Since January 2014, we see you all the time in Nkongsamba. What about your role at the UN?
I ended my duties as Deputy Director of the International Labour Office for the countries of the Indian Ocean in January 2014. I also put the brakes on my career as a top UN official because the love for my city took over and I'm here to try to bring my modest contribution to its rebirth.
You know it is not easy to leave the comfort, luxury and safety that gave me my position within the United Nations. Some say I'm crazy to make that choice. Others have even said that it was suicidal. I assume it is my choice and my decision. You know, I resisted the urge for a long time back. But the call was strong, urgent and insistent. I could not do otherwise than to be here.
Do you think you have been well received in your city of birth?
You ask those who often host Nkongsamba if they did well (laughs). Anyway my mom is happy to see me and have me all the time. My wife and my daughter also. Bishop Thomas Nkuissi in his grave is very pleased to know I am here. For my part, I am happy to be back in my city of birth. I do not know if everyone is happy, but I hope they are happy with what I do and will do.
It seems that you have trouble with the administration and the politicians.
If you're referring to the inquiry which I was subjected to on May 20, 2011, one might think indeed, by order of the issue at the time, I spent six hours with the Special Commissioner who asked me my intentions and political affiliation in the city.
This is an episode that targeted me. I realized that some politicians wanted me to convey a message that said, I have the right as all Cameroonians to participate in local and national politics.
However, the NVA program is sufficiently strong to take up all my time. I am not a candidate for anything. I would not accept even being appointed as head of the block. But I still would accompany the administration and all the people who really want the revival of Nkongsamba. I do not belong to any camp.
Finally, what do you do here in Nkongsamba?
I just continue to implement the major program I referred in Nlonako Valley Authority whose shares are visible in the city. For those who do not know, Nlonako Valley Authority (NVA) is the parent group consisting ISMAM, Nkongsamba FM ISMAM Training Center and soon a complex agricultural training centre in September.
Otherwise we encourage a lot of animation and entertainment initiatives in the city for young people. That is why we have initiated and funded the competition for the best choirs of Nkongsamba held on April 26 and Nkongsamba University Show which took place on May 17.
Other actions and activities are planned if God gives us the strength and means. I will also start, by the end of the year, the construction of a five-storey building not far from the CNPS. This building will house a 100-room mini hostel and should also help to alleviate the problems of student accommodation in our city while promoting urbanization.
My biggest way is my determination. Faith can move mountains. In fact I want to reassure the NVA is an integrated and coherent program that is gradually taking place. Those familiar with this program, I think embrace it too much. The NVA is like a big house with many rooms and several outbuildings. We do not do everything at once but step by step. And frankly, it takes ambition for our city and ambitious plans for its revival.
And even I did not have a financial partner from the beginning, there are technical partners with me. At the moment, there is a strong delegation from Lyon for ten days as part of the implementation of complex agricultural training NVA.
We received a letter of encouragement from the Prime Minister who promises help. The overseer Thomas Hona assured me of his support and assistance. For the rest, God has confided in me with this mission, he will give me the means to lead.
Granted you have a long list of achievements, one being the Higher Institute of Management of Manengouba, but much is said about the fact you do not pay teachers…
(Laughs) It is often said that no one is a prophet at home. There are so many things to say. But it does not disturb me at all. This will not distract me. Any initiative which arises is prone to difficulties.
ISMAM has experienced a few, Yes, we have known moments when there was accumulation of wage arrears for permanent contractors. This thing is solved now. But you should know qu'ISMAM still does not balance its accounts, the workforce that is, does not allow to meet the costs of operation.
Since its inception in 2007, ISMAM is funded out of my pocket. But I'm happy to have created the first academic institution in the city of Nkongsamba and the whole department. I am happy to have helped more than 300 children in seven years to have their BTS and glad I did find jobs in many of them. I am happy to have brought more than 15 foreign nationals to Nkongsamba, glad I could give scholarships in Canada to over seven ISMAM students and glad to see the direct and indirect positive effects qu'ISMAM generates in the city.
What innovations do you have planned in the next academic year?
First I want to say that since our return, we have made efforts to improve reception facilities. Our classrooms and computer labs have been renovated. The library has received 10,000 volumes offered by the Catholic University of Bruxelles.
For the next school year, we are announcing the opening of BTS Agricole, specialties Transport and Logistics and Hospitality and Tourism and the reopening of channels of bilingual office Secretariats for Management. New nationals are expected including Ivorian and Togolese. The formal opening is scheduled on October 31 with the presence and participation of Mr Charles Ndongo.
Speaking of Nkongsamba FM. Is it okay?
It is for you to tell me. But it seems to me that Nkongsamba FM is part of daily and every day life, they are more likely to connect more and love the programs of 96.2 mhz. I intend to finally launch its opening in late October 2014. We also plan before the end of the year to improve listening conditions for the cities of Loum, Penja, Njombe and Melong.
Mr. Djankou, tell us plainly. You set out to do work that is the responsibility of mayors or Government Delegates. Do you aim to replace them?
Do not exaggerate. I only replaced the fence around the ISMAM to improve the safety of my students. I also try to create gardens around the Institute for the Study framework that actually reflects a higher institute. Mayor Wandji was informed and agreed. I repeat, I am not interested in politics but by the development or revival of Nkongsamba, which I intend to do from where I am, not from a political position whatsoever.
Chairman of the NVA is me and just me. It is even too addictive. I think I can contribute more significantly to the revival of Nsambalaise this way than any other position.
One last word to Nsambalais and the people?
Yes exactly. I have three points that are close to my heart and I want to share with my brothers and sisters. I would suggest that all children of Nkongsamba have the opportunity to return to God and to do penance to purify demons that seem to prevent the development activities of the city. I propose an interfaith worship during which Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and traditional leaders meet to entrust the rebirth of our city to the divine solicitude.
Furthermore, I would pray policies and Nsambalaises elites to build the necessary political consensus to defend and support the idea launched by the Government Delegate in relation to Comice Agro Pastoral Nkongsamba. This really is an opportunity we must seize to boost Nsambalaise renaissance. Unfortunately we have political camps which is neutralizing the development of the city.
I would also say that we have a very beautiful city. A little effort from each benefits all. Imagine for a moment that everyone puts paint on his house? You will see the charm of Nkongsamba. Imagine for a moment when we cannot do more fields of maize, cassava or banana in the main streets or on the premises of the administrative offices? Imagine for a moment the holes in the street are filled as they appear in the central avenues? Imagine for a moment that we put street lighting?
Thank you Mr. diplomat, the President or the promoter ... which do you prefer?
As you like.
