By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The South West Chiefs Conference (SWECC) has announced a major change to its highly anticipated second edition of the South West Cultural Festival, shifting the event from December 11–13, 2025 to February 27–March 1, 2026. The decision was disclosed during an emergency executive meeting held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the SWECC Secretariat in Buea, chaired by the President of SWECC, His Majesty John Ahmadou Mokube.
Speaking to the press after the session, President Mokube explained that the postponement was driven primarily by the country’s busy political calendar, which has dominated national attention and consumed vital time needed for planning, fundraising, and logistics. He emphasised that although the dates have changed, the festival’s agenda, content, and venue remain intact. “We have called you to help propagate information that the Southwest Cultural Festival, which we programmed for the 11th, 12th and 13th of December 2025, has been postponed… for reasons that we all know,” he stated. “The political calendar of the nation has taken a good deal of the time that we had for preparation.”
New additions to the festival programme
Despite the shift, organisers revealed that the festival will return with enhanced activities aimed at enriching cultural expression and increasing engagement. Among the new highlights are traditional wrestling matches, a canoe race, and keynote presentations from experts focused on entrepreneurial consciousness, an area SWECC believes is vital for the region’s youth and future development.
“We want this festival to be an inclusive ceremony,” President Mokube added, noting that the new date will give communities and potential sponsors ample time to reorganise after weeks of political tension nationwide. Considering the need for participants “to remobilize financially and otherwise,” SWECC believes the February window offers a more conducive atmosphere for maximum participation.
A symbolic and strategically timed date
The choice of February is not merely logistical but deeply symbolic, as emphasised by the Public Relations Officer of SWECC, HRM Chief Ebong Pende. He reiterated that the festival’s theme, “Showcasing cultural identity, consolidating peace, and promoting entrepreneurial consciousness” remains unchanged and aligns closely with the cultural and national significance of the month.
According to Chief Ebong Pende, February carries multiple layers of importance: it is the birth month of the festival’s patron, His Excellency President Paul Biya; it hosts National Youth Day; and it marks the month when the current SWECC executive took office. All these factors, he explained, make February the most meaningful and “convenient” month for hosting a festival rooted in heritage, unity, and youth empowerment. “For us, it represents a birthday present for him,” he said, referring to the Head of State. “Since it is our duty as traditional rulers to hand down our cultural heritage to the younger generation, the month of February, which celebrates the youth, is very appropriate.”
SWECC commends population for maintaining peace
The executive also used the gathering to appreciate the people of the South West Region for demonstrating maturity and restraint during recent weeks of political tension. Chief Ebong Pende highlighted the calm and unity shown by the population following calls from traditional authorities to maintain peace and allow institutions to carry out their duties.
“We said the Southwest people are a peace-loving people… We were very happy that our population listened to us and that the Southwest region was very, very quiet,” he remarked, underscoring the chiefs’ continued role in safeguarding social harmony and cultural stability.
Increasing enthusiasm and ongoing dev’t projects
President Mokube also shared positive updates on SWECC’s current state, revealing growing enthusiasm among chiefs and communities across the region. He pointed out the ongoing construction at the Cultural Heritage Center located at Mile 18, noting that visible progress testifies to SWECC’s expanding capacity and commitment. “Some people have come all the way from Kupe Muanenguba this morning,” he said, attributing the surge in participation to a renewed sense of purpose and unity within the institution. He further explained that the upcoming festival will not be limited to indigenous groups alone but will welcome all cultural communities resident in the South West Region.
Call for public participation
SWECC leaders concluded the meeting with a call for all communities in the region and beyond to support the rescheduled festival and help give the second edition the grandeur it deserves. With preparations expected to intensify in the coming months, the chiefs expressed confidence that the February 2026 dates will attract wider participation, stronger financial backing, and a more vibrant display of cultural identity.
As the region prepares for what promises to be an expanded, symbolic, and unifying cultural celebration, SWECC remains committed to preserving tradition, fostering peace, and empowering the next generation through cultural heritage.
