56 ‘came we stay’ couples legalize marriage in Kumba

Some 56 couples in the Kumba I Sub-division have officially legalized their marriages putting an end to the 'come we stay' phenomenon where couples live together for a long time with no official recognition as husband and wife.

The colourful event took place recently at the Kumba Amusement Park during a mass marriage ceremony organized by the Meme Divisional Delegation of Women Empowerment and the Family in collaboration with the Kumba I Council.

The event which was presided over by the Divisional Officer, D.O of Kumba I Nformubot Duala Charles was rich in pomp and fanfare.

Addressing the couples, the Mayor of Kumba I, Abel Ebako Ndoh congratulated them for taking the bold step to legalising their marriages, adding that the council’s role is only to unite couples in marriage and encourage them to live together to enjoy the blissfulness of the institution of marriage.

Mayor Ebako said the reason the council thought it wise to unite couples in Kumba I is to reduce and eradicate the notion of 'came we stay' which has developed into a nasty phenomenon in the country for decades.

He added that couples who do not have the financial strength to legalizing their marriage individually can do it collectively and that is why the council introduced collective marriages in Kumba I where numerous couples can benefit from a single ceremony. This, he said will go a long way to reduce the number of couples who practice 'came we stay'.

According to the D.O of Kumba I, Duala Charles, tolerance is the core of marriage and called on the couples to always endeavor to tolerate each other.

Adding that while tolerating, they should equally include some degree of trust in one another but should trust in God more. As a secret to having a happy marriage life, the D.O advised the couples to love one another unconditionally.

The Meme Divisional Delegate of Women Empowerment and the Family, Achanyi Micheal, opined that the idea behind the joining of these couples is to have a happy family, for if most families are happy the country will develop and equally grow and will be void of delinquents.

He said the secret behind the legalization over 150 marriages this year is hard work and the sensitization of the population about the importance of legalizing their marriages.

The delegate, however, called on couples in the Kumba I municipality and beyond who have not yet legalized their marriages to try to do so because it is an act that guarantees and safeguard their union.