Of the various accolades distributed to students, government officials, and other dignitaries during the recently concluded the 2024 FENASSCO League A Games in Limbe, the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga was the sole individual to decline the gesture. She publicly turned down the special prize presented to her by the games’ organizing committee.
This incident took place at the Limbe Centenary Stadium on Tuesday, April 9, during the official closure of the 24th edition of the FENASSCO A Games, which commenced on Tuesday, April 2. “Let the prize be given to another person,” she declared. “MINESEC cannot organise the event, and I am receiving the prize,” she further remarked.
Despite declining the special prize, the Regional Delegation of Secondary Education accepted the one offered to them for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the games within the region.
In addition to refusing the prize, Minister Nalova opted not to deliver a prepared speech, preferring instead to address the participants directly without relying on written notes. This decision was made even as her staff had arranged a podium for her to deliver the prepared speech.
“I don’t need to make a speech. We want to leave, and they have not given me mattresses,” she remarked. The mention of mattresses stemmed from her earlier threat that no buses would depart until the mattresses, which she claimed were stolen by students, were returned.
Despite the efforts of MINESEC staff and the Secretary-General at the Ministry of Secondary Education to persuade her to read the prepared speech, their attempts were unsuccessful.
During her impromptu address, Minister Nalova connected with the audience, as her words were candid and unrehearsed. This occurred in the presence of her colleagues from various ministries, including Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Youths and Civic Education, Basic Education, Sports, and Physical Education, as well as regional and local authorities.
