Bamenda is preparing to host a major youth mobilisation event this Thursday, 26 July, thanks to the leadership and support of Dr Peter Taniform — one of the North West Region’s visionary and influential sons.
The Mega North West Regional Youth Rally, convened and sponsored by Dr Taniform, will take place at Proximity Stadium in Bamenda I, Mezam Division. Designed to empower, inspire and unite, the rally is expected to draw youth leaders, civic actors and government officials from across the region.
Held under the theme “The Beginning of a New Dawn and a New Narrative,” organisers say the event will be transformational, fostering leadership, innovation and renewed purpose among young people.
Dr Taniform Peter and Mekom Samuel, President of the CNYC North West
The rally is being organised in collaboration with the Cameroon National Youth Council – North West Region (CNYC-NWR), and hosted by the youth of Bamenda I Subdivision. The day-long gathering runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dr Taniform will be joined by a strong line-up of partners and co-hosts, including Achombang Paul, City Mayor of Bamenda; Rev Mekom Samuel T., President of the CNYC-NWR; and Mbigha Felix, Mayor of Bamenda I Council.
This week’s rally follows closely on the heels of Sunday’s launch of the 6th Edition of the Bamenda I Peace and Unity Tournament — another initiative powered by Dr Taniform. Together, the events underscore the importance of community-driven peacebuilding and youth development in the region.
Sport as a Tool for Peace
Dr Taniform Peter with a peace message
The Peace and Unity Tournament kicked off on Sunday, 20 July, at the Bujong Community Field in Bamenda I.
The competition — running for one month — is held under the esteemed patronage of Dr Taniform, who also serves as chief sponsor.
Launched in 2015 as the Unity and Peace Crusade, the initiative was renamed the Peace and Unity Tournament the following year. It has since grown in scale and reputation, consistently improving in quality of organisation, the number of disciplines involved, and spectator turnout.
This year’s opening ceremony was nothing short of grand. Drawing inspiration from Olympic traditions, organisers, athletes and officials took a symbolic oath, pledging to uphold fair play, respect the rules, and compete with integrity.
The event drew a large crowd, including dignitaries such as the Divisional Officer (DO) of Bamenda I, the City Mayor, the Mayor of Bamenda I, and the Regional President of the Youth Council.
A thrilling football encounter between Ntahgang Youths and Bujong United officially opened the tournament. Ntahgang triumphed 1–0 in a closely contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The tournament features football, handball, basketball and volleyball for both men and women. Matches will be played on the grounds of the newly inaugurated FCFA 6 billion Liquefied Gas Filling Plant in Bamenda I — a site now doubling as a hub for youth and sports activities.
Traditional dance contests known as staging — where performers dance to music playbacks — are also making a comeback, alongside indoor games like draughts and snooker.
This year’s edition introduces basketball, volleyball, and indoor sports as new additions, broadening the tournament’s appeal.
Long-time sponsors such as the Douala Ports Authority (PAD) have continued to support the initiative. Its Director General, Cyrus Ngo’o, has remained a steadfast partner — a collaboration Dr Taniform deeply values. He expressed gratitude to the state corporation for its ongoing commitment.
Tournament Gains Ground as a Peace Driver
The Peace and Unity Tournament has become more than just a sporting event — it is now widely seen as a pillar of stability in the Bamenda I Subdivision.
In a region deeply affected by the Anglophone crisis, Bamenda I stands out as one of the rare communities to have pushed back against violence and embraced peace. Many local leaders credit the tournament as a major contributor to that shift.
As peace gradually takes root, the municipality has attracted development and new residents.
Dr Taniform Peter and Mayor Mbigha Felix
In his remarks at the launch, Mayor Mbigha Felix Njah hailed Dr Taniform as a visionary leader, commending his determination to promote peace when such efforts had become rare.
“He is a blessing to the people of Bamenda I,” the mayor said, praising the globally respected engineer and economist for his consistency and courage in driving change.
Divisional Officer Mboh Barnabas, who presided over the opening, echoed those sentiments, applauding Dr Taniform’s development-oriented spirit and commitment to the community’s future.
While proud of the relative calm in Bamenda I, Dr Taniform is calling for even greater normalcy. He condemned the continuation of ghost towns — a weekly shutdown observed every Monday as a form of protest in English-speaking regions — pointing to their deep economic impact.
“You shoot your legs, then desire to wear the best shoes, and also complain about the pain,” he said. “You cannot expect comfort from the very actions causing your discomfort.”
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