At the Kampala’s Commonwealth Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Uganda, where the 11th session of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) gathered continental minds from April 6th to 11th, 2025, history was quietly and powerfully written. Among the many distinguished faces and seasoned diplomats present including Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa stood a young Cameroonian parliamentarian whose story continues to unfold as sign of unmatch commitment to leadership grounded in service.
Hon Agho Oliver Bamenju, newly elected 2nd Vice President ARFSD
Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, Member of Parliament for the Tubah-Bafut constituency in Cameroon’s Northwest Region, was elected as Second Vice President of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) an exceptional feat not only for Cameroon but also for the entire Central African region. It marks the first time that this region has been entrusted with such a high profile leadership role within the forum, which remains a continental platform shaping Africa’s pathway toward the 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
For Hon. Agho Oliver, the moment was as humbling as it was historic.
“I am grateful to the people of Tubah-Bafut for their prayers and unrelenting support. I consider this new responsibility not only a personal honour but a duty to serve the entire African continent with all that my people and God have put at my disposal,” he said moments after the announcement of his election.
From his earliest days, service has been the thread woven into Oliver’s journey. Elected into parliament in 2020, he has consistently demonstrated a style of leadership defined by visibility, compassion, and strategic impact.
"When the opportunity to serve came, I embraced it with humility and readiness, knowing that public service is a sacred calling, not a personal entitlement." He told Hilltopvoices
That spirit of dedication manifested clearly during his early days in office. He launched his tenure by responding to the devastating effects of the conflict in his constituency. Thousands of roofing sheets were distributed to families whose homes had been destroyed. Financial aid was provided to facilitate reintegration, while scholarships were awarded to orphans and vulnerable children an initiative that has continued each year in Tubah and Bafut.
Beyond emergency responses, Hon. Agho Oliver invested heavily in long-term community health and agriculture. In 2021, hospitals in both subdivisions (Tubah and Bafut) received medical supplies and equipment worth 30 million FCFA. Farmers received agricultural inputs annually, and through his outreach, numerous widows, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities have found new hope and support.
For the young parliamentarian, service extends beyond his constituency. His voice has echoed through international corridors via his involvement with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Academy, Parliamentarians for Global Action, and the International Parliamentary Network on World Bank and IMF. These experiences, no doubt, played a role in building his credentials for the leadership position he now assumes at the ARFSD.
As Second Vice President, Hon. Agho Oliver is expected to play a major role in reviewing Africa’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening policy advocacy, forging sustainable partnerships, and ensuring Africa's united voice reverberates globally, particularly ahead of key upcoming social development forums.
Cameroon’s youth have long cried out for inclusion and opportunity. Hon. Agho Oliver’s election is a clear sign that the door is opening, albeit gradually.
"I wish to sincerely thank the leadership of my country, particularly H.E. President Paul Biya, for believing in the ability of young people to lead. This is a moment of trust, and I intend to honour it with results that will make every Cameroonian proud,” he said.
With close to 30 constituency visits in less than five years, infrastructural projects supported, and grassroots empowerment programmes running consistently, Agho Oliver's rise is not a surprise, it is a continuation. His leadership reflects a generational shift rooted in inclusion, equity, and a deep desire to transform potential into purpose.
As he takes up his new role within ARFSD, Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju says he is poised to bring the same tenacity and people-first vision to the continental platform. At just over 35 years of age, he represents a youthful leadership grounded in community values and driven by a vision of a sustainable, prosperous Africa.
By Bakah Derick with reports
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