The British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Matt Woods, has been honoured and decorated by the Bafaw tribe with a traditional title: “Ekpa Lisongo,” which means, The Hunter’s Bag that brings good things, as translated from the Lifor, Bafaw dialect.
He was accorded the title at the Nfon’s Palace on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Kumba, in the presence of the Nfon of Kumba and Paramount Ruler of the Bafaw, Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Senior Divisional Officer, SDO, of Meme Division, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong; Divisional Officers, Mayors, Regional Councillors, Traditional Rulers, and Notables.
Conferring the title on him, the Bafaw monarch, Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko, said the British High Commissioner to Cameroon is now an Honorary Ambassador of the Bafaw customs and tradition, adding that he has been recognised for his beauty in leadership, strength, and protective features.
Nfon Mukete noted the British High Commissioner’s presence in Cameroon is a reassuring factor and a symbol of development to the community.
“His diplomatic prowess and dedication in fostering relationship between the UK and Cameroon, embodies the value of oneness,” Nfon Mukete said.
In his acceptance speech, the British diplomat harped that he was humbled before the tribe to receive such a distinction. He used the event to laud the excellent diplomatic relations between his country and Cameroon from time immemorial.
While expressing gratitude, Woods said the recognition bestowed on him is not only remarkable but something he would cherish for a long time.
Earlier, in a guided tour across the city of Kumba, the British diplomat visited the Old Bafaw palace; Government Practicing School, Kumba Town; St Paul’s Anglican.Nursery and Primary School; Kumba Main Market; and the head office of the South West Farmers’ Cooperative Union, SOWEFCU.
In most of the areas he visited, he promised to add value to effect change and remained optimistic that the excellent relations existing between the Uk and Kumba will be fully cemented.
