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A Star Chef is Born: Aboh NYONGAMSEN-NDASI Crowned Overall Best Chef Again! 👩‍🍳✨The South West 2026 Kids Holidays Jambor...
09/08/2026

A Star Chef is Born: Aboh NYONGAMSEN-NDASI Crowned Overall Best Chef Again! 👩‍🍳✨

The South West 2026 Kids Holidays Jamboree just witnessed history repeat itself.

For the second year running, after her 2025 win, she has emerged Overall Best Chef at the one-month South West 2026 Kids Holidays Jamboree cooking competition organized by the Women Empowerment Centre, Buea led by its Director, Dopgima Stella.

The hall was alive with pride, applause, and celebration as the jury announced the results. Women leaders and professional chefs of the region stood in awe as this young girl, NYONGAMSEN-NDASI commanded the kitchen, leading her team of 6 other girls with a level of discipline, speed, and organization that left everyone speechless.

The lead judge describes her coordination and organization as a mark of rare leadership demonstration by a kid.

“She is a good organizer. Yes. She puts all her things in order. If you see the way she works... she works with passion and a speed that... that is a true caterer,” the proprietress of M**s Kitchen the competition's sponsor said, holding the room captive.

"That is Aboh. Precise, Prepared and Professional," she added while handling her a prize.

Her performance was more than cooking. It was leadership. It was excellence and inspiration.

Top women leaders and seasoned chefs in attendance could not hide their admiration. They clapped, they cheered, and they celebrated a young girl who is already setting the standard for what professionalism looks like.

Aboh NYONGAMSEN-NDASI is not just winning trophies. She is breaking ceilings. She is showing other kids, especially young girls, that age is not a limit to greatness. That with focus, organization, and passion, you can serve at the level of adults, and even teach them a thing or two.

From 2025 to 2026, she has proven that her first win was not luck. It was the beginning of a legacy.

Congratulations, Chef Aboh!
The South West Region celebrates you. The future of catering in Cameroon is bright, and it has your name on it.

We can’t wait to see what you cook up next.




Yuh Innocent
Dzebam Godlove
Dzebam Jonathan

Tubah Boyo Presbytery Mobilises Christians for Tree-Planting CampaignBy NYONGAMSEN NDASI Christians in the Tubah Boyo Pr...
29/07/2026

Tubah Boyo Presbytery Mobilises Christians for Tree-Planting Campaign

By NYONGAMSEN NDASI

Christians in the Tubah Boyo Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) have responded to a call by PCC Moderator Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia to promote environmental stewardship through the “One Christian, One Tree” (OCHOT) initiative.

The tree-planting campaign brought together church leaders, women, men, youth and children, who planted various tree seedlings within church premises and in nearby community spaces.

Addressing Christians in Tubah, the Presbyterial Secretary for Tubah Boyo, Rev. Phil Fandio Njiki, said God had entrusted humanity with the responsibility of caring for the earth. He encouraged Christians to plant and nurture trees as a practical expression of stewardship and concern for future generations.

At the PCC CCAST Complex, Rev. Divine K*m Yambah also urged Christians to view tree planting as a shared responsibility, describing each tree as a symbol of life, faith and hope.

“Though the work may seem small, the impact will be great,” Rev. Yambah said.

The campaign also drew support from community members, volunteers and partners who contributed seedlings, tools and their time. Rev. Njiki thanked all those who participated and urged Christians to continue caring for the newly planted trees to ensure their long-term survival.

Elder Chi Maniver, Vice Chairperson of the PCC CCAST Complex, said the trees would provide shade, improve the local environment and demonstrate the church’s commitment to creation care and community well-being.

The initiative ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to nurturing the planted trees, reinforcing the message that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. The campaign seeks to encourage sustained community action towards healthier and greener surroundings.

Photo/Content: Rev. Divine K*m Yambah

25th Annual PCC Assistant Pastors’ Workshop Begins in K*mbaBy NYONGAMSEN NDASI The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC)...
29/07/2026

25th Annual PCC Assistant Pastors’ Workshop Begins in K*mba

By NYONGAMSEN NDASI

The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) has opened its 25th Annual Assistant Pastors’ Workshop at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) K*mba, bringing together 47 young ministers for a week of continuing theological and pastoral formation.

The workshop, billed from July 28 to August 1, 2026, is organised by the PCC Committee of the Ministry under the theme, “Renewed Strength for the Journey”, drawn from 1 Kings 19:7-8.

In welcoming participants, facilitators and guests at the workshop, Rev. Dr. Felix Kang Esoh, Dean of PTS expressed appreciation to the PCC leadership for its continuous confidence in the seminary as a centre for post-theological training and ministerial formation. He saluted the Moderator's vision to strengthen and edify young ministers of the word with sound theology and relevant shepherding competencies that re-enforce the formation cores: theology of the head, minds and hands.

The workshop was officially opened by Rev. Masok Emmanuel Basam, Secretary of the Committee of the Ministry, on behalf of the PCC Moderator and Chairman of the Committee of the Ministry, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia. Rev. Masok reflected on the challenge of discouragement arising from a perceived lack of visible ministry impact, encouraging participants to use the workshop to renew their spiritual strength and commitment to faithful service.

The programme provides additional guided formation for assistant pastors following three years of theological education, ahead of their eventual ordination.

The workshop is expected to strengthen participants’ resilience, vision and commitment to serving their congregations and communities with humility, compassion and hope.

The annual post-seminary programme is coordinated by PTS lecturers: Rev. Dr. Ntem Godlove and Mrs. Woyu Linda. It forms part of the Church’s efforts to strengthen ministerial capacity and prepare young pastors for effective and responsible service.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Presbyterial Secretary for K*mba, Rev. Albert Njasomo Dikoke, alongside PTS leadership and faculty members.


Pts K*mba Real
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Social Media Enhances PCC Mission Practices, PhD Research FindsBy NYONGAMSEN NDASI Social media platforms are helping to...
28/07/2026

Social Media Enhances PCC Mission Practices, PhD Research Finds

By NYONGAMSEN NDASI

Social media platforms are helping to strengthen the mission practices of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), with Facebook and WhatsApp emerging as the most widely used tools for pastoral visitation, communication and fellowship, according to new academic research.

The findings are contained in a PhD dissertation defended on Tuesday at Wesley University Ondo in Nigeria by Rev. Numfor Godwin, who examined the impact of social media platforms on the mission practices of the PCC.

The study focused on five platforms: WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, X and Instagram; and assessed their contribution to the church's mission and ministry.

Facebook and WhatsApp emerged as the most used platforms, with the research indicating that they have helped expand communication and fellowship while supporting pastoral engagement beyond traditional physical settings.

The findings suggest that social media can provide additional channels through which church leaders and members maintain contact, share information and strengthen relationships, particularly where geographical, social or other barriers may limit face-to-face interaction.

At the end of the defence, the research was awarded an A grade, marking excellence, and Rev. Numfor was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy degree and subsequently named Rev. Dr. Numfor Godwin.

The new doctor expressed appreciation to the PCC Moderator, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, for what he described as his support and blessings.

"I am grateful to Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia, Moderator of the PCC, for his blessings," Rev. Dr. Numfor said.

"I equally thank the PCC and the former Moderator for the opportunity to work and study," he added.

Based on the research findings, Rev. Dr. Numfor recommended that the PCC explore the potential of social media to develop a hybrid approach to ministry, combining digital engagement with traditional forms of pastoral care and community fellowship.

He also called for investment in infrastructure and capacity-building to equip ministers and Christians with the skills required to use digital platforms effectively and responsibly in advancing the church's mission.

The recommendations come as churches and other faith-based institutions increasingly use digital platforms to maintain communication and strengthen community ties, including in contexts where physical interaction may be constrained.

Rev. Dr. Numfor's PhD programme began in the 2023/2024 academic year. The university's convocation ceremony, where the degree is expected to be formally conferred, is scheduled for November 2026.


Numfor Godwin
Judith Numfor
K*mo Ruphus Numfor

10/07/2026

The ongoing trauma healing and psychosocial workshop at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) in Kosala, K*mba, reached another critical milestone this afternoon as Rev. Dr. Gladys Ekone Atem Wang, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs (VDAA) at the seminary, led an empowering session on Basic Counseling Skills.

Building on the medical and behavioral insights of the earlier sessions, Rev. Dr. Ekone Wang addressed the practical, everyday tools needed to support traumatized individuals. She defined counseling within the context of the ongoing crisis as an "emotional first-aid kit"—a safe, structured, and non-judgmental space where hurting individuals are helped to process their pain and find pathways to recovery.

*Why IDPs Need Counseling*

Addressing the specific needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the VDAA highlighted why talking to someone is a matter of survival rather than a luxury. She explained that:

• *Unburdening the Mind* : Keeping traumatic experiences bottled up inside acts like a pressure cooker, eventually leading to severe mental and physical breakdown.

• *Cognitive Reframing* : Professional counseling helps victims reframe their painful narratives, allowing them to see themselves as survivors rather than helpless victims.

• *Overcoming Isolation* : It breaks the paralyzing feeling of loneliness, reminding IDPs that their emotional reactions to extreme violence are valid and shared.

*Who to Talk To During a Traumatic Experience*

To guide participants away from harmful advice, Rev. Dr. Ekone Wang clearly outlined the right, safe spaces and individuals to approach when seeking help for trauma:

1. *Professional Psychologists and Certified Counselors:* Specialists trained to handle deep emotional trauma and cognitive behavioral therapy.

2. *Trained Faith Leaders (Pastors and Priests):* Clergy members who have received specialized training in pastoral counseling and trauma accompaniment.

3. *Community Social Workers and Specialized NGOs* : Frontline workers trained in crisis intervention and psychosocial support.

4. *Trusted, Confidential Mentors:* Mature, emotionally stable peers or community elders who are known for active listening and strict confidentiality, avoiding casual gossip circles that can re-traumatize the victim.

*The Multiplier Effect:* _Transforming Families and Communities_

Rev. Dr. Ekone Wang emphasized that counseling does not just heal the individual—it actively restores family systems.

"When a parent is traumatized, they often project their pain, anger, and frustration onto their spouse and children, leading to domestic friction and broken homes," she explained. "By receiving counseling, individuals learn to heal, which directly improves family relationships, restores peace in the household, and rebuilds healthy communication."

Beyond the family, she noted that counseling restores a person's agency, improves their daily productivity, and helps them regain the capacity to seek employment or educational opportunities.

*The Strategic Role of PTS in Trauma Healing*

Rounding off her session, the VDAA underscored the immense significance of hosting such a timely program at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

She noted that PTS, as a crucible of theological and pastoral formation, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.

By training pastors, church leaders, and the community in trauma accompaniment, the seminary is bridging the gap between spiritual care and mental health. She concluded that the church must remain a safe harbor for the broken, and that equipping all with basic counseling skills is essential to healing the wounds of the nation.

The seminar is drawing to its close with interactive group role-plays, where participants are practicing active listening and basic counseling skills to prepare them to support others in their various communities.


Felix Kang Esoh
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

10/07/2026

As the one-day workshop on trauma healing and psychosocial accompaniment continues at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) in Kosala, K*mba, participants have been receiving intensive, expert-led training on understanding, managing, and overcoming psychological trauma caused by the ongoing crisis.

Leading the main technical sessions this afternoon, renowned psychosocial specialist Dr. Nakinti Besumbu Nofuru opened the floor with an emotional experience-sharing session. This allowed several internally displaced persons (IDPs) to speak openly about their personal struggles and emotional pain.

Following these testimonies, Dr. Nakinti explained that trauma is a deeply personal experience that affects individuals in vastly different ways. "People in the course of this crisis get traumatized differently," she stated. "For some, the healing process may take months, while for others, it may take years. Healing is not an overnight event; it is a journey."

Dr. Nakinti identified the primary drivers of trauma within the conflict zone, highlighting that continuous exposure to gunshots, witnessing killings, the economic strain of ghost towns, sudden loss of livelihood, lack of adequate shelter, and forced separation from loved ones are major catalysts for severe psychological distress.

*The Toll of Trauma on Mind and Body*

Diving deeper into the clinical aspects of mental health, the specialist explained how trauma manifests physically and cognitively. She noted that unresolved trauma severely impacts both the body and thoughts:

• *On the Body* : It can lead to chronic insomnia, constant physical exhaustion, severe muscle tension, migraines, unexplained body pain, and hypervigilance (a persistent state of being easily startled or on high alert).

• *On Thoughts and Emotions* : It often causes intrusive flashbacks of painful events, constant anxiety, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, feelings of emotional numbness, detachment from loved ones, and a paralyzing loss of hope for the future.

“ *Piping Down” Trauma:* _Practical Coping Mechanisms_

The session grew highly interactive as Dr. Nakinti introduced practical, accessible methods to "pipe down" or de-escalate trauma without requiring expensive medical intervention. She urged the participants to actively engage with positive influences and adopt healthy coping strategies, including:

1. Regaining Control through Routine: Establishing simple, structured daily routines to restore a sense of order and safety in their lives.

2. *Social Connection:* Breaking the cycle of isolation by talking openly to trusted friends, family, or faith leaders, and participating in peer support groups.

3. *Physical and Creative Outlets:* Engaging in light physical activities like gardening, walking, or sports, as well as creative expressions such as storytelling, singing, or handcrafts.

4. *Grounding Exercises:* Practicing simple deep-breathing techniques to calm the nervous system during moments of high anxiety or panic.

The expert’s practical and deeply empathetic delivery brought visible relief to the participants, many of whom admitted they had been suffering in silence, unaware that their physical and emotional struggles were natural responses to trauma.

The seminar continues into the evening with group counseling sessions and the distribution of psychosocial guidance materials to help participants act as peer-advocates for trauma healing within their respective displacement communities.

By Yuh Innocent


Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Felix Kang Esoh

ICRIDEV Empowers   in  *mbaMore than 100 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various communities surrounding K*mba ...
10/07/2026

ICRIDEV Empowers in *mba

More than 100 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from various communities surrounding K*mba gather at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary (PTS) in Kosala, K*mba, for a crucial one-day capacity-building workshop on trauma healing and psychosocial accompaniment, organized by the Integrated Centre for Research, Inter-Religious Dialogue and Development (ICRIDEV) under its Integrated Relief and Empowerment Project (IREP) project.

The seminar, which is taking place today, Friday, July 10, 2026, focuses on raising trauma awareness, addressing mental health challenges, and providing participants with practical psychosocial tools for emotional and psychological healing.

The activities commenced this morning shortly after 8:00 AM with an opening ceremony. Welcoming the participants, the Dean of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Felix Kang Esoh, expressed his gratitude to the attendees for showing up to prioritize their mental well-being. Rev. Dr. Kang also presented a brief overview of the IREP (Integrated Relief and Empowerment Project), outlining its mission to support vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing crisis.

Following the opening remarks, the main facilitator, and Trauma and Psychosocial Support Expert and Executive Director, Dr. Nakinti Besumbu Nofuru, led the first plenary session. She drew from her own personal life experiences during the crisis to connect with the audience, before delivering a presentation titled, "Understanding Violence and its Psychosocial Impact." The session focused on helping the displaced persons recognize the symptoms of trauma, manage anxiety, and utilize community-based coping mechanisms.

The interactive workshop is designed to help participants process the emotional scars of displacement and conflict in a safe, supportive environment.

As of the time of this report, the practical sessions and group discussions are still ongoing. The workshop is expected to run through the afternoon and draw to a close later this evening.

By Ndasi Gilbert Nyongamsen and Yuh Innocent


Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

03/07/2026

Essoka Peter, conducting one of best compositions at PC Bastos


Peace Brunch Commits to Tackle Growing Substance Abuse Amongst YouthBy NYONGAMSEN NDASI in Buea Substance abuse is emerg...
01/07/2026

Peace Brunch Commits to Tackle Growing Substance Abuse Amongst Youth
By NYONGAMSEN NDASI in Buea

Substance abuse is emerging as a major obstacle to youth development and sustainable peace in Cameroon, prompting peacebuilders and media practitioners to strengthen collaboration and launch coordinated prevention campaigns targeting vulnerable communities.

The concern dominated the June edition of the Peace Brunch online meeting held on Monday, June 29, 2026; where participants from different professional backgrounds examined the growing impact of drug abuse on individuals, families and conflict-affected communities in South West and North West Cameroon. Although the meeting was initially planned as a physical gathering, prevailing circumstances compelled organisers to convene virtually.

Opening the session, Coordinator Imma Mkong welcomed participants and urged them to remain committed despite the change in format, expressing confidence that the online engagement would deliver meaningful outcomes.

The highpoint of the meeting was a presentation by Peacebuilding Practitioner, Acha Henrietta on the theme, "Substance Abuse and Its Consequences on Youth Development." She described substance abuse as one of the most pressing social challenges confronting communities today, warning that it has become an increasing concern for peacebuilders, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict.

Mme Achah noted that Cameroon's porous borders, especially with Nigeria, have facilitated the circulation of illicit drugs, including Tramadol and the locally known "Kayou," thereby exposing more young people to addiction. She stressed that substance abuse cuts across age, gender and profession, demonstrating that no segment of society is immune.

Using what she termed the "Five Ws of Substance Abuse," she explained that many people resort to drugs during periods of emotional distress, trauma, loneliness and stress. She identified schools, homes, uncompleted buildings and even online spaces as common environments where substance abuse thrives, while peer pressure, emotional pain and the desire for confidence often drive individuals into addiction.

Participants during the plenary discussions linked substance abuse to rising cases of sexual violence, arguing that drug consumption frequently increases aggression and risky behaviour. They also underscored the need for early mentorship and value-based education, while calling for compassion, rehabilitation and reintegration for people battling addiction instead of stigma and exclusion.

The meeting further expressed concern over corruption among some officials, alleging that bribery weakens efforts to curb the circulation of illicit substances. Participants also emphasized that women and girls should be intentionally included in prevention initiatives because they often bear the greatest consequences of substance abuse within families and communities.

To strengthen collective action, participants resolved to launch public awareness campaigns through mainstream and social media, collaborate with organisations working on peacebuilding and rehabilitation, organise community dialogues, produce documentaries featuring recovering addicts, engage social media influencers and immediately begin designing a comprehensive intervention project on substance abuse.

Closing the meeting, Coordinator Imma Mkong commended participants for their commitment to promoting peace through dialogue and practical action, while supporting their internet costs to encourage continued engagement. The virtual session concluded with a group photograph involving more than ten participants, signalling a shared commitment to confronting substance abuse as both a public health and peacebuilding priority.




12/05/2026

AIM2030: Bold Drive to End Africa Dependency on Imported Medicines
By NYONGAMSEN NDASI

African leaders, global health institutions, and development partners on Tuesday May 12, 2026, launched the Africa Initiative for Medical Access and Manufacturing (AIM2030). It is an ambitious continental effort aimed at transforming Africa from a major importer of medicines and vaccines into a growing hub for local pharmaceutical production.

Launched in Nairobi, Kenya, the initiative seeks to double local manufacturing of key health products across Africa by 2030, strengthen health security, create skilled jobs, and expand access to affordable and quality medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and other essential medical supplies.

Kenyan President, William Samoei Ruto delivered the keynote address during the official launch, joined by global and regional health leaders including Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC); and Mohamed Yakub Janabi, Regional Director of the World Health Organization Africa Office; and Aden Duale.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over Africa’s heavy reliance on imported medical products. According to data presented at the launch, African countries currently import between 70 and 100 percent of finished pharmaceutical products and nearly 99 percent of vaccines used across the continent are produced elsewhere.

Speakers noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of this dependence, as supply chain disruptions, export restrictions, and price shocks left many African countries struggling to access critical medical supplies. Persistent challenges such as limited manufacturing capacity, fragmented markets, weak regulatory systems, and inadequate regional procurement mechanisms have continued to slow the growth of sustainable pharmaceutical production on the continent.

AIM2030 aims to addressing these challenges by mobilizing governments, development finance institutions, private investors, and regional organizations to accelerate investment and innovation in Africa’s health manufacturing sector. The initiative will also encourage South-South collaboration and knowledge exchange on access to medicines and vaccines.

The programme will initially focus on scaling manufacturing capacity in Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. Spearheaded by the World Bank Group and the African Union Commission, the initiative also engages regional institutions including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Medicines Agency.
Organizers said the initiative aligns with the World Bank Group’s broader goal of helping deliver affordable and quality health services to 1.5 billion additional people globally by 2030.

Beyond improving access to medicines, AIM2030 is expected to drive industrialization, attract private capital, deepen regional health value chains, and create thousands of skilled jobs across Africa’s pharmaceutical and health manufacturing sectors.

Health leaders at the launch emphasized that resilient primary healthcare systems depend on secure and reliable supply chains for medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical equipment. Strengthening local manufacturing, they said, will not only improve product availability and affordability but also enhance Africa’s preparedness for future pandemics and health emergencies.


World Bank Group

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Buea

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