In a region marred by years of armed conflict, courage often manifests in unexpected ways. For Honourable Agho Oliver Bamenju, Member of Parliament for the Bafut-Tubah constituency in Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West Region, courage took the form of marching side by side with his constituents in Bafut during the 53rd National Day celebrations on 20 May 2025.
The National Day, traditionally marked by parades and displays of unity, took place in Bafut a 1st Class Fondom long regarded as a hotspot in the ongoing crisis. Hon. Agho’s decision to appear in person reaffirmed his connection to his people and challenged the narrative of fear and division. His presence offered a rare moment of reassurance and pride, especially among CPDM party militants and ordinary citizens who have long yearned for stability.
Barely two days later, Hon. Agho carried his mission of unity, peace and development beyond symbolism. Standing on a patch of land in Bamenda, he launched a cultural and development campaign by donating one million francs CFA towards the purchase and construction of a Bafut Cultural Center. The center, once realised, will serve as a rallying point for the Bafut community in Bamenda and will become a space for cultural preservation, community organisation, and developmental dialogue.
“This is a challenge to all Bafut sons and daughters in Bamenda... It is unacceptable that we, as a people known for unity and rich tradition, do not have a place in Bamenda to gather, discuss our development, and preserve our identity. As your MP, I am starting this journey and pledging to be an ambassador for this cause.” Hon. Agho declared during the courtesy visit to the proposed site on 22 May 2025.
With this, Hon. Agho did not only drop a monetary contribution; he planted a seed of hope and ownership. His gesture was warmly received by the Vice President of the Bafut Development Manjong in Bamenda, Namukong Fusi Henry.
“If you can start in this big way, then we are already in the right direction.” he acknowledged
The proposed cultural center is envisioned as a space for nurturing the Bafut identity and a platform for mobilising developmental ideas especially in Bamenda, a city where several North West communities already boast of community centers.
The initiative also aligns with Hon. Agho’s longstanding development ethos. Since entering parliament in 2020, he has demonstrated a hands-on approach to rebuilding lives and restoring dignity to conflict-affected communities. From donating over 2,000 roofing sheets to displaced families, granting annual scholarships to vulnerable children, supplying medical equipment worth millions to local hospitals, and empowering farmers with yearly farm inputs his track record is one of deliberate and sustained impact.
His social interventions have extended to the most vulnerable, including the elderly, orphans, and persons with disabilities. Whether securing shelter for an aged woman in distress or supporting youth socio-economic integration locally and abroad, Hon. Agho has shown consistent commitment to inclusive development.
Politically, he has maintained a visible presence in his constituency, conducting over 26 constituency tours in five years a feat unmatched by many of his peers. On the international stage, his voice is heard through reputable parliamentary networks such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Academy and the Parliamentarians for Global Action.
But perhaps his most defining characteristic is his capacity to confront adversity with initiative. His challenge to the Bafut community in Bamenda is a call to remember, unite, and rebuild even from a distance. It is a reminder that development begins with vision and is sustained by collective effort.
As the fundraising campaign begins and community mobilisation picks up momentum, the Bafut Cultural Center project may well become a blueprint for other communities striving to preserve culture, prmote peace, and inspire hope in uncertain times.
In a region still wrestling with the weight of its wounds, Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju has once again shown that leadership is not only about representation, it is about action, presence, and the courage to build where others hesitate.
By Bakah Derick
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