By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
His Royal Majesty, the paramount Fon of Nso, Sehm Mbinglo I, has called on Nso women to remain resilient and live peacefully wherever they may be, declaring that a “new dawn” has arrived.
Sehm Mbinglo I made the call on October 10 in Bafoussam, located in the West Region of Cameroon. Speaking through an interpreter during the maiden edition of the Nso All Women Conference, the Fon emphasized the community’s path forward.
The conference—organized by the Women’s Forum of the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA)—took place under the theme “New Dawn: ‘Ke’ Ye Fiyii’, Women Leading Change: Unity, Development, Impact.”
The event brought together key government officials, traditional leaders, and community elites to chart a path toward peace. It was co-chaired by Yaa Dr. Asheri Kilo, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Basic Education, alongside West Region Governor Augustine Awa Fonka. Other notable traditional dignitaries in attendance included the Fon of Oku.
“His Royal Majesty says that he is with you, he will walk with you wherever you go, and he asks you to live peacefully wherever you are,” the interpreter stated on behalf of the Fon.
The interpreter continued, “What he asks of us all is that we live peacefully and tell our children, wherever they may be, that peace is worthwhile. Finally, he says he knows we will all return home. Whether it is a temporary visit or a permanent return, it will happen, so wait for the call.”
Reflecting on the conference, Sehm Mbinglo noted that he shed a tear when he saw the women march past, wondering when the men would step forward to do the same. “He will try to unite the men to follow this example,” the interpreter added. “Women never get tired.”
The Fon added, “The throne, His Royal Highness, and his brothers are happy that we gathered here today. They thank you for this wonderful performance and ask you to never give up.”
The conference featured speeches, a march past, dance groups, and exhibitions, as well as a general call for peace to reign in the land of Nso.
