By Assumpta Ayuk and Ata Nchomba
National Organization for Manyu Advancement (NOMA-USA) is 10 years old. To mark the occasion, the Houston branch (NOMA-Houston), on Saturday December 8th, 2012 celebrated with double headed event: uniform unveiling and a fundraiser to benefit the NOMA IT Center under construction in Mamfe, Manyu Division, Cameroon.
NOMA-Houston members showed up in their new colorful uniforms; they came with their invitees with the spirit to give money, goods, music, and dance. Some brought artifacts, beverages and other items to be auctioned – all to benefit the NOMA IT Center in Mamfe.
Dr. Nicholas Enow, NOMA-Houston Administrative Officer
After a word of prayer from Dr. Egbe Mathias, the former NOMA-USA’s Administrative officer, Dr. Nicholas Enow, NOMA-Houston Administrative Officer welcomed members and guests at the fundraiser. He thanked everyone for coming and went on to tell the audience the purpose of the fundraiser. He urged everyone to give their best. “Every amount that is given counts,” Dr. Enow reminded attendees. He proceeded to set an example by donating a generous amount.
Dr. Desire Eyong (L) and Mr. Charlz Bisong (R) of NOMA Houston
The fundraiser continued with donations from other members. As the MC of the evening called on members, they cheerfully came out and gave over and over. Some members and their invited guests donated hundreds of dollars and some gave over a thousand dollar. The donations did not end there. In fact they climaxed when Dr. Linda Mbei started auctioning items that were brought.
During the auction of a large bottle of Hennessey, the CEO of SierCam Health Services Mr. Charlz Bisong a Maggsosian challenged Sobans, but the final bid ended up against Dr. Desire Eyong another Maggsosian who drove up the bid to a higher amount. Although Dr. Eyong outbid Mr. Bisong, NOMA-Houston still benefited when Mr. Bisong and his lovely wife Dr. Angie Bisong handsomely contributed and bought additional auction items.
Some NOMA-Houston Members During Uniform Unveiling and Fundraiser
The bidding process was in all fun and it showed commitment to raise funds. The process also depicted members’ commitment to the association and its causes. Their involvement is entrenched in the way NOMA deals with other Manyu associations when it comes to the development of that division.
NOMA-Houston exists harmoniously with its sister organization MECA-Houston where some maintain dual membership. Collaboration between MECA-Houston and NOMA-Houston is the Houston way; rooted in the fundamental believe that NOMA and MECA are a family, descendants of Manyu Division, and any developmental projects carried out benefit the entire division. Mrs Yvonne Eta, the First Lady of MECA-Houston, personally donated at the fundraiser and also handed over a check of $500 from MECA-Houston to NOMA-Houston.
The Houston community kept on giving – this time with music and dance. The crowd was serenaded by the African Queens, a Houston based African dance troop made up of six girls. Zoobehee a Houston-based Cameroonian born recording artist performed live. His Makossa, hip hop tunes left the audience gasping for breath. Before the audience could rest their feet, another Houstonian and also a Cameroon born songbird, Alice Akotarh took to stage and debuted her first single My Lover. Alice and Zoobehee are budding artists in the repertoire of Cameroonian entertainers in the diaspora trying to break into the main stream US music industry while maintaining the Afro beat rhythm.
The celebration and fundraising ended in the morning hours with dance from Manyu songs.
NOMA-Houston members and guest dance at the 2012 Fundraiser, in Houston, TX.
NOMA is committed to the development of Manyu Division through collective commitment and innovative approach to sustainable Development based on our core values. These values are: professionalism, volunteerism, self-respect, commitment, integrity, and trust, respect for others opinions, accountability, self-reliance, transparency and patience.
To learn more about NOMA please visit http://www.nomamanyu.org
