-Apostolic Nuncio leads celebratory Mass as clergy, faithful, and dignitaries honour Diocese’s legacy and charts future course
-Okie Johnson Ndoh, others recognised
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi, Buea
The Diocese of Buea has celebrated a landmark 75 years of its canonical erection. The event heightened on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with a vibrant and deeply spiritual ceremony held at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Molyko. The event brought together high-ranking church officials, local government dignitaries, and a multitude of faithful in a grand celebration of faith, legacy, and renewed commitment to evangelisation.
Presiding over the commemorative Mass was His Excellency Jose Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, joined by bishops from across the country. Their presence underscored the significance of the Diocese of Buea, not just as the first diocese established in Cameroon, but as a foundational pillar of Catholic faith in the country.
Honouring the legacy of faith
Established on April 18, 1950, by Pope Pius XII, the Diocese of Buea has stood as a beacon of spiritual leadership and community development for three-quarters of a century. In his address, the current Bishop of Buea, Most Reverend Michael Bibi, reflected on the Diocese’s journey, praising the generations of clergy and lay faithful who have nurtured and sustained the Church’s mission. “We are celebrating 75 years under the legacy of faith, the faith that has been handed down through generations, the faith that continues to guide and sustain us,” Bishop Bibi stated. “We thank God for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone, and we extend our gratitude to all who have supported our evangelising mission.”
The bishop also used the occasion to announce the call for a Diocesan Synod, inviting clergy, religious, and lay members to collectively reflect on the future direction of the Diocese. “We need to ask ourselves what kind of Diocese we want moving forward,” he said. “This is a time for evaluation, decision-making, and unity.”
Recognising pillars of support
The anniversary was also marked by special recognitions honouring individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of the Diocese. Among them was South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai who received a medal for his continuous support to the Church.
Also honoured was Okie Johnson Ndoh, National President of the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA), whose leadership is said to hav revitalised the group’s presence and impact.
Archbishop Bettencourt presented the award to Okie Johnson, to resounding applause from the congregation. “His dedication shows true Christian service,” he said.
Under Okie’s tenure, the CMA has flourished across Cameroon, notably in Buea, with chapters now active in every parish. He spearheaded the construction of a modern three-story National Secretariat building in Buea and introduced impactful initiatives, including scholarship programmes for seminarians, medical outreach for rural communities, and vocational development for disadvantaged youth.
Bishop Emeritus, Bushu Emmanuel was also awarded a special medal recognising his pivotal role in nurturing the Diocese during his episcopacy.
A gift from afar
In a surprising and heartfelt moment, Bishop Bibi was presented with a brand-new 2025 Land Cruiser by his friends in the United States, led by Dr. Mbah. The vehicle is intended to support the Bishop’s pastoral missions across the vast Diocese, often requiring extensive travel to remote communities.
The gesture highlighted the international connections and support networks that continue to uphold the Diocese’s mission work beyond Cameroon’s borders.
“Buea, our Mother Diocese”
One of the most moving addresses came from Archbishop Andrew Nkea, speaking on behalf of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon. He lauded Buea as the “Mother diocese” of the nation’s Catholic Church, reminding the congregation that for five years following its creation, Buea remained the only diocese in the country. “Buea, you are our mother,” Archbishop Nkea declared passionately. “Nobody can take that natural right away from you. You remain our mother, and you always will.”
He noted the convergence of several key anniversaries in 2025: the 75th anniversary of the Diocese, the 25th anniversary of Bishop Bibi’s priesthood, and the 25th anniversary of the Diocese’s pastoral plan. These milestones, he said, make Buea a focal point of national reflection and celebration within the Church.
Looking ahead with unity
The ceremony concluded with a sense of renewed unity, hope, and purpose. The palpable spirit of joy, thanksgiving, and community served not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a launching pad for future initiatives.
As Bishop Bibi and the faithful prepare for the upcoming Diocesan Synod, the call to maintain and improve upon the Diocese’s foundations remains strong. It is a call for reflection, inclusivity, and forward thinking.
In the words of Bishop Bibi, “We must ask ourselves what we want our Diocese to be—not just today, but in the decades to come. Together, in communion with each other, we will continue to grow in faith and service.”
As the faithful dispersed from the Co-Cathedral that day, one message rang loud and clear: the Diocese of Buea, rooted in faith and strengthened by unity, is ready for its next 75 years