SOBA Buea Mother Chapter Celebrates Gold

By Dr. Amos Namanga Ngongi

St. Joseph's College Sasse, founded in 1939, has had a brilliant history. The college has produced many alumni who have contributed to the advancement of Cameroon, serving as pioneers in many sectors or spheres of social and economic development. In the 86 years of its existence, the college has produced thousands of alumni who have striven to be together to continue the friendship and solidarity shared in Sasse.

It is this spirit that motivated alumni of the college to float the idea of forming an association. The founding fathers — including Justice George Ekema, Dr. Biaka, Dr. Boniface Nasah, Chief Ewusi, Mr. Orume, Dr. Richard Ngengue, Pa Elad, all of blessed memory — met in Buea 50 years ago. Some years later, branches were formed in Bamenda, Victoria, Kumba, Douala, Muyuka, Yaounde and overseas: Nigeria, UK, Ireland, Germany, USA (now several chapters).

Buea being the birthplace of SOBA, the Chapter has earned the name "SOBA Buea Mother Chapter". It is thus a matter of pride and honour that the SOBA Buea Mother Chapter should celebrate its 50th Anniversary.

SOBA Buea Mother Chapter has played major roles in the life of SOBA and of the college. The Chapter has been run democratically despite some hiccups and has contributed to the democratic evolution of SOBA General.

In recent years, a member of the Mother Chapter, Prof. George Nyamdi, served as President General of SOBA. The current President, Barrister John Kameni, building on the work of his most recent predecessors — Senior SOBANs Eteki Njoh, Dr. Chuwanga John, Dr. Egbe Watt and Prof. Asong — has brought dynamism into the Chapter and increased membership, which now stands at over 150. The SOBA Buea Mother Chapter has the distinction of being the only Chapter in which the wives of SOBANs have the privilege of being members. Two females, Mrs. Ngassa and Mrs. Mojoko, of 1965 are active in the Chapter.

SBMC, being the Chapter closest to our alma mater, actively participates in the life of the college. In more recent years Chapter members have organised motivational talks for staff and students, shared Easter meals with students in examination classes and supported the establishment of a one-hectare plantain farm. As part of the 50th Anniversary the Mother Chapter is improving the entrance of the college and supporting the establishment of an orchard. SBMC is committed to supporting the college and students.

It has been a pleasurable challenge and honour to serve as co-chair of the Organizing Committee of this 50th Anniversary event together with Senior SOBAN Sir Dr. Humphrey Monono. We wish to thank the Chapter and the President for the honour bestowed on us to lead this effort. May our Good Lord, through the intercession of St. Joseph, our Patron Saint, continue to bless, protect and strengthen St. Joseph's College Sasse; His Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi, Bishop of Buea Diocese and Proprietor of the College; and the SOBA Buea Mother Chapter.