The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Gabriel MBAIROBE has officially commissioned the pioneer team to pilot the Affairs of the North West Rice Cooperative Association (NOWERICA). In an installation ceremony which took place during the 4th Steering Committee of the Rice Value Chain Development Project which took place in the Conference Hall of the Ayaba in Bamenda, on Friday, 17th January 2025, the Minister commissioned 10 members of the Board of Directors (BoD), 3 members of the Supervisory Committee and 4 management staff to run the affairs of the Cooperative Association.
To the ten members of the Board of Directors (BoD) of NOWERIACA, led by Mr. Ndzerem Methodius as President and Madam Chesi Lum Miriam as Vice-President, Minister MBAIROBE reminded them that they have been entrusted with the duty of ensuring that the cooperative operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the rice farmers. The pioneer Board of Directors will be responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the cooperative over the next three years, renewable once.
To the three members of the Supervisory Board, headed by Mr. Tifuchu Cosmas as president, the Minster described their role as integral to the integrity and oversight of NOWERICA. They are expected to monitor the activities of the Board and management, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, and the cooperative’s bylaws.
The BoD and Supervisory Committee were elected through a free, fair and transparent election exercise on Wednesday, 12th July 2024, at the Pastoral Centre in Bamenda, following the prescriptions of the OHADA Law and other laws governing the formation of Cooperatives in Cameroon and shall run the activities of the Cooperative Association of 3 years, renewable once.
To the pioneer management team, whom the Minister described as the operational backbone of the North West Rice Cooperative Association, he also acknowledged that their responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing day-to-day operations, member engagement, and the implementation of the strategic plans set forth by the Board. He called them “the bridge between the vision of the Board and the realities faced by our farmers”. He encouraged the team of four, to be proactive in seeking feedback from the members, sharing information, understanding their challenges, and working collaboratively to provide solutions that enhance productivity and profitability. According to the Recruitment Decision signed by the Minister of Agriculture of Rural Development, MBONY Wilson KHEN was retained as General Manager, Mr. MBUNGAI Joseph BONGMBA as Administrative & Finance Officer, Mr. ZUMBI Simon FONGUH Manager of the Technical Department, while Mme NGEH Mary NSAM was taken in as Manager of Input Supply. The installation ceremony was preceded by the first meeting of the BoD and Supervisory Committee which took place in the MIDENO Conference Hall on Thursday, 16th January, during which the members carted a roadmap, defined roles, and took firm decisions to foster the growth the Cooperative Association as well as took a firm resolve to work in favour of the farmers whom they represent.