Soba.America.E-Newsletter.2017
SOBA America's January 2017 Newsletter
SOBA America's January 2017 Newsletter
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SOBA AMERICA'S EDITORIAL BOARD<br />
EDITOR IN CHIEF/CHAIR:<br />
Prof. Felix Ngassa<br />
ASSISTANT EDITOR IN CHIEF:<br />
Divine Tange<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER:<br />
Brian Njotsa<br />
Edwin Daniel Ndoko<br />
Chief JN Fomenky<br />
Bendrix Tabu<br />
Kinsley Ayangim<br />
Njukang Asong<br />
© 2017<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong><br />
2016 E-Newsletter<br />
Release February 7, 2017<br />
Designed by<br />
www.victorymediapro.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
Message From The President ..................................................................................1<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> President and Sasse Alumni Association Chair<br />
Donate Gifts to Sasse College Staff ........................................................................2<br />
<strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> 2016 Houston Convention ..............................................................5<br />
2016 Houston Convention Milestones and Lessons Learned ...............................8<br />
2016 Houston Convention Lessons Learned and Moving Forward ....................11<br />
Sasse Alumni Association Holds First Ever SOBA <strong>America</strong><br />
Day in Sasse College ............................................................................................13<br />
2016 SOBA <strong>America</strong> Mini Convention: Charlotte Was a Blast! ...............................21<br />
The Values Practiced by SOBANS ........................................................................25<br />
SOBAN In The News: HRH Michael Ajiawung Fondungallah ...............................27<br />
I Through Sasse, Sasse Through Mee ........................................................................32<br />
The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa ........................................................................33<br />
In Memoriam: The Life of Dr. Roland Iboni ..............................................................34
MESSAGE FROM<br />
THE PRESIDENT<br />
Fellow <strong>Soba</strong>ns,<br />
Happy New Year to you all! On behalf of the<br />
NEC and the National Leadership Team (NLT),<br />
I would like to congratulate the Chair of the<br />
Editorial Board, Prof. Ngassa and his entire<br />
Team for making this first Midyear Newsletter<br />
a reality. Thank you all for your time and<br />
dedication to SOBA <strong>America</strong>.<br />
2016 was a very eventful year with lots of achievements<br />
and memorable moments. We also had some heartbreaks with the loss of our brothers<br />
Dr. Roland Iboni and Kenneth Ndelle a few days back. However as resilient as we are,<br />
there is no challenge we can’t overcome. I am convinced our better days are ahead and<br />
2017 will be even more productive. Given this is our maiden Midyear Newsletter, it gives<br />
us the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can look forward to.<br />
Last year, we celebrated our first SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day in Sasse. It was a massive success<br />
and built on SOBA <strong>America</strong>’s usual leadership in giving back to Sasse College. The<br />
event graced the cover of several newspapers as well as made TV headlines on CRTV<br />
and several other networks. We also had the most successful convention in SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong>’s history. The one-stop concept and convention profit set new records and standards.<br />
Chairman Fote’s strong leadership led to significant progress with our fundraising<br />
for the Endowment Fund. Our first edition of our Policies and Procedures Manual Version<br />
1.0 was released last year. I also travelled with the President General of SOBA, Professor<br />
Ngwafor to witness the launch of SOBA Nigeria in Akwa Ibom State. It was a great<br />
success.<br />
However, one of the most important milestones we achieved was in getting our membership<br />
to over 300 registered members within less than a year and a half! We are still<br />
however faced with the challenge of ensuring full participation from all members in our<br />
activities. During the mini convention, I laid out the groundwork for the expansion of our<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> professional networking tool ”SOBALIS” to <strong>Soba</strong>ns worldwide. This will<br />
help connect <strong>Soba</strong>ns/ex-students and improve our networking around the globe.<br />
As we start this New Year, my fervent wish is for all members to stay engaged and do<br />
their best in helping us achieve our shared goals and aspirations for our august association.<br />
May St. Joseph continue to guide us ALL!<br />
<strong>Soba</strong>nly,<br />
Frederick Itoe<br />
President, SOBA <strong>America</strong>.<br />
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SOBA AMERICA<br />
PRESIDENT<br />
AND SASSE ALUMNI<br />
ASSOCIATION CHAIR<br />
DONATE GIFTS TO<br />
SASSE COLLEGE STAFF<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> President, Mr. Frederick Itoe and the Chairman of the Sasse Alumni Association,<br />
Dr. Bertrand Fote made a significant donation to the staff of Sasse College in<br />
a bid to encourage them for the marvelous work they have been doing. Their hard work<br />
has paid dividends in consistent the wonderful results Sasse College has recorded at<br />
both the Ordinary and Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education (GCE)<br />
Examination since the 2009/2010 academic year.<br />
President Itoe was on hand to personally present the gift to the staff. Chairman Fote had<br />
already returned back to the USA after the successful SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day event.<br />
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The presentation of the gifts took place in the staff room of SJC Sasse a little over one<br />
week after the SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day. During the SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day event, President Itoe<br />
and Chairman Fote had met with the staff. During that meeting, the staff discussed some<br />
of the challenges that they face. It was then that President Itoe and Chairman Fote promised<br />
to give them a gift to enhance the staff room and improve their working conditions.<br />
SJC Sasse principal, Father Valentine Suum, opened the ceremony with a brief prayer.<br />
He then expressed words of appreciation for the kind gesture and the work done by<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> towards their alma mater. SOBA <strong>America</strong> President, Mr. Frederick Itoe,<br />
made mention of the fact that the teachers equally play a vital role in the success of<br />
Sasse College thus helping the institution to maintain its tradition of Excellence in contemporary<br />
times. He said the donation came as a response to the needs expressed by<br />
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the staff to SOBA <strong>America</strong> following the meeting held between both parties after the<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day Scholarship awards held on campus on Sunday October 9, 2016 on<br />
campus. The gifts worth 1 million Franc CFA donated by Mr. Itoe, Dr. Fote and Mrs. Fote<br />
comprises : 2 refrigerators, an electric boiler, a set of 18 tea cups, saucers and tea<br />
spoons, glasses and a microwave oven. He equally acknowledged the support of SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong> Vice President, Dr. Bertrand Fote and his wife, Mrs. Laura Fote who deepened<br />
their hands into their pockets in order to buy these items. The donation is SOBA <strong>America</strong>’s<br />
way of upgrading the staff’s working conditions and to encourage them to work<br />
harder as they continue to groom the nation’s finest gentlemen for the future.<br />
The Vice Principal, Mr. Tangjuia Willibroad, was grateful for the gifts and recognized the<br />
fact that SOBA is indeed an elite club of gentlemen because they always remember the<br />
people who played a role in their lives and contributed to what they are today. Fr. Suum<br />
disclosed that the electrical appliances will be kept in the former sickbay once it has<br />
been refurbished as it will be more convenient to place the items there.<br />
They all moved over to the Principal’s house where Mr. Itoe presented the items to the<br />
staff and they in turn promised to take good care of them thereby ensuring that it lasts<br />
for a long period of time. Photographs were taken to immortalize the moment.<br />
Brian N. Njotsa,<br />
SOBA 01’ Class (The STRIVERS)<br />
Admission #7278.<br />
Marketer without Borders (M.W.B.)<br />
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SOBA AMERICA 2016<br />
HOUSTON CONVENTION<br />
The 2016 Sasse Alumni Association (SOBA) National Convention has come and gone,<br />
and it was a significant success by any measure. The Houston Convention which was<br />
recently dubbed as “The most impactful <strong>Soba</strong>n Convention Ever!”, has set the standard<br />
for all future Conventions and clearly redefined the SOBA brand and the standards of the<br />
entire Itoe administration.<br />
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Each year, the annual convention brings together <strong>Soba</strong>ns and registered members of<br />
<strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> from around the continental United States and Canada. Sometimes we<br />
have <strong>Soba</strong>ns as guests from around the world. We know that these face-to-face meetings<br />
are important as we move forward and grow <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> membership.<br />
The 2016 convention included an “Early Bird” reception on Thursday, a welcome reception<br />
on Friday, convention deliberations on Saturday morning, a gala on Saturday night<br />
and “barbeque” reception on Sunday afternoon.<br />
As we all know, events like this take a great deal of planning. We want to lift up the efforts<br />
of the Houston chapter and thank them for their time and energy in planning the 2016<br />
convention. The 2017 convention will be hosted by the Georgia Chapter. We hope to see<br />
you in Atlanta for the 2017 convention!<br />
I talked to <strong>Soba</strong>n Mbei Enoh, Secretary General of <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> and Houston Convention<br />
Czar, to reflect on the convention. I also talked to <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> President Emeritus<br />
Larry Ekaney to reflect on the 2016 convention. The articles that follow are summaries<br />
of their assessments.<br />
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7
2016 HOUSTON CONVENTION<br />
MILESTONES AND LESSONS LEARNED<br />
THE CONVENTION SET THE FOLLOWING MILESTONES:<br />
1. ONE-STOP-SHOP:<br />
All activities were in one spectacular location: the 4-star Hilton Westchase Hotel, which<br />
was perfect in terms of class and logistics. In addition to world-class amenities like<br />
state-of-the-art accommodations, childcare, a conference room for deliberations, and a<br />
beautiful ballroom, it was also logistically ideal because <strong>Soba</strong>ns and <strong>Soba</strong>nese could<br />
relax without worrying about driving and moving between venues.<br />
2. RECORD ATTENDANCE:<br />
Starting on Thursday with the Welcome Party at SOBA Houston President Kenneth<br />
Njie’s house, Houston knew we had a problem as the attendance at President Njie’s<br />
house was standing room only. Friday night celebrations at “Chez Marie” were packed<br />
and with DJ Skipper on the turn-tables, some people may have thought it was the Gala<br />
night. The deliberations were very well attended, the Gala night was standing room only<br />
until 4am, and the picnic also had record attendance of over 250 guests.<br />
3. TECHNOLOGY:<br />
The National Leadership Team unveiled the latest in voting and badge identification<br />
technology for our deliberations, which helped us speed up the discussion and voting<br />
process and also helped to maintain the integrity of our organization.<br />
4. FUNDS RAISED:<br />
We exceeded our fundraising expectations, with contributions from <strong>Soba</strong>ns and several<br />
other associations, signaling that our guests truly enjoyed our “Southern Hospitality”<br />
here in Houston.<br />
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AS CONVENTION CZAR, I HAD A UNIQUE VIEW OF THE ENTIRE PROCESS<br />
AND WANTED TO SHARE THE LESSONS I LEARNED, TO BENEFIT FUTURE<br />
CONVENTIONS. BELOW ARE THE TOP 5 LESSONS LEARNED:<br />
1. VIP TABLES:<br />
One of the main issues at the convention was the VIP seating and table arrangements.<br />
Because VIP tables were being sold right up till the Gala night, there was no comprehensive<br />
list of VIP tables, which led to some confusion about seating arrangements. This<br />
situation was eventually addressed but not before several of our guests either did not get<br />
the right combination of drinks or seating arrangements. We hope that notwithstanding,<br />
our guests had a great time, and the goal is to better plan for VIP tables in the upcoming<br />
Conventions<br />
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h a hotel helped us to run smoothly for the most part. However, the details on controlling<br />
the access into the Gala ballroom could have been better. Because we were applying<br />
wristbands selectively for non-<strong>Soba</strong>ns, once the party was in full-swing, it was difficult to<br />
tell who had already been inside and who was a new guest, even under the watchful eyes<br />
of our excellent security guards. In the future hosts need to be better prepared to control<br />
access to all events at the Convention.<br />
3. IMPROVED TRAINING:<br />
Planning is great for predictable outcomes, but when managing an occasion, the size of<br />
a SOBA National Convention, there are bound to be several unpredictable circumstances.<br />
Better training on seating arrangements, VIP tables, and door security procedures<br />
would have avoided a lot of stress, and smoothed out some of the issues which our<br />
guests experienced during the Convention. Training for all the host chapter’s members<br />
is imperative for a smooth convention.<br />
4. BETTER OUTREACH<br />
While the Convention had record attendance at many events, one of the goals of the<br />
Convention was to expand the SOBA brand to reach out to more non-Cameroonians.<br />
Every Cameroonian knows the “Sasse” brand, but we wanted to expand this to reach<br />
other Houstonians. We were only moderately successful as we engaged in local community<br />
service, and received several donations from non-Cameroonians. However, the goal<br />
is to continue to grow the SOBA brand awareness past the regular cultural ceiling into a<br />
national brand in future Conventions.<br />
5. INVITE VIPS EARLIER:<br />
This year, we invited Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner to our Convention in February,<br />
and he declined due to conflicts. I recognize that I could have invited him earlier, and<br />
also invited other public officials to our Convention. Our Canadian brothers did a great<br />
job getting public officials to their event, and this goes a long way to build up SOBA brand<br />
awareness. Landing a public official at our Conventions gives it an “official” stamp of<br />
approval, and enables our organization to have a much greater impact on our local communities.<br />
Thank you all for visiting with us in Houston. We hope you had a great time like we did,<br />
and we look forward to seeing you in Atlanta in 2017!<br />
By Mbei Enoh,<br />
<strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> National Secretary and 2016 Houston Convention Czar,<br />
Houston, Texas<br />
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2016 HOUSTON CONVENTION<br />
LESSONS LEARNED<br />
AND MOVING FORWARD<br />
My fellow members,<br />
As we all know by now, in all, convention 2016 was a blast by all stretch. The local and<br />
national ground games were on point. We all came out of Houston with a renewed sense<br />
of love for our organization and proud of what lies ahead. As we look to what lies ahead,<br />
it’s a good time to take stock on our short comings and what I saw as flaws in certain<br />
processes and steps to remedy these short comings.<br />
FRIDAY NIGHT OPENING EVENT:<br />
1. Friday is usually supposed to be the spring board on what to expect for the weekend.<br />
In Houston, if you based the night only by the end result, it was a blast.<br />
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2. However, the evening started very poorly disorganized. There was no clear leadership<br />
and no clear defined roles for members for the Friday event. Nobody knew who was supposed<br />
to do what. I personally asked the handful of Houston members what is it we have<br />
to do. Even the former leaders had no idea. We were not sure if the restaurant in which<br />
we were being hosted was a cash bar or not. Our wife’s and other guests just sat around<br />
or stood idle trying to figure out if they should buy drinks or wait. There was no sign of<br />
local or national leadership initially for guidance. It was very frustrating to say the least.<br />
SATURDAY GALA:<br />
Just as Friday start, so too was Saturday. There were no clear defined roles for local and<br />
or national organizers;<br />
1. As usual it was very busy and being a highly publicized SOBA USA gala, the organizers<br />
should have anticipated the huge crowd at the gate.<br />
2. Only a few people were designated to take care of several special tables and, as a<br />
result, many special tables, including ours were void of any drink until late in the evening.<br />
Even when we asked repeatedly for assistance, none came. This will not encourage<br />
members to pay top dollar to buy special tables hence a detriment to <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong><br />
bottom line.<br />
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GOING FORWARD:<br />
I recommend the following:<br />
1. Local leadership should take ownership and control of Friday evening events. Prior to<br />
the event each member should be designated to carry out each action item on the list.<br />
This is a routine step that is usually done. However, the names of the owners of each<br />
action item should be published during regular convention update. This way, the members<br />
are constantly being reminded and we know who to call or hold responsible when<br />
drinks are not available as planned.<br />
2. For Saturday gala, I recommend there be a Special Table Committee designated for<br />
special tables alone. This special tables, as we all know, generate most of the convention<br />
revenues and must be treated as such. We should not take this lightly. My experience<br />
from the last gala left me wondering if it’s worth spending for these tables rather<br />
than just come in and pay like others. In all it was a fun, inspirational and excited convention.<br />
I look forward to Atlanta 2017.<br />
By Emeritus Larry Ekaney<br />
Frisco, Texas<br />
SASSE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION<br />
HOLDS FIRST EVER SOBA AMERICA<br />
DAY IN SASSE COLLEGE<br />
The US and Canada based Alumni of St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, Buea, Cameroon,<br />
also known as SOBA <strong>America</strong>, held its first ever SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day on the campus of<br />
their alma mater on Sunday October 9th, 2016. SOBA <strong>America</strong> President – Frederick<br />
Itoe, and Vice-President /Co-chair of the board for Sasse Alumni Association – Dr. Bertrand<br />
Fote, both flew in from the USA to preside over activities and hand scholarships to<br />
fifty (50) students. The highly successful first SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day which started at 9<br />
a.m. with mass left students, staff, parents, dignitaries and other guests already looking<br />
forward to next year’s event by the end of activities at 6p.m.<br />
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ATTENDANCE:<br />
The first ever SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day was heavily attended by the hierarchy of the Catholic<br />
church in the Buea diocese, SOBA general and the Buea SOBA chapter, Sasse college<br />
leadership and staff and parents of the laureates and other invited guests. The over 900<br />
students were visibly delighted to see their school flooded with so many dignitaries and<br />
other guests throughout this special day. The over 150 guests were also clearly excited<br />
by what they witnessed as the day progressed. The event was covered by local and<br />
national media.<br />
HIGHLIGHTS:<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day was a day for the students in Sasse College to “learn from and interact<br />
with” their big brothers from SOBA <strong>America</strong>. The day started at 9:00a.m. with mass.<br />
MASS CELEBRATED BY BISHOP IMMANUEL BUSHU:<br />
The students and guests gathered in the school chapel for mass. His Lordship Bishop<br />
Bushu of Buea, proprietor of St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, led a team of clergy. Bishop<br />
Bushu’s message of giving back and serving resonated in the congregation as he<br />
thanked SOBA <strong>America</strong> for this gesture of goodwill. Mass was heavily attended by the<br />
over 150 guests and the student body.<br />
HIGHLIGHTS:<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day was a day for the students in Sasse College to “learn from and interact<br />
with” their big brothers from SOBA <strong>America</strong>. The day started at 9:00a.m. with mass.<br />
MASS CELEBRATED BY BISHOP IMMANUEL BUSHU:<br />
The students and guests gathered in the school chapel for mass. His Lordship Bishop<br />
Bushu of Buea, proprietor of St. Joseph’s College, Sasse, led a team of clergy. Bishop<br />
Bushu’s message of giving back and serving resonated in the congregation as he<br />
thanked SOBA <strong>America</strong> for this gesture of goodwill. Mass was heavily attended by the<br />
over 150 guests and the student body.<br />
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SASSE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION/SOBA AMERICA<br />
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY:<br />
After mass, the Blessed Sacrament was taken off the sacristy and the chapel was converted<br />
into a makeshift auditorium to accommodate the main event of the day – the<br />
scholarship awards ceremony. Sasse College principal – Father Valentine Suum, welcomed<br />
the SOBANS, dignitaries and guests. He challenged the students to take the<br />
advice from the SOBANS seriously and to study hard. The Vice President of SOBA General<br />
– Professor Ernest Molua, in his remarks, reminded the students of the importance<br />
to pursue their God-given talents in any domain and not limit themselves to academics.<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong> President – Frederick Itoe, thanked the former principal Fr. Peter Nouck,<br />
together with current principal - Father Valentine Suum and Bishop Bushu for the role<br />
they played in making this annual SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day ( second Sunday of October) possible.<br />
He praised the students and staff for their hard work that has led to consistent<br />
100% passing scores in the National G.C.E. Ordinary Level and Advanced Level exams.<br />
He then challenged the students to crown that 100% pass rate with better individual<br />
grades. He announced a reward, from Sasse Alumni Association, of 1 million FCFA to<br />
any student who scores 5 straight A’s (25 points) in the G.C.E. Advanced Level exam<br />
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and 500,000 FCFA to any students who scores 11 straight A’s (33 points) in the G.C.E.<br />
Ordinary Level exams over the next three years. That was met with rapturous applause<br />
by the students and staff. President Itoe then introduced the keynote speaker - SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong> Vice-President and co-chair of the board of directors of Sasse Alumni Association,<br />
Dr. Bertrand Fote. He highlighted the fact that Dr. Fote’s personal story was the<br />
inspiration for the creation of the scholarship awards.<br />
Dr. Fote used his story to send a message of hope, positive thinking and hard work to<br />
the students. He recounted how his life was changed when he received a scholarship<br />
from an alumnus – the late professor Victor Anomah Ngu – when he was a student in<br />
1991. He told them how the impact of that moment gave him a sense of purpose and<br />
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inspired him to seek to become a doctor and change lives. He also expressed his dream<br />
that these scholarships will not only provide financial help to the recipients, but will also<br />
inspire and motivate the entire student body and make the kind of difference that he<br />
experienced some twenty-five years ago. He re-iterated SOBA <strong>America</strong>’s mission of<br />
giving back in order to help change lives of students in a positive way.<br />
Bishop Immanuel Bushu gave closing remarks at the end of the awards ceremony. He<br />
thanked SOBA <strong>America</strong> for their kindness and challenged all other SOBA braches in<br />
Cameroon and around the world to follow SOBA <strong>America</strong>’s example and leadership and<br />
create similar annual occasions. “Let us also have SOBA UK Day, SOBA General Day<br />
and other SOBA Days in Sasse every year,” he said.<br />
THE AWARDS:<br />
Fifty (50) students received awards in the presence of most of their parents. The awards<br />
were divided into three major categories. Need based awards were given to students<br />
with passing averages, who had demonstrated financial need in an essay submitted<br />
during the selection process. Several students from each of Forms 2,3,4,5 and Upper<br />
sixth received these awards. Some of the stories in their essays were heartbreaking, to<br />
say the least.<br />
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Dr. Fote expressed his desire to see an increase in the number of need based awards in<br />
the coming years, if funding permits. Merit based awards were divided into conduct<br />
based and academic based. Awards were given to the neatest student and the best<br />
behaved student in each class. Recipients were nominated by their fellow classmates<br />
based on criteria provided by Sasse Alumni Association. Awards were also given to students<br />
who had shown greatest academic improvement in each class, incoming freshman<br />
with the best grades, the graduating students with the best G.C.E. results and the top<br />
students in each class. These were based on data from last academic year. Because of<br />
this fact, incoming freshman students (Form 1 and Lower Sixth) were largely left out.<br />
Sasse Alumni Association, therefore, created a Lottery category for the freshman classes.<br />
Four (4) students from Form 1 and four (4) from Lower sixth were drawn at random<br />
to receive the lottery awards. They had to be present at the ceremony to get the award.<br />
SPECIAL MEAL FOR THE STUDENTS:<br />
After the awards ceremony, there was a brief photo session in front of the school’s main<br />
academic building. The students then rushed to the refectory with broad smiles on their<br />
faces spelling excitement and anticipation of a special treat from SOBA <strong>America</strong>. They<br />
were treated to a catered meal with assorted soft drinks. The dignitaries, parents and<br />
other guests were also treated to lunch co-sponsored by St. Joseph’s College Sasse and<br />
SOBA <strong>America</strong>.<br />
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The day was far from over for President Itoe and Chairman Fote. The afternoon segment<br />
of SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day was highlighted by meeting with the staff and a mentoring session<br />
with the graduating class. Between the meeting with the staff and mentoring session,<br />
there were impromptu sessions with students asking a lot of questions, and a few interviews<br />
with the media.<br />
MEETING WITH THE STAFF:<br />
President Itoe and Chairman Fote held a one-hour meeting with the staff in their staff<br />
room. The main goal was to listen to the staff and ask one question – what do you need<br />
to get Sasse College to have at least one student score all A grades in the Ordinary<br />
Level and Advanced Level, and how can SOBA <strong>America</strong>/Sasse Alumni Association<br />
help? The staff started the conversation by expressing deep appreciation to SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong> for all the contributions made to Sasse College over the past 26 years. They<br />
then voiced a number of challenges such as lack of adequate resources (chemicals and<br />
other laboratory supplies for the sciences, internet access, updated books in the library),<br />
work place infrastructure (staff room needs such as refrigerator and remodeling), motivation<br />
(for staff to increase satisfaction and drive). They took notes and pledged to discuss<br />
the issues with the SOBA <strong>America</strong> body to see how SOBA <strong>America</strong> can assist<br />
where possible.<br />
MENTORING SESSION WITH GRADUATING CLASS (FORM 5 AND UPPER SIXTH<br />
STUDENTS):<br />
President Itoe and Chairman Fote’s marathon day ended, at least officially, with a career<br />
advice and mentoring session with the graduating class. The students asked several<br />
engaging questions about different career paths, study tips for academic excellence,<br />
studying in the United States and much more. The session lasted much longer than the<br />
one hour it was planned for, as the students were eager to get as much inspiration, motivation<br />
and advice from their senior brothers from SOBA <strong>America</strong>. President Itoe once<br />
again reminded the students of the challenge he had given them during the awards ceremony<br />
and the reward for achieving that feat.<br />
FINAL THOUGHTS:<br />
The first ever SOBA <strong>America</strong> Day was a resounding success. All boxes were checked –<br />
motivate and encourage students, provide much needed financial assistance to students,<br />
reward hard work and good behavior by students, interact and mingle with students, promote<br />
the mission and vision of SOBA <strong>America</strong>/Sasse Alumni Association with regards<br />
to giving back to our beloved alma mater, discussing our goals and values with key<br />
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stakeholders of St. Joseph’s college, Sasse. The long and physically exhausting day for<br />
President Itoe and Chairman Fote was definitely worth every sweat that had gone into<br />
planning and executing this event. We hope that many more SOBANS from SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong>, SOBA General and other SOBA chapters will be present at next year’s SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong> Day slated for Sunday October 8th, 2017 at the campus of St. Joseph’s College,<br />
Sasse, in Buea, Cameroon. Many students who did not receive awards this year<br />
have already indicated that their plans to work hard and get an award next year are<br />
underway.<br />
A WORD OF APPRECIATION TO OUR DONORS<br />
The Board of Directors of Sasse Alumni Association would like to thank all our patrons<br />
who donate so generously towards our scholarship endowment fund. Thanks to your<br />
kindness, fifty (50) students were blessed with scholarships this year. Even more students<br />
had a potentially life changing moment because of your generosity. You have<br />
touched not just the lives of these students who received scholarships but many more<br />
lives that will be impacted by these students as a result of your kindness. THANK YOU!<br />
We are still far from our goal of raising $250,000 to create this fund that will allow the<br />
scholarships to be given annually without interruption. Please consider supporting us<br />
again by making your tax-deductible gift online at our website<br />
We are still far from our goal of raising $250,000 to create this fund that will allow the<br />
scholarships to be given annually without interruption. Please consider supporting us<br />
again by making your tax-deductible gift online at our website<br />
https://www.sobamerica.org/scholarship-endowment-fund/<br />
or our crowdfunding site<br />
https://www.crowdrise.com/helpeducateachildtoday/fundraiser/-<br />
sassealumniassociati<br />
By Dr. Bertrand P. Fote<br />
Vice President, SOBA <strong>America</strong><br />
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2016 SOBA AMERICA MINI CONVENTION:<br />
CHARLOTTE WAS A BLAST!<br />
The 2016 Mini Convention took place in Charlotte, NC, from November 11th to 13th.<br />
This annual rendez vous of <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong>’s National Executive Committee had in attendance<br />
many delegates from many <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> Chapters.<br />
The weekend kicked off with a highly attended welcome dinner event at the residence<br />
of the President of the Carolinas Chapter, Dr. Bertrand Fote. The Carolinas Chapter put<br />
up an epic show, which by all accounts “dazzled all <strong>Soba</strong>ns and guests in attendance”.<br />
SOBANS, their families and guests were treated to a four-course meal by the legendary<br />
Chef Teba and his team flown into town from MD just to cater the event. The event was<br />
an all-night twist of dancing which concluded in the wee hours of the morning. Compared<br />
to many conventions and mini conventions in the past, this Friday event felt like<br />
a gala of its own standard.<br />
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The business meeting on Saturday featured several initiatives the Itoe administration is<br />
carrying out. The administration highlighted several elements of its forward-looking<br />
vision for SOBA <strong>America</strong>. Highlights included a presentation by the Vice-President, Dr.<br />
Bertrand Fote of Carolinas chapter, on the administration’s flagship project – the SOBA<br />
<strong>America</strong> Scholarship Endowment Project. He gave an overview of the first annual <strong>Soba</strong><br />
<strong>America</strong> Scholarship Day in Sasse that took place in October and which was a huge<br />
success. More details on the <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> Scholarship Day can be found in the article<br />
about this day in this e-newsletter. Other highlights included a presentation by Options<br />
International on “Real Estate Housing in Limbe and Buea”.<br />
Saturday evening was marked by a fundraising gala. The gala was well attended and<br />
the dinner was sumptuous. SOBANS, their families and their guests were treated to a<br />
fun-filled evening emceed by Mr. Mike Sendze of Carolinas and Dr. Harry Akoh Assana<br />
of Georgia. The DJ did not disappoint, as the dance floor was kept busy throughout the<br />
night. The local community of Cameroonians and Africans turned out in their numbers<br />
to support their brethren of <strong>Soba</strong> Carolinas. This show of support is a recognition of the<br />
growth and popularity of the Carolinas chapter.<br />
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On Sunday, SOBANS and their families were treated to brunch at SOBAN Dr. Emmanuel<br />
Enohmbi’s residence. It was a wonderful opportunity for delegates from out of town to<br />
socialize, catch up and grab a bite before heading to the airport. I spoke with President<br />
Itoe about his experience and this is what he had to say, “With all we witnessed, I am<br />
happy to say SOBA Carolinas is here to stay. It might be our newest chapter but it is<br />
certainly one of the strongest chapters. Congratulations to SOBA Carolinas for an<br />
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outstanding Mini Convention and thanks for the countless hours you put in organizing this<br />
event. Your pick-up service from the airport, the food, southern hospitality and attention<br />
to details made it a memorable weekend. You guys ROCK under the dynamic leadership<br />
of VP Fote. We look forward to SOBA DMV 2017 Mini Convention.”<br />
In all, Charlotte 2016 Mini Convention was a huge success. The baton is now passed<br />
onto Georgia for the big event – the 2017 SOBA <strong>America</strong> Convention.<br />
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THE VALUES PRACTICED BY SOBANS<br />
As SOBANS, there are certain values we practice, arguably or unarguably, and these<br />
values do not depend on the generation. Sasse is our heritage and anyone that goes<br />
through Sasse, and lets Sasse go through him can identify with these values. Here are<br />
some of the SOBAN values as viewed by a SOBAN of the class of 2001, Brian Njotsa.<br />
FEAR OF THE LORD: The sacred scriptures tell us that the fear of the Lord is the begining<br />
of wisdom. We put all our hope in God; through whom we live and move and have<br />
our being. Everything we do begins with prayer and ends with prayer. Remember,<br />
“Blessed is the child who does his best and leaves the rest to God”.<br />
HARDWORK: No one climbs a ladder with his hands in his pocket. You must sacrifice<br />
in order to earn what you get. There is no sweet without sweat.<br />
EXCELLENCE: Being the best in whatever you do. Be it academics, sports or drawing<br />
etc. Excellence implies success in all aspects of your life, be it spiritual, academic, professional<br />
etc. Today, SOBANS hold leadership roles in Religion, Politics, Administration,<br />
Medecine, Education, Law, Engineering and Science.<br />
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(FAMILY SPIRIT) BEING YOUR BROTHER’S KEEPER: Always being empathetic and<br />
not being aloof to others’ suffering for tomorrow might be your turn. The togetherness<br />
and solidarity of SOBANS is legendary. In fact, it cuts across all generations, both<br />
young and old. The camaraderie is unique.<br />
GENEROSITY: Learning to share whatever you have, for it comes from God and being<br />
a Blessing to others wherever you go.<br />
HONESTY: Standing for the truth at all times. Even if it won’t earn you many admirers<br />
and friends. For the Bible tells us that. The truth shall set you free² (ET VERITAS LIB-<br />
ERABIT VOS)<br />
HUMILITY: Being able to accept your faults and staying grounded in order that you’ll<br />
always keep an open mind to learn. This is a major character trait of our patron Saint-<br />
St. Joseph.<br />
LEADERSHIP: Being at the service of the community. Not trying to impose your authority<br />
but earning the respect and trust of others via your good deeds.<br />
PUBLIC SPEAKING: SOBANS speak good English. That is why when you get to the<br />
market square and you speak grammar, the petty trader will respond to you by saying,<br />
“Eh! No bring me that Sasse for here!” In fact, speaking good English is a feature associated<br />
with Sasse.<br />
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY: The allocation, cleaning and evaluation of<br />
personal portions is a practice that instilled in us the values of accountability and<br />
responsibility. Those whose portions were dirty were punished because they were<br />
deemed not responsible.<br />
RESPECT OF HIERARCHY AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY: In Sasse, we were taught<br />
to respect those in authority and our seniors. It was customary for F1 boys to respect<br />
the F2 boys and so on. For whoever wants to lead must be able to obey and follow. For<br />
it is in obeying that we get to learn from those in positions of authority because all<br />
authority comes from God.<br />
By Brian N. Njotsa<br />
Marketer without Borders (MWB)<br />
SOBA 01’ Class (The STRIVERS ),<br />
Admission #7278.<br />
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SOBAN IN THE NEWS:<br />
HRH MICHAEL AJIAWUNG FONDUNGALLAH<br />
One of our own, President Emeritus Michael Fondungallah, was recently honored by His<br />
Royal Majesty the Fon of Lewoh in Lebialem Division as Fuajiawung (Chief Ajiawung).<br />
In an interview with Divine Tange, HRH Michael Ajiawung Fondungallah had the following<br />
to say.s I joined the Lewoh Cultural and Development Meeting and became its president<br />
in 2008.<br />
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1. Your Royal Highness, permit me start by congratulating you, on behalf of the entire<br />
<strong>Soba</strong> community, for your recent ascension to the traditional position of “Fua” (chief)<br />
in the Lebialem division of Cameroon. As a way of opening this conversation, could<br />
you please give us a brief introduction of yourself?<br />
My name is Michael Ajiawung Fondungallah. In June 2016, I was crowned Fuajiawung<br />
(Chief Ajiawung) by His Royal Majesty, the Atemangwat of Lewoh in Lebialem Division<br />
of Cameroon. I am an attorney and I live in Minnesota.<br />
2. This traditional title…. What does it mean and how did it come about?<br />
Fua is the highest rank one can attain in Lebialem society. It means I can sit among the<br />
royalty of Lebialem. I can wear a traditional cap into the palace (lemo’oh) and the presence<br />
of the Atemngwat and other royalty of Lebialem. It also means the beginning of a<br />
dynasty. If my chieftancy has to survive and thrive, I have to build it, nurture it and pass<br />
it on to my progeny. The title came in ppreciation for the work that I have been doing for<br />
my people here in the US and in Lewoh, Lebialem.<br />
3. So what is the role of “Fua”? In other words, could you please shed more light on<br />
the importance of your position to your community?<br />
Fua in Lebialem is head of a large family or people. He is the custodian of the culture and<br />
traditions of the people. Fua ensures the smooth running of the people’s affairs, resolves<br />
conflicts and is a keeper of the people’s trust.<br />
4. As a young man growing up, how much influence did tradition have on your<br />
upbringing, if any?<br />
Growing up, my father took me to all the Lebialem meetings in Victoria and for more than<br />
a decade our village meeting was hosted in our house once every month. I learnt a lot<br />
from these gatherings and my visits to the village. When I moved to the United States I<br />
joined the Lewoh Cultural and Development Meeting and became its president in 2008.<br />
5. Has your new role impacted your life? If so, in what ways?<br />
My role in society has changed. As Fua, I have to dress traditionally and wear a traditional<br />
cap. I have to be royal. Royalty has to be reflected in everything I do.<br />
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6. Prior to attaining this position, you have been in leadership roles in many capacities<br />
within your African community in the USA, your local Minnesota community as<br />
well as in your professional life. How have all these experiences helped you in your<br />
current role as a traditional leader?<br />
All of these experiences have helped me to know how to deal with people and how to<br />
organize people to work together for the common good. These experiences have helped<br />
me learn to lead from behind and letting others take the lead.<br />
7. How do you manage your time between your professional life as an attorney and<br />
your functions as a traditional leader?<br />
We are far from home and my traditional responsibilities do not take up much of my time.<br />
My professional life as an attorney takes precedence during the day. When I return home<br />
and on weekends my traditional role takes over. This can be seen in my dressing. I dress<br />
in a suit and tie as an attorney and in traditional African wear as a traditional leader.<br />
8. What are some of the challenges you face in your new role as a traditional leader?<br />
The biggest challenge for me is that unlike other traditional leaders whose parents and<br />
grand-parents had already established the dynasty, I am the beginning of the dynasty. If<br />
my chieftancy is going to thrive, I will have to build it.<br />
9. In order to better serve your community, my understanding is that you need commitment<br />
from your subjects. What strategies are you using to gain the confidence of,<br />
and commitment from, your subjects?<br />
The best strategy is to do things that will benefit the people you serve. It is in harnessing<br />
the resources out here and using it to alleviate the sufferings of my people that I was<br />
crowned chief. I continue to do that.<br />
10. How do you resolve conflict amongst your subjects?<br />
By listening to all the parties involved and working to find compromise. Conflict resolution<br />
is no different in the traditional setting.<br />
11. As a custodian of the Bangwa tradition, what is your take on the impact of modernity<br />
on the Bangwa culture in particular and the African culture in general?<br />
So much is changing and very fast. Because of the way things have evolved, the people<br />
no longer take care of their traditional leaders. It is now the reverse. The traditional leaers<br />
need to take care of themselves and their people. So many traditional leaders no longer<br />
live in their palaces. They are out working in order to take care of themselves and their<br />
people and only return to the palace as a second home. The good thing is that the<br />
Bangwa man travels with his culture and tradition. So you see our tradition and culture<br />
29
on display even here in the US.<br />
12. What should Africa and Africans do to preserve the African culture for future generations?<br />
Document, document, document. So much of what we do not know about our culture is<br />
because it was not written. Oral history is always subject to distortion as everyone tells<br />
the story differently. The more we can document and preserve our artifacts and history,<br />
the better for our children and its preservation.<br />
13. Are there any conflicts between your new role as a traditional leader and your<br />
religious life as a devout catholic?<br />
There is only one conflict I see and that is the issue of marriage. The church teaches<br />
monogamy while traditional society allows for polygamy. I do not plan to be a polygamist<br />
and so I do not have any conflict between my Catholic faith and my traditional position.<br />
The catholic faith is steeped in traditions that honor a superior being and so are our African<br />
traditions. There are so many rituals that are performed in the church that look similar<br />
to what we do in our traditional societies. For example, we pray to God and ask holy<br />
people like the saints to intercede for us. We do the same in our tradition when we call<br />
on our ancestors to intercede for us.<br />
14. Does your new position require you to marry multiple wives like in some African<br />
cultures? If yes, how do you plan to go about that given the fact that US laws don’t<br />
allow such unions?<br />
No. In the old days power and status as a traditional leader were measured in the<br />
number of wives and children that you had. This is no longer the case. Power and status<br />
are now measured in what you can deliver for your people.<br />
15. What is your message to the youths of today?<br />
To learn more about their cultures and traditions and work to preserve and pass them<br />
on to their children.<br />
16. Any final thoughts?<br />
I want to thank all my friends and <strong>Soba</strong>n brothers for their congratulatory messages and<br />
support following my coronation. Thank you.<br />
Interviewed and Written by Divine Tange<br />
Member, <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> Editorial Board<br />
Class of 1984<br />
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on display even here in the US.<br />
12. What should Africa and Africans do to preserve the African culture for future generations?<br />
Document, document, document. So much of what we do not know about our culture is<br />
because it was not written. Oral history is always subject to distortion as everyone tells<br />
the story differently. The more we can document and preserve our artifacts and history,<br />
the better for our children and its preservation.<br />
13. Are there any conflicts between your new role as a traditional leader and your<br />
religious life as a devout catholic?<br />
There is only one conflict I see and that is the issue of marriage. The church teaches monogamy<br />
while traditional society allows for polygamy. I do not plan to be a polygamist and<br />
so I do not have any conflict between my Catholic faith and my traditional position. The<br />
catholic faith is steeped in traditions that honor a superior being and so are our African<br />
traditions. There are so many rituals that are performed in the church that look similar to<br />
what we do in our traditional societies. For example, we pray to God and ask holy people<br />
like the saints to intercede for us. We do the same in our tradition when we call on our<br />
ancestors to intercede for us.<br />
14. Does your new position require you to marry multiple wives like in some African<br />
cultures? If yes, how do you plan to go about that given the fact that US laws don’t<br />
allow such unions?<br />
No. In the old days power and status as a traditional leader were measured in the number<br />
of wives and children that you had. This is no longer the case. Power and status are now<br />
measured in what you can deliver for your people.<br />
15. What is your message to the youths of today?<br />
To learn more about their cultures and traditions and work to preserve and pass them on<br />
to their children.<br />
16. Any final thoughts?<br />
I want to thank all my friends and <strong>Soba</strong>n brothers for their congratulatory messages and<br />
support following my coronation. Thank you.<br />
Interviewed and Written by Divine Tange<br />
Member, <strong>Soba</strong> <strong>America</strong> Editorial Board<br />
Class of 1984<br />
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“I Through Sasse, Sasse Through Me,”<br />
Clinton Egbemba<br />
is an attempt by a <strong>Soba</strong>n to showcase Sasse college to the rest of the world from the point<br />
of view of an insider. It the book I’ve attempted to chronicle my experiences from form one to<br />
upper sixth hoping that any <strong>Soba</strong>n who reads through these stories, will be able to reminisce<br />
his time in Sasse. It is an honest account of evidence that transpired during my time in Sasse<br />
but for a larger soban audience.<br />
Through this book members of the Sasse community, the SOBA community and the rest of the<br />
world will discover our molding principles and realize why we have a strong sense of attachment<br />
towards one another and towards our Alma mater.<br />
Clinton Egbemba<br />
egbec@farmingdale.edu<br />
4700 Taft Blvd apt 331, Wichita Falls, TX 76308<br />
Sasse Admission number 6304<br />
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The Ebola Outbreak in west africa<br />
The Zaire Ebola virus appeared out of nowhere and then disappeared into thin air after killing scores of humans in<br />
West Africa. In The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, author Constantine N. Nana attempts to better understand the<br />
outbreak and answer the question: why?<br />
Through meticulous research, combing through misleading media reports and equivocal academic papers, Nana takes<br />
a close look at the chain of events. He raises a series of questions:<br />
Why were there Ebola experts in the region shortly before the outbreak?<br />
Why did the Sierra Leonean government order a research institution to stop "Ebola testing" during the outbreak?<br />
Why did the United States' government decline to renew funding for one of the research programs during the crisis?<br />
Why did one of the key researchers state that the epidemic may have been caused by a contaminated needle?<br />
Did the initial outbreak really originate with a two-year-old child in an isolated area?<br />
In The Ebola Outbreak in West Africa, Nana challenges standard explanations of the virus' origins and demonstrates<br />
that many questions remain unanswered. Visit our Facebook page to contact Dr. Nana and to get the link to purchase<br />
the book.<br />
Press Office, SOBA <strong>America</strong><br />
Liaison Office for Media and Protocol<br />
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In Memoriam:<br />
THE LIFE OF DR. ROLAND IBONI<br />
Fellow SOBANS,<br />
The Iboni family would like me to convey to you their immense appreciation for the outpouring<br />
of support this weekend during the wake, funeral and burial of our late Dr.<br />
Roland Iboni. During scheduled ceremonies, we witnessed first hand the true essence<br />
of being a member in good standing of this proud and storied organization.<br />
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Thank you SOBA Dallas for your generous donation of drinks during the wake. Your cash<br />
donation will go a long way to uplift the dampened spirits of the family Dr. Iboni left<br />
behind. Thank you SOBA <strong>America</strong> for turning out in such large numbers to show support<br />
and solidarity for our fallen hero. The optics of SOBANS in their suits, forming two rows<br />
in church and the casket bearing our fallen brother making its final passage to the<br />
hearse, left an indelible impression on all who came to pay their last respect.<br />
May Saint Joseph continue to bless this organization and its leaders. Once again our sincere<br />
gratitude.<br />
Dan Mofor,<br />
On behalf of the Iboni Family<br />
Sent on the new Sprint Network<br />
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SOBA<br />
AMERICA<br />
2016 E-NEWSLETTER