-Cup donor, Dr. Divine Mbamome urges elites to “give back,” saying peace and unity must be matched with action
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Tiko
The Holforth Field in Tiko came alive on Saturday, August 2, 2025, as thousands of spectators gathered to witness the finals of the maiden edition of the Dr. Divine Mbamome Nkendong Unity and Peace Tournament, an event that celebrated more than just sports, but also peace, unity, and the spirit of community resilience.
Held under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Peace for All,” the tournament brought together eight male football teams across two zones (Mutengene and Tiko) and six female handball teams.
The finals crowned Electric Line FC of Mutengene champions in male football, after a tense 1–1 draw ended in a 4–3 penalty shootout victory over Hidden Skills FC. In the female handball category, Grace Handball Girls of Mutengene outscored Tiko Handball Ladies by 33 to 29 in an electrifying final.
But the true victory went beyond goals and trophies. More than 200 bags of rice were distributed to teams, internally displaced persons (IDPs), orphans, and residents of Tiko municipality as a tangible demonstration of the tournament’s core message; ‘peace must be accompanied by action’.
“You can’t preach peace to a hungry person,” said Cup Donor, Dr. Mbamome Divine, whose rousing address captured the heart of the initiative. “This tournament is our way of giving back to the people of Tiko who gave us so much. It’s about reminding ourselves and the rest of Cameroon that we are one people, peaceful, united, and committed to living together.”
He stressed that the project aligns with the call of the Head of State for elites from the North West and South West to return to their communities and champion peace and unity. “No disorder will pass through this environment,” Dr. Mbamome emphasised. “We are a living testimony that peace, love, and unity are our identity. We must continue on this path if we are to see true development.”
Dr. Mbamome, a native of Tiko with an illustrious academic and professional background including a PhD in Political Science, and currently serving as Director of Road Transport at the Ministry of Transport, also hinted at future initiatives. “As long as the population chooses peace and unity, more will come. We are ready to do more”, he said.
Present at the finals were several dignitaries, including four former Indomitable Lions; Raymond Kalla, Andem Williams, Lucien Mettomo, and Alnouji Nicolas as well as French-based Director General of Training of Transporters, Mr. Olivier, and the Regional Delegate of Transport for the South West. Their presence further elevated the significance of the event.
The spirit of generosity and community development extended beyond sports. In a speech delivered by Julius Chembe, General Coordinator of Activities for the North West and South West regions, Dr. Mbamome and co-sponsor, HRH Dr. Ntonefor Nguimo Rene II, a native of Tiko and current Deputy Mayor of Bafut, were lauded for their ongoing philanthropy in health, education, and social welfare.
“Tiko is in dire need of a modern playground,” Chembe noted, appealing for further infrastructural investment. “With talents brimming in both football and handball, it’s time we gave our youth a proper platform to shine nationwide.”
Chief Ntonefor, who also holds several influential roles including President of the National Taxi Riders’ Syndicate (SYNAMOTAC), was praised for his enduring support to grassroots sports development. Together with Dr. Mbamome, the two were recognised as pillars of peace and development in the region.
The tournament was not just a competition, it was a powerful symbol of what communities can achieve when united. For the winners, trophies and cash prizes were accompanied by medals and individual awards recognizing excellence in performance, coaching, and officiating.
More than anything, however, the Dr. Mbamome Nkendong Unity and Peace Tournament reinforced the message that sports can be a powerful vehicle for social cohesion, especially in regions recovering from socio-political unrest. As the crowd dispersed from Holforth Field, one message lingered in the air; Tiko is rising again, and it is doing so through unity, peace, and the unwavering generosity of its sons and daughters.