Wilfred Enow Agbor
Yaounde, Cameroon.
Sons and daughters of the four sub-divisions; Bello, Njinikom, Bum and Fundong that makes up the Boyo Division in the North West Region of Cameroon, met in Yaounde at the Congress hall to raise funds for the construction boyo cultural center and to mark the up comming celebration of the return of ‘afoakom’ on 26th June 2013.
Afoakom is described as the greatest african piece of art, a 5-ft. 2½in image of a king, Carved out of Iroko wood, with face mask in copper. It is looked upon as a symbol of unity to the Kom people.
Boyo community dance to the 40years of return of afoakom during s fund raiser.
The occasion was chaired by the Prime minister H E YANG PHILEMON in the presence of dignitaries; Senators Francis Nkwain and Dingha Ignatius of Ngoketunja, the President of Boyo Cultural and Development Association(BOCUDA) Evaristus Mbung Mbungson, Director for United nations and Information Centre Ansan Nkwain and Assistant Dean for Academic Scholarship, Mentoring and Outreach and Richard Harris and Lauren Machunis Academic Advisor both from North East University Boston- USA, Secretary General for Environmental Protection and Wildlife Akwa Patrick, Inspector of Supreme State Control, retired Professor of Yaounde 1 University Paul Kwi and the Fon of Kom FOYN YUH 11 among others.
Fon Foyn Yuh 11 of Kom an the occaision of fund raiser for the Boyo community.
One thing came out repeatedly from all who addressed the crowd, joy of the return of afoakom and a need for fund raiser to build a Boyo cultural center for the community in Yaounde.
The occasion started with a word of prayer led by the vice president for BOCUDA Women Mrs PRICILIA.
The president of BOCUDA welcomed everybody present to celebrate 40 years of afoakom’s return from USA. He reminded the Natives to uphold and protect the cultural heritage of the Boyo. He called the event a great one remarkable one for history to set up its records.
Evaristus Mbung Mbungson explained a brief history of the carve Afoakom. “Afoakom was and remains an important piece of art to the kom people. Art which portray the culture of the people. Carved by Foyn Yuh 1 and so therefore it makes it impossible for the art to remain in White man land.” He said.
Evaristus Mbung Mbungson BOCUDA President.
Professor Paul thanked the expatriates of North East University Boston. Saying ‘Ayongnakia’ which means thank you, For their knowledge, efforts and works to bring home afoakom.
Foyn Yuh 11 on his part expressed happiness in the presents of Boyo sons and daughters and reiterated that in as much as the cultural center is a good plan, afoakom equally needs a befitting museum to preserve and protect it from theft.
Senator Francis Nkwain describes afoakom as “The Icon of kom” which cements their relationship with other people as being peaceful.
men use traditional musical instruments to animate the BOCUDA fund raiser.
The speech making was concluded by the Prime Minister who was overwhelmed by the presents of everybody to witness the great event. He stated that the return of afoakom was of great importance. He added that the election and appointment of two illustrious sons of the Boyo division is enough reason to thank and support President PAUL BIYA for such kind gesture. He told them in pigin language “Politiks na njangi.”
He called on the people of Boyo to be encouraged in the plans for the construction of a cultural center. He launched the fund raiser with the sum of 3 million francs cash which he handed personally to the fon.
Numerous sons and daughters of Boyo get on their feet to show styles as culture demands
The Fon offered a goat to be sold and the money used as his contribution and it was sold for one 140,000frs cfa, natives and invitees donated and a total some of 12000000frs cfa was raised for the project.
The occaision was an opportunity to show case the culture of the Boyo people through the dressing, food and music.
The occasion was animated by boyo guest artists known like CHIFANG in one of his popular songs “kom kasibam” he called his fellow brothers and sisters to be united, come home and develope home, Anti vero and colourful cultural groups like the Njang Fubom dance of Kom were part of the animation.
With Plenty to eat and drink the people mark it a date to reckon with.
