MEVCUDA 2018:

Lower Mevio Cultural Festival Spotlights Agriculture, Peace

By Ticha Melanis in Ombe, Limbe

Governor Okalia visiting the stands at MEVCUDA Festival

The Governor of the SW region has hailed the traditional ruler and the population of Lower Mevio village in Limbe, Fako Division, for the successful organization of the 2018 edition of the Mevio Cultural and Development Assembly, MEVCUDA, which not only promotes culture and living together but also showcased the agricultural prowess of the Mevio people.

            Bernard Okalia Bilia was speaking recently at the Eneo complex in Ombe near Limbe, while presiding over the 5th edition of the Meveo Cultural and Development Assembly, MEVCUDA, the annual event that brings together indigenes of lower Meveo village from across the country and abroad.

            The Governor urged other communities to emulate Chief Fonderson’s good example, saying such assemblies promote peace and living together and also foster the development of communities.

            He said the government is bent on making second generation agriculture a reality in the country by providing technical assistance, inputs and equipment on a regularly basis to farmers.

            The governor enjoined the farmers to continue in their efforts towards making sure there is enough food in the market, announcing that the ministry of agriculture has donated farm inputs and equipments to Meveo farmers’ associations and other associations present.

            He used the occasion to call on some misguided youths who have taken to the bushes with arms and are fighting the government, to come out and drop their guns.

Speaking earlier, HRH chief Ndiko Fonderson Henry, explained that MEVCUDA is an annual event organized to showcase and promote the culture of the Lower Meveo people. He noted that the festival also spotlights community projects that were executed during the year and others to be accomplished in the future.

            HRH Ndiko said this year's MEVCUDA is placed under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture because it seeks to highlight the importance of agriculture and food security especially during crisis situations.

            "2019 will certainly witness a significant drop in food production in the SW and NW regions due to the ongoing crisis which has interrupted planting activities in several divisions as confirmed by an agro-statistical forecast."

            Chief Ndiko hailed the Minader for promoting agriculture in Lower Meveo by donating farm inputs, pesticides and equipment to over 500 farmers during this planting season. 

            The youthful and dynamic Chief used the occasion to add his voice to those suggesting dialogue as a means towards ending the ongoing crisis in NW and SW. He said people living at the grassroots are better placed to engage dialogue with the local masses, not elites living hundreds of kilometres away.

            He suggested to the authorities to empower young people like himself to get into the bushes, meet the ‘amba’ boys and ask them the way forward for peace.

            Chief Ndiko Fonderson expressed joy that MEVCUDA has become an arena for people to share their views on burning socio-cultural and political issues. He hoped the annual cultural festival grows to higher heights.

            During an ecumenical service that opened the ceremonies, the men of God prayed for peace and reconciliation in Cameroon.

            Highlights of the festival included the showcase of agricultural and arts products, the handing over of inputs and equipments to farmers, cultural and traditional displays amongst others.