By Ngenwie Azeh S.  The Global South Arts and Health Week (GSAHW) will take place on the 27 and 28 of September 2023 in Bamenda. The event to feature film projections, Poetry Performances, Panel Discussions, Arts Therapy and Mural Painting GSAHVW aims at advancing "education, scientific research and interdisciplinary practice of arts in health, creative art therapy and community-based arts engagements in the Global South."  This will achieved through a wide range of collaborations, community projects, community projects, cultural exchanges, Workshops, exhibitions, performances and plenary presentations. According to the organizer of the event, Arts and Wellness Coach, Director, Trainer and Arts therapist, Lanjo Neindefoh, the Bamenda event is a follow-up to the International virtual event that held on Saturday 23, September 2023.

By Bakah Derick Today, we are observing the International Day of Democracy. This is coming in the face of expanding government control and diminishing press freedom around us. It is imperative that we rise collectively and proclaim the urgent need to let the private press breathe. A robust, independent private press is the lifeblood of any democracy, serving as the voice of the people, exposing corruption, holding power accountable and providing public serviceinformation which those in power largely benefit from. Without freedom for private media outlets, we risk the erosion of democratic principles, the stifling of dissent, and the triumph of authoritarianism.  Photo by European Journalism Observatory  I can only remind us all that the private press has a sacred duty to uphold the truth, free from the shackles of state manipulation and censorship. It acts as a beacon of unbiased reporting, meticulously pursuing the facts, and shining light on hidden agendas. Letting the private pr

By Ngenwie Azeh Journalist Atangche Zita has carried out an uncommon back to school campaign in her Nkwen Community. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of New Breed Africa Foundation on Thursday 31 August 2023 held a special event targeting over 200 orphans and less privileged at the Nkwen Palace in preparation for the new school year. Atangche Zita speaking at the event  Apart from distributing school materials including books, bags, pens, pencils, Atangche Zita added a special activity. Her foundation together with Soft Touch Foundation and 237 Celebrity Barber offered free hair cut services to those in need. Barbers shaving at back to school event  For several hours, the professional barbers present gave the children an all fresh look. Also special this year was the presence of the Fon of Nkwen who used the moment to congratulate Atangche Zita for all what she is doing for the less privileged and the Nkwen community. HRH Fon Azehfor III

By Bakah Derick  In a groundbreaking display of creative innovation, Neh Sandra Fongeh, a student of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic Institute of the University of Bamenda defended her Bachelor's degree on Saturday, September 9, 2023, using a remarkable beans peeling machine. The unconventional approach caught the attention of faculty members,  fellow students and family members alike, turning Neh's defense into a memorable event. Neh Sandra Fongeh presenting her machine to the Jury Neh Sandra, known for her out-of-the-box thinking and passion for engineering, mesmerized the audience with her extraordinary project during the thesis defense titled: design and realization of a manually and motorized beans shelling machine. While most students opt for a traditional presentation or experiment demonstration, Neh's choice to showcase a beans peeling machine highlighted her unique perspective on problem-solving.

His Royal Majesty Fon Sehm Mbinglo I is 30years on the throne as Paramount Ruler of the Nso people in Bui Division, North West Region of Cameroon.  Fon Sehm Mbinglo I on enthronement day (Right) and recently (left)  Coronated in August 1993 at 39, HRM Fon Sehm Mbinglo I is the 28th Fon of the Nso Fondom.  The anniversary comes at the time when the over six years old armed conflict in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has made it difficult for the Fon to live in Nso.  The Hilltop Mail has however gather that commemorative activities are taking place in different parts of the world including Yaoundé where the Fon has taken temporal residence.  Tributes have been circulating on social media platforms describing the King as a great ruler despite the challenges. 

By Burinyuy A in Misaje  At the Grand finale of the 6th edition of the Misaje Shaa festival on Saturday September 2, 2023 in Misaje, the promoter after awarding cash prizes as promised  announced that in no distant time the first prize of the now famous Misaje Shaa Festival shall hit Fcfa 1 million. This announcement sent many a participant and Shaa women in the Subdivision in to frenzy. Handing of prizes at the close of the festival     This festival he reiterated is apolitical and has only one thing to sell across which is to encourage hygiene and sanitation in the production of this local liquor brewed from fermented corn and water and mostly consumed by people in the grass field. The timing which is always in the last week of August is to enable participants to send children to school with ease. Winners in picture with officials present  The 6th edition saw Madam Chila Rose as the winner of the first prize and took home a cash prize of 300.000frs cash, a big

By Binwie Marinette  Rev. Fr lgnatius Waindim has encouraged those who attended the celebration of his 35 years of Priesthood to pray for priests. The former Rector of the St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Bambui, was speaking on Friday 1 September 2023 at the St. Paul's Quasi Parish, Ntahkekah-Nkwen, Bamenda where he is serving as Parish Priest. Rev. Fr. Waindim Ignatius, colleague Priests and Others after the anniversary Mass  While emphasizing that the celebration was not about a particular Priest but the gift of Priesthood to the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. lgnatius Waindim explained that serving for thislong as a priest could only be an expression of the love of Christ. A fund raiser to support the construction of a Perpetual Adoration Chapel was the major highlight of the celebration. Leading the celebrant's family in the Fund Raiser was Hon Jude Waindim, who has expressed gratitude to all who were present. Born on July 20, 1961, Rev Fr. Ignatius Wa

By Bakah Derick  Foncha Street FC has opted for a new name for the team. Hilltopark FC of Baba I was proposed and adopted by the club on Tuesday 29 August 2023 during the general assembly in Bamenda. The club will be expected to submit the new name for consideration by the Executive Committee of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT). Foncha Street FC Apart from the new name, the general assembly also adopted the club's budget for the next football season. According to a publication on the club's Facebook page, the budget stands at 125MFCFA. Moh David was always maintained as the club's president. He will be assisted by Ngu Yannick as Vice, Fonkwa Louis as Secretary General, Nsah Emmanuel as Treasurer and Neba Sylvanus as Technical Director. Promoted to Elite two in 2019 during the national interpools in Bertoua has remained in search for an Elite One ticket since then. The ambition of the eam next season is to get an Elite One ticke

By Bakah Derick  The Fon of Nkwen has handed gifts of diabetic materials to over 100 children in his Fondom. HRH Fon Azehfor III handed the items at the Nkwen Palace on Sunday 3 September 2023; eve of school resumption. HRH Fon Azehfor III speaking ahead of the distribution  "We want all the children in this Fondom and subdivision to go back to school, whether you are internally displaced or a child from Nkwen. All of us must collectively work together to ensure that they all go back to school because they are the future... every child needs education." Fon Azehfor III told The Hilltop Mail adding that there are plans to reach out to more children if the funds are available. The items handed to the children include school bags, books, pens, pencils and rulers  HRH Fon Azehfor III accompanied by some of the kids, the DO for Bamenda III and Members of the Nkwenbere Fondom Education Committee  Fon Azehfor III, himself a teacher has used the outing to drum

By Burinyuy A. B As Schools resume today nationwide after a three-month holiday, the challenge of school infrastructure in Cameroon remains a major concern for education stakeholders. Thousands and maybe millions of children are out of school due to inadequate infrastructure. Dilapidated school structure in Mbelewa Nkwen  The lack of classrooms, furniture, water and sanitation facilities, electricity and internet connectivity are common. The challenge may not be only for Cameroon as UNESCO sources suggest that the lack of these facilities is the reason why over 30million children are out of school across sub-Saharan Africa. While local governments have specific targets, the African Union dreams to see children having access to education by 2030. Achieving such a goal will require significant investment in school infrastructure. Abandoned School Campus in Mbelewa Nkwen Calls for back to school have been common in the restive North West Region of Camer

Over 300 students currently taking part in the holiday job program of the Bamenda III Council have been schooled on sexual and reproductive health and menstrual hygiene management.   Holiday makers during workshop at the Bamenda III Council  The activity took place at the council premises on Tuesday 22 August 2023 facilitated by the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS).  According to the Bamenda III Council, the workshop is aimed at creating awareness, paradigm shift and change in attitude.  The workshop comes after the first which focused on disability inclusion, gender and child protection on August 10.  “These students were not only employed for manual work but to create an opportunity to educate then on sensitive topics and programs.” a post reads on the council Facebook page. 

Bishops of the Bamenda Provincial Episcopal Conference (BAPEC) have “reaffirmed their commitment to education as a basic human right that works to raise men and women out of ignorance, poverty and level of inequalities and ensures sustainable development.” Bishops of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province  The remark is contained in a statement issued at the close of the 75th ordinary meeting of BAPEC held from the 17-22 of August 2023 in Kumba. While expressing gratitude to all stakeholders who made it possible for students and pupils to study without any interruption during the 2022/2023 academic year, the Bishops have called on all “communities to work together towards the reopening of their schools, so that our children are not left behind while the world advances.”  Apart from the right to education, the Bishops also called for an end to the wanton killings, destruction of property, weaponized ethnic differences, the upsurge in examination malpractices in the

The Archbishop of Bamenda shall on Wednesday 23 August 2023 clock ten years as Bishop. His Grace Andrew Nkea Fuanya appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Mamfe on July 10, was ordained on August 23, 2013. The Episcopal Ordination in Mamfe had as Principal Consecrator, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, then Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon.  Bishop Francis Teke Linsingue, Bishop of Mamfe and Emmanuel Bushu, Bishop of Buea were the Principal Co-Consecrators.  Ordained Priest of the Diocese of Buea over 31year ago, His Grace Andrew Nkea since his ordination as Bishop served as Coadjutor before succeeding Bishop Francis Teke as Bishop of Mamfe in January 2014. At 54, he was appointed Archbishop of Bamenda and Apostolic Administrator of Mamfe. On the 22 Feb 2020, he was installed Archbishop of Bamenda and on  May 5, 2022, ceased as Apostolic Administrator of Mamfe Diocese.  The Hilltop Mail has gathered that a 10th anniversary thanksgiving Mass for the Prelate takes place on Saturday Aug

NewsWatch Newspaper Cameroon has celebrated 10 years of its existence. The 10th anniversary event held in Yaoundé Cameroon on Saturday 19 August 2023, was marked by awards and unveiling of the NewsWatch Magazine.  “The feedback from you – often encouraging, sometimes brutal – has greatly helped us shape the newspaper to what it is today... Newspapers have outlived their founders. Francis Wache for example is not alive today but the post newspaper is thriving. NewsWatch I a project that will live after me.” Ndi Eugene Ndi, NewsWatch Publisher said during the event  Amongst the many who received awards of recognition for outstanding services in different areas of endeavor during the event were HRH Fon Azehfor III of Nkwen, Shey Ngando Peter CEO PEE Bread, Gwain Colbert Fulai, Author: The Colbert Factor, Njobati Sylvie, Founder Syvy House of Fame and Reach Out Humanitarian Organization. 

Defending Champion Legacy SC and Alahlie FC are finalists of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournement 2023. Both sides grabbed their final tickets on Sunday 20 August 2023 during the Semi-finals of the football competition. While Alahlie FC knocked out Sunday Sharp FC, Legacy SC eliminated highly rated Njenefor FC after post match penalties.  Semi-finals   Defending Champion Legacy FC and Alahlie FC are finalists of the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournement 2023. Both sides grabbed their final tickets on Sunday 20 August 2023 during the Semi-finals of the football competition. While Alahlie FC knocked out Sunday Sharp FC, Legacy FC eliminated highly rated Njenefor FC after post match penalties.  The final of the tourney is expected to take place on Sunday 27 August 2023 in front of a mammoth crowd that has watched the competition from day-one till the semis.  According to the Mayor of Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, the tournament whi

The 2023 edition of the Mesaje Shaa Festival has gone underway. The festival which takes the form of a competition has kickedoff in all 12 villages of Mesaje subdivision Dunga Mantung Division on Thursday 17 August 2023 is promoted by Dr Ndansi Elvis, Founder of Unite for Health International Foundation.  Dr Ndansi Elvis, Promoter of Misaje Shaa festival  According to the Coordinator, Nji Ignatius, “each village shall produce one winner to participate in the grand-finale to take place in Mesaje on Saturday September 2, 2023.  "1st Prize 300,000frs + Aluminum Pot +20cups, 2nd Prize 150,000 frs + aluminum pot + 20 cups, 3rd prize. 100,000 frs + Aluminum pot  + 20 cups Participation prize 30.000 frs + bucket with faucet + 20 cups.  As compared to last year the prizes this year have tripled. Last year the first prize winner took home 100.000frs, a tap bucket, and 20 cups,  the second took 75000frs, a tap bucket and 20 cups and the third took home 50000frs, a tap bucket and