Like many communities across the North West Region that have seen little meaningful development over the past eight years due to the ongoing armed conflict, so too is Lower Bafut, or Alom Valley as the Fons of the area now prefer it to be called. The challenges of insecurity, displacement, and strained traditional leadership have left the communities grappling with several difficulties, requiring a renewed commitment to peace and development.
Against this backdrop, the traditional rulers of Alom Valley convened a crucial consultative meeting in Bamenda on Sunday, 23 March 2025. The meeting, described by Honourable Agho Oliver, Member of Parliament for the area, as a "family meeting," provided a platform for the Fons to share their concerns and aspirations. Chief among these challenges were the usurpation of traditional powers by some neighbouring rulers and the administrative recognition of certain second and third-class Fondoms in the National Gazette. These concerns were echoed through the Union’s President.
The spokesperson of the Fons, Ntum-Nfoo Mejang Vincent and Dr Ajama Walters, President of the Alom Valley development association corroborated the Fons affirming their readiness to continue working for the communities with the hope that collaboration between authorities in the area is improved.
Mayor of Bafut, Ngwakongho Lawrence, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Fons and stressed the need for urgent action. He pointed out that addressing these issues was crucial to sustaining his development efforts in the municipality. Expressing gratitude for the MP’s continued support, he reaffirmed his commitment to working towards lasting peace and stability in the area.
Hon Agho Oliver, in response to the Fons’ concerns, assured them of his dedication to resolving their challenges within the shortest time possible.
“Our traditional institutions are the backbone of our cultural heritage. Their integrity must be preserved to ensure peace and development,” he said.
He further emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in working towards peace, urging both traditional and administrative leaders to promote unity.
The MP also reaffirmed his respect for the institution of the Fons, promising to visit them in their respective palaces whenever they afforded him the opportunity.
“I hold our traditional leaders in the highest esteem. Their wisdom and leadership are invaluable in these times. I look forward to visiting each of you, listening, and working together for the betterment of our people,” he stated.
The meeting ended on a note of mutual reassurance, with the Fons pledging their continued support for Hon Agho Oliver, acknowledging the work he has been doing not only for the constituency but also for the country and beyond.
Their commitment to peace and development signals a renewed hope for Alom Valley, as they strive to reclaim stability and progress in their communities.
It should be recalled that since his election to Cameroon's parliament in 2020, Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenjeu has been at the forefront of transforming lives and building common frontiers. Immediately after taking his seat in parliament, he donated 2,000 roofing sheets to families and households in Tubah whose homes were destroyed due to the ongoing conflict in the region. The affected families also received financial assistance to facilitate their reintegration into normal life. In the same year, scholarships were awarded to orphans and vulnerable children in both Tubah and Bafut Subdivisions. Since then, the scholarship program has been repeated annually in these two subdivisions, continuing up to this year.
The following year, Hon. Agho Oliver, MP for Bafut/Tubah, donated medical supplies and equipment worth 30 million FCFA to the Bafut and Tubah hospitals. This gesture was followed by the provision of farm inputs to farmers in both communities, a practice that has become an annual tradition.
In Bafut, Hon. Agho Oliver also assisted an elderly woman who was living in precarious conditions, providing her with comfortable accommodation. Renowned for his compassion and commitment to social welfare, he has been instrumental in empowering widows, disadvantaged children, orphans, the elderly, and individuals with special needs. Moreover, he has facilitated the integration of young people into socio-economic activities both within Cameroon and abroad.
Year after year, Hon. Agho Oliver has consistently provided significant financial support to village development associations in Tubah and Bafut Subdivisions. He has also been instrumental in securing electricity, water, and road projects for his constituency.
As a dynamic and dedicated MP, Hon. Agho Oliver has toured his constituency over 26 times, averaging two visits per month. His international profile is equally impressive, with appointments to various prestigious organizations, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Academy, the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), and the International Parliamentary Network on World Bank and IMF.
By Hilltopvoices team
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