Ejagham Ngunaya

Ngunaya, or Ejagham Central is one of the Ejagham Clusters of the Ejagham Nation that now finds itself in the Republic of Cameroon. The other two Clusters being, Ejagham Njemaya and Obang. Ejagham Ngunaya is in Eyumojock Sub Division, of Manyu Division, in the South West Region of Cameroon.

Ejagham Ngunaya is unique in many respects. One of its most favourable and strongest attributes is its density of population; with villages that are naturally arranged to be in close proximity with one another as if they belong to specific blocs that could ease the process of urbanisation. Indeed, in terms of productivity, human capital development and industry, the Ejagham Cluster stands out. That is why this write up will be taking the different villages in groups of that natural arrangement, without prejudice to any village or group of villages.

Ntenako–Ossing Axis

For purposes of clarity alone, we can say these group of villages are all out of the Mamfe – Ekok highway. They are accessible from an earth road that branches to the left after Bissong-Abang when coming from Mamfe, before reaching Nchang.

After Ntenako, you get to Ndekwai, Ossing and then Talangaye. Ossing is known traditionally as Ebareh Nsih, or Holy Land because that is where Christian missionaries settled in precolonial times when they entered Ejagham land in Cameroon.

Ossing also prides itself today as the village that produced General Tataw Emmanuel, of blessed memory, who served in the Cameroon army until his 80s. Ossing also produced another illustrious son of blessed memory in the sport domain in the person of late Tataw Etta Stephen, who captained the Cameroon national team, the Indomitable Lions during its years of greatest fame. It was during the captainship of Tataw Etta Stephen that the team was crowned with the defeat of defending Champions Argentina, during the World Cup opening match in Italy, Christened, “Italia´90“.

Indeed, the Member of Parliament representing Eyumojock at the moment in the Cameroon Parliament, in the person of Hon. Teku Tanyi, comes from Ossing. Ndekwai also produced one of the most prolific politicians in Cameroon in the person of Late Professor Agbor Tabi. He is respected; if not revered for opening many opportunities to youth in Manyu Division when he was Cameroon´s Minister of Higher Education in the 90s.

Kembong – Mfuni Axis

Villages along this axis are accessible from a road that branches left from Nchang village on the Mamfe – Ekok road. Less than 10 kilometres from Nchang, one catches Mfuni, which has produced a significant number of top civil servants in Cameroon. As well as academia and businesses persons who are excelling in Europe and the United States of America and other parts of the world.

For Kembong, it remains one of the most populated semi urban settlements in Ejagham Cameroon. It has produced a series of parliamentarians that have represented and are still representing Eyumojock in the Cameroon National Assembly. Those that readily come to mind are Susan Okpu, the last but one MP for Eyumojock and the Ayuk Achalles of yesteryears.

Last but not the least are the villages along Njeghe axis. Njeghe in particular produced outstanding teachers and scholars who are remembered for their contribution to valorising the Ejagham culture both at home and abroad.

Ogemoko – Nkimechi – Mbakang Bloc

Villages along this axis when entering from Kembong include Ogemoko, Afap, Ewelle, (Ewuri); Aya-ayukndep, Nkaw-Nkaw, Nkimechi, Mbatop and Mbakang. Their proximity to each other gives them the image of an emerging semi urban area, with a sizeable population density.

Ewlle prides itself as the village in this cluster that produced Chief Ogork Ntui as Minister from Eyumojock in the government of President Paul Biya. Chief Ogork Ntui was a former Minister for Special Duties at the Presidency of the Republic in the forty-year Biya regime and still counting.

Aya-ayukndep, a neighbouring village to Ewelle also produced Jerome Obi Eta, who was Minister of Public Works in President Paul Biya´s government. The current Chief Achalle of Ewelle also retired as a Sub-Director in one of Cameroon´s most prestigious state corporations, the National Hydrocarbons Corporation, SNH.

Afap, looks like the most populated village in this bloc of villages is prominent for its many sons and daughters who are excelling in the academia and business world, and are doing great exploits both at home and abroad. Above all, Afap will always be remembered for producing Commander Ojong, one of the few Ejagham air force officers in Cameroon who died in active service while flying on surveillance mission in some security risk zones of the country.

Ngunaya Villages Along Mamfe-Ekok Road

Some Ngunaya villages that lie along the Mamfe-Ekok highway include Ebam, Mkpot, Ayukaba-Mfuk, Bakwelle, Ebinsih, and Ayukaba.

With the completion and eventual opening of the Bamenda – Enugu Corridor, which Mamfe-Ekok road forms a part of, economic activities among Ejagham villages on this axis, but especially among the Ngunaya villages have been on the peak. Indeed, given the right socio-political and economic environment, villages along this stretch of road have huge potential for growth and economic prosperity. The current socio-political crisis in Anglophone regions of Cameroon, notwithstanding, Ejagham villages on this axis can hope for a better future, since the crisis is not expected to last forever.

This writer does not claim to be an authority on this subject. So, sons and daughters of Ejagham Central who notice some shortcomings; especially as related to omission of some villages should not take offence but can contact the writer.

By Nta Ntiamba Obi Ntui

Towns and Villages in Ejagham Ngunaya Cluster

Central Ejagham or Keaka

Kembong Court Area

1. 1. 1. Afap
      2. Ajayuiikndip
      3. Ayukaba
      4. Bakwelle
      5. Ebam
      6. Ebinsi
      7. Kembong
      8. Mbakang
      9. Mbatop
      10. Mfuni
      11. Mkpot
      12. Njeke
      13. Nkemechi
      14. Nkogho
      15. Ogomoko
      16. Ossing