The Muslim community in Bamenda III has used its Eid al-Fitr celebration to set a clear development tone, turning a spiritual gathering into a platform for collective progress anchored on a newly acquired prayer ground in Ntahbekeh, Nkwen.
Muslim Community during prayers
The event on Friday 20 March 2026 brought together worshippers from across the subdivision to mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection and charity. Beyond the prayers, the occasion signalled a shift towards structured community development, with leaders linking faith, organisation and long-term planning.
Sheikh Tata Nasuru F., First Imam of Bamenda III, described the acquisition of the prayer ground as a defining achievement.
“We are grateful to Allah… who guided and assisted you to acquire this land on which you have prayed,” he said, calling it a historic achievement that will “benefit generations after generations.”
He stressed that unity had made the progress possible and warned against division, urging the community to remain cohesive in pursuit of further gains.
The Imam used the sermon to move from spiritual reflection to practical responsibility, calling on believers to sustain the discipline of Ramadan and channel it into development efforts. Central to this was an appeal to support an ongoing nursery and primary school project aimed at providing an Islamic and conducive learning environment for children.
“We need to continue in this same manner throughout the year, because obedience to Allah is not limited with time or place,” he said, linking moral conduct to social impact, including charity, care for the needy and peaceful coexistence.
The Deputy Imam of Bamenda III, Nyasu Mangsuur, reinforced the development direction, highlighting the community’s evolving structure. He noted that the Muslim population is organised across 14 quarters, each led by an Imam and an Amir, with a newly formalised Common Initiative Group serving as a coordinating platform.
“This structure reflects our dedication not only to faith, but to development, unity and cooperation,” he said, adding that the legal recognition of the group would enhance coordination of projects and engagement with public institutions.
Local authorities present at the event aligned with the community’s ambitions. Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe praised the steady growth of the Muslim population in Bamenda III and welcomed the new prayer ground as a catalyst for wider transformation. He pointed to prospects for infrastructure expansion in the area and assured that the council stands ready to collaborate on projects within its mandate.
“This project is going to catapult development in the whole of this area,” the mayor said, indicating opportunities for support in roads, water and electricity, particularly through partnerships with registered community groups.
The Divisional Officer for Bamenda III, Ayuni Austin Sakah, described the turnout as strong evidence of an organised and forward-looking community. He encouraged leaders to sustain a message of peace while advancing development initiatives, including the proposed school.
“We are ready to accompany you… to make sure that you realise your dreams,” he said.
The celebration also underscored social cohesion as a key outcome, with calls for interfaith harmony, tolerance and support for vulnerable groups. As prayers gave way to festivities, the Ntahbekeh prayer ground emerged as a strategic base for coordinated development.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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