conservative years
Muma Azehfor III: Traditional authority, educator, cultural promoter
Muma Azehfor III combines his roles as a traditional leader and educator to promote cultural heritage, enhancing a sense of identity and pride within our community. As a led team member of the Nkwen Water Project, Muma Azehfor is no doubt a life giver considering his constant efforts to see that water reaches more people. Water is life meaning a giver of water gives life.
Muma is known for leading very success many initiatives in his community aimed at united people either at religious or cultural circles. The results of his book Nkwenbere, An exposition of the cultural and trading norms of the Nkwen people has continued to act as a pointer to beautiful culture of his village Nkwen. Muma has remained resolute to the promotion of education and all related initiatives. Muma Azehfor is making this list for the second time.
Che Ndaka Nicolas: Regional legislator, educator
Che Ndaka Nicolas, a regional legislator and educator, has been recognised for the second consecutive year as one of the Hilltopvoices 25 Most Influential Personalities and Institutions in Bamenda III Municipality. A passionate advocate for educational reforms, he has worked to enhance learning environments and accessibility, leaving a lasting impact on education in the community. As leader of the opposition CPDM party, he has shown remarkable resilience, mobilising youth for party activities even in challenging times. His unifying approach to leadership is further demonstrated by his active participation in events organised by the ruling SDF party, reflecting his commitment to prioritising development over partisan differences.
Che Ndaka has also contributed to the municipality’s development through various initiatives and by representing the Regional Council at international forums, thereby increasing the municipality's global visibility. His dedication to promoting unity, progress, and development has solidified his reputation as an influential and forward-thinking leader. The municipality celebrates his achievements and wishes him continued success in his endeavours.
Ayuni Austin Sakah: Administrator
Ayuni Austin Sakah has emerged as a visionary administrator in Bamenda III, recognised for his commitment to public service and community welfare. As Divisional Officer, he has led initiatives such as combating illegal electricity connections, resulting in improved power management and near-complete electrification of the area.
His exceptional availability and ability to communicate effectively, particularly in conflict-affected regions, have earned him respect. By collaborating with the Mayor and Traditional rulers, he has promoted unity and driven numerous development projects. Ayuni’s leadership and dedication make him a deserving honouree in the Hilltopvoices Most Influential Personalities list, showcasing the power of effective administration in driving meaningful change.
Louis Nforbelie: Education promoter, entrepreneur
Louis Nforbelie is renowned for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to promoting education. Away from supporting education initiatives in our Municipality, he has created Pinnacle of Success Academy in Yaounde which has given hope to many who left our region in conflict times. The institution provides quality learning opportunities for the youth.
This year alone, Louis has spent over five million france in supporting over 64 children access education in schools across are Municipality. He contributed for projects at short notice including repairs of bridges, water projects and other community projects
Ajinwie Ngufor: Agriculturalist, community leader, municipal legislator
Ajinwie Ngufor, an agriculturalist, community leader, and municipal legislator, has made uncommon contributions to Bamenda III Municipality through his work in sustainable farming, community empowerment, and collaboration with local authorities. Recognised as one of the Hilltopvoices Most Influential Personalities for 2023 and 2024, his leadership extends across administrative, political, and traditional spheres.
He played a key role in securing the tarmacking of a road in his constituency and ensured the success of the 2024 Council-organised Agro-Pastoral Show. Known for his youthful energy and accessibility, Ajinwie’s proactive approach to leadership has made a lasting impact on the municipality.
HRH Fon Azehfor III: Traditional authority, Regional Legislator
2024 was the start of the 11th year reign of HRH Fon Azehfor III, paramount Fon of Nkwen. As a traditional ruler and regional legislator, HRH Fon Azehfor III has been a custodian of cultural values and an advocate for legislative measures that benefit the community. This year, his Majesty has shown unprecedented love for peace. His management of crisis with his neighbours resulting boundary issues has presented our Municipality to the rest of world as a peace loving community.
He has not slowed down on his campaign for education and particularly technical and vocational training which is certainly the future of Bamenda III and our country. His Majesty continued to show his love for those with little means be they orphans, internally displaced persons etc through his scholarship scheme and donations for back to school. Hilltopvoices says Thank you, Your Majesty.
