FakoAmerica

Fako America Dallas 2010 Convention in Pictures

Members of Fako Dallas, the host chapter, during the cultural evening

New FA Executive Bureau Elected in Dallas

Fako America: New Executive 2010
President: Moluwa Matute-Arkansas
Vice President: Nalova Akoegbe-Georgia
Secretary: Molonga Lyonga-Texas
Treasurer: Ndiva Ndely-Minnesota
Financial Secretary: Emelda Longonje-Texas
Director of Communications: Monono Forseh-Georgia
Director of Culture: Asima Njomo- Maryland
Historian: Jimmy Jackai-Texas

16th Annual FA Convention: Keynote Address

Keynote Address Delivered by Dr. Samuel Ewusi Kale at the 16th Annual Fako America Convention in Dallas, Texas – June 26, 2010.

Click here to download Dr. Ewusi's Keynote Address (pdf

2nd Annual Fako America Achievement Award Recipients Announced

Dallas, TX- June 25, 2010: The administration of Dr. Henry Njie, which instituted the first ever Fako America Achievement awards during the 2009 Fako America Chicago convention, continued with this laudable tradition during the 2010 Dallas convention. This year, there were five recipients, four of them Fako America members, and one from Cameroon.

Mola Mbella Ndoko of Chicago, IL received an award for “for outstanding efforts to document FA activities in film and picture.” Mola Ndoko, has been the unofficial visual archivist for Fako America since the 1996 convention in Chicago when he began capturing the event in film and picture. Thanks to his volunteer efforts, Fako America has a treasure trove of videos and pictures chronicling its journey across the years. Today, most of these precious images are available online on Youtube. Check out Mola Ndoko’s Youtube channel.

Dr. Samuel Kale Ewusi Keynote Speaker at 2010 Fako America Convention

Fako America is delighted to announce that Dr. Samuel Kale Ewusi will be the keynote speaker at the Fako America convention in Dallas, Texas. His address will be titled The Fako Nation: One People, One Path, One Journey which is also the theme for this year's gathering.

Dr. Ewusi attended Bilingual Grammar School Molyko, Buea, and Government High School Limbe for his secondary school education, and returned to BGS Molyko where he obtained his A Levels.

16th Fako America Annual Convention - Dallas, June 25 - June 27, 2010

Dallas, Texas will be the venue for the 16th Fako America convention which will hold from June 25-June 27, 2010. The organizing committee has selected the convention venue along with venues for different convention activities. Here are the details.

Preferred Airport
Dallas, Fort Worth International Airport.

Picnic Location
Vandergriff Park
(2800 South Centre Street, Arlington 76010)

Convention Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites 
1100 East I-20 
Arlington, TX 76018 
Tel:(817) 419-3700 *
Fax: (817) 419-7177

ROOM RATES
$79.99 per room (King standard and deluxe).
$92.99 per room (King Suites)

*Mention Fako America in order to benefit from the promotional rates.

Summit Magazine Commemorative Issue on the Fako America 2009 Convention

Issue #9 of Summit Magazine, Cameroon's leading English language magazine, has a special 3-page pictorial report (with over 30 pictures) of the 2009 Fako America Chicago convention. It also has a profile of former FA treasurer, Dr. William Nganje. For details on how to obtain this historic commemorative issue of Summit Magazine, send an email to fakoamerica@yahoo.com

 

FA Convention: A Memorable Evening with Ben Decca

  

 

 

 

Live from Chicago! First Pictures from the FA Convention

Mola Sammah Mbua leading Fako Chicago in song and Dance

 
Bui Family Union (BFU-USA) of Chicago in a spectacular guest appearance

Chicago 2009: Fako Dallas Sets the Tone at Dallas Culture Fest

Fako Dallas, which was described as "the little chapter that could" in 2004, honorably represented the Fako community during the annual cultural festival organized by the Cameroon community in Dallas. Here are pictures from a memorable accasion which definitely set the tone for this week's Fako America cultural fest in Chicago. Enjoy!

  

Helping Fako Schools: A Fako Illinois Project (Video)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

15th Fako America Convention - Chicago, 26th - 28th of June 2009

The 15th Fako America convention - Chicago 2009 - will take place from the 26th - 28th of June 2009.

The Hilton garden inn in Schaumburg will be our host hotel.
Hilton garden inn - Scahumburg
1191 woodfield road, IL 60173
Tel. 847 524 0455    fax.  847 524 3860.
 
We have secured special rates for this convention with continental breakfast. We encourage everybody to start making  reservation,as the cutoff  period for all fako people  runs from now till the 6th of June 2009 at 12:am. 

Fako America President and Board Chair Visit Cameroon, Meet With Local Authorities

Shortly after the July 2008 Fako America convention, the newly elected FA President, Dr. Henry Njie, and the new Board Chair, Mr. Edwin Ndoko, traveled to Cameroon for a brief visit.

From left to right: Board Chair, Edwin Ndoko; Buea Mayor, Mbella Moki; FA President, Henry Njie

While in Cameroon, they met with a number of local political, administrative and educational authorities in Fako division to discuss possible avenues for cooperation between the Fako Diaspora in America and the Fako community back home. Prominent among those whom they met were the mayors of Buea and Tiko.

Fako America President Awards Merit Scholarships to Students in GHS Bojongo

Originally published in Eden Newspaper

Some ten students of the Government High School Bonjongo Wednesday 24 September, received the sum of FCFA 100,000 each as scholarship following their brilliant performances at the 2008 session of the General Certificate of Education, GCE Ordinary and Advanced levels.

The scholarship donated by an elite of the Bonjongo Court Area, Dr. Henry Njie, based in Dallas, USA, to the tune of FCFA 1 million is aimed at promoting academic excellence.

Fako America Elects New Board and Executive Committee Members

During the Fako America annual Convention which took place in Richmond, California, from June 27-29, 2008, the following members were elected into the Executive Bureau and Board:

Executive Committee Officers for 2008 - 2010

President: Henry Njie
Vice President: Eposi Njie
Secretary: Efeti Doreen
Treasurer: Emmanuel Allotey
Financial Secretary: Ewokolo Njie
Director of Communications: Ekese Litumbe
Cultural Director: Molua Becke
Historian: Sammy Ndive
Auditors: Steve Ndely and William Nganje

PROGRAMME FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL FAKO AMERICA CONVENTION IN CALIFORNIA JUNE 27 – JUNE 29 2008

THEME: Reconciliation, Hope n’Eyole
JUNE 27-JUNE 29, 2008

The Cultural Evening and General Assembly deliberations (Open ONLY to REGISTERED MEMBERS) as well as the Gala will take place at the same venue:

DAYS Inn & Suites
915 W Cutting Blvd
Point Richmond, CA 94804
Tel: (510) 237-3000; Fax: (510) 237-1175

EYOLE CALIFORNIA CULTURAL GROUP

The Eyole California Cultural group headed by Mola Martin Musonge, refers particularly to a support group of Fako indigenes and their families who currently reside in the San Francisco Bay Area in the State of California. The primary objective of this group is to provide economic, educational, and social support to its members as well as support projects in Fako homeland in Cameroon. This cultural group started on a day in Richmond California when Mama Rebecca Efosi Ngomba nee Mosima from Small Soppo, Cameroon was visiting her family and extended family. During a welcoming visit at her residence, Mama Rebecca noticed that though there was much co-operation within the Fako indigenes that came to welcome her during her visit; a very good catalyst for co-operation in the typical Cameroonian tradition, that is, njangi was missing. Mama Rebecca, as a result, urged all Fako indigenes in the San Francisco Bay Area to formulate a njangi group to enhance co-operation amongst all Fako indigenes.

PROGRAMME FOR THE 13TH ANNUAL FAKO AMERICA CONVENTION

ATLANTA JUNE 29 - JULY 1 2007

THEME: LIVING OUR CULTURE

JUNE 29-JULY 1 2007

The Cultural Evening and General Assembly deliberations (Open ONLY to REGISTERED MEMBERS) as well as the Gala will take place at the same venue:

Hindu Temple of Georgia Ashok’s Center
5900Brook Hollow Parkway
Norcross, GA 30071 Tel: 770-447-9393

FAKO AMERICA CONVENTION 2007 IN ATLANTA

TO THE FAKO AMERICA FAMILY

We will be providing two hotels:

Extended Stay America
200 Lawrenceville Street Norcross,
GA, 30071
Tel: 770-729-8100
Fax: 770-840-8527
e-mail: htn@extendedstay.com
Price: $ 42.50 for Queen or Double Check-in: 12:00 p.m.
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

Reservation rates open till convention date and all rooms offer kitchenettes, stove, microwave and mini refrigerator.

Drury Inn and Suites
5655 Jimmy Cater BLVD. Norcross,
GA, 30071
Tel: 770-729-0060
Fax: 770-729-0060
Price: $ 64.99 King $ 59.99 Double Check-in: 3:00 p.m.
Check-out: 11:00 a.m.

FREE! HOT! QUIKSTART ® Breakfast- Enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits & gravy, Belgian waffles & more!

FREE! Evening Beverages and Snacks now served daily from 5:30-7:00pm

FREE! High-Speed Internet Access in Every Room

FREE! NEW! Free Long Distance - One Hour Every Room, Every Night!

Please make your reservations by Monday, May 28, 2007 to receive our group rate. Reservations made after this date will be subject to prevailing rate and availability.

Rates are good from June 29, 2007 to July 1, 2007.

Hall

The cultural evening, deliberations and gala will take place in the same venue. Hindu Temple of Georgia AShok’s Center 5900Brook Hollow Parkway Norcross,
GA 30071
Tel: 770-447-9393

Airport

The airport will be Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

INVITATION TO FAKO AMERICA CONVENTION, ATLANTA 2007

By Dr. Evella Kange

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Bakweri Community,

On behalf of the members of the Fako Community here in the US, I have the pleasure of inviting you to attend the 13th Fako America Annual Convention to be held in Atlanta, Georgia from Friday June 29th, to Sunday July 1st, 2007.

Minnesota 2006 - Thank You All

By Evella Kange - FA President - On behalf of FECA Minnesota

Dear Fako Family and All,

On behalf of FECA Minnesota, I thank you all who attended Minnesota 2006. Thank you for coming to Minnesota and making it what it turned out to be. Without you, there would have been no convention, no cultural evening. It was great to see the very may faces and the display of our rich culture. There is much more we can do and we hope Atlanta 2007 will build on that. Our culture is rich and we have a duty to promote and preserve it.

Fako America Elects New Executive Officers

Below are the newly elected members of the Executive Committee:

President                                     Augustine Evella Kange
Vice President                              Dora Mojoko Ewusi
Secretary                                     Robert Esuka Endeley
Treasurer                                     Dolly Lambe
Financial Secretary                       Emilia Njie
Director of Communications         Chief Lifongo Vetinde
Cultural Director                          Molua Becke
Historian                                    

Fako America Launches 2006 Scholarship Program

Fako America has launched the 2006 edition of its scholarship program destined for Fako students of good academic standing resident in Cameroon According to a press release jointly signed by FA President, Dr. Sam Moki, and Vice President, Dr. Henry Njie, participating students must submit their complete applications by the close of business on Friday June 9th 2006. In should be recalled that in 2005, Fako America offered scholarships worth 2.7 Million FCFA to 79 deserving Fako students.

FAKO AMERICA 2006 : "Returning to our Roots"

Minnesota - June 30 - July 2, 2006

Airport of Choice:
Minneapolis/St Paul International (MSP)
Hotel: 
Days Inn Midway
1964 University Avenue W
St Paul, MN 55104
1 800 Days Inn (329-7466) or (651) 645-8681

Advertise in the FAKO America 2006 Convention Brochure

Make your business count!

In addition to placing your add in the convention brochure, you get the following:

• Listing of your add in the convention Website
• Verbal acknowledgement during the convention
• The opportunity to display promotional material during the convention

Advertising rates:

1. Full Page: $75.00
2. ½ Page: $50.00
3. ¼ Page: $25.00

10% discount to registered and paid up members of FAKO America organization

Draft Internal Audit Procedure for Fako America

In order to ensure the appropriateness of Fako America’s financial records and procedures, an internal audit procedure has been established. The policy shall be implemented by the Audit Committee in collaboration with The FA Board and the FA Executive Committee.

Why have an audit?

• To obtain independent assurance that all financial records fairly represent the financial condition of Fako America (FA).
• To ensure that the year’s financial activity has been properly recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• To ensure adherence with the policies and procedures established by FA
• To maintain confidence in the integrity of FA’s financial system and the persons responsible for handling the finances.

FA to Hold Talks with Regional Fako Associations

The Vice President of Fako America, Mola Henry Njie, has announced the holding of a teleconference between Fako America and local/regional Fako organizations in the United States. The conference, which is scheduled to take place today, will will focus primarily on potential areas of cooperation between FA and the regional associations; on the mission and vision of FA; and on the possibility of these regional bodies officially becoming FA affiliate chapters. Find below the agenda for this historic meeting. Details will follow in a subsequent posting .

Fako America Bylaws

ARTICLE I: NAME, PURPOSE, OFFICE AND LANGUAGE

Section I: Name. The name of this organization is FAKO AMERICA ORGANIZATION (hereafter the “Corporation” or “Fako America”).

Section II: Purpose. The Corporation is established for the purpose set forth in its Articles of Incorporation:

To educate and sensitize the Fako Diaspora community in the United States on issues related to the preservation and promotion of Fako culture and history within the Diaspora community; to foster a sprit of unity and cooperation among members of the Fako Diaspora community; to provide a networking forum for members to explore and make use of academic, professional, and other opportunities in the United States; and to these ends, to organize fund-raising events, solicit donations, and apply for public and private grants.

Mbella Moki Praises Dynamism Of Fako Diaspora in the United States

The Post Newspaper (Buea, Cameroon)

Charles Mbella Moki, Mayor of Buea Rural Council, has praised the Fako people living in the US for their vigour, while condemning political witch-hunting.

In a keynote address delivered at the 11th annual convention of Fako America, FA, in Laurel, Maryland, recently, Mbella described FA as "a real laboratory of ideas and truly an open space to find acceptable solutions to some of our existing difficulties."

Celebrating The Art of Cameroon

By Meghan Oliver (Sentinel Staff Writer)

Fako members from all over the country perform Cameroonian traditional dances during the 2005 Fako America Annual Convention in Laurel.

Fako America Convention Picture Collection now Available for Viewing

Convention pictures taken by Mola Emil Mondoa during the cultural evening and Saturday deliberations are now available online for viewing and printing. If Mola Mondoa's camera flashed in front of you, you probably feature in this huge picture collection. Most of the pictures can be blown up to 20x30 inches (poster size) with no loss of detail, so convention participants and other interested parties are encouraged to get enlargements for framing.

Do not hesitate to forward the link to those who may be interested in a pictorial account of the DC convention.

Click here to view picture collection or to order prints

Fako America 11th Annual Convention in Pictures

FA President, Mola Sam Moki, welcoming guests from across the United States, Europe and Cameroon.

More Pictures from the Fako America Convention

After the intense discussions on Saturday, July 2, participants took time off to unwind at the FA gala.

All Set for the FA Washington Convention (July 1-3, 2005)

After intense collaboration between Fako America and the Washington, D.C. chapter, we have settled on our convention venue. Having your comfort and convenience in mind, both the Friday and Saturday events will take place at the Convention hotel. 

Please  make the necessary travel and lodging arrangements based on the information below:

Introducing FECA Washington: The Cultural Pioneer

By Mbango Evakise-keke (President, FECA Washington)

FECA Washington is the oldest Fako organization in the United States. Created in the 1980s, it was originally known as the Bakweri Cultural Association (BCA) of the Washington Metropolitan Area. However, by unanimous vote, the group agreed to change its name to Fako Elements Cultural Association (FECA) to reflect its inclusive philosophy. The current goal of FECA is to broaden its base to include all Fako elements in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Obituary: Sabina Namondo Woleta

The Woleta and Endeley families, regret to announce the passing of their beloved sister-in-law, Iya Sabina Namondo Woleta.  She passed away on the evening of Tuesday, 26 April 2005, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, USA.

Sabina started complaining of severe back ache about three weeks ago.  On Monday, 11 April, she was admitted to the hospital.  After a battery of tests, she was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma, a deadly form of bone-marrow cancer.

Fako America Conflict of Interest Policy

SECTION 1. PURPOSE:
Fako America is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for public support. Therefore, the IRS as well as state regulatory and tax officials view the operations of Fako America as a public trust, which is subject to scrutiny by and accountable to such governmental authorities as well as to members of the public.

Consequently, there exists between Fako America and its board, officers, and management employees and the public a fiduciary duty, which carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty and fidelity. The board, officers, and management employees have the responsibility of administering the affairs of Fako America honestly and prudently, and of exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of Fako America. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with Fako America or knowledge gained therefrom for their personal benefit. The interests of the organization must be the first priority in all decisions and actions.

SECTION 2. PERSONS CONCERNED

Click here to read or download the FA Conflict of Interest Policy (pdf)

FA Treasurer, William Nganje, promoted to Associate Professor at NDSU

Fako America is pleased to announce the promotion of its National Treasurer, Dr. William Nganje, to the position of Associate Professor of Agribusiness and Finance in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Dakota State University (NDSU) - Fargo.

According to reports from NDSU, Dr. Nganje's promotion - which comes less than 10 years since he began his teaching career - is no surprise because of his dedication and commitment to his job and to the NDSU community.

Fako America Administration: 2004-2006

During the July 2004 Dallas Convention, elections where held for the FA Executive Committee members, and for the first ever FA Board of Directors. The elections took place after a very passionate campaign that saw candidates articulating their vision for Fako America and for the Fako Diaspora in the United States. Here are the names and positions of the honorable sons and daughters of Fako called upon to serve our community for until July 2006:

FA Awards 2.7 Million FCFA to Fako Students

Fako America has awarded scholarships worth 2.7 million FCFA to 79 students from Fako division. This is an increase from 60 students who received the awards in 2002. It should be noted that over 300 applications were received by the FA Scholarship Committee, which first narrowed down the list to 115 applicants, and then finally to 79. The best student in each class received 50,000 FCFA, while good students with limited financial resources were awarded 25,000FCFA.

The scholarships will be awarded to the deserving students during a ceremony to take place in Buea at a still-to-be-determined date.

Click here to print or download complete list of scholarship recipients