By Boris Esono Nwenfor
In the lush highlands of Lebialem Division, the town of Menji is gradually rediscovering its rhythm after years of uncertainty and disruption. Once a quiet administrative centre caught in the turbulence of the Anglophone Crisis, Menji is now showing early signs of recovery, with renewed activity and a growing sense that the community is finding its footing once again.
Few moments have symbolised this revival more clearly than the recent visit of Paul Tasong, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development in charge of Planning. His presence in the town coincided with celebrations marking International Women’s Day, drawing large crowds and signalling a cautious return to civic life.
Moved by the warm reception, the minister declared that Lebialem’s unity rests on the strength of its communities. He noted that Lebang proudly hosts the capital of Lebialem Division, emphasising the importance of both Lebang and Menji to the identity and future of the division.
For many residents, the visit represented more than a ceremonial occasion. It was a powerful sign that Menji is slowly reopening its doors to public engagement, administrative activity, and the everyday social interactions that once defined life in the town.
A Town Reawakens
For several years, Menji’s streets were quieter than usual. Public gatherings became rare, administrative services slowed, and many residents carried out their daily routines cautiously.
But the atmosphere during this year’s International Women’s Day celebrations painted a different picture.
Colourful dances, traditional music, and the laughter of women’s groups filled the air as community members gathered to commemorate the global event. For many inhabitants, the celebration represented a long-awaited opportunity to come together again.
The presence of Minister Paul Tasong added significant weight to the occasion. As a senior government official and a native of the region, his visit carried both symbolic and practical importance.
Tasong has been actively involved in development initiatives aimed at rebuilding communities affected by the Anglophone crisis, and his appearance in Menji signalled renewed attention to the area’s recovery.
Development at the Centre of Hope
Speaking during the event, the President General of the Lebang Cultural and Development Organisation (LECUDO), Barrister Nkea Emmanuel, commended the minister’s development efforts in Lebialem, describing the large turnout as a demonstration of appreciation from the population.
“Everybody you see here is a living soul of this Fondom,” he said. “They have come out to appreciate you and to thank you massively for the crucial support and developmental projects that you have made possible for this subdivision and for this division as a whole.”
Barrister Nkea noted that residents have observed increased budgetary allocations for development projects since Tasong assumed office.
“Since you became minister, we have seen an increasing might in the budgetary allocation for projects,” he stated, adding that the people of Lebialem remain grateful for the support extended to their communities.
He also highlighted the symbolic importance of the minister’s arrival in Menji by road. Previous visits had been made by helicopter due to the poor state of the road network.
“The last time you came here, it was by helicopter. Today, you have come by road,” he said. “For you to continue coming here by road, let that grading work continue.”
The LECUDO president general called for sustained efforts to improve road infrastructure, stressing that proper maintenance would make the divisional headquarters accessible throughout the year, particularly during the rainy season.
He also praised the administrative leadership of the subdivision, noting that the current Senior Divisional Officer had carried out his duties diligently. According to Barrister Nkea, the absence of petitions against the administrator reflects the population’s confidence in the work being done.
Expressing optimism about ongoing projects, he said key infrastructure developments could soon improve living conditions in the town.
“We want to believe that in the next two months, we should be able to get into Menji easily. We want to believe that electricity will start to flow in Menji and that water will reach other parts of the town,” he said.
Barrister Nkea also called on government authorities to encourage civil servants who had abandoned their duty posts during difficult periods to return to work in the area.
“Let them come back and work in Menji,” he urged, emphasising that restoring public services is essential for the division’s full recovery.
Royal Voices Call for Action
Traditional authorities also used the occasion to highlight the community’s development expectations.
Speaking before the minister, Fon Asabaton Fontem expressed gratitude for the minister’s presence while urging greater follow-up on development projects.
“The cheers from the population tell it all,” the Fon said. “When the people heard you would honour the Lebang women on this day, they saw it as a gift from God.”
However, he also raised concerns about unfinished projects in the division.
“We do not want abandoned projects in Lebialem anymore,” the traditional ruler stressed. “We want completed projects.”
His remarks reflected a broader sentiment among residents who believe that sustained development is crucial to restoring stability and prosperity in the division.
Community leaders also emphasised the importance of restoring public services alongside infrastructure projects such as roads, electricity, and water supply.
Women at the Heart of Community Resilience
The choice of International Women’s Day as the backdrop for the minister’s visit carried special significance for many residents.
In Lebialem, women have often borne the brunt of the region’s challenges. In many households, they have taken on expanded responsibilities, supporting families, sustaining small businesses, and helping to hold communities together during difficult times.
Beyond the symbolism of the celebration, many inhabitants say there are growing signs that Menji is fast returning to normal.
Describing the town as the “face of Lebialem,” Barrister Nkea said the minister’s visit provided an opportunity for residents to reaffirm their support for development efforts while expressing their hopes for a stronger and more prosperous future for the division.
