The Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, spent Friday 4 July 2025 on an extensive working visit across the North West Regional capital, Bamenda, urging communities to maintain the positive steam in rebuilding peace and stability.
His day began with the 7th Steering Committee session of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW), where he praised the steady progress made in infrastructure, education, and social recovery. Addressing the committee and stakeholders, PM Dion Ngute called for continued collaboration and unity, noting that the visible transformations underway were signs that peace efforts were taking root.
One of the high points of his visit was the stopover at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Big Mankon, where a state-of-the-art school building has been constructed under the PPRD. The Prime Minister, visibly impressed, commended the initiative and applauded the partnership between the government and religious institutions in advancing education.
He was received at the school by His Grace Andrew Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda, along with a college of priests, pupils, and teaching staff. In a warm exchange, the Prime Minister remarked that investments in education are at the heart of rebuilding conflict-affected communities, and assured that more schools have and would benefit from similar interventions.
The Bamenda population showed up in impressive numbers to receive the Prime Minister along several points of his itinerary. At Four Corners Bambui, enthusiastic residents turned out in the company of their traditional ruler, offering songs of welcome. The friendly and well-organised crowd control added a relaxed tone to what is usually a tense environment, with many observers noting that this time, there were no calls for civil disobedience as had been the case during his past visits.
At the University of Bamenda, where the PM also made a stop, he was given a regal reception. The Vice Chancellor, lecturers, and students hailed the government’s support to the institution and reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining peace on campus.
The Prime Minister also officially launched a Tree Planting Campaign on university grounds. The initiative, under the TAGDev 2.0 Programme, aims to plant 1,200 trees to boost environmental protection and climate resilience in the region.
The presence of Paul Biya's envoy in Bamenda had done more than review policies it reignited hope in a region long tested by conflict. His engagements across educational, environmental, and community spaces signalled a renewed drive to bridge promises with tangible outcomes.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77