In a community still navigating the challenges of a prolonged socio-political crisis, creativity is emerging as a tool for resilience. The Bafut Council, led by Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence, has hosted the municipality’s first-ever craft exhibition, a milestone event aimed at empowering artisans, promoting locally made products, and opening new markets for their work.
The craft exhibition took place in Nsoh Bafut on Friday 8th August 2025.
The exhibition brought together 19 talented participants, many of whom have worked for years without the visibility or resources to reach wider audiences. By offering them a collective platform, the council hopes to link creators with buyers, collaborators, and regional opportunities.
“This is more than an exhibition, it’s a launchpad,” said Mayor Ngwakongoh. “We want Bafut to consume what Bafut produces while also projecting our artistry to the world. Hidden talents must be seen, supported, and given a path to grow.”
One of the standout participants, Mr. Neba, produces pear oil used in managing certain heart conditions, a valuable product that remains largely unknown until the event. Similarly, Emus Ngwa showcased intricate wall and table décor crafted from bamboo and raffia, earning a spot to represent Bafut at the upcoming regional craft exhibition in Bamenda.
For Manka’a Julie, who processes ginger and turmeric into tea powder, the exhibition came with an unexpected reward: a truck from the council to help transport raw materials. “This support is more than symbolic,” she said. “It will reduce our transport challenges and increase production.”
Beyond these individual stories, visitors explored a rich array of crafts: traditional attire, cassava-based products, wood carvings, and other items made from sustainable local materials. The exhibition highlighted how traditional skills can be adapted for modern markets while preserving cultural heritage.
While Bafut continues to grapple with the impacts of the crisis, the exhibition has sparked optimism. By promoting self-reliance, skill development, and local consumption, the council is demonstrating a model of community-driven economic recovery that other municipalities could adopt.
As Mayor Ngwakongoh affirmed: “Bafut arts will go international. And when they do, our community will not just survive, it will thrive.”
By
Neba Jerome Ambe
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