Bali Old Boys Association(BOBA) Celebrates Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee Of CPC Bali in Style

By Martial Gnoukapasi

BOBANs in a group picture with members of the administration

The golden jubilee of the Bali Old Boys Association, BOBA which coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Cameroon Protestant College, CPC Bali, has been celebrated with pump, colour and style.

The twin celebration which saw ex students of CPC converged Saturday March 23 at the campus of their Alma mater in Bali, presented an opportunity for them to fraternize and rekindle long time and fun memories.

Speaking at the event the President General of BOBA Professor Duga Ernest Titanji enjoined all to observe a moment of silence for mates whom death has snatched along the way.

He traced the origin of BOBA as far back as 1974, indicating that the celebration of the golden jubilee presented an opportunity to reminisce in an effort to contemplate the way forward.

BOBA's President general Prof. Duga Ernest Titanji

Prof. Titanji then task each BOBAN to embark on a mission to go looking for their classmates as he repeatedly said "Go Find That Missing Classmate".

"To make this assignment easy for you, we have published all the Class lists from 1949 to 2003 in the anniversary magazine" he said

"..I want to say thank you to the almighty for keeping us alive to be able to see this day. we thank the principal and staff for holding the ford during this challenging times and for those who fought for the reopening of the school during this challenging period' Prof added.

BOBANS at their Golden jubilee celebration also marking diamond jubilee of CPC Bali

Put together by the ex students body, BOBA, the event brought together top ranking personalities amongst which was former prime minister Philemon Yang, Cameroon's Grand Chancellor of National Orders who most importantly is an ex student of the class of 1966, now patron who held the post of chairman of the global organising committee of the twin event.

Conspicuously present was also North West Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique, the Director General of Customs Fongod Edwin, president of the north west regional council Fru Angwafo, His Majesty Doh Ganyonga III of Bali and a battery of local and national dignitaries and clergymen.

North West Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique flanked by other dignitaries

In an ecumenical service which kick-started the celebrations, the Presbyterian Church Moderator's representative, Rev. Fai Michael, in a meditation inspired by Paul's letter to the Romans, reminded the BOBANs to see in their lives, the handiwork of God, using them to shine a light in the lives of the students who came and are still to come after them

He exhorted them to keep acting in tandem with the motto of the school "God, Knowledge and Service"

"Knowledge comes from God and I believe it is that knowledge that have inspired service. This is reflected in the lives of those who have passed through this association by their actions. I hope that this celebration will inspire the young ones to continue in that direction when they leave here" he said

Moderator's representative Rev. Fai Michael

CPC Bali Principal Nuberd Ransome

The current principal of CPC Bali Nuberd Ransome in his address to the all, appreciated BOBA for always showing love and standing by the institution via their actions, working hand-in-hand with the staff and other stakeholders to achieve what he termed 'successful education' in the CPC Bali.

"The presence of the old boys today is a motivation to the young ones in the school who are working very hard to be like them" he said.

BOBA at the start of the 2023/24 academic year carried out some works at the school which the principal pointed out and saluted.

Students of CPC Bali at event ground plus choir

"..we appreciate BOBA for the renovation of seven classrooms, two boys dormitories, currently offering a renewable full scholarship to three students till they graduate"

Despite their efforts, the principal however outlined some challenges still facing the school today amongst which include; qualified personnel desiring high pay packages, limited funds for renovations and an almost limping computer lab.

Members of the Bali Old Boys Association had the luxury of chanting the CPC anthem once more, before filing under their respective batches, from the class of 1953 to 2028 for an incredible match pass to the admiration of invited guests and dignitaries.

classic march pass of BOBANs

His Majesty Fon Dr. Doh Ganyonga III who answered present at the event while thanking the college for educating Cameroonians yearly, said it was never a mistake making available land for the school to go operational.

The Mayor of Bali council waindum Ernest expressed satisfaction that an event of such magnitude was happening during his tenure as mayor of the municipality.

"Your massive presence in Bali despite the present dispensation is tacit testimony of the love you have for this institution"

He implored them to not relent in their efforts of giving back and revamping their alma mater, which stands conspicuously within the Bali community, which despite all the hurdles, still stand tall as a veritable citadel of learning.

Mayor waindum Ernest of Bali council

HRM Fon Doh Ganyonga III of Bali

To the current students on Campus, former prime minister and patron of the institution Yang Philemon encouraged them to work very hard, be discipline so as to succeed and above all, must uphold love for country.

"I encourage you all to be disciplined, not only here but also after this school. it pays to work hard all the time and be deligent and never give up. You go to school to serve your country and you cannot serve a country you do not love" the former PM said.

Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique in his few words at the event thank BOBA for adding value to youths of this country by giving them education.

He thank the Cameroon Protestant College, CPC Bali for the outstanding personalities it has molded and put at the disposal of Cameroonians over the years.

Grand Chancellor of National Orders Philemon Yang

"What can we not say about this institution and BOBA. they have given to us a former secretary general of the African Union, they have given to us a Prime Minister, Ministers, director generals, Doctors, heads of political parties of high reputation"

The event concluded with the award of prices to winners of sporting disciplines organized in buildup to the celebrations.

BOBA plans to raise funds for an anniversary gift towards their alma mater which is the construction of the BOBA multipurpose Hall.

NW Governor Adolph Lele Lafrique

The Cameroon Protestant College, CPC Bali was born in 1949 as Basel Mission College. It later became the Cameroon Protestant College when the Baptist mission began participating in the running of the school.

It started with fifty eight students and three members of staff as a first cycle secondary school, and later become a second cycle institution . It was only for boys only, hence the name Bali Old Boys Association. The first girl was welcomed into the school in 1972 and in 1995 girls were allowed in the first cycle.