Meet 70-year-old Patrick Nsaizeka, ingenious metal manufacturer from Kumbo

At the age of 70, Patrick Nsaizeka is striving to fulfill his dream of becoming a world-class metal manufacturer.

The indigene of Kumbo in Bui Division of the North West Region has stood out from other metal workers in Cameroon because of his creative ingenuity.

For the many decades he has spent as a metal worker, Nsaizeka has produced extraordinary items that have distinguished him from others.

His products cut across daily human life.

“I produce utensils like sift and cage used in preserving dried fish, meat, and crayfish,” Nsaizeka told MMI, adding, “The cage I produce protects all these from cockroaches and rats.”

“I as well have a charcoal pot made with metals of any size used for the smoking of fish and meat so as to dissolve cholesterol,” he said.

Other works of his hands include protective equipment like helmets for motorbike riders, something that is rarely manufactured by regular metal workers in Cameroon.

“I completed this one a year ago and the one I’m holding is almost done. It is for bike riders,” he said, his face beaming with smiles as he prestigiously put it on.

But this is not the only rare item he manufactures. Aside from helmets, he also produces musical instruments, caps, hats, and eyeglasses.

“Here again is a face cap, hat, and eyeglasses of various types that can make a good blend for musicians on stage. You can also see local musical instruments.”

Nsaizeka told MMI he also makes dresses out of metals.

Lack of materials is my greatest difficulty

Looking back at the road he has covered, Nsaizeka said exploiting his talent over the years has been quite challenging.

“The challenges I have been facing are many. I struggled to join associations where I could exhibit my talent to no avail,” he said, adding, “I decided to do it alone.”

However, getting the right materials needed for his work remains the greatest challenge.

“Some of my greatest difficulties are lack of materials for making hats, face caps, metal dresses such as aluminum, pliers for fabrication, pincers, cramps to enhance the shape of these products to come out clear and neat.”

The 70-year-old also said he is limited by a lack of finance. If supported, he said he could do much more than expected.

He has pioneered some initiatives to train young people to be able to replicate his extraordinary skill.

One such avenue is the Kumbo Orphan Metal Workshop, which he created a few years ago to advance his works and to train interested youngsters.

He has been featured on the BBC’s Focus on Africa Magazine programme for his works.

His contact is 677759863

By David Atangana