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No to Bushfires: Prevention and Management

By Bakah Derick As the dry begins in Cameroon, concerns over the return of bushfires are on the increase. Areas of the Kilum-Ijim forest Bikov, Atumekui, Belo, Abassakom, Oku and Njinikom and other protected areas mostly affected by bushfires are in risk of being consumed again if nothing is done. In this edition of our No to Bushfires series, we talked to our environmental protection consultant Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy Apiculture and Nature Conservation Campaigner, Director of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) on the best practices to prevent and manage bushfires Bushfires burning a bee hive "Summarily, Fire tracing and back burning, patrols, sensitization against bushfires,  communicating on various punishment that awaits defaulters, Developing of agroforestry systems in farms around forest peripheries, Green Firebreaks that separate the forest from the farms with evergreen vegetation, Ban of smoking in the forest and farms around the forest are some of th

No to Bushfires: Understanding the causes and consequences

By Bakah Derick It is that time of the year when we have bushfires in the North West Region. These bushfires have remained a serious threat to livelihoods and the environment. These bushfires have been been largely responsible for the destruction of biodiversity, water catchments, bee hives, farms, research sources and sometimes human life. Fighting bushfires is key and to get this work community solidarity is important.  Our consultant on environmental protection is Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy. He is the Director of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) working in the Kilum-Ijim forest area located in parts of Bui and Boyo Divisions. He shared the following with Hilltopvoices as the potential causes of bushfires at this time.  The activities of hunters in and around the forest area. Some of them deliberately introduce flames with the intention to scare animals from their hideouts. This eventual turn to uncontrollable wide fires.  Slash-and-burn or Ankara is a common fa

AFCON 2021: Ngwa Blaise, two other Cameroonians named amonsgt 64 referees

  By Bakah Derick  Ngwa Blaise Yuven of North West extraction has been named amongst 64 referees, assistant referees and video assistant referees to managed the 2021 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled early next year in Cameroon.   The Confederation of African Football (CAF) made public the list of selected referees on Tuesday 14 December 2021.  Ngwa Blaise (2nd from right) and colleagues   This will be the first AFCON for the already experienced FIFA referee.  Complete lost of appointed referees.  With a career going back to his school days, Ngwa Blaise Yuven has featured in several continental competitions. He was at the group stages of the Africa U-17 cup of Nations qualifiers and final tournament  in 2019 and Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers same year.  Ngwa Blaise with the ball set for the game He is a regular in the CAF Confederations Cup and the CAF champions league since 2018.  Ngwa Blaise set

Players contract falsification: PWD leadership at daggers drawn with team captain

By Bakah Derick  Lastly updated at 10: 15pm 14/11/2021 Tchindo John Bosco has expressed concerns that could affect his stay at PWD Bamenda. The player who is one of the captains of PWD SC of Bamenda expressed his concerns in a complained which Hilltopvoices got a copy  submitted to the Sodikombo Gendamerie chief, targeting PWD club President over unclear issues surrounding his contract with the team.  Tchindo John Bosco on official assignment for PWD in Lybia Following an article published by the online portal www.sports-vibes.net , hilltopvoices set out to investigate. Hilltopvoices is actually in possession of two complaints; with one from the player and another from the father. The authenticity of the documents has been established from both his father and player.  Both complains point to the fact that Tchindo John Bosco is a minor and could not sign a contract. In his own complain, the player said he referred the club to his father since he was a minor and his father&#

FECAFOOT Elections: Chi Ivo satisfied with outcome, takeoff of new President, commit to working for results

By Bakah Derick  Long time supporter of Samuel Eto'o Fils, UEFA B licenced coach, Jurist, promoter and player agent has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the Saturday 11 December 2021 elective general assembly of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) in Yaounde.  A fulfilled Chi Ivo  Talking to Hilltopvoices on Tuesday 14 December 2021, a visibly fulfilled Chi Ivo described the election of Samuel Eto'o Fils at the helm of FECAFOOT as an uncommon milestone for the betterment of Cameroon Football.  "Like every Cameroonian you saw on the streets, I feel happy, i feel satisfied, I fill fulfilled. It is a genuine feeling of fulfillment within me because my heart desire for Cameroon football was granted last Saturday. I am happy I contributed adequately for this achievement." Chi said  Chi Ivo in transfer of Cameroonian international to Angers On Monday 13 December 2021, Samuel Eto'o Fils was at the football association (FA) he

North West Bushfires: Water catchments, bee hives, protected forest at risk as dry season begins

By Bakah Derick  Bushfires are a regular occurrence in the North West Region of Cameroon especially between the months of October and February. This period is generally referred to as the dry season as a result of the absence of rain which allows for partial or complete dryness of vegetation. This dry vegetation burns easily and fast at the slightest introduction of flames resulting to huge bushfires. The introduction of flames according to environmentalists like Wirsiy Emmanuel  Binyuy working in the Kilum-Ijim protected forest area that covers Bui and Boyo division is mostly done by hunters, farmers, mentally challenged persons and smokers.  Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy attempting to put off a small scale bushfire "Hunting done by hunters in and around the forest area, Slash-and-burn farming method done by farmers to gain more land or as a method of preparing the farm for planting, Grazing done by grazers who lack skills in improved pasture cultivation and turn to burn veg

North West Bushfires: CAMGEW guides on prevention and management

By Bakah Derick  The Bamenda-Cameroon headquartered not for profit environment and women centered issues Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) has intensified sensitization campaigns on the prevention and management of bushfires in the North West Region especially in protected areas.  burning bee hive The two working sessions organised in Bamenda ahead of the start of the dry season being the period during which bushfires are common, the Director of CAMGEW, Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy outlined the havoc caused by bushfires hence engaging them the more into prevention and management.   "The leaders and stakeholders were made to see the need for solidarity in fighting bushfire. Considering that the forest has much to offer in different ways ti its community it was therefore necessary to see a huge community engagement in the fight against bushfire. CAMGEW wishes to thank GEF Small Grant Programme for supporting the production of this guide to fight bushfire." Se

FECAFOOT Election voices in Bamenda: "...from the NW région, I fear Nothing drastic will change for us." Abongwa Fozo journalist and media promoter

I think change is good in any situation. Here we have change and hope that there will be a different approach as to how things are done.  As a lover of the game from the NW région, I fear Nothing  drastic will change for us. The under development of sporting infrastructures in the region is more of institutional bias against the region than an issue of individuals.  Whether it's Eto'o or Seidou, or somebody else, these issues may still continue.  I can't imagine that with 24 modern Stadia constructed in the country not a single one is constructed in the Northwest with four elite teams.  I am hoping for the best but I still have a lot of reservation on the treatment of the NW region

FECAFOOT Elections voices across Bamenda: "I am optimistic" Neba Jerome Sports Reporter

Samuel Eto'o's win as President of FECAFOOT to me represents a bright future for football stakeholders in the North West Region, For players and football lovers. When you look at his rich plan of action if implemented, the young boys who have been playing football with nothing to write home as finances are concerned will be able to make their families smiles. The investors will laugh whereas fans will be happy to go to the field. I believe Samuel Eto'o will market our local games by doing so, good infrastructures will be provided for us in the North West Region that has nothing to write home about that sector. To conclude, he knows everything about the difficulties these football stakeholders go through, and I am optimistic that within a year in office, his actions will start speaking

FECAFOOT Elections voices across Bamenda: "We will have an improved regional championship and divisional championship" Nji Nelson football writer

I think the victory of Samuel brings a completely new dimension to the way things will unfold not only in the region but the entire country. His victory brings a new impetus to our football. I am one of those who said from the beginning of this process that Samuel has a very juicy project for Cameroon's football and I believe with all the support he has at the beginning he is going to do something very significant for our football. With the right persons around him and if he implements his projects, we will enjoy football in this country. Therefore, we expect to see a new dynamism in the management of our football. In the North West region, our case is special because of the context we find ourselves with. From what I know, I am confident the North West will be one of the first to benefit from the stadiums promised by Eto'o. During a cocktail with some football stakeholders organized by the Regional President to celebrate the victory of Eto'o, the Re

FECAFFOT Election voices across Bamenda: "We have a football manager who is not coming to make money." Pierre Anoufack Journalist and Tourism promoter..

Eto'o's win for me represents hope in various aspects: Firstly at last a renouned footballer to manage football business at the helm. Therefore we count on his personality to engage into national and international partnership for the development of the discipline including sport infrastructure especially in the NW region that has been silent for so long. Secondly, We have a football manager who is not coming to make money. He already has enough and just need more honor added to what he acquired in the various stadia across the world. Therefore the numerous fallout from the federation will serve the football and not individuals. Thirdly,  Footballers finally have the opportunity to be recognized in their own country. The mobilization of almost all the former stars around the new president is clear indicator.

FECAFOOT Election voices across Bamenda: "Having a woman as 1st Vice President gives me hope.." Wanchia Cynthia Journalist

I maybe too quick with my assumption but Eto'os win already represents a befitting stadium for me, taking into consideration the Northwest has five teams at the level of the Professional league without a playing field. It also gives me hope looking at his campaign manifesto about a change in the management of football and careers of the main actors being footballers both at the local, national and international level. Having a woman as 1st Vice President gives me hope that women's football will take a new twist because Celine Eko knows better than anyone that our female championships deserve same attention given to the male championship in all aspects

FECAFOOT Election Voices in Bamenda: "The beginning of a new Dawn" Joe Dinga Promoter Bamenda FC

Beginning of a new Dawn where discrimination, incompetency, corruption, vindictiveness,  and hypocrisy will be thrown out of the door. A new Dawn where equality, meritocracy and togetherness as one will be our watch word. Above all the name Eto'o as has been the case in the past during all his life symbolizes success at all levels within the football domain in Cameroon. Eto'o and Joe Dinga... Promoter of Bamenda FC Cameroon football will rise to the top of the world stage where it belongs and with it will come genuine progress and success of football within NW, LT, SW, CE, East and all other regions of Cameroon. Eto'o is a champion and a blessed child of God who turns anything that touches his hands into Gold . We have entrusted Cameroon football into the hands of a champion who will revolutionize football in a way that have never been seen in Africa  NW have it's own peculiar needs, Eto'o is aware and for a fact will

FECAFOOT Elections: North West in her pain joins nation to celebrate Samuel Eto'o

By Bakah Derick  The football community and more across Cameroon have been celebrating the election of Samuel Eto'o Fils as the new President of Cameroon's football governing body.  Pictures have been circulating on social media from across the country as the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) got the new leader on Saturday 11 December 2021 during the institution's general assembly in Yaounde.  Pictures have emerged from funeral receptions that turned to bigger parties following the announcement of Samuel's victory.   The North West football community is part of celebrations In drinking spots, joints and homes. Their reactions center around the same issues.  "I think the victory of Samuel brings a completely new dimension to the way things will unfold not only in the region but the entire country. His victory brings a new impetus to our football. I am one of those who said from the beginning of this process that Samuel has a very juicy project for

FECAFOOT Elections Day: North West goes the apposite way again as Samuel Eto'o wins

By Bakah Derick Delegates from the North West Regional league of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) have made another electoral mistake. They had opening declared their their support for incumbent Seidou Mbombo Njoya in a declaration signed by the league President.  North West delegates ahead of voting Following elections this Saturday 11 December 2021, Samuel Eto'o Fils got a convincing win of 43 to 31 votes against Seidou Mbombo Njoya.  Hilltopvoices has it on good authority that in December 2018, the North West delegation after a late night meeting settled for Joseph Antoine Bell. He will later be beaten by Seidou Mbombo Njoya one of the many reasons the region has been left in the dark in the last three years.  A crowd in one of halls during counting as tension mounted  We shall not waste your precious time with how much the North West delegation has gone too and fro on which candidate to back but the final decision announced in Garoua has gone

FECAFOOT Elections Day: North West delegates multiply meetings

By Bakah Derick The six delegates representing the regional league of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) at the institution's general assembly this Saturday 11 December 2021.  North West Delegate concerting Within the early hours of the day, they were hardly seen together. Prior to the resumption of deliberations, they meet this time six as they have been commissioned by the regional general assembly of Monday 1 November 2021.  They greeted us with a smile as they returned making it difficult to conclude on the state of their minds.  We are however humbled by the fact that Yoye Blaise one of the delegates is representing the region with pride. His Toghu is conspicuous enough to be seen by all.  Debates are intense. 

FECAFOOT Elections: The headquarter is boiling

By Bakah Derick  It is a tension packed Mont Febe Hotel we arrived to this morning Saturday 11 December 2021. First the filtering and controlling of entrance into the hotel is a major attraction. Mixed Police,  Gerndarmes and special service officers are on duty. They all have lists of those accredited.  As I drove in, i am stopped twice. First control is soft. Introducing myself as a reporter was good to let me go. The second will not be the same. Three officers pulled out a list of accredited personalities and question which one is my name. I indicate and justify and then given the green light to go in. The hotel will then do it's traditional scan on my car before letting me in.  People are standing in clusters and camps. They are not necessarily delegates. Journalists, security and observers are here.  Booooom... it is Frank Happi and Abunde Pascal. The tune is high and jesticulations not comforting. I have the feeling someone was preventing the other from talking wi

AFCON 2021: Mola heads to Bamenda next week

By Bakah Derick  The official mascot of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been announced in Bamenda on Thursday 16 December 2021. The information is contained in a release by the Chairperson of the Local Organising committee of the tournament outlining the tour iterinary of the mascot.  Here is the detail programme  Here are some pictures captured during the launch of the national tour in Yaounde on Thursday 9 December 2021.