Traditional rulers of Lebialem Division have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to reviving the local economy, promoting education, and ensuring a peaceful and successful presidential election come October 12.
The collective commitment was made during an extraordinary session of the Lebialem Fons Conference, presided over by the President of the Conference, His Royal Majesty Fon Aloysius Lekelefac Fotabong of Lewoh. The event was held in the presence of Minister Paul Tasong, a prominent son of the division, and was attended by all 17 Fons of Lebialem along with the presidents of various development associations.
This crucial gathering focused on the current social, economic, and political realities of the division that have been deeply impacted by years of crisis in the Anglophone regions.
Top on the agenda was the state of education in the division. The Fons, as custodians of tradition and moral authority, expressed deep concern over the disruption of learning caused by the prolonged conflict. They pledged to take the lead in sensitizing their communities on the importance of education and to work closely with competent authorities and stakeholders to ensure that schools reopen in every corner of Lebialem.
“We must mobilize all human and material resources to bring our children back to school. Education is the foundation of any progressive society, and we cannot afford to lose another generation.”, they emphasized.
On the social front, the Fons emphasized the urgent need to restore basic social amenities such as clean water, healthcare facilities, electricity, and access roads. They noted that these services are critical to fast-tracking the socio-economic recovery of the division, which has stagnated for several years due to the ongoing crisis.
The traditional rulers also extended an olive branch to the few remaining armed fighters still hiding in the bushes. They called on them, many of whom are their own sons to lay down their arms and take advantage of the government’s Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program in Buea.
While acknowledging that armed resistance has drastically reduced, the Fons stressed the importance of continued dialogue. “We will continue reaching out to them as our children. They need to understand that peace and development go hand in hand.
Economically, the Fons and Minister Paul Tasong outlined a number of ambitious proposals aimed at setting the division’s economic engine back in motion. Key among these are:
Reconstruction of local markets to boost trade
Rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads to ease access for farmers and traders
Support for agriculture and livestock sectors to provide jobs and food security
The leaders stressed that local economies must be revived to prevent further rural exodus and empower youth and women who are most affected by the economic downturn.
They also extended heartfelt congratulations to the government, through Minister Paul Tasong, for the One Billion FCFA electricity project recently financed under the Special Program for the Reconstruction of the Southwest and Northwest Regions. The project aims to reinstate electricity in the division using reinforced concrete poles, covering the stretch from Dschang through Menji to Bakebe. The Fons described the initiative as a tangible demonstration of the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and development in Lebialem, noting that it puts the division “back on the rails of light.”
On the political front, the Fons reassured that all necessary preparations have been made to ensure that the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 12 will be peaceful, inclusive, and hitch-free.
They appealed to the entire population of Lebialem to come out massively and exercise their civic duty.
In reaffirming their support for President Paul Biya, the Fons cited a series of developmental projects and high-level appointments of Lebialem sons and daughters under his leadership.
While their loyalty was expressed clearly, the Fons emphasized that the core message remains peace, unity, and mass participation in the electoral process.
The resolutions from the conference are expected to serve as a blueprint for rebuilding a vibrant, peaceful, and progressive Lebialem.
The Fons expressed confidence that, with collective effort and unwavering determination, the division can regain its lost glory.
“The once buzzing and hustling Lebialem will rise again,” The Fons declared with optimism. “And so shall it be.”
 By Doc Moore
