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Tag: Cameroon

  • Ghana, Cameroon,15 states shine at 2023 cultural carnival in Calabar

    Ghana, Cameroon,15 states shine at 2023 cultural carnival in Calabar

    Cultural troupes from Ghana, Cameroon and 15 states in Nigeria were among those that shone at the 2023 Calabar Cultural Carnival on Wednesday.
    The event, which witnessed cultural performances from the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River, had different cultural groups in colourful cultural attires.
    Declaring the event open, the Deputy Governor, Mr Peter Odey, said it was “one of its kind as it is happening in the season of sweetness”.
    In his remarks, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, said that out of the 22 states that expressed interest, 15 had arrived at the time of the flag-off of the cultural carnival.
    Onah listed states that were on ground to include Enugu, Kebbi, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Yobe, Ondo, Ekiti and Akwa Ibom.

    “Today marks the bedrock of our tomorrow. Culture is what unites us. It is our true strength. We are live with over 15 million viewers on DSTV and other platforms.”

    In an interview the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, the leader of the Akwa Ibom continent, Ms Abigail Akpakip, said that the attendance was “a bit low due to the economic situation in the nation”.
    While commending the government of Cross River for a good organisation, Akpakip said the few states that were in attendance were passionate about showcasing their cultural heritage.
    Also, Mr Haruna Abu, leader of the  cultural troupe from Ondo State, said the carnival was an improvement from what they saw in the previous years.
    He added that they were okay with the logistics and accommodation for the troupes
    Recall that the performing states and local governments were judged at different adjudication points on the carnival route.
    The criteria for determining the best performing states included the costume, dance, use of time and presentation of the theme.
    Prizes are to be awarded to the best three states and local governments
  • Ambazonia Invasion: Cameroon militant group razes houses in Cross River community

    Ambazonia Invasion: Cameroon militant group razes houses in Cross River community

    Members of the Ambazonian insurgents from Cameroon who sought refuge in the mountainous community of Belegete in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State for nearly two weeks, have fled.

    According to the paramount ruler of Belegete, HRM Uchua Amos said  in an interview, that the insurgents burnt houses in the community before fleeing.

    Recall that the rebels had earlier abducted over 40 Cross River indigenes and killed the clan head, Chief Francis Okweshi.

    The Ambazonian rebels infiltrated Belegete community on December 5, 2023, leading to the displacement of scores of residents.

    The monarch added that the displaced people are yet to return because the insurgents had destroyed many of their houses.

    He added that  he called army and police commanders immediately he received reports of the invasion.

    “The army could not immediately access the Belegete community because of its very difficult topography. It takes over six hours from Obudu Mountain Resort to get there by descending the mountains into the deep.

    “It is not motorable in any way. Okada riders charge N35,000 to travel there. So it was very difficult for our men to descend to the place to rescue our people.

    “But reliable sources confirmed to me this morning that the insurgents have abandoned the community. But they however burnt some houses before they fled.”

    The monarch appealed for government presence in Belegete community to curb incessant invasions by armed insurgents from Cameroon.

    He said the Belegete people are cut off from the rest of Nigeria, adding that the community lacks necessary public amenities.

    The spokesperson of the Cross River Police Command, Irene Ugbo, said she could not immediately confirm the development.

  • Andre Onana rethinks AFCON commitment

    Andre Onana rethinks AFCON commitment

    Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana is rethinking his commitment to Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Onana is due to turn out for Cameroon in the tournament which will run from January 13 to February 11.

    And he is rethinking his commitment after a series of poor performances for United in recent weeks, says The Sun.

    Onana is worried about his long-term place under pressure from backup keeper Altay Bayindir and feels he still needs to prove himself as the club’s outright No1.

    United manager Erik ten Hag recently stated: “We are pleased with the goalkeeping group. They have to push each other.

    “We are very pleased with Altay who is doing very well, he just has to be patient.

    “If he works well and continues his progress, he will get his chance and will have to take it.”

  • Nigerian actor escapes death in Cameroon

    Nigerian actor escapes death in Cameroon

     Nollywood actor Sylvester Madu has escaped death in Bameda, Cameroon following an attack by armed men who stormed an event venue where he was hanging out with others.

    The thespian who travelled to Cameroon for a movie project on November 23, 2023, was having a drink-up with his friends at the venue which was hosting a snooker championship when pandemonium struck.

    Gunshots were heard outside the event venue at past 10pm forcing people to run for their lives leading to the death of four civilians with over 10 others wounded.

    However, the situation was brought under control when local police intervened and secured the safety of the actor and other civilians who were at the event venue.

    The vicious attack by the armed men was also confirmed in a press release issued by the film company that invited the Nollywood actor to Cameroon for the video shoot.

    The statement reads:

    ‘‘DAMA Fims received Nollywood actor Sylvester Madu aka Shina Rambo on Thursday the 23rd of November 2023 in Bamenda for a Movie shoot advocating against hard drug addiction.l While concluding the movie, we received an invite for a guest appearance at BIG G VIP located at Mile 3 Nkwen.

    ‘‘The snooker championship organized by Big G began at 3 pm, everything went well with fans meeting Sylvester Madu, at past 10 pm we heard gunshots from outside, and many ran helter-skelter leading to the death of 4 civilians and over 10 wounded. The police intervened, securing the safety of the Nollywood actor Sylvester Madu and dispersed the crowd.

    ‘‘From Midnight, in the spirit of goodwill, onlookers carried the wounded to the nearest hospitals PMI Nkwen and Regional Hospital, where they are presently receiving treatment. The Police are currently conducting investigations to this effect. They promise the safety of Nollywood Actor Sylvester Madu and his subsequent excursion to his country Nigeria. DAMA Film sends a heartfelt condolence to the parents, siblings, and friends who we join in mourning the deceased.

    “DAMA Films acknowledges the unfortunate happenings and regrets not taking better measures. These grave effects go into consideration in future projects’’ the statement concluded.

     

  • Reps halt plans to cede part of Adamawa to Cameroon

    Reps halt plans to cede part of Adamawa to Cameroon

    The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on International Boundary Dispute has halted plans to cede Sina in Michika Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa to the Republic of Cameroon.

    Rep. Beni Lar, the Chairman of the Committee, gave the ruling in Abuja on Tuesday at an investigative hearing on the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary disputes.

    Lar said the demarcation of the boundary must be put on hold until the disputes were resolved, adding that the committee would visit Adamawa to get a comprehensive report.

    “We will recall that we did the first phase of this, similar to the DANARE-BIAJUA Axis of Cross River State and as a fallout of that, the Speaker through a request by Rep. Dauda Nyampa included Sina area to the committee’s terms of reference,” she said.

    She said the committee would visit Adamawa on a fact-finding mission, adding that the committee had already notified the governor of the visit.

    She said the committee discovered that there was lack of security posts and barracks on the nation’s land borders, whereas such were visible on the Cameroon side of the borders.

    This according to her necesitated the interactive session with the security formations which was to assess the role of security agencies in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country.

    Speaking, Mr Adamu Adaji, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, said the demarcation was being carried out in line with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

    He said so far the sub-commission on demarcation had emplaced a total of 2, 214 pillars on the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    “The Adamawa state sector of the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon as decided by the International Court of Justice is based on treaties and agreements that had been entered into by colonial masters.

    “The courts upheld these treaties and agreements and ruled that they be used to re-establish the boundary. It is not a new boundary.

    ”It is a boundary that has been existing and there are documents that show the fact that these boundaries have been existing.

    “What the court ruled was that go and use this document to re-establish the boundary as it has always been recognized, ” he said.

    The representative of Sina community, Mr Adamu Kamale, said the disputed area was a Nigerian territory and was never a settlement, adding that the community was never considered in the entire demarcation process.

    “From Lake Chad to Bakassi, the ICJ ruled on several communities based on different criteria. The criteria used for Bakassi is not the same used for Michika LGA.

    “In our own case the ruling stated clearly that it is the watershed and if watershed is to be used, it means any territory that is on the flank to left as you are coming from Lake Chad falls into Cameroon

    “And any community to the right falls to Nigeria, because both countries had an agreement on the ruling,” he said.

    He said the position of Cameroon was that the foot of the mountain was to be adopted as the border line, adding that Nigeria averred that it must be the watershed and Nigeria won.

    He said the court made a pronouncement on Nigerian submission that it was the watershed that should be used.

  • Andre Onana explains Cameroon U-turn

    Andre Onana explains Cameroon U-turn

    Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has explained his decision to end his international retirement.

    Having quit Cameroon at the World Cup last season, Onana is back in the squad this week.

    Onana stated this morning: “In the world of football, as well as in life, there are decisive moments, which require crucial choices. In recent months I have had to face trials marked by injustice and manipulation. However, my unwavering love and attachment to my homeland, Cameroon, remains intact. My desire to represent my country has never wavered since my youth, and this aspiration remains an inseparable part of my identity.

    “Nothing and no one can shake this conviction. I respond to my nation’s call with unwavering certainty, knowing that my return is not only aimed at honoring my dream, but also at meeting the expectations and support of Cameroonians, who deserve a national team determined to shine.

    “In the face of manipulation, lies and abuse of power, I choose to remain true to my ideal, proudly representing a country that deserves our sincere commitment. This is the time to unite, to work in harmony for our common good: Cameroon. I would like to pay tribute to the government that is working tirelessly to build a better Cameroon for all.

    “My deepest thoughts go to the people of Cameroon, whom I sincerely thank for their support and whom I look forward to seeing again. Time, the infallible judge of all things, will eventually enlighten us and reveal the correctness of our actions. My commitment to Cameroon remains unwavering and I am determined to do my part to see it prosper. See you on September 12 in Garoua for the qualification for the next African Cup of Nations football.”

  • Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    Lagdo Dam: NEMA lists States likely to be flooded

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has said that Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra states are likely to be flooded, following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    Mr Mustapha Ahmed, Director-General, NEMA, who disclosed this at the National Emergency Coordination Forum meeting, on Wednesday in Abuja said others include Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states  .

    He said that the states, located at the downstream, must begin to take concerted effort to address and mitigate the impact of the impending flooding.

    According to him, the meeting was necessitated by the notification received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the modulated release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    He said that the country had commenced release of water from the Dam at the rate of 200 cubic meters per second which is about 18 million cubic meter of water per day.

    He said that the release may result to all frontline states experiencing flooding in subsequent days and weeks.

    “The states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

    “Information available from the the flow level of the River Benue at Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) gauging station at Makurdi stood at 8.97 meters as of Aug. 25, 2023 compared to 8.80 meters on the same date in 2022.

    “Also, NIHSA has provided that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters.

    “Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro reported consistent flow regimes,” he said.

    The director-general added that immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations should be carried out by all stakeholders to mitigate possible flood disaster this year.

    He however called on Nigerians to remain calm as the agency would continue to work with bother government partners to provide succour including food and non-food items to affected people in the IDPs camps and host communities.

    Earlier, Dr Onimode Bandele, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, said that the meeting was convened to update and discuss with stakeholders from various sectors on the issues around the release of water from Lagdo Dam and the present flood situation in the country.

    He said that it was important to solicit their meaningful contribution in other to chart the way forward to address possible challenges, prepare, mitigate and respond to humanitarian issues that the water release may cause.

    In his remarks, Mr Clement Nze, Director-General, NIHSA, said it was important to deploy high level of preparedness on the part of the federal and state governments, especially in the likely affected states

    He added that citizens, including all agencies and stakeholders charged with disaster response and reduction must step up action and put in place measures to mitigate and avert eventual flood disaster.

  • Massive flooding looms in Nigeria as Cameroon set to open Lagdo Dam

    Massive flooding looms in Nigeria as Cameroon set to open Lagdo Dam

    Authorities at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have been alerted to a possible flooding along the River Benue basin in a few days due to the imminent release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the alert in a letter dated August 21, signed by the director of African Affairs, Umar Salisu.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, East and Central African Division, in the letter, noted that it received a Note Verbale from the High Commission of the Republic of Cameroon indicating that Cameroon’s officials had resolved to open the flood gates of the Lagdo Dam on the Benue River.

    The development, according to the letter addressed to the director general of NEMA, said it was due to increased rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas in Northern Cameroon.

    The letter urged NEMA to take all the necessary proactive steps and actions to mitigate and avoid the damage that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria.

    It also urged the Agency to take proactive steps and actions to sensitise the populace living in such areas to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions.

    The letter reads in part: “According to the Note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of the Lagdo Dam will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damage that the released water may cause along the River Benue basin in both Cameroon and in Nigeria.”

     

  • Samuel Eto’o faces jail term for failing to pay daughter’s monthly allowance of €1,400 for five years

    Samuel Eto’o faces jail term for failing to pay daughter’s monthly allowance of €1,400 for five years

    Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT)President, Samuel Eto’o could be jailed for failing to pay her daughter Erika de Rosario a monthly allowance of €1,400 for five years.

    Erika was born to Eto’o’s former partner Adileusa de Rosario.

    The Cameroonian had an affair with De Rosario during his time as a Real Madrid player in the 90s.

    However, the Cameroonian legend finally recognised his daughter in February 2022.

    The former footballer was supposed to pay a monthly allowance to Erika, as her financial condition is not sound.

    But according to Erika’s lawyer, Fernando Osuna, Eto’o has failed to pay the monthly allowance for five years, meaning the former Chelsea and Inter Milan attacker now owes his daughter almost €90,000.

    Osuna said (as per El Diario de Sevilla): “He owes more than five years of pension to his daughter and continues to defy justice. Erika’s economy is fragile, while Eto’o lives in luxury.”

    “He could be judged with the aggravating circumstance of abuse of power, given his economic superiority over Erika.”

    The trial regarding the case will take place in Madrid, according to Osuna.

  • UCL Final: Guardiola heaps praises on Inter Milan goalie, Andre Onana

    UCL Final: Guardiola heaps praises on Inter Milan goalie, Andre Onana

    Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has singled out Cameroon and Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana,  saying that he’s one of the best in the World.

    City has been tipped as favourite to win this year’s Champions League trophy but Guardiola insists Inter Milan are also a title contender.

    Onana has kept eight clean sheets in 12 Champions League games this season.

    This includes five defensive shut-outs in their six knock-out stage matches.

    “They are a team with a lot of history, they have done really well with the shape, it’s not just how good they defend.

    “It’s how good they are in transitions and linking with the strikers. They have a real good process, starting from [Andre] Onana, an exceptional goalkeeper in the build-up – one of the best in the world right now,” Guardiola told a press conference.