Otto Wilson becomes second Anglophone to be governor

Otto Joseph Wilson has become the second Anglophone Cameroonian to be appointed Governor of the Centre Region, with headquarters in Yaounde, the nation’s capital. The first Anglophone to head the region was Fai Yengo Francis.

At Wilson’s installation, a cream of who -is-who in the Anglophone elite’s community in Yaounde turned out in their masses to fraternize with him.

The installation was presided by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Emmanuel Rene Sadi. The event which took place at the premises of the Yaounde City council also brought together Senior Civil Administrators, Divisional Officers, Members of Parliament, Senators and Mayors from almost all ten regions of Cameroon. Also, present were almost all chiefs as well as youths from Ndian Division where Wilson hails from.

As Governor of the nation’s capital, the minister said, Otto Wilson, will have to ensure the security of state institutions, diplomatic missions in Yaoundé, including life and property. He also reminded him of the capacity of the region he is to lead, stating that it is a strategic one.

The promotion of second generation agriculture as well as the follow-up of some priority projects in the region, such as the Yaounde-Nsimaleng Motor-ways will comprise part of the tasks, the Governor was told.

The new Center Region’s boss is also expected to grapple with some land disputes, disenclavement of some localities, maintenance of law and order and the promotion of the socio-economic development of the ten divisions that make up the region.

The Center Region has a population of about 3,000,000 inhabitants with about 65% of leaving in the urban areas. The population comprises mainly of the Betis, Nyanbasas, Basas, Bakokos and a cross section of indigenes from the ten regions of the country who have migrated mainly for economic reasons.

Otto Wilson, a Senior Civil Administrator, hails from Isangele in the Bakassi area in Ndian Division. He is a graduate from ENAM and until this appointment was Governor of the North Region. He has also served as Inspector General in charge of electoral matters at the Ministry of

Territorial Administration and Decentralization. He replaces Governor Rogers Moise Ayene Nlom, who is going on retirement.

Reacting to the appointment of Wilson Otto, Esoh Itoh (Chief) and Board Chairman of PAMOL, in CPDM militants’’ characteristic allegiance to President Biya, thanked him for what he described as “the mark of confidence on our own child.” He continued; “We also thank the Governor, Joseph Otto Wilson, for making us proud with his steadfastness in serving this our beloved country.

Our wish is that our Son continues to live up to the task because the impression that I personally have with reports from all the places he has served are of great satisfaction. Many people have confessed that they have no doubt over his abilities and capabilities. So I go home very satisfied that the nation’s capital has a good choice. The turnout of the occasion tells the rest of the story.” Itoh said.

Another Chief, Okpa Motiti Daniel II, of IIIoh village in Ndian stated, “the appointment of Otto Wilson did not just come at random. It came following the foot-prints he left from where he took off his career as an administrator. He is a good influence to the people of Bakassi, in particular, and the people of Ndian in general. This has been the reason why many of us beat By Diana Egbe Arrey, June 25, 2014 hits the odds to travel all the way from Bakassi where he comes from to Yaoundé, to be part and parcel of the ground-breaking event.”

“Joseph Otto Wilson makes us proud.” Said Chief Mukete of Lobe, Ndian Division. “We traveled all the way to Yaoundé to witness the event just like we did when he was appointed Governor of the North Region. It is very interesting to see almost the same mammoth crowd that turned out in the north show up here. Governor Wilson is always giving us reason to trust him. We are very impressed with his record and we thank the President of the Republic for not closing his eyes towards his effort in trying to live up to expectations.

Mayor Mbongo Alfred of Ekondo Titi council. “I think he is a role model in administration. Coming from Bakassi, a historical trouble zone, it has never influenced him in any negative way vis-à-vis his spirit of patriotism. If there are people that the state would want to earmark for patriotism and administrative services he surely will feature among them.

Assistant Wouri SDO, Ntone; If there is anything I have learnt in administration, it is hard work and determination. This, I have learnt from the Governor. He has not neglected any office that he has held and has been very careful not to leave a bad legacy. He always had the people at heart wherever he worked, reason I believe he is moving from strength to strength. I also see the fear of God in him - which is the beginning of Wisdom.