The newly appointed Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Fako, Viang Mekala, officially takes command today following an ongoing installation ceremony at the Manga Williams Avenue in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon.
The event, presided over by the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia Bilia, has drawn the presence of various dignitaries, including Divisional Officers, Mayors, and Chiefs of the Fako Division.
Viang Mekala officially assumes the position following a decree signed by the President Paul Biya on January 18, 2024.
He replaces the outgoing SDO, Mr. Chaibou, who has been appointed as the Senior Divisional Officer for Nyong-et-Kelle Division in the Center Region of Cameroon.
In an address at the installation event, Governor Okalia Bilai, told the senior administrator to take caution in the treatment of land issues in Fako, a longstanding issue facing the Division.
“It shall be incumbent on you to cause the traditional rulers to understand that the collective landed properties is not their personal property. Traditional rulers of Fako should make an effort to ensure equity and social justice, ” said Governor Okalia Bilia.
“You will always enjoy from me all the support and necessary Protection. But if you choose a different path, quest for money in complicity with certain persons, then you will find yourself surely responsible for your actions,” he added.
Addressing the audience, the City Mayor of Limbe, Paul Ngale, offered words of encouragement and called on the incoming Senior Divisional Officer to maintain unwavering objectivity in the discharge of his duties.
“You should guard against being taken hostage by any individual or group of individuals to influence the course of things here, according to their whims and caprices,” said Mayor Paul Efome Ngale.
He added, “Remain unshakable and deliver the missions for which you were sent to deliver us. We shall equally be requesting your expertise in the fearless fight against urban disorder, clandestine transportation which has already become the order of the day in our Division.”
This sentiment echoes the expectations of the local community and regional leaders as Viang Mekala takes on this crucial role.
He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Divisional Officer for Manyu in the South West Region of Cameroon.
His tenure in Manyu is remembered for his dedication to public service and administrative prowess.
