Visionary Reports

The third edition of the Nsa’a cultural festival has come to an end. The closing ceremony that took place at the chiefdom in Ndogbong was a true display of cultural might. The Nsa’a Bassa cultural activities in Wouri featured full week of conferences, excursions, traditional performances and community recognition.Speaking during the closing ceremony on Saturday March 28, His Majesty Mbodi Epée Gaston, Senior Chief of Canton Bassa – Wouri said the celebration was designed to “mark the hearts and minds” of Cameroonian communities, while showcasing the depth and variety of Bassa culture.The week-long programme, brought together traditional leaders, youths and cultural performers who demonstrated the creativity and beauty of the Nsa’a Bassa people. His Majesty Mbodi Epée Gaston, Senior Chief of Canton Bassa – Wouri noted that the celebrations offered participants an opportunity to express “what we have, what we know and what we hear,” while continuing the tradition of cultural learning through the community’s rich heritage.He emphasised that the Bassa people continue to move forward together in unity and fraternity.For the mayor of Douala 5 Richard Mfeugwang it was time for the people of Bassa and Cameroon to stay United in their diversity. He thanked all who made it possible for the event to be successful. Innovations this year included the crowning of Queen mothers and the presentation of the Grand Patriarch, events viewed as particularly important for the development and identity of the youth.A strong feature of the programme was youth involvement. His Majesty Mbodi Epée Gaston highlighted that the youth were encouraged through structured activities, including youth-led programmes and cultural promotion supported by monitors ,along with games such as chess, aimed at developing discipline and teamwork.

The ceremony that took place under the watchful eyes of the governor of the Littoral region Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua and other administrators, saw the participation of cultural groups from different regions of Cameroon . At the end of the celebration prizes were awarded to individuals and groups who performed exceptionally during the one-week cultural display.As the Nsa’a Bassa cultural festivities concluded, organisers and leaders expressed confidence that the memories of the event will remain “green” in the minds of participants, reaffirming the importance of cultural preservation and community unity for generations to come.

By Gina Esong