Natives of Guneku village, located in Mbengwi Central subdivision in the North West Region, last Saturday, March 23, 2024, took part in a cultural festival at the Guneku Fon's Palace, dubbed 'Michi Ebeng'. The Michi Ebeng festival in its second edition took place for two days, culminating on Saturday, March 23, 2024, with 13 Meta Kwem dance groups competing to revive Meta kwem cultural dance amongst other issues. The Fon of Guneku village welcomed all present while hoping that the Cultural festival would unite the Meta people as well as help revive the Meta culture in its entirety. The President of the organizing committee, Fongoh P. Anyeh a journalist, and the President of Meta Fons Union (MEFU) HRH. Dr.Fombo, and the MECUDA President General Prof. Njoh Oliver each took turns to address the mammoth crowd all stressing the importance of Meta culture being revived and maintained. The Kwem dance display proper was accompanied by the showcasing of Meta-rich cultural artifacts. The over 6 hours cultural jamb oree ended with Guneku Kwem dance group picking up the first position, followed by Buea Kwem dance Group and Tua-Chup Kwem dance for the third position. The rendezvous for the 3rd edition of the Michi Ebeng Festival was announced for April 12, 2025. The Cultural Festival focused on the Nkwen traditional dance display initiated by the traditional ruler of Guneku village, His Royal Highness, HRH. Dr.Fomuki Ticha IX, brought together 13 Nkwen dance groups, a college of Meta traditional rulers headed by HRH. Dr.Fombo of Njindom Village, Meta Cultural, and Development Association, MECUDA, officials led by Prof. Njoh Oliver, the Mayor of Mbengwi Council Mr.Ndansa, the Member of Parliament Mrs. Prudencia, college of Clergy officials, thousands of Elites and non-Meta elites drawn from within and out of Meta land. Source: Cameroon News Agency Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed disclosed that seedlings are under preparation across Ethiopia for this year's planting season as part of the Green Legacy Initiative. Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative is more than just planting; it is an integrated management of existing forests and biodiversity, the premier shared on X page. Prime Minister Abiy added that the Green Legacy Initiative is also crucial to restoring mass degraded landscapes and improving the ecosystem. 'As we prepare for this year's planting season ahead of us, seedlings are under preparation throughout the country,' Abiy stated. As part of the ambitious Green Legacy Initiative to plant 50 billion trees in two phases, Ethiopia successfully planted 32.5 billion seedlings to date. The initiative is a demonstration of Ethiopia's long-term commitment to a multifaceted response to the impacts of climate change and environmental challenges, it was learned. Source: Ethiopian News Agency OSHAKATI: The Oshikuku Town Council has set aside over N.dollars 1.7 million for the rehabilitation of the town's sewerage ponds. Oshikuku Town Council spokesperson, John Siloiso, in an interview with Nampa on Monday said the project has already kicked off and will last for six months. According to Siloiso, the rehabilitation of the sewerage ponds forms part of the council's efforts to ensure effective service delivery. Siloiso indicated that the current ponds have a small capacity in relation to the inflow. 'The work includes creating an embankment to stop runoff sewer water mixing with rainwater, fencing off the whole area, establishing one more pond and cleaning all existing ponds,' he said. He explained that this is the final area where wastewater from houses ends up and such water becomes a health hazard if not handled and managed properly. Cleaning the ponds to remove reeds and sludge as well as constructing additional ponds will increase capacity. Siloiso added that the fence is also damaged and residents are accessing ponds without authorisation, noting that a new fence will be erected to control access to the ponds. Source: The Namibia Press Agency
