CameroonBits
An Offshoot of SakerPride: http://www.sakerpride.com/
A Hodgepodge of News, Stories , Announcements & Events ...
WHAT'S TRENDING,
WHAT'S NOTEWORTHY,
WHAT'S TOUCHING ...
IN THE SAKERETTE WORLD & BEYOND!!!
THE DIAMOND CELEBRATION IN A TINY NUTSHELL, AS RECOUNTED TO SAKERPRIDE BY PLUCKY DORA "KOKO" EWUSI:
"Our Plucky stay in Cameroon was very intense, productive and satisfying to say the least.
During the 5 days we spent in Limbe, we were basically on our feet throughout as 40 of us celebrated activities marking our 60th Birthday and 43 years since we graduated from Saker Baptist College. Some of us had not seen each other since then.
We came from The USA, UK, Ghana, Nigeria, Congo and Cameroon.
It is worthy to note that the activities did not only include fun things for ourselves. We refurbished the Library of Saker Baptist College by painting it, constructing new tables and benches and training a librarian.
On Friday we had a career fair for the students, and it was amazing to see that young children were so thirsty for knowledge.
As we handed over the library project on Saturday, we had a lavish cocktail for the school staff and government officials. Take note that because of a Minister's presence the administration of Fako Division including the representative of the Governor were present.
The young students entertained us with beautifully executed traditional dances and the 900 of them also has a pack of the cocktail items plus a drink.
The activities concluded on Sunday with a beautiful Thanksgiving service at the school chapel.
All of 40 of us were lodged at The Victoria Guest House and other activities included devotions every morning and night, morning sports and a tour of Buea and Limbe.
At the handing over ceremony, our classmate, the minister of state at the Presidency in Charge of Supreme State Audit donated another three million francs for a toilet project and one of the guests, the Senator for Limbe, also an ex-Student (CLASS OF 1970's Ms. Gladys Etombi Ikome) topped it up with another two million francs needed to complete the project.
I just want to conclude here that there is something noble and satisfying in giving towards a good cause.
It will be the talk in Saker for years to come."
No way to look at all the VIDEOS AND PICTURES and disagree with that statement!
GOOOOOOO PLUCKYS!!!! KEEP SETTING THOSE IDEALS HIGH!!!
OUR ALMA MATER & ITS ALUMNAE ARE ALL THE BETTER FOR IT!
OBOSO!
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE PHOTO & VIDEO ALBUM OF THE HISTORIC DIAMOND CELEBRATION!
(589 PHOTOS & VIDEOS)
THE INSTALLATION OF SUPREME COURT JUDGE
LADY VERA NKWATE NGASSA (CLASS OF 1980)
YAOUNDE ~ Saturday, November 19th 2020
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW ENTIRE PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM
As you might well recall, it is in the month of AUGUST 2020, that the PRESIDENTIAL DECREE which made HISTORY by appointing CLASS OF 1980's LADY JUSTICE VERA NKWATE NGASSA to the SUPREME COURT, thereby making her THE VERY FIRST SAKERETTE to have risen to that position in CAMEROON'S judiciary and, jusqu’à preuve du contraire, the YOUNGEST to ever have been appointed to that Court - Male or Female.
Well, as you must also have guessed, that ain't the kind of position you just wear you some ya "color closs" the Monday after the 3 O'clock News Announcement, and go "occupy" - just like that!!
YOU HAVE TO BE INSTALLED, WELL AND PROPER, and that's exactly what happened on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19th 2020, - complete with a RECEPTION afterwards.
So, let the RECORD - as in PICTURE/VIDEO SNIPPET ALBUM posted below show that Congratulatory and Celebratory BOUQUETS, CAKES, GAVELS and PLUMES were duly presented, with a throng of very DISTINGUISHED GUESTS - including Family, Friends, CLASS OF 1980 CLASSMATES and SAKERETTES in general!
CONGRATULATIONS again, dear VERA, and GODSPEED!!!
CLASS OF 2008/2010
YAOUNDE AGM
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th February 2021
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW ENTIRE PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM
Know what?
If anything one does or promotes is not built to last long enough to outlive one's existence, then there is cause to wonder how meaningful or worthwhile it really is.
Quite frankly, it would be troubling if the PRIDE SAKERETTES have in their school were something only the MA'As felt, which would mean that once they quit the earthly stage, as all humans eventually will, that sense of "SAKER PRIDE" would vanish with them.
THANKFULLY, that is very UNLIKELY to be the case. Not in a million years and it is PICTURES and VIDEOS like the ones captured during the CLASS OF 2008/2010 AGM cum 10 YEAR REUNION that took place on the weekend of FEBRUARY 5th to 7th 2021 that make Ma SakerPride say so, with reasonable "KONGFIE" (as in, CONFIDENCE)!!!
Right there, in the midst of all that WHEELBARROW STYLE RACING, SAKER ANTHEM SINGING, BUFFET DINING and some SERIOUS WAIST WINDING (as in "IYAKA EEEEEH" 😂😂), is a clear expression of PURE SISTERHOOD that is long-lasting.
YOUNG CALVES REALLY DO WATCH WHEN MOTHER GOAT IS CHEWING and they are likely to DO LIKEWISE oh!
I guess it is up to those of US, "MOTHER/AUNTY GOATS" to chew well, if we do want to see TRUE SAKERETTE SISTERHOOD continue to get passed down from GENERATION TO GENERATION!!!
As for you, PRECIOUS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2008/2010, this MA'A is even PROUDER of you and prays the BOND you share never weakens!
In facK, may it only wax stronger!!!
By the way, did I or did I not see the PRESIDENT of ExSSA-YAOUNDE - Mrs. JESSIE ATOGHO EKUKOLE (CLASS OF '78) and PIONEER Ms. PLAYNE FUONDGING (CLASS OF '66) right there SINGING THE SAKER ANTHEM along with the YOUNG DAMSELS???!!!!
Did I say GENERATIONS????
'NUFF SAID!!!
But before you go off to VIEW THE PHOTO ALBUM & WATCH THE VIDEOS, allow me to award a "KONDOH" to that DRUMMER GIRL who accompanied the ANTHEM SINGING, beating on that DRUM with her PALM and an EMPTY TANGUI BOTTLE!!!! 😂😂😂
THE INSTALLATION OF THE
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE YAOUNDE GYNAECO-OBSTETRIC & PAEDRIATIC HOSPITAL
PROFESSOR ROBINSON ENOW MBU.
YAOUNDE ~ Tuesday, March 2nd 2021
The DECREE appointing Professor Dr. ROBINSON ENOW MBU, (spouse of CLASS OF 1981's Mrs. MERCY BATUO MBU), DIRECTOR-GENERAL of the YAOUNDE GYNAECO-OBSTETRIC & PAEDIATRIC HOSPITAL was signed by the PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON on February 18th 2021 and today, Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 he was installed.
Needless to say, WE, SAKERETTES are elated and very PROUD of our "CAT" and WE, CLASS OF 1981 ROYALS are doubly - maybe even "quadruply" so, because we know, in this specific case, the "BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN IS A STRONG WOMAN" adage is as FACTUAL as can be! Nothing CLICHE about it!
CONGRATULATIONS, PROFESSOR & MRS. MBU!
GODSPEED!!!!!
THE METEORIC RISE OF CLASS OF 2002's
ULANDA OBEN aka MAMA MAKOSSA
"SABI NO DEY HIDE" for real!
Our ULANDA's TALENT is, indeed, speaking for itself.
It has been a string of "APPEARANCES" and "FEATURINGS" over the last few weeks (CRTV & VOSAWORLD RADIO), and then, just this last weekend, (just days after she set foot in the U.S.), she was taking HOUSTON by storm, while she was being featured - YET AGAIN, by VOSAWORLD's MABELLE ETUGE on her KKUP 91.5 FM AFRO MUSIC Show out of CALIFORNIA!
WOW! Just WOW!
CLASS OF 1977's Mrs. JUDITH EFUNDEM ENAW nee AGBOR
(Secretary General of the International Commission for the
Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin)
FEATURED IN "FEMME D'AFRIQUE" MAGAZINE
(Friday, March 19th 2021)
Her interview with the well-known and widely read magazine - FEMME D'AFRIQUE which was published last Friday, March 19th started off with this simple question in "LA LANGUE DE VOLTAIRE"
"Pouvez-vous vous présentez à nos lecteurs?" which no one needs more than a couple of "PIERRE ET SEYDOU" lessons from "MONSIEUR" (Ndame) to translate into English as:
"Can you introduce yourself to our readers?"
Her response was:
"I am Cameroonian by nationality. Since April 2016, I have been the Secretary General of the International Commission for the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin, headquartered in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Holder of a Bachelor's degree in English Private Law, a Master's in philosophy of Law and a Masters in Maritime Administration and Environmental Protection. I am 61 years old; I am married and a mother of three with several grandchildren."
Now, there's only one person on Planet Earth that that description would fit, and that would be CLASS OF 1977's Mrs. JUDITH EFUNDEM ENAW nee AGBAW and we're definitely PROUD of her!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE:
CLASS OF 1979's LATEST "DOKTA":
Dr. Mrs. HADDASSAH AYOMPE nee MBAKE
CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order for CLASS OF 1979's Mrs. HADDASSAH AYOMPE nee MBAKE (erstwhile PRINCIPAL of GHS LIMBE), who, on Tuesday, March 16th 2021 brilliantly defended her Doctoral Thesis at the UNIVERSITY of BUEA, thus earning a PhD in EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION!
Needless to say, the Hug, Kiss and Bouquet of flowers from supportive and proud "CAT", Commissaire AYOMPE, gives credence to the "VICE VERSA" part of the "BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL MAN, STANDS A STRONG WOMAN"!
CLASS OF 1980's
Dr. Mrs. BERTHA EKWOGE nee KOGGERSON
APPOINTED UNESCO COMMISSION CHIEF OF SECTION
You may not care much for the FRENCH - croissants, fromage, NAPOLEON n' all, but one must admit that that "JAMAIS DEUX SANS TROIS" adage of theirs does have some truth to it!
Ah, OUI!!!
Turns out that we do have a THIRD SAKERETTE to celebrate, given that a DECREE duly signed yesterday, March 24th, 2021 by the PRIME MINISTER and HEAD OF GOVERNMENT of the REPUBLIC of CAMEROON appointed CLASS OF 1980's Dr. BERTHA EKWOGE nee KOGGERSON to the position of Chief of Section for Human and Social Sciences in the National Commission for UNESCO.
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2002
HOLDS ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN
DOUALA ON SATURDAY, MARCH 27th 2021
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW A FEW MORE PICTURES
On Saturday, March 20th 2021, The ETOMBI FOUNDATION which is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that aims to provide sustainable solutions in the domains of healthcare and education for the underprivileged in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon especially, was officially launched at the Mountain Hotel in Buea, under the distinguished patronage of Cameroon's Head of State, President PAUL BIYA, whose Personal Representative at the ceremony was her Excellency The Minister of Social Affairs - Madame IRENE PAULINE NGUENE.
The PHOTOS and VIDEOS do a pretty decent job of presenting the magnitude, scope and reach of the Event whose FULL PROGRAM is posted further below, right after this IMPRESSIVE list of "HEAVYWEIGHTS" who featured in it.
EMCEES:
Mrs. DOROTHY FORBIN nee IKOME (Class of '70)
Mr. MATTHEW TAKWI
DIGNITARIES PRESENT:
- THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS, Mrs. IRENE PAULINE NGUENE
- THE GOVERNOR OF THE SOUTHWEST REGION, Mr. BERNARD OKALIA BILAI
- MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR FAKO EAST PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY, HONORABLE GLADYS ETOMBI IKOME (Class of '72)
- THE SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER, SWR
- THE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, SWR
- THE LORD MAYOR OF BUEA
- THE SECRETARY GENERAL IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS, BERYL ITOH PANJE, (Class of 1988)
GUEST ARTISTS:
- HANNAH EWUNE
- MOLA MONGOMBE (ROI SOLEIL BASS)
CUTTING OF THE CAKE:
- PROFESSOR DOROTHY LIMUNGA NJEUMA
As you can well imagine, the FOUNDER OF THE ETOMBI FOUNDATION being a "PUCKINETTE", as in, the SAKERETTE DAUGHTER of the PLUCKY CLASS OF 1977's "S.P. FOR LIFE" - Ms. LOIS EBENYE IKOME, her PLUCKY AUNTIES, (State Minister ROSE FOMUNDAM MBAH ACHA, Ms. ENAKA AKO, Mrs. BELINDA ASSAM and Ms. BEATRICE NAMBANGI, to name just these few), "represented" via their physical presence, and/or much-appreciated financial donations.
Definitely worthy of note, as well, is the presence of the Founder's SAKERETTE (blood) Aunties, Mrs. DOLLY FORBIN (Class of 1970) and HON. GLADYS IKOME (Class of 1972)
Finally, and certainly not least amongst the august SAKERETTE guests present, was Ms. IRENE NKANSAH who flew in all the way from CHICAGO, ILLINOIS!
CONGRATULATIONS, Miss NAO & GODSPEED!!! SUPER PROUD OF YOU!
PLEASE CLICK ON ICON ABOVE TO VIEW THE FULL EVENT PROGRAM.
CLASS OF 2011's, Ms. NAOMI MOUSSA
OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES THE ETOMBI FOUNDATION
@ BUEA MOUNTAIN HOTEL on SATURDAY, MARCH 20th 2021
Website: https://etombifoundation.com/
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM!
MA SUSANNAH NANYONGO HADDISON
aka "MA HADDIE"
CELEBRATES HER CENTENNIAL
LIMBE ~ Sunday, May 2nd 2021
MA SUSANNAH NANYONGO HADDISON'S "SAKER CREDENTIALS" ARE STELLAR:
SHE IS:
- THE WIFE OF LATE Mr. GEORGE HADDISON aka "PA HADDIE" - Veteran educator who, in the 70s and early 80s, taught BIBLE & LITERATURE at SAKER BAPTIST COLLEGE in the most KNOWLEDGEABLE and THOROUGH of ways, and who, even though endearing, calm and easy-going would not hesitate to sternly bid you "follow the direction of my pointing finger" as he expelled you from class. (Might I add here that his firm decision to "ditch" my at-the-time-universally-used KENYANG name "EGBE" in favor of my never-before-used-hitherto MOKPE name "ETONDE", is responsible for some minor "identity confusion" issues wherein each of my children has, at some point had to ask me why their Aunties call me by one name, and their own Dad, by another!)
- THE MOTHER OF Mr. PAUL LUMA HADDISON, 9th PRINCIPAL OF SAKER BAPTIST COLLEGE who served between LATE Mr. Tetevi BODYLAWSON and Mrs. Karen LYONGA
- THE MOTHER OF 2 EXEMPLARY SAKERETTES:
* CLASS OF 1969's Mrs. DAISY ETYA'ALE nee HADDISON who was one of the 19 young Cameroonians who made up the CAMEROON COLLEGE SINGERS that toured NORTH AMERICA in 1969 and who later TAUGHT AT SAKER BAPTIST COLLEGE . (She sang ALTO, by the way!)
* CLASS OF 1975's Mrs. HANNAH WILLIAMS nee HADDISON who, in turn was one of the 19 young Cameroonians who made up the CAMEROON CHORISTERS who also toured CANADA and the UNITED STATES 12 years later - in 1981. (Wanna guess what part she sang? You guessed right if you thought ALTO!!!)
- THE GRANDMOTHER OF CLASS OF 1999's HELEN-MARIE ETYA'ALE
Now, MIGHTY IMPRESSIVE as all of that is, it is the fact that Dear "MA HADDIE" sold DELECTABLE DELICACIES such as DODO, FRIED FISH, AKRA BANANA (wit small pepper for corner) and KANDA STEW, under the MANGO TREE by KENNEDY DORMITORY, thereby saving the very lives of some of us who had a hard time "adjusting" to SBC's CORN CHAFF, ZEZE and JOLOH-JOLOH MEAT, that is, BY FAR, her very best SAKER "KONDOH"!!!
(Not the time to elaborate on "THE-NAMELESS-STUDENT" who, throughout her entire year in FORM ONE had to rely on her much more responsible FORM 3 Big Sister for the 50 FRANCS taxi ride to HALF MILE for midterm, the former having squandered her every franc on MA HADDIE's CHOP-LICK-FINGAH food - or on MAMMI FONJONG's "temptations" sold under that same MANGO TREE, or MA NGONGUI's "KPAKOKO BIBLE" in the SEWING ROOM!!! Aah, LIFE AS A "FOX"!!! Choi!! )
THAT OUR "MA HADDIE" has lived for a CENTURY is a feat FEW - anywhere in the world have, can or will achieve and THAT, Ladies and Gentlemen is a MILESTONE worth CELEBRATING!
Her family definitely thought so, which is why TODAY, Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, they organized a "CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE" for her!
Her "DAUGHTERS" of THE SAKERETTES TRANSGLOBAL ALLIANCE were certainly of the same opinion, which is why they made it a point to mark the MOMENTOUS OCCASION with a GREETING CARD, a CAKE and a BOUQUET OF FRESH FLOWERS, intent on OFFERING FLOWERS TO THE LIVING WHILE THEY CAN YET SMELL THEM!!)
CONGRATULATIONS, Dear MA HADDIE!
May God continue to BLESS & SUSTAIN you!
Today, May 2nd 2021 at EBENEZER BAPTIST CHURCH, LIMBE
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW A FEW MORE PHOTOS
GOLD/ROYAL BLUE CAKE & BOUQUET OF FRESH FLOWERS FROM HER "SAKERETTES TRANSGLOBAL ALLIANCE "DAUGHTERS"
THE FIRST EVER NATIONAL COME TOGETHER OF THE
CLASS OF 1998 - 2003
LIMBE - May 8th & 9th 2021
They enrolled in SAKER BAPTIST COLLEGE in 1998 and graduated in 2003 - or 2005, for those who went on to HIGH SCHOOL.
However, it is not until this past weekend - on SATURDAY May 8th and Sunday, May 9th 2021, to be precise, that they got together in LIMBE, to have their "FIRST EVER NATIONAL COME TOGETHER"!!
The "EMPRESSES" promised - on their EVENT FLYER, that there would be "food, drinks, chit-chatting, games and dancing"!
Was seriously thinking of asking them to FINE them a tray of "BURNING FAWUL & DODO" similar to what they feasted on for (conspicuously) leaving out "SINGING" from the LIST of activities, I found out - courtesy of a VIDEO SNIPPET, that they did in fact SING - and beautifully too!
What I am unable to verify, is whether or not they executed this "YEKUMALEZANDA" dance that was also promised, as in, NA WHICH KINE DANCE BE DAT, ah beck?? LOL!
What is very clear though, is that they did have FUN; LOTS OF IT, and that, certainly, is a GOOD thing!
WAY TO GO, YOUNG LADIES!
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM!
The FACULTY PAGE of the University of Delaware's COLLEGE OF EARTH, OCEAN and ENVIRONMENT says this of CLASS OF 1978's ESTELLA NKWATE ATEKWANA:
Estella Atekwana is the fourth dean of the college and has research interests in biogeophysics; tectonics and continental rift formation; near surface geophysics; biogeophysics; tectonophysics; and extensional tectonics. (Na so TYLENOL-defying headache take start! LOL!)
As for WIKIPEDIA (Yes oh! A WHOLE WIKIPEDIA), it states as follows:
Estella Atekwana (née Estella Akweseh Nkwate; born 13 September 1961) is a geophysicist studying biogeophysics and tectonophysics. She is currently Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware.
Now, on to the SEG (The SOCIETY OF EXPLORATION GEOPHYSICISTS) WIKI. Here's what it says:
Estella Atekwana holds a BS in Geology (magnum cum laude) from Howard University (1983), an MS in geology from Howard University (1986), and a PhD in geophysics in 1991 from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Well, jaw-droppingly ASTONISHING, and MARVELOUS as all that is, it is not "NEW NEWS", given that it had been "SakerPrided" before!
What's BRAND NEW, however, are the contents of this TWEET that was posted at 9:30 a.m. this past MONDAY, JUNE 7th, 2021, on the University of Delaware's TWITTER page:
Congratulations to our #UDel CEOE Dean
@atekwanae, who has received the Reginald Fessenden Award from @SEG_org, given to those who make specific technical contributions to exploration geophysics.
Natural thing to do after reading this?
Google "The Reginald Fessenden Award" of course!
That search yielded a little more of an explanation than what the Tweet had said:
"The Reginald Fessenden Award is given to a person who has made a specific technical contribution to exploration geophysics, such as an invention or a theoretical or conceptual advancement, which, in the opinion of the Honors and Awards Committee and the Executive Committee, merits special recognition."
The REALLY interesting and eye-opening "discovery" was the LIST that followed the statement!!
It was a LIST of the RECIPIENTS of the Award, starting from 1961.
Started scanning the list, moving up from that 1961 and NOTED 3 THINGS:
#1 At least 1 Award was given POSTHUMOUSLY
#2 Some years (counted at least 8), NO AWARD WAS GIVEN)
#3 The list was filled of every MAN PIKIN name you could imagine: Franklin, Harold, Victor, Paul, John, Andrew, Peter, James, Matthew, ... in facK, e juh be like say dem award na JESUS e Disciples/Apostles!!!
And then I landed on the UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE's OFFICIAL WEBSITE itself and found a paragraph titled "HONORS" and its second sentence said it all!!!!
Here's the paragraph in question, in its entirety:
Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, has received the Reginald Fessenden Award from the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). Atekwana is only the third woman, and first African-American woman, to receive this award in 60 years. The award is given to those who make specific technical contributions to exploration geophysics, such as an invention or a theoretical or conceptual advancement which merits special recognition. Founded in 1930, the SEG Geophysicists is a global not-for-profit organization with a mission of connecting the world of applied geophysics. Originally titled the SEG Medal Award, the honor was changed to the Reginald Fessenden Award in 1977 to recognize Reginald Fessenden, who developed a sonic sounder to find icebergs and whose work helped propel the usage of marine reflection seismology.
Need I - or anyone else say more, - besides "SABI NO DEY HIDE" and CONGRATULATIONS, once again, Dr. ESTELLA AKWESEH NKWATE ATEKWANA??!!!
We're so, so proud of you!
If AWING has not yet named an entire KWATA (plus Hospital, Market Square, and 4 CORNERS after you (and another set after your equally BRILLIANT "falla back"), then maybe someone should start drafting one of those "I HEREBY" Requests!!! FOR REAL-REAL!!!
Dr. ESTELLA AKWESEH NKWATE ATEKWANA (CLASS OF 1978)
DEAN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE'S
COLLEGE OF EARTH OCEAN & ENVIRONMENT IS
THE FIRST EVER AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO RECEIVE THE REGINALD FESSENDEN AWARD IN 60 YEARS OF ITS EXISTENCE!!
TWO LADIES & THEIR MEDALS!
CONGRATULATIONS!!
On Saturday, May 1st 2021, CLASS OF 1989's Mrs. MARY BESEM TAKANG nee IYOK was honored by The STATE OF CAMEROON with a SILVER MEDAL for MERITORIOUS SERVICES rendered as a teacher in the private sector.
Mrs. TAKANG who has a bachelor's degree in communication from Amadou Bello University has dedicated her life to the training of youngsters, a Passion that started when she got employed, in 2002, as a Literature and English teacher at Saker Baptist college where she taught for 4 years before joining her husband, Mr. ERIC TAKANG, in Yaounde.
She continued teaching as she served in Mervick Billingual secondary school for 10 years, and then at Pyramid Secondary School, Ntui where she was identified and honoured with this Medal.
Incidentally, her sibling Ebenye Iyok, and her daughters, Tina Randa Enanga Takang (Class of 2013) and Elisabeth Limunga Takang (Class of 2014) are all proud SAKERETTES!
We join them all to CELEBRATE and CONGRATULATE her!
Mrs. MARY BESSEM TAKANG nee IYOK (Class of 1989)
SAKERETTE, SAKER MOM & FORMER SAKER TUTOR
SILVER MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE (May 1st 2021)
PROUD SAKERETTE MOM & HER SAKERETTE DAUGHTERS, LIMUNGA & ENANGA TAKANG.
MONSIEUR et DAME!
Mr. ERIC and Mrs. MARY TAKANG
Dr. Mrs. FRANKA BIAKA nee HONGLA (Class of 1979)
SAKERETTE & SAKER MOM
COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF VALOUR!!
The Document from the Governor's Office notifying CLASS OF 1979's Dr. Mrs. FRANKA HONGLA BIAKA that she had been elevated to the rank of COMMANDER OF THE CAMEROON ORDER OF VALOUR was signed on May 1st 2021, but the Award Ceremony took place yesterday, Wednesday, June 9th 2021 in BUEA, followed by a classy Reception at the BUEA MOUNTAIN CLUB, with her CLASS OF '79 CLASSMATES, other SAKERETTES, Dignitaries and Guests in attendance.
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS, Sis!
CLASS OF '79 IN THE HOUSE!
Standing L to R: Justice Anne Afong, Mrs. Frida Enow Takor, Mrs. Hannah Itambi Monono, Ms. Joan Misodi, Ms. Katy Fotabong
Sitting L to R: Dr. Mrs. Hadassah Mbake Ayompe, Ms. Beatrice Ngere Bau.
THE INAUGURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA'S VERY FIRST BLACK WOMAN DISTRICT GOVERNOR IN THE 100 YEARS OF ROTARY EXISTENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA!
Dr. Mrs. STELLA NWIGWE ANYANGWE
(CLASS OF 1969)
PRETORIA ~ Saturday, June 26th 2021
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW ENTIRE INAUGURATION ALBUM
Did my best to honor the ZOOM INVITE to her 70th Birthday Celebration, but then, since it fell smack dab in the middle of my 3rd block ZOOM Class and there are just so many times you can afford to say to your High School students: "OK, DUDES & DUDETTES, go work on the exercise I just posted on CANVAS" in order to give yourself a few more minutes to switch back to your 3rd laptop and re-join the Birthday Bash ... and still go get your (albeit miserly) paycheck at the end of the month IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, my participation in the event was "half-half", at best.
And that is why, the very instant I got the ZOOM INVITE to attend the HISTORY-MAKING, RECORD-BREAKING, TRAIL-BLAZING Event that would have Class of 1969's Dr. Mrs. STELLA CHINWE NWIGWE ANYANGWE, by dint of her being made DISTRICT GOVERNOR FOR 2021-22 OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 9400 (covering BOTSWANA, ESWATINI, SOUTHERN MOZAMBIQUE, AND NORTHERN SOUTH AFRICA), THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN DG IN THE 100 YEARS OF ROTARY EXISTENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA, I set me my 4 different alarms (Cell phone, Alexa, Cell phone and Desktop) for 5:15 a.m. on that Saturday, June 26th 2021, and went to bed ALREADY DRESSED IN MY SENEGALESE BOUBOU WITH MATCHING HEADTIE! No kidding!
VERY MINDFUL of the guilt I am harboring regarding my suspicion that the reason the UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY at West Point doesn't seem to have admitted any other CAMEROONIAN since the ear-piercing kontri ululations I greeted every single segment of my nephew's Graduation Ceremony from that institution with back in 2017, I MADE TRIPLE SURE THAT I REMAINED MUTED through the entire ceremony, and did ALL MY HALLA-ring and Scattah Place-ing in the privacy of my living room!!!!
Couldn't have been PROUDER of our AUNTY STELLA - and of UNCLE CARL ANYANGWE who became a MEMBER of ROTARY during the ceremony as well!! CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order, and knowing said Aunty Stella to be the WOMAN OF HER WORD that she is, her tenure will be laced with FUN, and that "SINGING & DANCING" she promised to introduce so as to reduce the pre-existing "stiffness"???
YOU BETTER BELIEVE WE GO TAKE EYE CHOP KRISMUS (& RAMADAN) WELL AND PROPAH! CANNOT WAIT!!!
GODSPEED, AUNTY CHINWE! OBOSO!!!
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW A FEW PICTURES & VIDEOS IN AN IMPROVISED & GROSSLY INCOMPLETE "AUNTY STELLA THROUGH THE YEARS" PHOTO ALBUM
(INCLUDES VIDEO SNIPPET OF HER SURPRISE 70th BIRTHDAY IN APRIL 2021)
PLEASE CLICK ON PLAY BUTTON TO LISTEN TO EXCERPT OF SPEECH DELIVERED BY HER PREDECESSOR, Ms. ANNEMARIE MOSTERT JUST BEFORE THE "CHANGING OF THE GUARD" HAPPENED
It was just 3 weeks ago, on MONDAY, JUNE 7th 2021 to be precise, that the University of Delaware's TWITTER page posted the following information about their institution's DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EARTH, OCEAN & ENVIRONMENT, Professor ESTELLA NKWATE ATEKWANA:
"Congratulations to our #UDel CEOE Dean @atekwanae, who has received the Reginald Fessenden Award from @SEG_org, given to those who make specific technical contributions to exploration geophysics."
Please, as in, ah beg! You better NOT have forgotten that she thus became only the third woman, and first African-American woman, to receive this award in 60 years!!! (SEE FULL STORY FURTHER ABOVE!)
Well then, to prove the "SABI NO DEY HIDE" adage correct, just a couple of days ago, on TUESDAY, JUNE 29th 2021, this is what the College's website reported:
Estella Atekwana, dean of the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment (CEOE) since 2017, has been named dean of the College of Letters and Science at the University of California, Davis (UCDavis). Her new appointment is effective Aug. 1.
As you might well imagine, the University of Delaware's loss is certainly a huge gain for the UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS which ranks amongst the TOP 10 PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES in the United States of America!!!
Here is part of what they gleefully posted on their website:
The University of California, Davis today (June 29) named Estella Atekwana, a dean and geophysicist from University of Delaware, as new dean of the College of Letters and Science (L&S), the largest of UC Davis’ colleges and schools.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Atekwana assume this key university post,” said Mary Croughan, UC Davis provost and executive vice chancellor. “Her high scholarly distinction, administrative effectiveness, and commitment to diversity and inclusion will greatly benefit both L&S and the university.”
Now, RAISE YOUR HAND if you think this is the last we have heard of this BRILLIANT and ACCOMPLISHED Member of the CLASS OF 1978 ... (Say who be "MBUT"???)
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN, Sis "ESTE"!!!
We really couldn't be PROUDER!
UPDATE ...
CLASS OF 1979 ON THE GO!
(DOUALA AGM & OTHER "OUTINGS")
JUNE/JULY 2021
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM
As you might recall, they had their Maiden AGM in BAFFOUSAM in 2020 and just a couple of weeks ago, they held the 2021 AGM in DOUALA.
The PICTURES/VIDEOS of the weekend's EVENTS tell the HEARTWARMING Story quite well, as do those showing the BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION of a classmate, the VISIT with an ailing classmate, the attendance of a GRAND PIKIN'S "BORNHOUSE", etc.
WAY TO GO, LADIES!!!!
Cannot wait to see even MORE from you all, as the weeks, months and years roll by!
GODSPEED!
CLASS OF 1993/95's Dr. Mrs. CATHERINE MANGA MUKETE's
LAURELLE FAMILY & WELLNESS CENTER
OPENS ITS DOORS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS!
CLASS OF 1993/95's Dr. Mrs. CATHERINE NANYONGO MANGA MUKETE has done it!
Her fervent dream to quit "clocking in" at someone else's health facility and become HER OWN BOSS came to fruition this past Monday, July 26th 2021, when her LAURELLE FAMILY HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER opened its doors in BRYAN, TEXAS.
The facility which hosts two rooms for IV Nutrition Therapy and two for Primary Care visits and Suboxone treatments accepts most Major Insurances, Medicare/ Medicaid Accepted so, we don't wish it on anyone BUT if you, (or someone else you know), resides in the BRYAN/HOUSTON area and has any of the health challenges featured on the beautiful flyer above, you'd know where exactly to get help; WON'T YOU???
CONGRATULATIONS, IYA DOCTOR! GODSPEED! WE COULDN'T BE ANY PROUDER! OBOSO!
CLASS OF 1991 "SILVERETTES" CELEBRATE 30!!!
DALLAS, TEXAS ~ Thursday, July 29th to Sunday, August 1st 2021
The CLASS OF 1991 "SILVERETTE" 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION that happened over a span of 4 ACTION-PACKED days is now over, but for all 26 Ladies who were a part of it, I am certain the MEMORIES made out there in DALLAS, are going to last a LIFETIME!
WHAT A CELEBRATION IT WAS!
FROM ...
THE "ONE KIND"/DRESS CODE OUTFITS - First, Purple and then Blue or Lime Green T-Shirts; Ankara Tops & Jeans; Black Formal Gowns; Name Customized Bedroom Robes and Turquoise Lace ...
TO...
THE ACTIVITIES - BOAT RIDES, LIMOUSINE RIDES, PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP Sessions, Dancing, Singing and Champagne Popping ...
TO ...
THE ROOMS in their HOSTESS' GORGEOUS HOME (I should probably say "MANSION"), being transformed into "DORMITORIES" ...
ALL THE WAY TO ...
THAT EPIC, CLASSY, SUBDUED CHIC OF A FORMAL, 4-COURSE DINNER that was catered for them by their SAKERETTE AUNTIES - CLASS OF 1979's Ms. KIDI NTUBA and CLASS OF 1977's Mrs. MARILYN SHANG SIMO, DECOR and ALL!!! OH, MY GOODNESS!!!! (Talk about DOMESTIC SCIENCE ON STERIODS!!!!!!!!!)
Well, Dear SILVERETTES:
CONGRATULATIONS on your 30th!
KUDOS for making the time to STEP AWAY from the STRESSES OF LIFE to BOND, ENJOY each other's company and be PAMPERED so you return to "NORMAL/REGULAR" life, REFRESHED and RECHARGED!
THANKS for also making it a point to carry out HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS, particularly SPONSORING CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND BY YOUR FALLEN CLASSMATES!!!
WELL DONE!!!
They don't have the PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS ready yet, but I just KNOW you wouldn't mind the "AVANT-GOUT" posted above!
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO
CLASS OF 2018's LILY FENDE EKO
CONGRATULATIONS are certainly in order for CLASS OF 2018's LILY FENDE EKO, who, on Friday July 30th graduated from St. JEROME CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY in DOUALA, with a first Degree in Accounting, Auditing and Management Control!
And then, the day after, Lily got herself the most pleasant and exciting of SURPRISES, when fellow SAKERETTE, ULANDA, (YES, MAMA MAKOSSA HERSELF), showed up at her GRADUATION PARTY, all of it orchestrated by her U.S.-based, doting Uncle!
Lily and her PROUD MOM,
Sally Ebenye Nyoki.
CLASS OF 1994 - 1999 NORTH AMERICA REUNION
LAS VEGAS ~ June 9 - 12 2022
Their Class started off at Saker Baptist College in 1994, which means they've known each other, for close to 3 decades - for the most part.
Well, 14 of them - or 15 if you count the PRECIOUS ONE still in his/her MAMA'S BELLY) who reside in NORTH AMERICA decided to go beyond CHATTING ON WHATSAPP or making Phone Calls to MEETING PHYSICALLY!!!
And, what CITY in this 'Merica do you think they chose to "rekindle and bond"???
YOU GUESSED RIGHT; LAS VEGAS of course!!! TREASURE ISLAND on the LAS VEGAS STRIP is where they headed.
From the ATV RIDES - complete with HELMETS, to the "NA WE DEY HERE" Dancing in the LIMO, right through to the WININING & DINING & SINGING, it is clear that they had TONS of FUN!
They have chosen to share a part of what the EXPERIENCE was like, via some PICTURES and VIDEOS.
My FAVORITE???
The one where each person seated around the Diner Table got to say - from the heart, what matters or counts the most to them, with GRATITUDE!
Quite frankly, in a season like the one we're in currently where a lot of what we see happening around us is a stark reminder of the BREVITY of LIFE, one couldn't commend these YOUNG LADIES enough for taking time off work, husbands and kids, to just go "HANG OUT".
The way they themselves put it, their aim was to: "celebrate and renew friendships, celebrate motherhood, and professional achievements, but most of all Life, Sisterhood, and LOVE", and that, they sure did!
WELL DONE,
- Enagha Enyong (Texas)
- Bisoh Chumbow (Chicago)
- Eneke Mbuagbaw (Texas)
- Adama Fawty (Maryland)
- Arlene Yuh (Canada)
- Dr. Annie Ngo-Tedga (Louisiana)
- Fase Akale (Maryland)
- Laura Epule – Ezinwanyi (Canada)
- Dr. Eileen Iketounye – Teyim (Pennsylvania)
- Nzea Asonganyi (Maryland)
- Tina Taku (Minnesota)
- Dr. Fola Lainjo (Maryland)
- Clementine Forteh – Miller (New York)
- Dr. Ahone Ngujede (Texas)
Y'all ROCK!!!!
PLEASE CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO VIEW PHOTO/VIDEO ALBUM
