Solidarity with army

SW region raises FCFA 43.6m for Boko Haram
By Ajongakou Santos & Bertrand Ambe in Buea
Some economic operators, administrative personnel and civil society actors both in the public and private sectors of the South West Region have contributed the sum of forty three million, six hundred thousand (43.6million) FCFA and some items to support Cameroonian’s defence forces fight terrorism.
    The donation exercise comes in respect to a letter by the minister of trade on the 18th of February 2015 to Cameroonian government launching a chain of support against Boko Haram nationwide. Bearing in mind what other regions of the country are doing towards supporting the fight, the South West Region could not afford to be indifferent.
    The governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilai who chairs the pilot committee that heads the support action towards fighting Boko Haram, headed the donation exercise where he stated that the gesture from the South West Region is that which sympathizes with the state at large.
    Following the persistence of the uprising against Cameroon, a series of international conferences have been held at the national level, with the aim of seeking solutions to curb these mutinies.  However the persistent nature of the insecurity and rebellion from the terrorist group have spurred up nationwide support to overcome a common enemy even in the midst of national challenge, reason why the South West Region ticked her name in the nationwide generous donations.

    The governor further appreciated the efforts of all who played significant roles in these contributions both in “kind and in cash” from the widows might, small cultural groups, small business enterprises, as well as big institutions that make up the South West Region. 
    The contribution is only the first segment as affirmed by Governor Okalia Bilai, who said further contributions will be made as the need arises and giving that some corporations and personalities are yet to meet up with their pledges.
    As part of activities to show solidarity with the defence forces a series of support matches were organized across the six Divisions of the South West Region.
    In the Lebialem division, a patriotic match took place and over 2500 people turned out for the match. For its part, Meme division contributed mostly in material items including water, bags of rice, flour, salt, milk, sugar and sardine with two support matches. Ndian division on her part, blessed with the corporation Palm oil, supported the defence forces with 10 tons of oil, two of which were made available plus 2million FCFA.
    Fako division contributed enormously, while contributions     from the Kupe Muanenguba division are still pending.
    The governor emphasized that the action is a goodwill gesture and persons are not forced to contribute. He assured the population of the region that the money will be transparently handled and handed over to the ministry of defence.