BADECA Launches Major Fundraising Drive for Construction of Modern Baba I Community Hall in Bamenda
By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy
The Baba Development and Cultural Association (BADECA) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, officially launched a major fundraising campaign aimed at constructing a modern community hall for the people of Baba I in Bamenda.
The fundraising event, which took place at the Bamenda I Council Hall, brought together sons and daughters of Baba I from across the country and beyond, alongside traditional authorities, political figures, business persons, administrators and development partners, all united behind the vision of building a befitting cultural and community centre for Baba I people living in Bamenda.
Baba I is a village found in Babessi Subdivision, Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region.
The new project comes after the demolition of the old bungalow hall constructed in the early 1990s by the Baba I community in Bamenda’s New Layout neighbourhood. According to community leaders, the old structure had become too small and dilapidated to meet the growing needs of the population.
The foundation of the new structure has already been completed, while the entire project is estimated at close to 50 million Francs CFA.
Speaking during the ceremony, the President General of BADECA, Hon. NGangjoh Mama Lamya, described the hall as an important symbol of identity and unity for the Baba I people in Bamenda.
“Bamenda is the regional headquarters of the North West Region and Baba I cannot be without a major area of assembly,” he said.
He explained that the hall would provide a proper venue to receive the Fon of Baba I and host major community activities instead of relying on private residences.
“When the Fon comes to Bamenda, he should be received in a proper community hall and not in somebody’s house. That is why this project is very important,” he added.
Hon. NGangjoh Mama Lamya, who is also President General of the Ngoketunjia Development and Cultural Association, praised the dynamism of the Bamenda branch leadership for taking the initiative to rebuild the structure.
“We built the former hall in the early 90s, but with time it could no longer meet the aspirations of the people. What this team is doing deserves encouragement from all Baba I sons and daughters,” he stated while calling on other BADECA branches nationwide to support the project.
Also speaking during the event, Hon. Muandre Yoyo Emmanuel, an elite of Baba I, expressed satisfaction with the commitment being shown by the younger generation toward community development.
“I am naturally very happy and encouraged that our young people are interested in development. What they met, they want to improve on it,” he said.
According to him, community development once played a central role in local societies and must continue to be preserved through collective action.
“When I see young people interested in such endeavours, I can only encourage them to continue and leave a good legacy for future generations. It is not only about politics; it is about being a Baba I man,” Hon. Yoyo noted.
For the Bamenda Branch President of BADECA, Prof. Adamu Pangmeshi, the project represents far more than just the construction of a building.
Prof. Pangmeshi, who also lectures at the University of Bamenda, explained that since taking office four years ago, his leadership has focused on uniting and mobilizing the Baba I community in Bamenda.
“We came together to galvanize our people because divided we fall and together we stand,” he said.
He noted that the hall would reinforce the cultural identity of Baba I people while serving as a centre for meetings, cultural celebrations, marriages and community gatherings.
“Our intention is that the hall will serve as a cultural centre where we can assert our identity as a people. It will also help us generate funds for maintenance and other community activities,” he explained.
According to him, the estimated 50 million Francs CFA budget will cover roofing, decking, plastering, tiling, painting, chairs, sound systems and other equipment needed to make the hall fully operational.
Prof. Pangmeshi further revealed that the community in Bamenda now counts more than 500 members, making the need for a larger and modern structure increasingly urgent.
“People coming from Yaounde, Douala and other places pass through Bamenda before going to Baba I. This hall will serve as a uniting centre for all,” he added.
Representing the Fon of Baba I, Moh Seidou Melo Forchu called on all sons and daughters of the village to support the initiative and join what he described as a “moving train.”
“Our Fon is still a new Fon and this will be the first Baba I cultural centre he will inaugurate,” he said.
He further challenged BADECA branches in other towns including Douala, Bafoussam and Maroua to emulate the Bamenda example by constructing their own community centres.
“This project is an example for all Baba I communities elsewhere,” he stressed while thanking patrons, elites and guests who turned out to support the initiative.
The fundraising exercise recorded strong participation from members and well-wishers. By the end of the event, over 6 million Francs CFA had been raised in cash, while an additional 1.7 million Francs CFA was announced in pledges.
Community members expressed confidence that with the level of mobilization already witnessed, the dream of a modern Baba I Community Hall in Bamenda will soon become a reality.
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