By Ngunyi Sonita Nwohtazie
WOTUTU-EWONGO, PAV – The sixth edition of the Wotutu-Ewongo Football Tournament has kicked off at the Catholic School Field in Wotutu, reaffirming football’s growing role as a powerful instrument for peace, youth empowerment and community development in Fako Division.
Since its inception in 2021, the annual competition has evolved into one of the South West Region’s most attended community sporting events, attracting football lovers, local leaders, sponsors and residents from Limbe, Buea, Tiko and beyond. What began as a response to the devastating effects of the Anglophone Crisis has today become a symbol of hope and reconciliation for the Wotutu-Ewongo community.
Speaking during a pre-tournament press conference, tournament promoter Edwin Eselem expressed confidence that this year’s edition would be “bigger, better and brighter.”
Eselem explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to restore peace and social cohesion after years of insecurity that gripped the community following the outbreak of the Anglophone Crisis in 2016.
Once recognised as one of Fako Division’s leading agricultural communities, renowned for producing tomatoes, watermelons and other vegetables, Wotutu-Ewongo became one of the areas heavily affected by the conflict, forcing many residents to live in fear despite the eventual restoration of security.
“Football became the platform through which we could bring people back together, restore confidence and rebuild the spirit of togetherness that once existed in this community,” he noted.
Six years later, Eselem believes the vision has become a reality, with thousands of spectators now confidently returning to the community every tournament season. The initiative has expanded its impact through education. Last year alone, the organisers awarded 50 scholarships to pupils and students within the community, with hopes of increasing the number this year through additional sponsorship.
Eselem acknowledged the support of partners, including Orange Cameroun, Biaka University, Vista Print Co. Ltd, Image Nation, and New Vision, as well as journalists and community stakeholders whose contributions have sustained the tournament over the years.
The tournament officially got underway on Sunday, July 5 at the Catholic School Field Ewongo with a tightly contested opening fixture between defending champions Mami Dinga and Progressive Youths. Although neither side managed to score, the match provided an exciting contest that reflected the competitive spirit expected throughout the competition.
Community leaders praised the quality of the football displayed while emphasising the tournament’s broader mission to steer young people away from drugs, violence and criminal activity.
The chief of Edward Elive described the opening encounter as a sign of an exciting competition ahead. “Today’s game showed that this tournament is going to be a tough one. Both teams played very well, and I encourage them to continue promoting fair play because we want the best team to emerge as champions,” he said, while also thanking the organisers, sponsors and media for supporting the initiative.
Member of Parliament Becke Julie encouraged the participating youths to remain focused on their ambitions, stressing that sport can open doors to greater opportunities despite life’s challenges.
Dr Francisca Biaka equally highlighted the importance of combining sports with education and vocational training, encouraging young people to become job creators rather than job seekers.
On the pitch, team captains welcomed the motivation provided by the organisers. Mami Dinga FC captain Peter Ako described the bonuses awarded to teams as a source of encouragement, while Progressive Youth captain Derick Takang remained optimistic after the opening draw, insisting his side had shown they could compete with the tournament favourites.
As the competition progresses, the Wotutu-Ewongo Holiday Football Tournament continue to prove that football is far more than a game. It has become a platform for rebuilding trust, empowering young people and strengthening community bonds, while positioning Wotutu once again as a peaceful and vibrant destination in the South West Region.
