By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The CMA National Secretariat, a symbol of the church’s commitment to service and growth, has been blessed and dedicated. The new building, located in Douala, is a testament to the vision of the CMA National President, Okie Johnson. It is a modern facility designed to serve the needs of the church and its members, providing a space for administrative offices, social and cultural programmes, and spiritual activities.
A multi-faceted facility
The new Secretariat boasts of a variety of features, including: Administrative offices which will house the CMA National Bureau and BAPEC Bishops, facilitating the church’s administrative functions, a modern conference center with a capacity of 1500 seats which is equipped with an interpretation and translation unit, making it an ideal venue for international gatherings and events, A Social and Cultural Hub for the rehabilitation and capacity building of vulnerable persons. The CMA is committed to working closely with the Ministry of Social Affairs in Cameroon to ensure the success of this initiative, a Spiritual Retreat Centre which serves as a church and a space for prayer and other spiritual activities will provide opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection, a Lodging Facility which offers modern accommodation options, including apartments, rooms with toilets, and single rooms.
Funding and collaboration
The construction of the CMA National Secretariat was made possible through the generous support of various contributors, including the CMA Dioceses and Diaspora where in contributions came in from all 21 CMA Dioceses and the Diaspora played a significant role in funding the project, Government and Private Sector wherein donations from members of Government, Secretaries-General of Ministries, Governors, Directors General of companies, especially those in the downstream petroleum sector have been instrumental in the project’s success, NGOs, well-wishers, and financial institutions have also provided vital financial support.
The blessing and dedication of the CMA National Secretariat marks a new chapter in the church’s history. It is a symbol of the CMA’s dedication to serving the needs of its members and expanding its reach in Cameroon.
CMA National President, Okie Johnson advocates for community engagement and support in upcoming initiatives
In his address, Okie Johnson, the National President of the Christian Men Association (CMA), emphasised the importance of community engagement and support as the association gears up for a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing local neighborhoods across the country.
Speaking from the CMA headquarters, the CMA National President outlined a vision for a more connected and supportive community framework, urging members and local leaders to prioritise collaboration and outreach. “Our communities thrive when we come together to support one another,” Okie stated. “We have the power to create positive change, and it starts with each of us taking an active role in our neighborhoods”, he said.
Okie Johnson’s address comes at a pivotal time as the CMA prepares to launch its annual Community Engagement Week, scheduled for next month. The week-long event will feature workshops, volunteer opportunities and community forums designed to foster dialogue and encourage participation among residents.
“We want to empower individuals to take ownership of their communities. By providing resources and support, we can help residents feel more connected and invested in their local areas.”
In addition to the upcoming events, the President announced the introduction of a new mentorship programme aimed at pairing experienced community leaders with emerging voices. This initiative seeks to cultivate leadership skills and encourage a new generation of advocates for community development.Local leaders and CMA members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming initiatives and contribute their ideas for fostering a sense of belonging and support within their communities. He concluded that, “Together, we can build a brighter future for our neighborhoods, one step at a time.”