Life

27, September 2023

Back-To-School: Catholic priest, 3 teachers shot in Kembong ⁰

A Catholic priest identified by our Mamfe correspondent as Rev. Father Elvis Mbangsi and three Roman Catholic Mission teachers have reportedly sustained gunshot wounds in an attack on CS Kembong in Eyumojock Sub Division in Manyu.

Unconfirmed reports say the wounded are currently receiving treatment in Mamfe.

Cameroon Concord News understands one of the teachers of the school who managed to escape from the attack also sustained gunshot wounds and is being treated in a health centre in Kembong.

Ever since the Biya Francophone dominated government in Yaoundé launched the 2023 back to school in Southern Cameroons, Ambazonia restoration forces opposed to directives from Yaoundé have overrun successive Southern Cameroons academic establishments.

Two head teachers were killed in the North West region while armed assailants stormed a school in Kumba and killed a female student.

By Kingsley Betek in Mamfe

26, September 2023

Buea: GCE Board registrar dies ⁰

The Registrar of the General Certificate of Education Board, Dang Akuh Dominic has died, the board has said.

The 64-year-old Southern Cameroons elite, who hailed from Menchum Division in the North West Rergion, also served as Inspector General in charge of Bilingualism in the Ministry of Secondary Education, forging a reputation as an outspoken Anglo-Saxon man.

Dang Akuh Dominic died at the Mount Mary hospital in Buea on Monday, an official said. He was also credited with helping to secure and maintain the Anglo-Saxon standard of the GCE amid the war in Southern Cameroons.

The late Dang was appointed Registrar of the GCE Board on January 31, 2018 replacing the well-fed Monono Ekema Humphrey who had been in office since 2006.

By Rita Akana

6, September 2023

Cancer surging among under-50s worldwide ⁰

The number of people under 50 diagnosed with cancer has surged worldwide in the last three decades but it is not fully clear why, a study said on Wednesday.

Cases of cancer among people aged 14 to 49 rose by nearly 80 percent, from 1.82 million to 3.26 million, between 1990 to 2019, according to the study published in the journal BMJ Oncology.

While experts cautioned that some of that increase was explained by population growth, previous research has also indicated that cancer is becoming more commonly diagnosed among under-50s.

The international team of researchers behind the new study pointed to poor diet, smoking and alcohol as major risk factors underlying cancer in the age group.

But “the increasing trend of early-onset cancer burden is still unclear,” they added.

A little over one million people under 50 died of cancer in 2019, up 28 percent from 1990, the study said.

The deadliest cancers were breast, windpipe, lung, bowel and stomach cancers, according to the study.

Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed over the three decades.

But the cancers that rose the fastest were of the nasopharynx, where the back of the nose meets the top of the throat, and prostate.

Liver cancer meanwhile fell by 2.9 percent a year.

– Causes remain ‘elusive’ –

The researchers used data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, analysing the rates of 29 different cancers in 204 countries.

The more developed the country, the more likely it was to have a higher rate of under-50s diagnosed with cancer, the study said.

This could suggest that wealthier countries with better healthcare systems catch cancer earlier, but only a few nations screen for certain cancers in people under 50, the study added.

As well as poor diet, smoking and drinking, genetic factors, physical inactivity and obesity could also contribute to the trend, the study said.

Modelling predicted that the number of global cancer cases in under 50s will rise a further 31 percent by 2030, mostly among people aged 40-49.

The researchers acknowledged that cancer data from different countries varied greatly, with developing nations potentially under-reporting cases and deaths.

Experts not involved in the study said the slower increase in deaths compared to cases was likely due to improvements in early detection and treatment.

Dorothy Bennett, a researcher at the University of London, pointed out that the world’s population grew by roughly 46 percent between 1990 and 2019, accounting for some of the increasing cases.

Two doctors at Queen’s University Belfast, Ashleigh Hamilton and Helen Coleman, said it was “crucial” to work out what was behind the increasing cases.

“Full understanding of the reasons driving the observed trends remains elusive, although lifestyle factors are likely contributing, and novel areas of research such as antibiotic usage, the gut microbiome, outdoor air pollution and early life exposures are being explored,” they said in an editorial linked to the study.

Source: AFP

1, September 2023

Hottest Rapper, Stanley Enow, drops the ultimate pan-African anthem- ‘Take Ova’ ⁰

Long live the King Kong of Afrobeat! Stanley Enow has once again proven his musical prowess with the release of his electrifying single, ‘Take Ova.’ The song is more than just a hit; it’s an anthem of hope, a battle cry of resilience, and a call to arms for Afro descendants worldwide to rise and conquer in the name of the continent’s glory.

Enow’s journey to global stardom reaches its zenith with ‘Take Ova,’ which has stormed its way into the hearts of fans across the globe. The track has taken the music world by storm, showcasing the artist’s signature blend of infectious beats and profound lyrics.

The Maestro’s melody has caught the attention of none other than Greek tycoon Alki David’s Swissx, catapulting ‘Take Ova’ to astronomical heights. With the weight of such a powerhouse backing him, Enow’s unstoppable rise is undeniable.

But that’s not all. The musical maestro has unveiled an eye-popping, jaw-dropping visual masterpiece on his official YouTube channel. Brace yourself for a visual journey that matches the intensity of the track itself.

Enow isn’t new to the winner’s circle. With previous smashes like ‘Parapariparo,’ ‘My Way,’ and ‘Cassanova,’ this multi-award-winning sensation is no stranger to the limelight. His star has shone brightly since bursting onto the scene over a decade ago, and his meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down.

Beyond the mic, Enow’s talents have extended to becoming a beloved radio and television personality, as well as a captivating voice actor. His versatility knows no bounds, and he continues to amaze and inspire audiences across all mediums.

Whether you’re a die-hard Enow fan or new to the Afrobeat scene, ‘Take Ova’ is a must-listen that transcends borders and unites hearts. Join the movement, feel the rhythm, and embrace the anthem that’s igniting a new era of Pan-African pride!

Ready to be swept off your feet? Tune in to ‘Take Ova,’ which has already been streamed more than 300 million times on such platforms as Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music, and witness the magic for yourself.

Source: Shockya.com

23, August 2023

War against Homosexuality: Barbie movie banned in Cameroon ⁰

The American film “Barbie” has been banned in Cameroon for its perversity and promotion of homosexuality, prohibited by the laws of the country.

According to Box Office Pro, an American motion picture industry magazine dedicated movie theatre business, the decision to ban the movie was orally taken by the Department of Cinematography and Audiovisual Productions of the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Minac) on Tuesday August 22, 2023 as it ordered that all cinema halls in the country to remove the movie from their programs.

“This decision comes after the procedure to obtain an exploitation visa for the broadcast of the film, witnessed no opposition. The movie was watched and its broadcast approved some days before its official outing” Declares Box Pro Office on its website.

The decision comes just a week after the movie was broadcast at Canal Olympia, in Douala and Yaoundé, on Wednesday August 16, 2023.

In banning this movie, Cameroon joins countries like Liban, Kuwait and Algeria in fighting homosexuality. In June 2023, Cameroon banned the arrival of French Ambassador for LGBT rights Jean-Marc Berthon who wanted to promote LGBT activities in Cameroon. Recently, the National Communication Council through its President, Joseph Chebongkeng Kalabubsu warned promoters of TV channels and image distributors against the broadcast of films promoting homosexuality.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

23, August 2023

Back to school in French Cameroun: Gov’t High School Bafia abandoned ⁰

Barely two weeks to the start of the 2023/2024 academic year in Cameroon, Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Bafia in the Mbam and Inoubou division of the Centre region is showing no sign of a possible resumption.

Classrooms are roofless and dirty, left at the mercy of the elements. “Will our children be registered to study in classrooms without roofs, benches, good walls and floors? Or will they be sent to study in a different institution? I can’t understand that few weeks to resumption, the school is this unfriendly and more to that in the rainy season,” a worried parent wonders.

It has been over five months since the school has been in its current state yet no effort is being made to renovate the structure even as school resumption is fast approaching.

“This is how the school has been. Candidates wrote the end of year official examinations in congested halls in this sub centre,” a parent said.

Parents who visited the school for registration formalities were in shock this August 22. A local said “no one, be it from the Parents Teachers Association, government, municipal council or the community is showing concern or interest to help the school. It is really a sad situation.”

While waiting for school to effectively resume on September 4, parents in Bafia are in a state of confusion and waiting for local authorities to do something to ameliorate the physical state of GBHS Bafia.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

17, August 2023

Inspector of Basic Education in Manyu Calls for help for IDP ⁰

The inspector of Basic Education for Manyu Division, Arreyngang Harman Taku, has called on Manyu sons and daughters at home and abroad to come to the assistance of young IDPs who will soon be returning to school, unfortunately without the necessary school supplies due to the prevailing economic hardship.

Mr. Arreyngang made the call in a touching letter on Tuesday, August 16, 2023, urging those who have the means to reach out to some 10,000 pupils who will be struggling in the coming academic year due to economic hardship.

The pupils, most of whom are from rural areas of Manyu Division where schools have been shut down due to the Southern Cameroons crisis which has been going on for over 6 years, will be facing tough challenges as the economic and financial situation gets more complicated by the day.

Below is the letter from the Manyu Basic Education Inspector.

Greetings to all the internal and external elites of Manyu Division, all your ranks and titles duly acknowledged.

The 2023/2024 school year will start in under two weeks. Mamfe boasts of above 10,000 children going to school, most of them IDPs from all over manyu Division.

It is not easy for a large number of these children to meet their school needs in terms of didactic materials such as exercise books, pens, pencils, school bags etc.

Your generous donation of some of these materials to these unfortunate children will put a smile on their faces as well as make teaching and learning less cumbersome for their teachers.

I therefore make this fervent appeal to all of you of good heart to do something for these children.

As the Inspector of Basic Education for Mamfe, my office is open to receive from you, whatever you offer and I would acknowledge it.

Thanks for your usual support.

Harman taku Arreyngang,

lBE mamfe

Reported for Cameroon Concord News Group by Ewang Miriam Metchane

8, August 2023

GCE Fraud: 693 candidates caught with pre-prepared material, 189 with cell phones ⁰

1891 candidates who sat for the 2023 General Certificate of Education Examination have been handed suspensions ranging from 1-3 years and their results canceled for examination malpractices.

State media, CRTV, has reported that the candidates were sanctioned by the GCE board for a series of malpractices.

The report reveals that 693 candidates were caught with pre-prepared material, 994 for collusion, 189 with cell phones, 6 for script substitution, 8 for impersonation, and 1 for violence.

Of the 1891 candidates, 1688 were slammed with a 1-year ban for collusion, violence, and the use of pre-prepared material while 203 others who were found guilty of using cell phones, script substitution, and impersonation, were slammed with a 3-year suspension.

They all also saw their results canceled.

When results were released on July 24, 2023, some schools scored 0% because their candidates were all sanctioned.

The number of malpractices recorded this year has almost doubled as compared to 2022. The number increased from 987 cases last year to 1 891 this year.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

29, July 2023

2023 SOBA UK Residential Convention: The President’s statement ⁰

2023 SOBA UK ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL CONVENTION LAUNCH

2023 Convention theme: “Empowering for Success: Unlocking the potential of the boy child”

Dear Guest,

We trust that you and your family are well and enjoying the British summer.

We invite you to an unparalleled event of sophistication and compassion—the 2023 SOBA UK Annual Residential Convention. Prepare to be captivated at the exquisite Celtic Manor Resort, nestled amidst the enchanting Coldra Wood in Newport from 20^th to 22^nd October 2023.The Celtic Manor Resort, a true 5-Star Luxury Resort sprawling across 2000 acres of picturesque parkland in the breathtaking Usk Valley, is renowned as the best hotel in the UK for nine out of the last ten years, has hosted the 2014 NATO summit and the 2010 Ryder’s Cup golf tournament. It truly offers the most unique experience and the perfect family getaway in breathtaking surroundings.

The Celtic Manor Resort offers state-of-the-art facilities among them is the award-winning Forum Spa, as well as 5 restaurants and 3 championship golf courses. There are 2 adventure golf courses and the treetop adventure course Forest Jump.

Convention theme

The theme for this year’s Convention, “Empowering for Success: Unlocking the Potential of the Boy Child”, embodies our unwavering dedication to community education and empowerment initiatives. Our heartfelt commitment extends to empowering young boys, paving the way for their journey towards success. This year, our focus lies in empowering students at Sasse College, our beloved Alma Mater, by enhancing their educational resources. Additionally, we aim to provide opportunities for boys in the neighboring Sasse village and Tole village communities, enabling them to pursue a quality higher education and turn their dreams into reality. To accomplish these noble aspirations, we humbly seek your generous support. We wholeheartedly invite you to join us at the gala dinner on Saturday, October 21, 2023, where your presence and contribution will make an immeasurable impact. Together, let’s empower the boy child, ignite their potential, and create a brighter future for all.

Family-friendly convention

We appreciate that our guests are bringing their families along to the convention and we seek to lighten the responsibility of parents in keeping our children engaged.

We have allowed free time on the Saturday 21^st October up to 4pm for Sobans to spend quality time with their families and friends at the grounds engaging in any of the numerous outdoor activities for children and adults.As before, we maintain our Annual General Assembly Meeting off the convention premises, to take place a week prior to the convention via Zoom.
We will also be making available a nanny service (for a fee to paid for prior to arrival at the venue) on the Saturday night whilst parents attend the convention ball at the Caernarfon Suite.Please note your place is reserved upon booking prior to Saturday, 21 October 2023.

Ticket price

SOBA UK has accomplished the extraordinary by providing an unparalleled 5-Star experience at an astonishingly affordable early-bird price of £100 for a standard ticket until August 31st, 2023. After this date, the ticket price will revert to £125, reflecting the true value of the event. Our early-bird offer ensures that the ticket cost remains consistent with last year’s rate, despite the enhanced offerings this year. Don’t miss out on this exceptional opportunity! Secure your place at the early-bird price before August 31st.

Hotel rooms

There are numerous options at, and near to the resort for you to book your stay for the weekend. Rooms can be booked directly with the resort via their website: https://www.celtic-manor.com. We encourage guests to book their stay as soon as possible to avoid the inevitable price hikes nearer to the event date.

The Events Management team looks forward to welcoming you to the 2023 convention. We encourage you to buy your tickets as soon as possible and take advantage of the early-bird offer.

Join us at The Celtic Manor Resort for an unforgettable experience where luxury and philanthropy intertwine.

Kind regards,

Franklin Egbe

President, SOBA UK

On behalf of the SOBA UK Events Management team

Contacts:Obale: +44(0)7540977896 Atem: +44(0)7766757376

26, July 2023

US: Hollywood heavyweights lead strike rally in Times Square ⁰

Hollywood A-listers including Emmy winner Bryan Cranston and a group of Oscar winners on Tuesday led a large rally of striking actors and writers in New York’s Times Square, as the stalemate with studios and streamers dragged on.

Academy Award winners Brendan Fraser, Jessica Chastain and F. Murray Abraham were among the stars joining the mass of demonstrators.

Movie and television production has effectively shut down in the United States since thousands of members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) guild walked off the job on July 14, joining writers who have been on strike for weeks.

Both guilds are demanding better pay and job security, as well as safeguards against the threat posed by artificial intelligence as they pursue the first industry-wide walkout in 63 years.

“We will not be having our jobs taken away and given to robots,” “Breaking Bad” star Cranston told attendees, referring to fears about AI being used to recreate an actor’s likeness.

Surrounded by Times Square’s giant screens, which often advertise the latest movies and streaming series, Cranston delivered a message to Disney boss Bob Iger, the target of the actors’ ire.

“We will not have you take away our right to work and earn a decent living and, lastly and most importantly, we will not allow you to take our dignity,” he bellowed, wearing a SAG-AFTRA t-shirt and raising his fists.

Abraham, best known for winning an Academy Award for his starring role in the 1984 movie “Amadeus,” said unionism was “good for America.”

“We’re fighting for integrity, respect, and honor,” said the 83-year-old, who recently featured in television hit series “The White Lotus.”

Steve Buscemi and Christian Slater were also among the protesters.

SAG-AFTRA represents actors from mega-stars to day-players who take small roles on television series. It represents about 160,000 people, including stuntmen and dancers.

The industrial action not only prohibits actors from filming but also from promoting their productions in person or on social media.

Source: AFP