Sons and daughters of Nkikoh village, Bangem Sub Division, Kupe Muanenguba Division, in a three day cultural festival, have reflected on their heritage, reconnected with roots, and rejoiced in the richness of their culture and tradition, culminating with the official opening of their newly constructed town hall.
The third edition of the Cultural Festival/Homecoming 2026 took place from March 26 to 28 in Nkikoh village presided by the Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub Division, Dairou Saly.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Nkikoh, HRM Chief Richard Etuge Nnoko, received all sons and daughters who returned home for the festival. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting with one’s roots, declaring, “When a child returns home, the ancestors rejoice,” adding that “A child who climbs the tallest tree must remember where he walked.”
The chief expressed profound gratitude to Nkikoh elite for their sacrifices and commitment, while acknowledging the support of the government of Cameroon and local authorities, like the mayor of Bangem, Ekungwe Christopher Kang.
Chief Etuge called for unity, stressing that progress will always find Nkikoh as long as its people stand together.
The Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Etake Divine, said the third edition of Nkikoh Homecoming is a powerful reaffirmation of identity and belonging.
He thanked their chief for restoring confidence in Nkikoh, noting that the village has been transformed into an open and welcoming community.
Etake praised the collective efforts behind the construction of the town hall describing it as a symbol of sacrifice and commitment.
Drawing from African wisdom, he remarked “When many hands join together, even the heaviest load becomes light.” With a tone of optimism and faith, he said, Nkikoh is on the path to becoming a central hub in the subdivision.
In his address, the President of Nkikoh Cultural and Development Association, NKICUDA, Okane Daniel Nyatoh, highlighted remarkable achievements recorded since 2021 despite numerous challenges.
He revealed that elite contributed FCFA 27 million, facilitating the execution of key projects such as the installation of solar panel and the construction of a health center valued at FCFA 20 million.
Okane further outlined ongoing and future projects, including the rehabilitation of pipe borne water, the Mbuassum-Nyan-Nkikoh-GBHS Bangem road, the Ewukord Bridge currently under execution, the construction of Sasse Bridge and Ebong market projects.
The President described the Nkikoh town hall funded two years ago by sons and daughters of the village as the most outstanding achievement.
He reiterated their community’s aspiration to maintain peaceful and dispute free relations with neighbouring villages of the Elung Clan.
The Project Manager of NKICUDA, Nelson Ewane commended the dedication of his committee behind their achievements in project execution.
He revealed that so far, FCFA 70 million has been invested in projects within Nkikoh.
In recognition of their efforts, the General Assembly honoured committee members with sashes, as a sign of appreciation.
The Mayor of Bangem Council Ekungwe Christopher Kang lauded the relentless efforts of Nkikoh elite, and assured them of his unwavering support. He pledged to collaborate with the village for the realization of more projects within their community.
The Divisional Officer for Bangem Subdivision Diarou Saly, expressed satisfaction with the level of development witnessed particularly in the solar implementation and town hall projects.
He informed the population about some administrative decisions signed by the Senior Divisional Officer, like the institution of periodic markets for cocoa and coffee to boost economic activities and stabilize price mechanisms, and a ban on the consumption of harmful substances such as Shisha, bullet and wakeup.
Dairou urged the population of Nkikoh to uphold peace, unity and responsible living.
The Homecoming celebration was further enriched by musical performances from renowned artists including Ndedi Eyango, Elone Elone, Ambass Bay, Epoh Bande.
Traditional dance performances and competition added colour to the festival.
The three days cultural jamboree also featured Elung marathon, health campaign, women and children corners, traditional round table, Muankum initiation, cooking competition, football gala match, Elung dance competition, prize awards, and fireworks, amongst others.
By Kathleen Kinyuy & Ngoh Jude Larissa
