- Mayor Peter Ikome Mesoso III decorated by Express Communial media as best Mayor in Cameroon from 2020-2024
- Tiko Council donates Christmas packages worth FCFA 1.5 million to 150 Children in municipality
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The 4th edition of the Tiko Council Sports and Cultural Jamboree wrapped up on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the esplanade of the municipal restaurant in Tiko municipality.
Celebrated under the theme, “My Culture, My Identity”, the jamboree was a demonstration of sports and culture at its peak. Organised by Tiko Council under the auspices of the vision bearer, Chief Peter Ikome Mesoso III who doubles as Mayor of Tiko Council, the cultural and sports event witnessed a massive turnout of traditional dance groups, guest artists and the population of Tiko.
Launched on Thursday, December 5, 2024, this year’s activities included a football competition, marathon, wrestling, tug of war, eating competition, canoe race, sack race etc.
Addressing the population of Tiko, the vision bearer, Chief Peter Ikome Mesoso III centered his address on cultural diversity and oneness. “It doesn’t matter from which part of the nation you come from, we all are one”, he said. Thanking all for their presence and support, Chief Mesoso III noted that the jamboree has been a huge success. “It is our responsibility to make Tiko look good by putting all hands on deck”, he told the population.
“Whether I be Mayor or not, this vision will not die. It is going to be written in the annals of history that the Tiko Council Sports and Cultural jamboree is not for Mayor Mesoso but it is for the population of Tiko and the Tiko Council. So this vision must be continuous. Tiko is one of the flag bearers of social cohesion and we enjoy the love and unity which exists here in Tiko”, Mayor Mesoso noted.
The vision bearer appealed to the different clans and the entire population of Tiko to ensure continuity of such a vision. “For this vision not to die, I will plead that while we showcase our traditions, we should involve our children because they will be the carriers of this vision in the days where we won’t be here anymore”, he said.
“Tiko is known to be in the spotlight as concerns developmental projects being carried out. Today we are projecting Tiko in terms of sports and culture. So put in your best because you never know who is watching”, Chief Peter Ikome Mesoso III continued.
The event also witnessed a recognition given to Mayor Peter Ikome Mesoso III by Express Communial media as the Best Mayor in Cameroon from 2020 to 2024. Express Communial is a media organ which deals with councils on local governance and development.
Part of the celebration was also the award of Christmas packages to 150 children in Tiko municipality. An activity spearheaded by the Tiko council with each child receiving the sum of FCFA 10,000.
Talking to the press after 3 successful days of the sports and cultural jamboree, the Chief Shepherd of the Tiko Council, Chief Peter Ikome Mesoso III said, “From the very start of this vision, I’m glad because so many bought the vision and responded positively and that gave me courage to continue”. He thanked all those who have supported the initiative thus far and encouraged others still lagging behind to come on board and render their own support in subsequent editions. “I want to send a clarion call to the companies operating within the Tiko municipality to understand that it is their obligation to support projects like this under social corporate responsibility”.
On the recognition given to him as Best Mayor in Cameroon from 2020 to 2024, Mayor Mesoso III said, “It made me understand that whatever you do in life, do it well because you never know who is watching and observing. If I have been putting efforts for the past 4 years today, I never knew some people were watching. This encourages me to continue putting in more efforts in the good works I’m doing for Tiko municipality”
For the Christmas packages to the kids, Mayor Mesoso III said this is an innovation which should not be underestimated. “In the past we used to do back-to-school and Christmas gifts but this time around, we decided to concentrate on Christmas gifts and that’s why we gave out the sum of FCFA 10,000 to 150 children for their parents to support and get them something for the Christmas period. It is an initiative of the Tiko Council and we want to assure parents of this municipality that Tiko Council will continue to support the education of their children in the best way we can”, Mayor Mesoso stated.
The various cultural groups present animated the ceremony in their beautiful traditional attires, giving in their very best and making sure that culture was celebrated in a grand style. A host of guest artists in the likes of Mola Mosoke from Bonavadain Buea, celebrated Afuakom and many others were present to give the event the grandeur it deserved. It is also important to note that awards, medals, cash prizes were given to the winners of the various competitions.