By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In a landmark event aimed at preserving cultural heritage and deepening the spiritual life of the Bakweri people, the New Testament of the Holy Bible has been translated into Mokpe, the indigenous language of the Fako people. The book, titled “Yòombo Hvenya”, was officially launched last March 29 at the Buea Town Stadium, in a ceremony marked by celebration, prayer, and a renewed sense of cultural pride.
The launch, organised under the auspices of the Bakweri Literacy and Language Association (BALALIA), was chaired by Ekema Humphrey Monono and coordinated by Reverend Genty Ndeley of the Cameroon Baptist Convention. The event drew clergy from various denominations, dignitaries and members of the community who gathered to witness a milestone in indigenous language development and Christian evangelism.
Speaking at the event, Monono expressed joy and gratitude, reflecting on the journey from humble beginnings to the realisation of a dream. “We just started humbly and thank God, we are here today. Our idiosyncrasies, we’ve grown over. Our fears, we have toppled. And the work is here!” he declared. He emphasised that Mokpe is currently being taught in schools, with an established alphabet, and that the availability of the Bible in the local tongue will reinforce literacy efforts.
The translated work spans 667 pages and features color illustrations to aid comprehension. It is currently available in 2,800 hardcopy editions, with an audio version also accessible to the public. According to Rev. Ndeley, the translation process spanned just over a decade. Despite financial challenges and the loss of six team members who passed away during the project, the goal was achieved through perseverance and communal support.
Rev. Ndeley emphasised the broader implications of the project beyond religion. Quoting a UNESCO scientific survey, he noted that children educated in their mother tongue are less likely to become delinquents and are more likely to excel academically and professionally. He urged local pastors to adopt the Mokpe version of the New Testament in their ministries to enhance understanding, particularly among elders who may struggle with other languages.
The event was not only a celebration but also a fundraiser to support ongoing translation efforts. The team announced future plans including a bilingual Mokpe-English edition, a full Old Testament translation, a Mokpe hymnary, and a localised version of the Jesus film. With advances in software technology, Rev. Ndeley estimated that the Old Testament, though three times the size of the New Testament, could be completed in approximately ten years.
The initiative received significant backing from Fako elites and the Cameroon Association of Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), whose General Director, Keyeh Emmanuel, was present at the launch. He hailed the achievement as a vital step in evangelisation and sustainable development. “Our goal is not only to spread the word of God but to strengthen communities through literacy and language preservation,” Emmanuel said.
As the sounds of hymns in Mokpe echoed across the Buea Town stadium, it was clear that Yòombo Hvenya represents more than scripture. It is a symbol of resilience, cultural identity, and a beacon of hope for the future of the Mokpe-speaking community.