New leadership pledges inclusive projects, cultural renewal and stronger links between the Wimbum homeland and the diaspora.
The Wimbum Cultural and Development Association (WICUDA) on Sunday, 1 February 2026, formally installed its new General Executive Council alongside the Bamenda Branch Executive, during a ceremony at the WICUDA Hall in Bamenda.
The event brought together traditional authorities, delegates from various branches, cultural groups, and sons and daughters of the community resident in Bamenda and beyond.
At the centre of the ceremony was the installation of the new General Executive Council, headed by Barrister Yembe Emmanuel as President. The team had been elected weeks earlier during a general assembly held in Limbe in December 2025, with Sunday’s ceremony marking their formal assumption of office.
Speaking after his installation, President Yembe Emmanuel placed strong emphasis on unity, inclusion and practical development. He called on Wimbum sons and daughters, particularly those living outside the homeland, to look back home and invest their skills and resources.
“We must not only admire the infrastructure and amenities we enjoy elsewhere... We should return and build our homeland so that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities. Development must be for everyone, across all villages, with no one marginalised or intimidated.” he said in substance.
The new president stressed that WICUDA’s projects would be people-focused and spread across all levels of the community, anchored on cooperation among branches, committees and executives. According to him, cultural centres and development initiatives will be key tools for strengthening unity and preserving Wimbum identity.
One of the Wimbum notables Taa Mformi Nsame Denis described the occasion as both symbolic and forward-looking. He noted that WICUDA’s mission goes beyond administration to the revival of culture and the promotion of development in Wimbum land.
Standing before the Bamenda WICUDA edifice, he praised the collective effort of Wimbum sons and daughters who contributed to its construction. He also revealed a major development vision announced during the ceremony: the plan to construct a cultural and development hall in Mbiye, which will serve as a space for cultural expression and community activities.
“This is about giving our people a place to showcase who we are and to support development initiatives,” he said, expressing confidence that the project would unite the community further.
“The executives were elected in December, and today was the official installation. It is both a celebration and a moment to set the policy direction for the next four years.” he explained.
The ceremony featured rich cultural animations, with traditional dances from different Wimbum communities, and attracted delegates from far and near. One of the highlights was the participation of Miss Wimbum, indicating the association’s commitment to culture, youth and representation.
As the new General Executive Council begins its mandate, expectations are high that WICUDA will translate its message of unity, cultural pride and development into concrete projects both in the Wimbum homeland and across its branches nationwide.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
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