@FEHACU 2022: His Majesty Fon Azefor III enjoins Sons, Daughters of Fondom to be Catalyst of Peace, Unity and Development

By Martial Gnoukapasi

Fon Azefor III of Nkwen on his throne at festival ground

The 2nd edition of the Bamenda III Festival Heritage of Arts and Culture dubbed 'FEHACU' - an initiative of the Bamenda III council was on Wednesday December 28th launched at the explanade of the Nkwen Fons palace.

The event which is almost becoming a yearly celebration gives way for sons and daughters of the Nkwen Fondon in the midst of esteemed guests and visitors to showcase the rich and diverse cultural values of the Fondom to the admiration and satisfaction of many.

Speaking as dignitaries gathered to officially open the second edition of the Festival, His Majesty Azehfor III indicated that the festival finds and adds meaning in the culture of the people, bringing out a sense of belonging amongst them.

Peace his Majesty highlighted is crucial for the socio-economic development of the subdivision and should be preserved jealously at all times.

"Peace is the greatest weapon for development that every other person should have.

"We must be cautious to shun violence and embrace the true values of peace.

"Shun tribalism, nepotism, corruption as we open our doors to a cosmopolitan society." Fon Azehfor III told the crowd that came to celebrate.

Fon Azefor addressing his subjects before dignitaries at FEHACU 2022

He told parents that if the house is in order, then society is in order.

"Teach kids to respect, work hard, and have an exemplary attitude in all they do"

His call falls almost inline with the call he made during the maiden edition of the festival, in which he told his subjects that " there's deep meaning in coining this event the Festival Heritage of Arts and Culture. We are by this theme invited to revisit our roots and discover the treasure that is in our culture, a treasure that has been abused, ignored and misunderstood at so many levels.." the fon said.

"A people without a knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like trees without roots"- the Fon quoted Marcus Gavey whose revolutionary works led to the liberation of slaves during slavery era

He urged the natives and youths in particular to celebrate and cherish their heritage for "it is the foundation upon which we seek to build a peaceful and prosperous village and nation"

Sons and daughters listen with rapt attention to their Fon

The King called on sons and daughters of the subdivision to work hard wherever they are to ensure that they emerge on top in whatever they do.

He cautioned those still in school to pick up technical and vocational education. This he says is the bedrock of employment after leaving school. For there is no jobless technician anywhere on earth.

On developing the subdivision, the Fon called on the government to fast-track the Bamenda referral hospital that is still begging for completion. He says it will not only improve quality health care but serve as the University teaching hospital. Hence bring in many more health practitioners into the subdivision and why not the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Bamenda.

The traditional ruler also called on the powers that be to improve the road infrastructure in and around to palace to increase accessibility and trade.

His Majesty Fon Azehfor III hopes that the over 100 exhibitors and 17 Fons who answered present plus the administration will carry the message of peace, unity, development, and prosperity to the rest of the region. For without peace, no meaningful development can be realized.

NW governor and other administrative dignitaries also answered present

His has called on all and sundry born or living in Nkwen to adopt republican values that can help push the Fondom forward.

The second edition of the Festival of Heritage, Arts and Culture, FEHACU, is proudly sponsored by Blue, the mobile network of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL that can be accessed from everywhere around the country.

Camel's Blue shines bright at festival