In the midst of ongoing socio-political challenges, the people of Bafut are turning to creativity as a pathway to resilience and economic revival. The Bafut Council, under the leadership of Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence, on Friday August 8, 2025 organized the municipality’s first-ever craft exhibition, a landmark event aimed at empowering artisans, promoting locally made products, and creating access to new markets.

The exhibition featured 19 skilled participants, many of whom have long been producing exceptional work without the visibility or support to reach wider audiences. By bringing them together on one platform, the council hopes to connect creators with buyers, collaborators, and regional market opportunities.

“This is more than an exhibition; it’s a launchpad,” Mayor Ngwakongoh stated. “We want Bafut to consume what Bafut produces while showcasing our artistry to the world. Hidden talents deserve to be seen, supported, and given the chance to grow.”

Among the standouts was Mr. Neba, whose pear oil, valued for its potential role in managing certain heart conditions, gained public attention for the first time. Another artisan, Emus Ngwa, impressed visitors with intricate wall and table décor crafted from bamboo and raffia, earning an invitation to represent Bafut at the upcoming regional craft exhibition in Bamenda.

For Manka’a Julie, a producer of ginger and turmeric tea powder, the event came with a life-changing reward l, a truck donated by the council to help transport raw materials. “This is more than symbolic support,” she said. “It will ease our transport challenges and boost our production capacity.”

The exhibition displayed a rich variety of locally made products, from traditional attire and cassava-based foods to wood carvings and crafts fashioned from sustainable materials. It underscored how traditional skills can be reimagined for modern markets while safeguarding cultural heritage.

Though Bafut continues to face the lingering effects of the crisis, the event has injected a wave of optimism. By promoting self-reliance, skill development, and local consumption, the council is demonstrating a model of community-led economic recovery that could inspire other municipalities.

As Mayor Ngwakongoh affirmed: “Bafut arts will go international. And when they do, our community will not just survive, it will thrive.”

Participants received certificates of participation at the end of the exhibition.