Cameroon's Number 1 talks to his people

Head of State’s message to the Nation

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My Dear Compatriots,

As the year 2015 draws to an end, I would like to invite you, as each year, to review how we have fared as a Nation and to project ourselves into the New Year together, with assurance and determination.

You would agree with me – I believe – that a single word suffices to describe our country during the year that is drawing to an end: RESILIENCE.

I am referring, as you know, to our people’s capacity to resist and to cope with day-to-day challenges, which is acknowledged by all development partners.

This attribute, which is fundamental to great Nations, was clearly demonstrated on two major fronts: our country’s economic performance and its security situation.

Let us begin with economic performance:

As we are all aware, the present global context is characterized, among other things, by:

-  slow global growth, and

-  dwindling oil and other commodity prices.

In this adverse global context, our economy was able to hold up well, maintaining its 6% growth forecast and curbing the inflation rate at slightly less than 3%.

Neither the additional expenditure incurred due to the war against terrorism nor the disruption of economic activity in the areas under attack could prevent us from achieving our objectives...

I am aware that this growth is not yet sufficient to significantly transform the daily lives of our grassroots populations.

We can do better. We must do better.

However, this excellent effort, which has made our macroeconomic indicators more viable, is commendable.

I must also mention that this growth made it possible for our economy to generate 337 660 new jobs as at end-November 2015, against 283 443 the previous year.

In this regard, I am pleased to note that 1 175 358 jobs have been created from 2011 to 2015.

Obviously, our needs are overwhelming and far from being fully met. However, we should welcome what has already been achieved, while planning to do better and better.

I will come back to this.

Concerning the security challenge,

Throughout the year, our Nation put up a fierce resistance to Boko Haram terrorists. At this juncture, I would like to pay a glowing tribute to our defence and security forces, as well as our people. The courage and professionalism of our forces and the commitment and courage of our people have helped to preserve our territorial integrity. Not one centimetre of our territory has been ceded to the aggressors. Better still, we have, on several occasions, inflicted serious military setbacks on them.

Through intense diplomatic activity, we have also been able to rally a wide array of partners to this fight against Boko Haram. We should, as a Nation, express our gratitude to the various friendly countries that are supporting us in this fight.

In this regard, I would like to specially commend the decision of the United States of America to field 300 troops on an intelligence support mission. We are grateful to them for such mark of confidence in our country and our army.

Similarly, the multifaceted support received from other friendly countries such as France, China, Russia, Germany and many others, is invaluable.

With neighbouring Nigeria, we have honed our methods and mechanisms for concerted action.

We should equally commend the fraternal commitment of Chadian forces on our side in this collective struggle.

I have always believed that terrorism is a global threat, warranting a global response. This reality was confirmed in 2015.

For our part, I commend the operationalization of the Joint Multinational Force on the ground. It confirms the effective involvement of all Lake Chad Basin Commission member countries in this fight.

The terrorists, who have been driven into a corner, have now resorted to the hideous practice of suicide bombings.

Nothing will undermine the resolve of our defence and security forces. Nothing will affect our people’s morale or resilience.

To deal with the atrocities of Boko Haram, the Nation’s vital forces are mobilized to firmly say NO to terrorism. Better still, they are contributing to the war effort in cash or kind.

Such massive mobilization has given a special significance to our popular defence strategy. The Army and Nation are working in synergy to defend our territory and our sovereignty.

I have had the opportunity to commend the role of vigilante committees backing up our defence and security forces.

At this juncture, we should salute the memory of our compatriots who lost their lives in this legitimate civil defence exercise.

They put up a patriotic opposition to the senseless brutality of terrorists and made the supreme sacrifice. In that regard, they are role models for our Nation.

My Dear Compatriots,

After coping so well with the hardships of 2015, lowering our guard now is out of the question.

There are still many challenges on both the economic and security fronts. However, at the dawn of a new year, I urge you to, of course, look to the future with vigilance, but also with confidence and a sense of commitment.

You are aware that our target is set. We must achieve emergence by 2035.

To that end, we should continue building on our gains in 2016 in order to modernize our country and improve the living conditions of our people.

I have enjoined the Government to work towards this, with imagination, determination and the obligation to deliver.

My main concern remains promoting the quality of life in our society. I am aware that this hinges on improving our people’s purchasing power.

Despite the current economic hardship, I have instructed the Government to implement two key measures:

-     review pump prices of fuel downward; and

-     review upwards, the amount of family allowances paid to workers.

These measures will take effect on 1 January 2016.

My Dear Compatriots,

Specific projects await our Nation. We will host the women’s AFCON in 2016 and the men’s AFCON in 2019. To that end, we need appropriate infrastructure. I have instructed the Government to work hard towards that.

Our key objective remains accelerating economic growth. Our growth should be more robust, more sustainable, more inclusive and capable of generating more jobs for all, particularly our youth. Our people should reap the spin-offs of such growth.

To that end, as I reiterated recently to the Government, the National Growth and Employment Strategy Paper remains our guide.

The Emergency Plan spells out the immediate priorities, without interfering with the normal economic programme of the Government. 

I am pleased that this long awaited Three-Year Emergency Plan is now firmly on track and ongoing. The outcomes of the actions under way will soon be visible.

The major challenge for the country in 2016 will be to create conditions conducive to real industrialization. Emergence is inconceivable without a viable industrial sector.

We have substantial agricultural, mining, tourist, cultural and human resources. They constitute a huge growth potential for our country.

I have instructed the Government to accelerate the creation of conditions necessary for our country’s industrialization.

Such pre-requisites are:

-  availability of adequate and permanent energy supply;

-  modernization of our agriculture and processing of its production;

-  exploitation and processing of mineral resources;

-  constant improvement of the business climate to attract more investors;

-  mobilization of the required financing; and

-  development of communication and telecommunication infrastructure.

Concerning the last domain, we must rapidly bridge the digital economy development gap. This is a genuine growth driver as well as a niche for new jobs for our youth. We should make the most of it.

In its organization, the Government will give this sector all the attention it deserves.

My Dear Compatriots,

The task is huge, and the projects are numerous. But, I firmly believe that we can take a great leap forward.

We have the wherewithal.

Through the determination and patriotic commitment of each and every one, I am convinced that we can meet the challenge, in the interests of all.

We should not miss out on this decisive turning point.

The Administration is a vital national instrument at the service of the State and the general interest.  Yet, it is often blamed by its users and by our development partners.

The recent conclusions of the IMF evaluation mission to our country, the respective reports of the latest Doing Business and Cameroon Investment Forum or CONAC are good examples in this regard.

Our Administration should remain a prime mover of progress. I will personally follow this up.

My Dear Compatriots,

The challenges ahead are daunting. With the commitment of all, we can meet them.

I trust the calibre of people who abound in our country...

I know how patriotic you are … 

Let us work together to make 2016:

-      a year full of victories, great victories, for our country ...

-      a year that brings peace, prosperity and happiness to everyone ...

Happy and Prosperous New Year 2016!

Download the Head of State's Message (pdf)

Yaounde, 31 December 2015

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How to Be Happy: The Magic of Happiness Every One Should Learn

Posted by Ebasone P. Vanes

Did you know that you could learn how to be permanently happy by just simply altering a few aspects of your life?

In this article you would learn quite a lot about happiness: its underlying processes, its relationship with good health, success and people magnetism.

Show me one human being who does not want be happy? 

The wicked man and the friendliest of mankind have a common intersecting desire which is happiness. The desire for happiness by most people is pursued in a very egoistic manner and happiness gotten in this way is not long lasting.

''Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties''.-Hellen keller.

Happiness arises from a combination of factors which are both intrinsic and extrinsic. The intrinsic factors are our thought patterns, beliefs, self-confidence and self-image. The extrinsic factors are our relationship with friends, family, colleagues, loved ones and our daily activities. 

What is happiness? 

I like to think of it as a feeling of well-being when the internal environment and the external environment are in harmony, when your emotions are positive and you just "love life". 

When asked what most people want in life they often say happiness even before money. Thus the common saying, ''money cannot buy happiness" but happiness can create the rightful environment for money to flourish and grow in. Therefore seek happiness and the rest shall come to you.

How is this possible?

Before i answer this question it is good that i establish how this feeling comes about. Thought and Emotions are central in the whole process. The ability to control these two variants would determine largely ones ability to generate and sustain happiness.

When your thoughts are positive and you continuously feed your subconscious mind with nothing but positive and healthy thoughts, you begin to create the happiness reaction.

A number of factors tend to determine whether one is liable to enter the unhappiness creation process or not. These factors are: our living conditions, our self-image, financial situation, love life, family, friends, jobs, school etc... 

Any of these factors can inject a positive or negative thought into the subconscious mind and when this occurs, in the case of a negative thought the body response appropriately by negative emotions. The victim becomes irritated, sad and angry. 

When these thoughts and emotions persist it leads to stress and then depression. At that stage it becomes a medical problem that needs adequate and prompt intervention. 

Happiness and Success

The emotional state of happiness is a very suitable milieu for positive thinking and goal achievement to flourish. Habitually being happy shuts down the negative thoughts and emotional patterns, creating room for your positive thoughts and dreams to infiltrate your subconscious mind. Constant impression of your subconscious mind means a faster creative process is in place and the rate of goal achievement is accelerated, hence success. 

''Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony''.-Mahatma Gandhi.

Self-Contentment and Good Health

When your emotional state is in the happiness mode, your body is in harmony. Every functional unit is working as a team to create good health and to sustain it. Ill health arises when part of your body starts revolting, your body starts to experience a state of anarchy. Some cells and certain biochemical processes start acting wayward.

Harmony within the entire system is stimulated when the signals flowing are in a positive emotional state. A state of happiness is therefore a kind of an immunisation process, building a barrier against foreign invasion by disease and psychosomatic illnesses.

Happiness and People Magnetism

This one is a cliché right? It’s widely known that people are more attracted to those who are always happy and ‘wearing’ that smiling face. Resolve to be happy today and you would start realising a glowing personality. People would want to spend more time with you because you are pleasant and fun.

In order to create more and more happiness, engage in making others happy because their joy would radiate more energy for you and hence a vicious cycle.

 ''If you want others to be happy, practise compassion. If you want to be happy, practise compassion''.-Dalai Lama.

''If you want to be Happy, make others happy'' Ebasone P. Vanes

The take home message is that you should alter your thoughts, beliefs, self-image and the nature of you relationship with others and your daily activities. In this way your brain will initiate a happiness process that will create magic for you.

''Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions''.-Dalai Lama.

Try as much as possible to create an environment for happiness to come and stay and you would see how your life would transform for the best.

Introverts Do It Better: Why They Make Great Entrepreneurs

by Kylie Ora Lobell

November 13, 2015

best, money & life

The typical image that comes to mind when someone says the word “introvert” is of a man or woman who’s shy, quiet, or a loner.

We often don’t think of them as having the social acumen required to climb the corporate ladder, start a successful business, or make billions of dollars. However, history tells us that introverts often make the best entrepreneurs.

“History tells us that introverts often make the best entrepreneurs.”

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Take Bill Gates, currently the wealthiest person on earth, worth $79.2 billion and one of the most influential businessmen who has ever lived. From an interview on the Huffington Post, writer Susan Cain noted that, “Bill Gates is quiet and bookish, but apparently unfazed by others’ opinions of him: he’s an introvert, but not shy.”

Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors ever, is an introvert. J.K. Rowling, the author of the famed Harry Potter series remembers being too shy to ask anyone for a pen to jot down her ideas when she first came up with the concept for her book series while sitting on a delayed train. The list goes on and on.

So what is it about introverts that makes them so great at business?

Let’s take a look at some of the traits that introverts typically have, that give them a leg up in the business world.

1. They Want to Create, and Not Be the Center of Attention.

For starters, introverts are often very passionate about their ideas and creating something new.

They aren’t all about gaining power and they don’t crave glorification, Cain explained to the Wall Street Journal.  She says, “By their nature, introverts tend to get passionate about one, two or three things in their life… and in the service of their passion for an idea, they will go out and build alliances and networks and acquire expertise and do whatever it takes to make it happen.”

“Introverts will follow their passions and do what it takes to make things happen.”

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2. They Think Before Making a Move.

Aside from focusing on their creations, introverts have the ability to sit in solitude for hours at a time and be alone.

This means that they have the space to calmly think through the next moves for their business, instead of becoming distracted with social interaction or other attractive short-term goals. Extroverts need to be surrounded by people in order to thrive, which doesn’t give them much of an opportunity to sit with their thoughts and build a well-thought out plan.

3. They Listen to People.

Introverts are also better, in general, at listening to and empathizing with people, according to Fast Company.

These skills come in handy in business situations. When a client, employee, or customer is upset, an introvert can be sensitive to their needs. Instead of reacting quickly to an issue, introverts take in the information, and then think critically about the best solution possible.

When introverts are in charge, customers, employees, and clients are more likely to be heard and able to get their issues solved.

“When introverts are in charge, customer & employee concerns are much more likely to be heard.”

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4. They Take Others’ Ideas into Consideration.

Along with being great at listening, introverted entrepreneurs are always looking for the best solutions, and are much less likely to allow their egos cloud their judgement.

When trying to build a profitable business, it comes in handy to have the most talented people on your side. Waylae Gregoire of NextShark wrote that while extroverts want to promote their own business plans, “introverts focus on the thoughts and actions of others. As an entrepreneur, introverts are naturally accustomed to analyzing the ideas of others, offering thoughtful feedback, and organizing what others bring to the table.”

5. They Are Humble.

When you’re doing business, you must have people skills.

You must have the ability to flip situations around and see situations from another person’s perspective. It’s also imperative that you have the ability to remain humble when you make a mistake. Introverts aren’t afraid to admit their failures. If you can say that you were wrong about an issue, you’re going to demonstrate to clients, employees, and customers that you’re human, and that you make errors from time to time. Nobody wants to work with or under an entrepreneur who doesn’t have the ability to see his or her own flaws.

“Nobody wants to work with someone who can’t acknowledge their own flaws.”

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If you’re an introverted entrepreneur, there is much hope for you. Even if you’re not outgoing or perfectly comfortable in social situations, you can still be a strong leader and achieve your goals by pushing yourself to become comfortable with these situations. Just ask Gates, Buffett, Rowling, or the countless other successful introverted entrepreneurs out there.

Check out Master Your People Skills with Vanessa Van Edwards and learn how to become the most memorable person in the room, even as an introvert.

Christmas Colours

Practice they say makes one perfect, so does merry making contaminates.
With the several colours decorating our homes, Churches, Streets and places of work this Christmas Season, beauty, art and light is added to our lives. The Red, Green, White, Blue and Gold colours traditionally associated to Christmas brighten the season and souls, thus energizes the spirit of sharing and giving amongst World citizens willing to love and be loved for. While the Councils across national territory decorate the streets with these colours that beautify the town and the hearts living within, the Women make it a duty to do shopping ahead of the D-Day. The fever is felt in the markets with an uncommon urge to get things done before December 25. The Beauty shops and Nail Designers are making brisk business with every woman desiring a new look. At the Ange Raphael crossroads, one must be extremely careful not to part ways with valuable items as the jam packed nature of the hub creates a breeding ground for those involved in picpocketing.  But why do we have them and what do the colors represent?
Most the colors and their meanings come from the western/northern european traditions and customs, when Christmas is in the middle of winter and it's dark and cold.

Green

Evergreen plants, like Holly, Ivy and Mistletoe have been used for thousands of years to decorate and brighten up buildings during the long dark winter. They also reminded people that spring would come and that winter wouldn't last forever!
The Romans would exchange evergreen branches during January as a sign of good luck. The ancient Egyptians used to bring palm branches into their houses during the mid winter festivals.
In many parts of Europe during the middle ages, Paradise plays were performed, often on Christmas Eve. They told Bible stories to people who couldn't read. The 'Paradise Tree' in the garden of eden in the play was normally a pine tree with red apples tied to it.
Now the most common use of green at Christmas are Christmas Trees.

Red

As mentioned above, an early use of red at Christmas were the apples on the paradise tree. They represented the fall of Adam in the plays.
Red is also the color of Holly berries, which is said to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross.
Red is also the color of Bishops robes. These would have been worn by St. Nicholas and then also became Santa's uniform!

Gold

Gold is the color of the Sun and light - both very important in the dark winter. And both red and gold are the colors of fire that you need to keep you warm.
Gold was also one of the presents brought to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men and traditionally it's the color used to show the star that the wise men followed.
Silver is sometimes used instead of (or with) gold. But gold is a 'warmer' color.

White

White is often associated with purity and peace in western cultures. The snow of winter is also very white!
White paper wafers were also sometimes used to decorate paradise trees. The wafers represented the bread eaten during Christian Communion or Mass, when Christians remember that Jesus died for them.
White is used by most churches as the color of Christmas, when the altar is covered with a white cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church Gold is used for Christmas).

Blue

The color blue is often associated with Mary, the mother of Jesus. In medieval times blue dye and paint was more expensive than gold! So it would only be worn by Royal families and very rich people. Mary was often painted wearing blue to show she was very important.
Blue can also represent the color of the sky and heaven.
During Advent, purple and sometimes blue is used in most churches fort he colour of the altar cloth (in the Russian Orthodox Church red is used for advent).

How To Transition From Self-Employed Back To Full-Time

by Ryan Robinson

April 8, 2015

Image via Flickr

At this time last year, I was working for myself and had just gotten back from a lucrative trade show in Las Vegas. Our custom phone case making equipment was selling as quickly as we could keep it in stock, and we were crossing $160,000 in revenue in less than one year of being in business.
Revenue had been growing at a steady rate for the last year, and my business partner and I were beyond excited at the prospect of being sustainably self-employed at the age of 24. Little did I know that just a few months later, I’d be making a very difficult decision to return to full-time employment.
I had been doing freelance content marketing on the side to help augment my income, while we focused on keeping funds in the business and reinvesting in new inventory. However, splitting my efforts and working an easy 70-80 hours per week was rapidly becoming less and less sustainable for the results we were seeing with our company. My performance was suffering for both my freelance clients, and with my own business. Something had to change.
When we took a hard look at the numbers, we simply weren’t generating enough profit to sustain two people’s lifestyles. It was the perfect amount of income to support one of us, but not both. As an entrepreneur who never wanted to work for someone else again, this was a big pill to swallow.
So, I made the difficult decision to take myself out of the business, move to San Francisco (to work at CreativeLive!), and start a new adventure. It wasn’t easy, and a lot of lessons have been learned along the way. If you’re in the same boat – or maybe just considering making the shift back from freelance to full-time – here are some of the lessons I learned. Maybe they can help you along the way.

1) Choose a Job That Inspires You

Coming from working for myself and being intrinsically motivated to do my absolute best on everything, this was absolutely imperative.
If I’m going to be investing 50-60 hours of my time each week into building somebody else’s product, I needed to be absolutely certain that I was in love with the product and mission of the company. Luckily for me, I landed at CreativeLive where I get to help other talented entrepreneurs around the world reach an audience of people who are motivated to learn and improve their lives.
When you choose your first job out of being self-employed, don’t just settle for the first opportunity that comes your way. Pick something that’s going to challenge you, motivate you, and help you get to where you want to go next.

2) Focus on Building Your Core Strengths

Since you’ve been out on your own, you know how hard it is to launch and grow a business into something that can sustain your lifestyle. It takes an impressive amount of skill, knowledge in your industry, and a meaningful network to leverage in getting your business off the ground. Because my goal is to eventually get back to working for myself, I very consciously chose a type of company and position to go after that would allow me to essentially get paid to become better at the skills I’d need to strike out on my own again.

3) Work Less, Live More

With your new job, you’re (likely) no longer solely responsible for the success or failure of the business you’re in.
Don’t immediately burn yourself out by putting in the number of hours you were doing at your own company beforehand. Yes, still work hard and help take your team to new heights, but learn how to bring balance back into your life. You’re here to contribute, learn, and be part of building something great.
Justin Barker, one of my former co-workers here at CreativeLive learned an incredible amount about working hard and living more. Now he’s back to freelancing, and loving it.

4) Set Realistic Expectations for Yourself

It’ll take time to adjust into your new role, and your employers (should) know that. Don’t expect to move mountains in your first few weeks of work while you get used to your new product, teammates, and goals you’re being measured against.
Re-learn how to effectively work against the goals that now matter most in your job, and develop a system that’ll help you feel like you’re getting wins and making meaningful accomplishments early on.

5) Keep a Passion Project on the Side

If you’re like me, then you’re already thinking of the next business that you want to get started on. Having an outlet to express your creativity outside of work, test your ideas, and learn what your next venture is going to be, is essential to remaining sane. Be careful not to let your side project interfere with your performance at work.
For more, see my post on how to start and grow your business while working full-time.
This transition, while very beneficial in many important aspects of my life, was very difficult. It was hard to come to grips with the reality that I had failed, to some degree, to achieve the goals I had for myself. However, that experience taught me more in one year than I learned in two years of working before I started that business.
What’s important is that I kept moving forward, and in doing so, I’ve discovered new passions, honed my skills, and have become much better equipped for my next venture. Join me at ryrob.com.

Chantal Biya sends end of year greetings to global citizens

http://www.africa24monde.com/faits%20divers.php?article=chantal-anastasie-biya-noel

In the above 12 second long video, First Lady Chantal Biya and daughter brenda without protocol wish Peaceful Citizens a very Merry Christmas.

Source: AFRIC 24 Monde

Lifting up the Lives of Winners

Hello Everybody and Seasonal Greetings.

 It has been a long, tedious and worthwhile journey for some and others have not been opportuned to see these last days of 2015. Lifting up others has always been part of my vision and hours to 2016, I felt sharing these inspirational quotes with you will energize you enough for the new year.

 Big Goal? Do you know what your next step is?

All you have to do is win and never quit

Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see

I have learnt over the years that when one's mind is made up,this diminishes fear. Rosa Parks

In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear for failure

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. Albert Einstein.

Vision without an action is illusion and Action without a vision is confusion. Sunny John

Believe you are there and you are halfway there. Theodore Roosevelt.

 Leaders do

You are nothing more and nothing less than exactly who you think yourself to be. Enyo Kumahor

Who have you lifted up today?

Edwin Nuvaga Fongod: New Director General Of Cameroon Customs. Recognition of Anglophone talent?

Divine Nchamukong
8:24pm, Monday December 21, 2015 

In a pluralistic society as Cameroon no one expects everyone to beat drums of praise following the appointment of Mr Fongod as head of a body as corrupt as the word itself.

However one thing most people are going to be unanimous on is Ewdin's professional lucidity and his uncompromising attitude to corruption. I am not just excited about him being on one of the country's most covetous seats because he is of English speaking expression as I am but because more Paul Biya appears to recognize that Anglophones are those you can trust to handle the country's most significant income pipeline. I am by no means saying all Anglophones are spotless yet one time DG of the nation's customs Raymond Gwanyalla's performance proves my point.

 

 All said and done, at the end of the day only God alone knows the heart of men. All Cameroonian Anglophones look forward to Edwin Nuvaga Fongod to demonstrate the superior qualities he is made of but also to leave his foot prints in the sands of time. Being Director General of Cameroon Customs is a lucrative position. Edwin must be aware and I trust he is since he is a believer that more than ever this is when Satan lines up his best band to tempt him. Resisting the cash thrown around him as customs boss is going to take more than determination. It is going to take prayer.......a lot of it.
Ba Nkom as we call you in Bali ( a traditional title) make us Balis proud. Make Anglophones proud by standing up to the forces of evil that sure will multiply around you. Through your performance Paul Biya would invest more in your fellow brothers in the challenging task of cleaning up corruption in the country now walking about as human beings. Congratulations and may God help you through.

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Hit the wall & Change:The purpose of life is a life of purpose

Sometimes, we hit the wall because it is we who must change

'Efforts and Courage are not enough without Purpose and direction'. JFK.
 'You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream, you've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself' DIANA ROSS.

Dare to be different today and allow you to become extraordinary tomorrow.

The seeds of kindness that you plant today, will bloom in the hearts of those you touch. The season of failure is the best time for sowing the seeds of success. PY.
Your mind is a garden, Your thoughts are the seeds, You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds.

 

Crawling is not a guarantee you're indexed. 'If you cannot fly, then run; If you can't run, then walk; If you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward' Martin LutherKing Jr.

The awful thing about life is this: everybody has their reasons. The best playground, however, is the dark alley itself. It is crammed with daily mysteries and adventures.

'The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away' Pablo Picasso.

One Tedious & Interesting Morning

“My Business has known a fiasco these days following my persistent search for a new sim card. I have been to different agencies of the Mobile telephony in Buea, Tiko and Limbe but cannot retrieve my sim because the tellers don’t have enough Sims for the customers. The tellers say they run short of sim cards and I think this is ridiculous with all the publicity made about the advent of 4G. Cameroon needs a 5^th network because Orange, MTN, CAMTEL and NEXTEL already have duties to provide the customers, pressing needs cannot be handled. I even had to pay 3000 CFA Francs (instead of 1000) to get a virgin sim. Three times the normal price, and I had to pay because I want operations of my business to see light with end of year festivities at the doorstep” The testimonies of Sylvain TAYO, a 30 year old business man from Buea who has for 3 days struggled in vain to retrieve his number, and so he had to travel from Buea to retrieve his sim card in the Nation’s economic metropolis. This is only one complain amongst many others who have been sitting at the agency since morning and cannot be served for lack of timely services.

 “I have been at Akwa since 8:00am and I have not been attended to. I am furious because this is affecting my day’s schedule and I wonder how I will catch up with the busy nature of the era” 23 year old Mirable Ashu said. A trial to confirm what allegations made by customers since I lost my phone to men of the underworld met me with an experience. Upon arrival, I am advised by security to meet the Agency Manager since hundreds of people are queuing long lines for the same service and I have much work to do on my office table. I wanted to feel what it takes to undertake the normal procedures and so I told the receptionist why I came to the telecommunications building. She gave me ticket number 711, with indications that I have 14 people before me.

Observing the activities of the Sanaga, Benoue and Wouri tellers of the agency, I eavesdrop a conversation between embittered customers complaining about the poor quality of service. Patience is a virtue I cultivate and this day I obtained my Bsc degree in patience and tolerance. It’s 9:54 am and I am going to wait…..

Meantime, the inhabitants of the Akwa neighbourhood were electrified by the triumphant comeback of popular Essama, recently released from the Newbell central prison. The commercial bike riders in a very noisy tour welcomed the son of soil whom they believe stands for rights, thus, his must not be abused. AT 10:35am, the sim card retrievers are still gnashing their teeth over the poor customer services rendered by the Benoue, Sanaga and Wouri tellers. Some run fast asleep, others bang the door for other duties and patient customers who trust in the better connection, wait a little longer. I receive a call at 11:08 and I am forced to quit the Telephony building for the Regional Delegation of Communications. I spent over two hours without any result and on my way out, I stumble on Antoine who happens to be a sim card middle man. He offers his services in 15minutes against a token of 2000 CFA Francs. How does he get sim cards customers cannot be served by tellers? Are some workers of the telephony deliberately keeping sims for black market sales? If yes, why would they play double deals with their customers? And if no, how come this guy solves my problem in 15 minutes? Antoine reassures me in 15minutes, I will have a sim card after giving him a copy of my ID card on which I write the number of my missing sim.

Before the SIM card experience, I ran some errands in Bonanjo, the administrative headquarters of Douala. Early Morning, I run into a crowd at the Bonanjo Immigration centre willing to do passports. As World leaders pushed emissions’ deal in Paris to protect nature’s future from the worst, the hundreds of young citizens I found are planning to hush out of the Country. In the mad rush to step out of Little Africa, they must compile valid documents (copies of birth certificate, academic certificates, ID Card, Work Contract, Marriage Certificate (if married)) that will make them eligible to own a passport. After doing this, the PP candidates queue long lines at the Immigration centre in wait of instructions from the officers handling their documents.

Interesting enough, small businesses are installed by struggling citizens who hawk some food items for some who cannot go all day without breakfast. While the hungry ones attend to their breakfast, a woman wearing sky long sleeve shirt and well ironed navy blue trousers with a strict and stern look steps out and verifies whether passport seekers present have deposited the legal documents required of them. ‘Ou est le garcon qui doit partir à l’école? Il faut que je le libère avant qu’il ne soit trop tard’ she said. The parents of the little boy stepped out with him and she attended to them in 10minutes. I am amazed! I just saw an upright, timely and straightforward officer.

It’s time to take the pictures and every lady (young or old) is making up to look good in the photograph. Another neatly dressed and polite police officer with an afro hair do, flat pair of well-polished black shoes and 6 stars on the epaulette asked tens of the passport seekers to follow her. I am tired but I am carried by the professionalism of these ladies and I write about it to illustrate the rule of exceptions in every experience. I rapidly run for another appointment since it’s a busy day but I am impressed I must confess by the police women’s duty consciousness I will dedicate a whole to them one of these days.