MINEPAT, 7 Councils Signed FCFA 2.2 Bn Agreement For Inclusive Dev’t

By Jacqueline Nyingchia

The Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT) and seven councils drawn from the national territory have signed a partnership agreement aimed at providing and maintaining infrastructures in their respective municipalities.

This outcome resulted from a partnership agreement signed on February 29 in Yaounde. Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey represented MINEPAT, while mayors from the seven municipalities signed on behalf of their councils.

**Minister Ousamane Mey (R) and Mayor Tanjong Martin (L) of Tubah Council exchanges MoU** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne Mengnjo)

The partnership was signed in the presence of the Director of the International Labour Office in Cameroon. The seven councils include Fokoué, Kribi I, Nkongsamba II, Ngaoundéré III, Nitoukou, Touroua, and Tubah.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Ousmane Mey said, the partnership provides an opportunity to celebrate the initiative aimed at promoting highly intensive work to facilitate an inclusive development process.According to the Minister, the seven councils will benefit from an allocation of FCFA 2.25 billion.

“This will lead to the construction of social housing, pavement of roads, schools, and stores in line with the expectations of the local population. The seven represented here are testimonies of the government’s commitment to support the decentralization process,” Minister Ousmane Mey stated.

Regarding the selection of the seven councils, Minister Ousmane Mey emphasized that they were chosen based on a rigorous approach in line with pertinent criteria. He urged the mayors to collaborate closely with the Labour-based Technical Unit and demonstrate that this initiative delivers the expected results for both themselves and the population they serve.

**Minister Ousmane Mey (R) and Mayor (L) penning down agreement** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Adrienne Demenou, Mayor of Fokwe, speaking on behalf of the mayors, appreciated the partnership, highlighting the positive collaboration between MINEPAT and the councils, which aims to enhance the decentralization and local development processes.

“Our projects focus on constructing municipal buildings, roads, and various other infrastructure developments. Councils are requesting that these projects are tailored to meet their specific needs and address emergencies within their jurisdictions. Rather than a uniform set of projects, we aim to undertake initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of the local population in each area,” Adrienne Demenou said.

Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah in the Northwest Region noted that it would create job opportunities for youths in the area, contributing to peace amidst the crisis.

The Tubah council is embarking on the production of ecological bricks. These bricks are manufactured without cement, using only plastic and sand, making them more durable than traditional tar materials for road construction. As a result, we plan to produce and utilize these bricks to pave 1050km of roads within the municipality

**Officials and Mayors pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The partnership represents a concrete implementation of one of the orientations of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), specifically the systematization of the HIMO approach with the objectives of infrastructure development and generating temporary income for disadvantaged households.

The selected projects have undergone preliminary studies and are expected to generate 1,520 direct jobs, develop technical skills in construction and public works, promote local unskilled labor, and maximize the use of available materials in each municipality.

Song Bahanag’s Report Card As Indomitable Lions Coach Is Not The Best – Fans

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Fans of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon says, Rigobert Song Bahanag’s report card as head coach of the team for over two years has been disappointing.

They made their views on Wednesday, February 28, after Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

**Fans at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 as Cameroon and Namibia played 1-1 draw in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Speaking shortly after going through the letter, fans on the streets of Yaounde, however thank Song for his stewardship with the lions but acknowledged that his coaching performance fell short of expectations.

Samson stated, “Song is a great player, but his time as coach of the Lions has been disappointing. We were hopeful when he was appointed, but his tenure has seen one of the worst performances of the Lions.”

“I lost confidence in the team when Song took over not because I hated him but because of record at the Intermediate Lions. Being a good player doesn’t guarantee success as a coach. He has shown that he was a great player, but we are disappointed with his coaching outcomes,” Ethel said.

Jean Marie added, “While Song helped qualify us for the World Cup and AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire, his playing style and tactics have been lacking. He managed the team, but there is room for improvement in his coaching approach.”

On February 28, the government of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

In a letter that went viral on social network, the Minister referring to the relevant stipulations of employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its article 6 paragraph 1.

“…Therefore, it is not possible for the State, provider of your remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint you as Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team,” the Minister indicated.

**Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press following Cameroon’s 1-1 draw with Namibia in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

In a release signed by FECAFOOT Secretary General Blaise Djounang, the football association indicated that on February 28, the executive committee of FECAFOOT notified the Indomitable Lions staff of the termination of their contract to manage the Cameroon senior men’s national team.

While expressing gratitude for their dedicated services to the nation, FECAFOOT noted that information regarding the recruitment process for a new coaching staff for the Indomitable Lions will be disclosed in the upcoming days.

Rigobert Song’s contract with the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) concluded on Tuesday, February 27, following a two-year tenure. Song’s performance record is concerning, with only six wins, nine defeats, and eight draws in 23 games during his time as the head coach of the Lions

Song Bahanag Relieved of His Duties as Cameroon Indomitable Lions Coach

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Rigobert Song Bahanag has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Cameroon national senior football team.

**Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press after Cameroon’s 1-1 tie with Namibia in the qualifiers of the 2023 AFCON at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He was relieved of his duties following a letter addressed to him on February 28 by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

According to Prof. Mouelle Kombi, the employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB, concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties, expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its Article 6, paragraph 1.

The Minister states that it will not be possible for the State, provider of remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint him as the Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team. He has been relieved from his duties alongside the technical staff.

Criticism of Song’s performance during his two-year tenure has been significant. In 23 matches under his leadership, the team achieved six victories, suffered nine defeats, and settled for eight draws. Consequently, recruitment procedures for a new coach are set to begin in the upcoming days.

CAMTEL Is Determined To Make Youths Pillars Of Digital Transformation – Judith Yah Sunday

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday, says her institution is determined to make youths pillars of digital transformation in the country.

Judith Yah Sunday made the statement during CAMTEL Youth Day on February 27 in Yaounde. CAMTEL Youth Day was held under the theme, “Youths at the forefront of digital transformation.”

**CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday and youths pose for a family picture** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

The event brought together the Resident Representative of IAI Cameroon, young startups, tech engineers, entrepreneurs, and other key players in the digital sector who sought to explore the role of youth in accelerating digital transformation in Cameroon within the context of the National Development Strategy, SND30.

While underscoring the importance and contributions of youths in building a strong digital economy, Judith Yah Sunday emphasized the need to involve and empower them to create jobs and become employers themselves.

**Panel discussions during CAMTEL Youth Day** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

“We know that today youths are the champions of digital transformation. Startups are those who create and innovate so it is important that we take them on board so that we can work together in such a way that their genius can serve to promote development, empower them to create jobs and be employers themselves,” Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi said.

She added, “We want to go for the best of our Cameroonians youths in terms of technicians and engineers to come onboard so we can see how we can better serve the Cameroonian community as far as telecommunications is concern.”

**Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

In the meantime, Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council, praised CAMTEL for the initiative, indicating their readiness to collaborate closely with CAMTEL to strengthen the engagement of Cameroonian youth.

“We thank CAMTEL for placing the youths at the forefront of digital transformation and to also put all their concern and focus on Cameroonian youths who are the most important component of our country. We are willing to work hand in glove with CAMTEL so that we can be able to reinforce the engagement of Cameroonian youths in the creation of more opportunities and fight against unemployment,” Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou said.

**CAMTEL GM Judith Yah Sunday speaking during the event** (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

It’s worth noting that CAMTEL is celebrating its 25 anniversaries, and according to the General Manager, the focus is not on feasting but on reflection, evaluating what has been achieved, how far CAMTEL has come in 25 years, and identifying areas for improvement and future actions over the next 25 years to enhance CAMTEL’s service to the Cameroonian community in telecommunications.

CAMTEL Youth Day coincided with an extensive recruitment process initiated by the company to hire young Cameroonian technicians and IT specialists to enhance service delivery.

DJ Choco Wins 2nd Edition Of Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon-born disc jockey DJ Choco has emerged as the winner of the 2024 edition of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge.

The Douala-based DJ Choco was crowned winner of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge on Sunday, February 25, 2025, at Club CAMWATER Bonapriso in Douala.

The event was attended by fans, brand ambassadors Kocee, MIMIE, and DJ Labastille, as well as partners who came to narrow down the search for the best DJ in Cameroon in the Battle of the Cities.

DJ Choco emerged as the winner from a list of six finalists after three battle rounds, where they were judged on their creativity, technique, and ability to connect with the public.

While DJ Choco was rated the overall best DJ and winner, Buea-based DJ Bisou emerged as the runner-up of the competition.

The winner and runner-up each took home a cash prize of FCFA 1,000,000 and 500,000, respectively.

DJ Choco will be the official DJ for Ballantine’s in Cameroon. He also received a certificate from Trace Academia (Trace Cameroon), this year’s official partner of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge.

Super Falcons Thwart Indomitable Lionesses’ 2024 Olympics Ambitions

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have been dashed following their 0-1 loss to Nigeria in the qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were defeated by the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Nigeria in the second leg, third round qualifiers of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This came after a 0-0 draw in the first leg held in Cameroon on Friday, February 23.

**Indomitable Lionesses battling Super Falcons in the 2nd leg Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers in Abuja on Monday, February 26, 2024.** (Photo Credit: NFF)

Nigerian Esther Okoronkwo, scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 14th minute, following a beautiful combination with Jennifer Echegini.

Despite creating opportunities to overturn the score line, the Indomitable Lionesses could not capitalize. Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade missed a key chance to score in the closing minutes of the first half when facing the Cameroon goalkeeper.

In the second half, the physically strong Cameroon team pushed for an equalizer, but Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie made crucial saves. After the final whistle, Cameroon was eliminated, finishing the game with ten players. Cameroon’s last participation in the Olympics was in 2012.

The Super Falcons will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final round of qualifiers. Only two African teams will qualify for the 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

The Lionesses’ defeat adds to their recent setbacks as they have been eliminated from three major international competitions in the past year: the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, the 2024 African Women’s Cup, and the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.

Drive Economic Dev’t: Globeleq Highlights Efforts, Challenges, Opportunities In Cameroon Energy Sector

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

British independent power producer, Globeleq, on February 24 presented the various efforts made, challenges faced, and opportunities in the energy sector in Cameroon.

This is the outcome of a press conference in Yaounde on the sidelines of the 9^th edition of the International Exhibition for Enterprises, SMEs, and Partnership of Yaounde, PROMOTE 2024. Globeleq Cameroon operates two power plants in Cameroon.

**Globeleq Cameroon officials during press conference**

Globeleq Cameroon’s Director of the Dibamba Plant, Vanessa Mougnutou; Human Resources Director, Richard Iffot; and Head of Procurement, Marie-Claire Ngo Bayemeck were present during the press conference.

Portraying the UK-based company as a major player in electric energy production in Cameroon, Vanessa Mougnutou, representing the Director General of Globeleq Cameroon, stated that the company, founded in 2002, is a majority shareholder in the Kribi gas power plant (216 MW) and the Dibamba fuel power plant (86 MW) in the country, holding 56 percent shares while the remaining 44 percent contributed by the Cameroonian government.

Indicating that Globeleq Cameroon mission is to provide more reliable, quality, and affordable electricity for households and businesses in the country, thereby fueling its economic growth.

Speaking during the press conference, Globeleq Cameroon officials stated that the company has developed and operates the 88 MW Dibamba heavy fuel oil-fired power plant located in Yassa-Douala. The plant supplies electricity to the national distribution company, ENEO, under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Mougnutou mentioned that the Dibamba plant, commissioned in 2009, was initially designed as a backup power station to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

On the other hand, the Kribi Gas power plant, situated in the Mpolongwe neighborhood in Kribi, generates a 216 MW electricity supply. Commissioned in 2013, the plant runs on natural gas with light fuel oil as a backup. The officials also noted that a project to expand the Kribi power station is currently under development and will be capable of generating a total of 330 MW of natural gas-fired electricity once completed.

Mougnutou further explained, “Electricity is produced from heavy fuel oil and light fuel oil, supplied by the customer ENEO. The electricity produced is sent to ENEO via the transmission network managed by the National Electricity Transmission Company, SONATREL.”

In terms of community actions, the company indicated that several communities have benefited from their initiatives in the domains of education, social, and cultural activities. Besides constructing more than 30 classrooms for public nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Douala and Kribi, the company has awarded academic excellence prizes to over 2,000 children in both cities.

Richard Iffot indicated that the company has also awarded over 120 grants to deserving children and orphans, constructed and equipped two maternity units, as well as rehabilitated hospital buildings. Additionally, the company has constructed around 30 boreholes and established 10 income-generating projects in Douala and Kribi.

Ngo Bayemeck also highlighted other social actions, such as supporting the establishment of 105 birth certificates, paying school fees, and providing school kits for over 350 pupils of the Bagyeli indigenous peoples along the Kribi-Edea axis.

Despite these efforts, officials mentioned that one of their challenges is the overwhelming debt from the government that are yet to be fully paid. As a result of these financial difficulties, some operations at the two plants have been affected in the recent past, with machines forced to halt operations. In response to some of these challenges, company officials mentioned at the press conference that they have implemented resilience mechanisms, such as reshuffling staff between both plants.

Pregnant Women Should Practice Good Hygiene To Reduce Risk Of GBS Infection – Gloria Tata

Gloria Berinyuy Tata, a research student at Mboalab Biotech in Yaounde, has emphasised the importance of practicing good hygiene among pregnant women to mitigate the risk of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterium commonly found in our bodies. In an exclusive interview , Tata highlights that despite its presence, GBS can lead to severe invasive infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, including pregnant women. Furthermore, Tata underscores the significance of raising awareness about GBS infection among parents and caregivers of newborns. Please find the following except for more details:

Except:

Who is Gloria Berinyuy Tata?

Tata Gloria is a Cameroonian, originating from the North West Region precisely Banso. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Immunology. Currently, she is working as a research assistant at Mboalab Biotech, which is an open and collaborative space located in Yaoundé, Cameroon. MboaLab aims to catalyze sustainable local development and improve people’s living conditions through open science.

How would you explain Streptococcus agalactiae in simple terms that a common person can understand?

Streptococcus agalactiae is a bacterium that is usually found in the human body, but it can cause severe invasive infections, especially in newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems including pregnant women.

To what extent is Streptococcus agalactiae considered a serious threat to children’s lives?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this bacterium is the leading cause of preventable bacterial meningitis and sepsis in newborns. The incidence of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infant disease in Africa is two times higher than in developed countries, and it accounts for one percent of stillbirths globally and four percent of stillbirths in Africa alone. The current methods to diagnose this bacterium either take too much time (3-4 days for completion) like the case of bacteria culture or like PCR techniques are quite expensive and need highly skilled personnel, thus limiting their application in resource-limited laboratories. Equally, the diagnosis of this bacteria is done systematically on pregnant women in developed countries however, this is not the case in Cameroon.

What are the main factors or causes that lead to the presence of this bacterium?

It is important to note that this bacterium is normally present in the human gastrointestinal and genital system. However, it becomes problematic when the immune system of the individual is compromised as in the case of pregnant women and newborn babies. The exact cause of GBS colonization is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to factors such as age, sexual history, diabetes, recent use of antibiotics, and medical conditions like HIV.

Considering the severity of this bacterial infection, what measures or solutions have you developed to address and prevent it?

Given the limitations in the current diagnostic methods, there is a need for a rapid diagnostic test for this bacterium that is highly specific, cheap, and most importantly can be easily applied in resource-limited laboratories. At Mboalab, we are developing a point-of-care diagnostic test based on the CRISPR Cas-12 technology to detect this bacterium.

Can you provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the solution currently in place for combating Streptococcus agalactiae?

Regarding disease diagnosis, early detection will always lead to early treatment and better management of the disease. It is essential to know that most integrated health centers in Cameroon don’t have the platform to carry out this diagnosis. Thus, having a point-of-care diagnostic test for this bacterium will greatly improve the implementation of its screening in such centers leading to early detection and better disease management.

What steps or actions will be taken following the implementation of the current solution?

If implemented, the first thing will be the continuous Monitoring and Evaluation of the test to ensure that it has the desired sensitivity and specificity. Equally, capacity-building workshops will be organized to educate and train laboratory technicians on how to use the test.

What message or advice would you like to convey to the general public regarding Streptococcus agalactiae?

While GBS colonization is common in healthy adults, it can be harmful to babies, especially during the first few months of life. Here are some important messages to convey to the general public regarding GBS: Pregnant women should be screened for GBS at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This screening is a simple and painless test that can help to prevent GBS infection in newborns. There are several things that pregnant women can do to reduce their risk of GBS infection including practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching, and using condoms during sexual- intercourse. Parents and caregivers of newborns should be aware of the signs and symptoms of GBS infection, such as fever, irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, seizures. If a pregnant woman is found to be positive for GBS, she will be given antibiotics during labor and delivery to prevent the baby from getting infected. Early diagnosis and treatment of GBS infection in newborns is essential to improve outcomes.

Cameroonian Athletes’ Dominance Shines In 2024 Mount Cameroon Race Of Hope

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope took place last Saturday, February 24, in Buea, Southwest Region of the country.

The race featured several surprises as Cameroonian athletes dominated the event, claiming top positions in both the senior and junior male and female categories.

**Cameroon Minister of Sports, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi saluting winners in Senior men’s category** (Photo Credit: CRTV)

In the senior men’s category, Cameroon-born Elvis Nsabinla from the Northwest Region was crowned champion after completing the race in 4 hours, 47 minutes, and 4 seconds.

Amadou Abdu, also from the Northwest Region, secured the second position, with Saidu Nuhu Yerima following closely in the third position.

For the senior women’s category, Irine Adamu Kwaha crossed the finish line in first place, followed by Macrina Tum Yinyuy and Lisette Ngalim in second and third place, respectively. Adamu Irine Kwaha completed the race in 5 hours 36 minutes 3 seconds.

**Winners in the senior women’s category in the podium after receiving their prices** (Photo Credit: CRTV)

In the junior men’s category, Cameroonian athletes Kari Seth Bolack, Yaouba Abdou, and Sale Saibou clinched the first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Sever Telma emerged as the champion in the junior women’s category, finishing the race in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 2 seconds.

Layu Nancy Biy, another Cameroonian athlete, secured the second position, while the only international athlete, Chepkoeck Eileen from Kenya, finished in third place in 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 5 seconds.

Out of the 12 athletes who stood on the podium to receive prizes in the senior and junior male and female categories, Cameroonian athletes claimed 11 of the prizes.

2024 Mount Cameroon Race Of Hope: Kenyan Marathoner Dies After Completing Race

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Kenyan athlete, Charles Kipsang Kipkorir, has reportedly passed away moment after completing the 29th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope on saturday February 24. It is reported that the 33-year-old collapsed while going to collect his price.

***Charles Kipsang Kipkorir – Kenyan athlete***

Kipkorir had been leading the race before being overtaken just meters from the finish line. Medics at the Molkyo Stadium provided first aid to stabilize him before he was rushed to the Buea Regional Hospital.

Southwest Region Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilaï, expressed his sadness following the announcement of Kipkorir’s passing, stating, “We can’t say exactly what happened, but he was fine after the race.”

“…Apparently as he just failed down, may be is something like heart attack. It is a very sad situation because according to the record, he was at his fourth participation. Those are athletes coming to animate the race.it is a great loss for the African Athletic Federation, for his country (Kenya) and for us Cameroonians as a great partner is gone,” the Governor added.

The Governor mentioned that Kipkorir had shown signs of distress about 15 to 20 minutes before the arrival but continued despite advice from health officials to enter the ambulance. He eventually finished in 16^th place.

“The award of trophies went well and when the Minister and I left the stadium, between 30 to 40 minutes, we were informed that when he was going to collect his price, he collapsed. He was carried to the Regional Hospital and he passed away… He spoke directly with the President of the Federation who said he was well. He said that next time, he will win. We cannot say until the medical doctors do their work.”

Kipkorir had previously participated in races such as the Bali Marathon, the Kuala Lumpur Marathon, and the Casablanca Half Marathon.

His death comes just two weeks after the loss of World record marathon holder, Kelvin Kiptum, in a road accident.

Elvis Nsabinla and Adamu Irine Kwaha were crowned champions of the 29^th edition of the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in the male and female categories, respectively.

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