With the paramount objective of restoring the activities of the Poala Cultural and Development Association, POCDA in terms of their developmental achievements which is very low, members of the Poala community within the south-west region gathered in Mutengene in a general assembly meeting on Saturday July 5, during which members of the new executive bureau for the association were introduced and how their development can be improved upon.

In his address the newly elected General President of POCDA, Nhon Epie Apang Joseph promised to give the association a new face lift and convince Poala indigenes to join the association.

In a welcome note by the president of the Buea – Tiko POCDA branch, Nhon Epie Apang Joseph, he highlighted the need to foster unity, peace and social relationship among Poala people and said this can only be achieved through forums like the general assembly meetings.

Speaking as one of the guests during the meeting, the Chairman of the Mutengene water committee, Namanga Joseph highlighted some of the major issues affecting the people of the south-west region like the lack of community participation amongst the elites, conflict of interests and the aspect of lip services when it comes to contributing to the growth and development of their community.

Members of POCDA were called upon to ensure the creation of a water management committee, a village traditional council and involvement of POCDA in their projects while asked to shun these vices and for the success of their development project in Poala community, embracing four main virtues of transparency, active participation, claim of ownership and inclusion of women in all projects.

Rounding off his speech, Namanga Joseph called on the Poala people to ensure the creation of a water management committee so that their water scheme can be improved, a village traditional council and POCDA.

Present during the gathering was the Mayor of Bangem council, Ekuh Ojeh Simon who is an illustrious son of the Poala community and one of the pioneer members of the executive bureau. On behalf of Poala women, Ekane Juliana Ngwese pressed on other issues badly needed by them besides good quality water amongst which are a health center and adequate number of teachers in the available schools plus a community hall to host cultural gatherings.

Worthy of note is the fact that Poala is the main village in the Bangem municipality which controls the twin Muanenguba lakes. POCDA was born in 1976 with Pa Epieapang Joseph as its pioneer president.