By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
Barrister Lifanje Cosmas Moki has been elected the new Board Chairman of the Cameroon Opportunities Industrialization Centre (COIC) Buea, following a keenly contested election that many stakeholders say, signals a new chapter for the institution. The election took place during an Interest Group Meeting held at the COIC premises in Buea on Saturday, January 31, 2026, bringing together members with a shared interest in the future of the Centre.
Out of a total of 45 votes cast, Barrister Lifanje Cosmas secured 26 votes to defeat his opponent, Mayor Mafany Namange, Esq., who polled 19 votes. The clear margin of victory was widely interpreted by observers as a strong vote of confidence in Barrister Lifanje’s vision and leadership capabilities. Many participants described the outcome as decisive, ushering in what they hope will be a renewed era of growth, stability, and relevance for COIC.
Immediately after the election, the new Board Chairman addressed members and stakeholders, striking a tone of urgency and responsibility. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have been elected, we have been given responsibilities, we are starting work now,” he declared. He announced that the newly elected board would proceed straight into a meeting with top management, underlining his commitment to action rather than ceremony. In a message that resonated with patriotic pride, he concluded by saluting the institution, its members, and the Republic of Cameroon.
In an interview with the press shortly after his victory, Barrister Lifanje expressed gratitude and outlined the philosophy that will guide his tenure. He attributed the achievement to divine providence and teamwork, noting that the new board carries the responsibility of re-examining COIC’s early years in the 1980s, when the institution first took root in Buea. According to him, the objective is not nostalgia, but learning. “We are going to try to get a mirror image of what OIC used to be and from then we are going to improve to meet up with the modern standards of institutions of its calibre,” he said.
Central to his agenda is the training of students, which he described as the board’s top priority. Emphasizing realism and accountability, Barrister Lifanje cautioned against unrealistic expectations. “We are not going to make magic. We are going to work within human means available,” he stated, adding that the board’s approach would be grounded in renewed confidence, discipline, and collective effort.
Following the election, a new Executive Bureau of the COIC Board of Directors was constituted for a five-year mandate spanning 2026 to 2031. The team comprises Pa Eyole Lambe as Vice Chairman, Barrister Denis Kumbo as Secretary General, Barrister Koko Joan as Vice Secretary General, Pastor Sam Monono as Finance Controller and Treasurer, Mr. Jaba Wose as Adviser 1, and Mr. Jovis Gwanmesia as Adviser 2.
The newly elected board members and executives took a collective pledge to uphold and defend the articles of association, rules, and decisions of Cameroon OIC. They committed themselves to integrity, transparency, diligence, and accountability, while placing the interests of the institution above personal or sectional considerations. The oath also emphasized unity, respect, and responsible leadership as guiding values for the next five years.
As the new leadership settles in, expectations are high that the Barrister Lifanje-led board will steer COIC toward renewed relevance, with a strong focus on industrialization, skills development, and the creation of economic opportunities in Cameroon. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the promises of renewal translate into tangible outcomes for students, staff, and the wider community.