Cameroon: A Community Leader’s Drive to Light Up Fako

The Light Up Fako project spearheaded by Dr Molua Smith Becke to provide solar lamps presents itself as an ambitious community program for Fako Division, which will be launched in Tiko on August 26

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, August 21, 2023 – Back in 2021, Dr Molua Smith Becke imagined a situation where every part of the Fako Division is lit. With the difficulties linked to the irregular electricity supply and insecurity across the division and the country at large, the Light Up Fako Project was born.

Initially tested in his native village, Great Soppo, the project has already seen the installation of more than 15 solar lamps in Upper Mokongo and Lower Mokongo, receiving positive feedback. The grand launch of the project in Buea took place in April with MPs, Regional Delegates and other developmental stakeholders contributing to the project.

“The concept is not just to put lights on the street; the concept is also to bring the Fako people together. When you do a community project, you involve everybody and when everybody is involved, we must unite and make Fako the place to be,” Dr Molua Smith Becke, Founder and CEO of Light Up Fako said.

Light Up Fako has come to change the face of the Fako Division

Dr Molua Smith Becke who resides in Alaska, in the United States of America is the CEO of Second Chance Support Services LLC. The Great Soppo native who has been in the U.S. for some twenty years has not forgotten about his beloved Fako as he knows first-hand what people go through daily with the insecurity issues and rampant power outages that can last more than one week.

“I came up with this project in 2021 to put street lights in Fako. To reduce insecurity in Fako, I thought it wise that we can give back what we have benefited from our community, Fako. I am urging everyone to join the project even if you have but one lamp. Even if you don’t, you can encourage someone to encourage someone and you put whatever you have to purchase one lamp and everywhere in Fako will be lit and we shall reduce insecurity.”

The Light Up Fako initiative has also been extended to other areas such as Wonganga (Small Soppo), Wovilla (Small Soppo), Woteke (Small Soppo), Bokwai, Bonduma, Lower Bonjongo, Bokwango, Likoko Membea, Bokoko and Muea, where five solar lamps have been installed in each of them.

It’s time to change the narrative

The Light Up Fako project has not been without hurdles. From discouraging messages that the project will not be realized, the Light Up Fako team is resolute that the project will be cemented in Fako Division for the benefit of not just Fako indigenes but will serve as a blueprint for other regions to copy.

"There are lots of obstacles as people told us we are not going to do anything; some people said it was not going to happen. I will say time and time again that it is going to happen; we the young people of Fako need to come together and make a difference,” Dr Molua Smith Becke said.

“We need to forget about waiting for the government to come and develop our land. The young generation needs to come together and change the narrative of our community. This is the time to change that narrative, nobody can do that for us but only us.”

Dr Molua Smith Becke added: “We are going to change the face of Fako by putting solar lamps in all areas of Fako. Fako is going to change. This is why we want to stand together and build Fako. We must be united and light up Fako

Tiko subdivision must shine

After the successful launch of the project in Buea, it is the turn of Tiko, the gateway municipality into the South West Region. The launch is scheduled for August 26 and the Mayor of Tiko municipality, Chief Peter Mesoso says it is a developmental project that Tiko cannot be left behind.

“Tiko is rich in its ethnicity with several tribes. Everyone is part of this project. If our city is in darkness, it is already a business threat. When we light up Fako then your business is secured,’ Tiko Mayor Mesoso said.

“I want to light up every jungle in Tiko. From the Mungo bride to Misselele, Mudeka and others. Every corner must be lit up. ‎with this project, insecurity is expected to be reduced. Priority areas have been identified to set up this project. With its successful nature, these issues (light issues and insecurity) will be addressed.”

“Tiko is coming up very powerfully because my connection with the mayor of Tiko did not start with the Light Up Fako. I was fortunate to stay as a young man in Government Technical School Ombe under him, he nurtured me on a lot of things,” Dr Molua Smith Becke said in the preparation of Tiko for the launch. "Tiko is going to be very successful and other councils and municipalities will follow through from what Tiko is going to do."