By Boris Esono in Buea
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| L’be Gov. Delegate, Andrew Motanga Monjimba flanked to the right by Hon Itomby Gladys and to the left by the SDO’s Representative |
Barely 23 days to the opening ceremony of the fifth
edition of the Limbe FESATAC, preparations are going on smoothly. During a
press conference Monday March 12 chaired by the government delegate to the
Limbe City council, Andrew Motanga Monjimba, the populations were called upon
to make this year’s event bigger and greater.
“We all
should come out on that day and exhibit our different cultures because Limbe
FESTAC demonstrates a peaceful coexistence of all cultures. I want to
appreciate the entire population of Limbe for their sense of responsibility,
maturity and discernment which has contributed immensely in lifting our
municipality and making it unique amongst others,” Motanga said at the Press
conference.
For
8-days running, Limbe will be the site of touristic attractions as thousands of
culture fanatics will stream into the town to showcase and watch beautiful
traditions from people across the country.
“Limbe
FESTAC is an institution and a strong legacy which has come to stay. Limbe
FESTAC 2018 like in 2017 will be very beautiful,” the GD assured.
He
further indicated that they are not blinking an eye over the raison d’etre of
the FESTAC.
“The
cynics, detractors and petitioners can continue with the past time but we are
strongly convinced that we are serving our community through the valorization
of our cultures which is seriously threatened by modernism and other cultures”.
With
respect to security, the government delegate assured the population that all
will be ok.
“Security will be
handled by the SDO and other security officials. They are the ones who know the
various security measures that will be put in place to make sure that people
who come to the event at late hours are safe”.
At the
end of the press briefing, the government delegate called on the population to
turn out en mass and give the event the grandeur it deserves.
Responding
to various questions asked by journalists, the government delegate was
unwavering in his stance that this year will be better than the previous years.
He however spoke with some caution taking in to consideration the lukewarm
attitude of the business community towards the Limbe FESATC.
“I am
still at why companies are not coming in sponsorship put aside taking in to
sponsor us consideration the grandeur and magnitude the Limbe FESTAC has. This
is more disturbing when i imagine that festivals and events of lesser magnitude
than the FESTAC get mouth-watering cheques from these same companies”.
Pressed
on the issue of a permanent site for the cultural festival, Mr. Andrew Monjima
said as time goes on a new site will be created for the festival.
“For now
we will make use of the community field which we have been using since 2014.
When our feet are on the ground and we have sponsors we will look for a
permanent site”.
This
year will see the participation of females in canoe race and the Liberalization
of Miss FESTAC to include competitors from out of Limbe.
Another
highlight indicated by the government delegate will be the traditional fashion
parade which will take place every day until the event end.
During
the press briefing, Andrew Motanga Monjimba said he will put the sum of FCFA 1
million for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd most rejuvenated cultural groups.
“A
committee will be put in place to look at the various cultural groups with many
children. We need to spread our culture to the youths because they are the
future custodians of our traditions not the older generations”.
The
fifth edition of the Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture, FESTAC will take place
from 7-14 April 2018.
This
year’s celebration will coincide with the 60th anniversary of the founding of
Victoria, now Limbe.
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