June 19, 2025 marked a vibrant and memorable occasion at CRID as staff came together to celebrate Cultural Day, an event dedicated to showcasing the rich diversity of traditions and identities within the organization.
Fashion show in traditional attire
The day was filled with colour, tradition, and community spirit. Staff members proudly wore their traditional attire, representing various regions and ethnic backgrounds. The celebration culminated in a lively gathering at the amphitheatre, where the program officially began with a warm welcome speech by Caleb Yangkoulo, Head of Administration.
This was followed by a video presenting traditional traits of each region of Cameroon. The event featured a variety of engaging performances. Olivier Azongkoh, Personnel Manager made a leadership talk on “Why culture matters at CRID”. He emphasized that Cultural diversity sparks innovation, and makes us stronger as a team. “Our differences are not barriers, but bridges for us to work together”, he added. Edith Tiogo, Communication Officer, did a Bible lecture in mother tongue. She read Matthew 5: 13 – 16 in “Ghomala”, the language spoken in Bandjoun, West Cameroon. This earned her the prize for Best Presentation.
A Cultural quiz was led by Dr Lili Mbakop, Post-doctoral researcher. This permitted the audience to brainstorm on cultural meals, dances and attires of various ethnic groups of Cameroon. The fashion parade gave floor to showcase different cultural attires. Rodrigue Tseyep, Real Estates Manager, made a presentation titled “Bamena, the centre of the earth”. He shared insights on the goat as being the emblem of this locality of West Cameroon, precisely in the Nde division. He made a display of the map, relief features, culinary arts, dances performed during ceremonies and the market square. Then followed a phase of dish presentation. Murielle Wondji, Laboratory Manager, presented kondre, called “kə̀lɔ̌̌ŋ mbàp nzwə” in vernacular language. Ernestine Mbée, Finance Officer, presented a meal of pounded potatoes, called “pilé pommes” accompanied by pear, from Mbouda.
Family picture
To recognize creativity and participation, awards were presented to some individuals. Junior Samba got the prize for Best Male Traditional Attire, while Chastine Weladji obtained the one for Female Traditional Attire. After a group photo to capture the moment, attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet of traditional dishes such as fufu corn and njama njama, koki and ripe plantains, okok and cassava; each meal a celebration of Cameroon’s culinary heritage. The event was a resounding success, reinforcing CRID’s commitment to fostering a workplace that values both hard work and cultural appreciation. This joyful celebration served as a meaningful way to reinforce the spirit of togetherness, an essential foundation for advancing science and embracing diversity in research.
