Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, Member of Parliament for Tubah/Bafut in the North West Region of Cameroon, has been recognised as Cameroon MP of the Year for his leadership in climate resilience and nature conservation. The prestigious award was conferred by the Cameroon Climate Journalism Network (CCJN) on Sunday, 2 February 2025, during celebrations marking World Wetlands Day
Hon Agho Oliver and representative receiving recognition certificate and medal
The recognition highlights Hon. Agho’s commitment to environmental protection, particularly through his advocacy for organic food cultivation and his sustained support for farmers. Each farming season, he provides agricultural inputs to farmers in his constituency, encouraging sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. His efforts align with the global push for climate resilience, ensuring food security while mitigating the effects of climate change.
View of the event hall
Hon. Agho’s environmental advocacy extends beyond Cameroon. He has been at the forefront of an international campaign alongside other parliamentarians worldwide to protect the High Seas. The initiative aims to safeguard marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which cover 43% of the Earth's surface. The High Seas Treaty, which opened for signature in 2023, is the first legally binding framework dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas. Hon. Agho and his fellow lawmakers are advocating for at least 60 ratifications before the June 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France and Costa Rica, ensuring the treaty’s timely entry into force.
In a statement during the award ceremony, Tamukong Roland, President of the Cameroon Climate Journalism Network, highlighted the importance of recognising individuals who make significant contributions to nature conservation.
"Waste is wealth. This year, we celebrate those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our wetlands and natural ecosystems. Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing climate resilience, not just within Cameroon but on a global scale. His commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the protection of marine biodiversity makes him a beacon of hope for future generations."
The award was presented as part of the 2024 Wetland Restoration Development Initiative Award and the 2024 Sustainable Development Initiative Award, honouring individuals, NGOs, CSOs, and institutions involved in environmental conservation.
The event, held under the theme “Wetlands and Human Beings: protecting the environment for our common future”, was a culmination of a week-long campaign on wetland restoration and conservation.
Before entering Parliament in 2020, Hon. Agho held leadership roles in various organisations, including as Regional Secretary General for the Citizen’s Association for Defence of Collective Interests (ACDIC), where he fought against agricultural embezzlement and protected local poultry farmers from the adverse effects of imported frozen chicken. His tenure as Regional Secretary General of FECAFOOT North West also saw him use football as a tool for rural development, addressing youth unemployment and rural exodus.
Since his election to the National Assembly, Hon. Agho has remained a strong voice for child rights, human rights, and environmental sustainability. His latest recognition as Cameroon MP of the Year solidifies his place as a leading advocate for climate resilience and nature conservation.
As Cameroon and the world intensify efforts towards climate action and biodiversity protection, Hon. Agho Oliver’s efforts indictes that political leadership and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. He was represented at the event by Journalist and content creator Fulai Colbert Gwain.