The National President of the Catholic Men’s Association, CMA, Okie Johnson, has been decorated by the Church for his outstanding contribution to the growth of the Buea Diocese.
The recognition was bestowed on him in Buea, as the Diocese celebrated its 75th anniversary. The distinction was awarded shortly after a high pontifical mass.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop Jose Avelino Bettencourt, handed over the distinction.
Rare Honour For Okie
The solemn yet jubilant atmosphere at the Divine Mercy Co-cathedral reverberated with applause yesterday as Okie Johnson received the distinguished service award.
His Grace Bettencourt said, Okie’s “unwavering dedication exemplifies true Christian stewardship.” The packed cathedral bore witness to the historic recognition, acknowledging Okie’s transformative leadership and contributions to the Diocese’s growth.
Under Okie’s visionary leadership, the CMA has flourished throughout Cameroon, with a particularly remarkable impact in the Buea Diocese. His tenure has seen the completion of the impressive CMA National Secretariat in Buea. It is a modern three-story complex serving as the Association’s headquarters and a symbol of unity for Catholic men nationwide.
The secretariat now stands as a monument to collaborative Christian service. The humble contributions of Okie extend far beyond physical infrastructure.
He spearheaded fundraising initiatives that established scholarship programmes for seminarians and disadvantaged youth, while organising regular medical outreaches to rural parishes across the Diocese.
His leadership has inspired unprecedented membership growth, with CMA chapters now active in every parish within the Buea Diocese.
It should be noted that Okie transformed the CMA association from a Sunday gathering into a force for community development and evangelisation.
