Misaje Subdivision, Donga Mantung Division in the North West Region like many rural areas of Cameroon, continues to wrestle with challenges ranging from limited access to health services and educational opportunities for young girls to the underutilisation of its agricultural potential. Yet, for three days at the end of this August 2025, the community rallied around its annual Shaa and Maasah Festival, turning culture into a platform for solutions.
Distribution of farm inputs to the contestants
At the centre of the festival was a scholarship scheme launched by the Unite for Health Foundation (U4HF). The programme, unveiled by founder Dr Ndansi Elvis, offers training opportunities for Muslim girls in the HND nursing programme, on the condition that beneficiaries return to serve the Misaje community for two to five years. In a subdivision where access to trained medical staff remains a pressing issue, the initiative promises both education and healthcare solutions.
The festival also sought answers to questions of maternal and child health. On the eve of the grand finale, U4HF organised a health campaign for lactating mothers and pregnant women, including free ultrasound scans and distribution of mama kits.
“This is a timely relief,” said one beneficiary in Dumbu, who praised both the Foundation and its partner American Express for investing directly in women’s wellbeing.
Beyond health and education, the festival showcased economic empowerment through cultural expression. Shaa (a local maize-based beer), Maasah (a maize delicacy popular among Hausa and Fulani women), and Kwasham (locally extracted cow milk by Mbororo women) became competitive attractions that celebrated women’s craftsmanship and economic contribution.
.jpg)
In a gripping contest, Misaje Shaa Union emerged champions of the Shaa competition, with Wemuh Jessica lifting a 500,000 FCFA trophy. The Maasah crown went to Kigenshi in Nkanchi, while the Dumbu Drivers Union dominated the tug-of-war. For the first time, the Kwasham competition gave Mbororo women their own space in the celebrations, underlining inclusivity and recognition of every community.
The presence of officials at the event reinforced its significance. The Mayor of Misaje, Gregory Kinlo, hailed U4HF’s initiative as “a model of how elites should invest in their people” and urged others to follow suit. Administrative and agricultural officials echoed similar sentiments, with Divisional Delegate of Agriculture, Cham Gilbert, calling on women to adopt modern methods to increase maize yields, given Misaje’s favourable climate.
Traditional leaders too gave their blessing, pledging support for women’s empowerment. Fon Thomas Kimbusie of Nkanchi, a member of the North West House of Chiefs, described Shaa as “a lifewire in the life of Misaje communities.” Fon Jebo Augustine Jang II of Dumbu noted that women in his Fondom “now control much of the economic and financial power,” supporting children’s education and even building their own homes.
What began as a cultural festival has expanded into a rallying point for unity, innovation, and grassroots development. From scholarships to health outreach, from maize production advice to women’s economic recognition, the 2025 Misaje Shaa and Maasah Festival showed that culture is not only about preserving heritage but also about designing the future.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom with reports from Misaje
Photos by Nji Ignatius
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
