Sons and daughters of Poala village, Bangem Sub Division have called on the government to restore the Poala-Muangel-Muanenguba Road Project which was programmed for the 2026 Public Investment Budget under Bangem Council, but later diverted to another community.
This was one of the major resolutions of the second edition of the Paola Annual Convention, PAC 2026 that took place on April 11, 2026 at the esplanade of the Muanenguba Twin Lakes, Poala village under the theme: “Strengthening Family Bonds for a Resilient Poala Community.”
In his address, the Chief of Poala, HRM Chief Esong Elong Winsome called on all sons and daughters of Poala at home and abroad to use their voices, influence, pens, positions, and power to and fight for the restoration of Poala-Muangel-Muanenguba Road because it is their right.
“This road project was duly approved under the 2026 Public Investment Budget under Bangem Council, and resources were allocated as seen in the project programming. Yet the funds are regrettably being diverted for another purpose,” he lamented.
Chief Esong pleaded with the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Nguia Beina Theophile to intervene and ensure transparency and accountability in this project.
In his welcome address, the President General of Poala Cultural and Development Association (POCDA), Ekuh Edmond Mbong said Poala was founded around the 18th Century by a great hunter known as Ngube-Ngoe and that the name Poala means a hole in a rock or cave.
The President said POCDA, since its creation, has contributed significantly to the development of Poala Village. He announced that the village will celebrate its Golden Jubilee next year and pledged to work tirelessly to promote the cultural, social, and economic development of the village through projects and initiatives aimed at improving community welfare and restoring the village’s fame.
President Ekuh noted that despite the celebration, Poala continues to face critical infrastructural challenges including the lack of a functional market, community hall, and a motorable farm-to-market road. He called on the government and relevant authorities to hear their voices and respond to their needs.
He appreciated the South West Regional Assembly for providing hydroelectricity to the village, adding that through self-help and communal efforts, the community has achieved sustainable water supply in Poala, introduced solar electrification, and undertaken several individual and collective development projects, especially advocacy for the Poala-Muangel-Muanenguba Road Project.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Samelle Godlove Ngalle, appreciated the heads of the various committees for their dedication and sacrifices towards the success of the convention.
The Divisional Officer for Bangem Subdivision, Diarou Sally, thanked the population of Poala for their continuous support and cooperation towards the progress of the village.
He assured the population that authorities are properly following up the situation concerning the Poala-Muangel-Muanenguba Road Project, and appreciated the community for the water project realized by POCDA as well as the extension of hydroelectricity to neighbouring communities, which he said has transformed lives and improved the well-being of the people.
The Fiesta
The colourful convention also featured fund raising, awards to outstanding elites, artistic performance led by Gentle Val, traditional dances, choral singing, ballet displays, and other cultural activities spiced the event.
Another highlight of the event was the conferring of Traditional Title on the Divisional Officer of Nlonako, Moungo Division, Dr. Epolewane Verklin épse Igwacho, a daughter of Poala by the Chief.
She was crowned with the name ‘Ngumwah’ (Woman of Power).
Also present at the event was the Patron of POCDA based in the USA, Ernest Ajang, amongst others.
By Ngoh Jude Larissa-Dian & Michael Fongwe
