BIYABI FAMILY TABENKEN IN YAOUNDE EXHIBIT THEIR IDENTITY

Even though a language and way of life, customs, traditions may serve as identification of a people, it has become practice to see several groupings clad in this or that loin as the most authentic form of identification. Reason why every weekend njangi groups, cultural groups and sometimes church groups always try to make a difference through fashionable outfit.

Saturday October 11, 2014 was the turn of the Biyabi family Tabenken in Yaounde to exhibit their identity. After several months of postponement D-day came at last with resounding success confirming that such postponement only gave room for appropriate meticulous preparations. The Nyom–Mesasi quarters that played host to the event became a hub, attracting hundreds of friends, relatives, well–wishers, curious onlookers and of course gate–crashers who answered present to witness for themselves. Participants were treated to a red–carpet reception as they were entertained with a rich cultural manifestation. Savouring of some palm–wine, “sha” or corn juice, fufu corn and “njamsu”, “ka’ati ka’ati”, egusi pudding and some hot “koki” was on the menu.

According to Mr. Yembe Frederick, President of the Biyabi Family meeting in Yaounde, “the occasion was a moment of communion with the people since we were elected into office. This is my first major event and I am happy that the turn–out was very wonderful…I can see that everybody has had at least something to eat and drink. We have to thank God for this and pray God to continue to help our family to grow in love and unity…”

The occasion was chaired by Mr. Tifor Ephraim Foncha sitting in for Mr. Ndi Killian, the deputy Chairperson in charge of fundraising, Mr. Polycarp Labah, deputy chairperson in charge of animation, Mrs. Ngayi Sama Celestine (ASP), deputy chairperson in charge of drinks and logistics, Mr. Isaac Keku Ndinwa, deputy chairperson in charge of feeding, Mrs Eveline Labah.

All happened under the watchful eyes of Mr. Oliver Tata Ndi, President of the Tabenken Cultural and Development Association (TACUDA) Yaounde branch.

The Biyabi family is one of the six families that make up Tabenken village of Nkambe Central, Donga Mantung Division of the North West Region. It is one of the largest families in Tabenken whose tentacles are spread into the five other families and beyond. Tabenken is one of the most highly populated villages in the whole of North West with about 30.000 inhabitants. The Biyabi alone make up 1/3 of this population. They are very dynamic, industrious and proactive people.