Wilfred Enow Agbor
Yaounde, Cameroon
Efokhoyu, the umbrella group of Manyu women network of associations in Cameroon and the diasporas, has launched its first magazine. The magazine consists of activities the associations carry out to empower daughters and women of Manyu division.
The event took place at the Manyu Hall near Carrefour Cogner, Mvogada-Yaoundé, and it was chaired by the Efokhoyu National President, Mrs. Jane Takang in the presence of their patron, Minister Victor Mengot and wife Bernice Mengot. Also present was Sally Orock, Technical Adviser at the Presidency, Prof Etchu George the Mecca President, Dr Agborambang lecturer with the International Relation Institute (IRIC).
Efokhoyu "Umbrela" Magazine of of Manyu women network of associations in Cameroon and the diasporas
Mrs. Jane told iCameroon that the venture to develop a magazine started in 2011 with the intention to document and educate the public on activities of the group. In explaining the content of the magazine, she added that the logo which is an umbrella or “efokhoyu” in Ejagham, stands for unity and collective activities of over 250 women of Manyu women network of associations. Through the participation of all the women associations, the group is able to carry out projects like eru farming and training of women in capacity building. She thanked Minister Victor Mengot for getting foreign aid so that they are able to acquire farmland to carry out farming projects.
Dr Nkongho Elizabeth, Human Right lecturer with the University of Yaoundé II and the National Coordinator for Efokhoyu added that the group’s intention is to set up non-profit eru farms that empowers Manyu women and other individuals who are interested in cultivating eru crops and farming snails but need seedlings and technical know-how.
All these types of projects need funding, and Efokhoyu has “NEPAD Spanish Fund for Women Empowerment,” to thank for giving them 96 million francs CFA. The group has used these funds to setup eru and snails nurseries for farmers in four Manyu subdivisions.
In appreciation of what Eokhoyu has done, Minister Mengot thanked the group for their initiatives and donated 100,000 francs CFA. He, however, asked the group to develop calendar activities for this year, so that they can secure more funding. The Minister pledged to give 50 pieces of fabric to financially disadvantage women, while the Minister’s wife, Mrs Bernice Mengot pledged to give headscarves.
