-Ambassador Olabode Steve Ojo calls for unity, addresses documentation challenges at landmark visit to Kumba
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The newly appointed Nigerian Consul General to Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions, Ambassador Olabode Steve Ojo, has undertaken a significant familiarization visit to Kumba, Meme Division, reaffirming diplomatic ties, engaging local authorities, and addressing pressing concerns within the Nigerian community.
The visit, which took place in Kumba, marked a historic moment, coming barely two months after his appointment and ending a 16-year absence of a Consul General’s official visit to the town. Ambassador Ojo first paid a courtesy call on the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Meme, Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlin, where both officials emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, peace, and development.
During the meeting, Ambassador Ojo expressed profound appreciation to the Cameroonian administration for safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians living in the division. He commended the SDO for his leadership, particularly in maintaining stability amid prevailing security challenges in the region. “I want to thank you for the peaceful assistance and development that our brothers and sisters have been enjoying here. We do not take this for granted,” the Consul General stated, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation at the local level.
In response, the SDO welcomed the Consul General’s initiative, describing the visit as both timely and necessary given the size and economic importance of the Nigerian community in Kumba. He noted that Nigerians in Meme Division are largely law-abiding and actively contribute to local economic life, especially in markets and small-scale enterprises. “This is like a family. There may be misunderstandings, but mature people resolve them through dialogue,” the SDO remarked, urging continued collaboration to maintain harmony.
Following the official meeting, Ambassador Ojo and his delegation held an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community at the Kumba I Council Hall. The engagement provided an opportunity for community members to voice concerns and expectations directly to the Consulate.
Among the key issues raised were delays in obtaining residence permits and the high cost of passports. Community members described the documentation process as cumbersome and, at times, discouraging. In response, the Consul General assured them that measures were being taken to simplify procedures and improve accessibility.
Supporting this, the Consular and Legal Adviser at the Nigerian Consulate in Buea, Sixtus Ndunaka Onyebuchi, provided clarifications on the requirements for residence permits, emphasising the need for proper documentation in line with Cameroonian regulations. He acknowledged existing challenges but reiterated ongoing efforts by the Consulate to facilitate the process for Nigerian nationals.
Beyond administrative concerns, issues of internal division within the Nigerian community also came to the fore. Ambassador Ojo used the platform to strongly advocate for unity and reconciliation, stressing that peace remains the foundation for development. “Our mission is one of familiarization, reconciliation, and conciliation, so that there will be more peace, more unity, and more development within the Nigerian community,” he stated.
The President of the Nigerian Union in Kumba, Maximilian Ifeanyi Akpu, in his welcome address, described the visit as historic and symbolic of renewed hope. He highlighted the union’s longstanding role in promoting unity and supporting Nigerians in the diaspora, while also acknowledging recent internal challenges.
He revealed that although significant progress had been made in unifying previously fragmented groups since 2021, new divisions had recently emerged, partly due to disputed leadership issues. He appealed to the Consul General to intervene constructively and support efforts aimed at restoring cohesion within the community.
Despite these challenges, Akpu praised the support received from local Cameroonian authorities, particularly the SDO, security services, and municipal officials, noting that their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring peaceful coexistence.
In an interview, Akpu expressed optimism that the Consul General’s visit would mark a turning point in resolving internal disputes and strengthening the union’s activities. He also called for greater institutional support to enable the union to continue serving Nigerians effectively.
The visit also highlighted the broader contributions of Nigerians to the socio-economic fabric of Meme Division. From trade and commerce to community development initiatives, the Nigerian community remains a vital component of the local economy.
For his part, Ambassador Ojo reaffirmed the Consulate’s readiness to work closely with both the Cameroonian authorities and Nigerian community leaders to address challenges and promote peaceful coexistence. He urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, respect local regulations, and continue contributing positively to their host communities.
As the visit concluded, there was a shared sense of renewed commitment among stakeholders to deepen cooperation, address lingering concerns, and foster unity within the Nigerian community.
Observers note that the Consul General’s proactive engagement, coming early in his tenure, signals a strong diplomatic approach focused on inclusivity, dialogue, and grassroots impact, an approach many hope will yield lasting benefits for both Nigerians in Cameroon and bilateral relations between the two countries.