DHS honours Kumbo based Artist
Divine Nyuyyuni is a young Kumbo-based Cameroonian artist who transforms bamboo into replicas of buildings, cars, chairs and other devices for posterity has received a certificate of ingenuity and innovation from the Director of CBCHS for producing a replica of the Banso Baptist Hospital Outpatient Department.
Handing over the certificate to Divine Nyuyuni during chapel on January 3, 2024, BBH Senior Administrator, Mr. Nji Richard Nkeh on behalf of the DHS appreciated Divine for producing the replica of BBH OPD calling on him to continue using his God given talent for the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.
CBC Health Services Communication Unit correspondent in BBH got in contact with Divine shortly after the chapel service in the following chat…
What prompted you to come up with this beautiful art?
Divine Nyuyuni: I am a genuine artist from within and I know that anything that I see and I believe that I can do, I can do it. When I saw this structure being erected, I told a friend of mine who was a worker here by name Kinga Stephen that I can bring up this structure with bamboo. He didn’t believe me but I told him that deep in my mind I can do it. Then came a time that I laid the foundation, came here and moved around the structure, and went to work. What inspired me is the fact I have something in me that gave me the courage to produce this.
How long did you take to complete this project?
Divine Nyuyuni: It took me over 2 months of serious work to realize this work
When and how did you learn this?
Divine Nyuyuni: It is something within me. At times when I look at the work and imagine how I was working, I still ask myself, is this how I can do something of this nature? Notwithstanding, in the primary school I remember the first handwork that I presented in school was a small cupboard, my handwork master looked at me and said that if I could go to a technical school, I will be a great person. I never knew the difference between a technical and a grammar school and unfortunately for me, he was transferred. Maybe if he remained, he would have pushed me to pursue technical education and by now, I believe I would have been a great architect.
This art has been here for close to 10 years, what delayed this recognition?
Divine Nyuyuni: This is apiece of art work that was done in August 2012, 11 years ago. At that time, I was pursing education so I had myself registered in the university of which I was the one sponsoring myself. That is what made me to stay away for some time before the recognition delayed as such. Another thing is that when I came back for the Christmas break, somebody told me that they are presenting talents at the Ngonso’ Cultural Festival in December 2012, I took this art to the palace and I had only 3 days to spend here. When I went back to the palace to collect, I was told that the festival is not over and that I should allow it till the festival is over. Since I had no time, I had to go back to school because I had a continues assessment to take. Two months later, a friend called me that the art has been taken to BBH, I was shocked because it was taken without my knowledge. During the second semester break, I came up to inquire and I was told that it was sent from the palace by the fon as a gift from him to the Hospital. I was confused because it was gifted without the producer’s knowledge. I came to the hospital and met the former Administrator, Pa Ngam Joseph, I talked with him and he told me that it was a gift from the palace. I explained to him what actually transpired and told him that my work cannot just be taken out like that.
Like it was said in the chapel, the DHS, Prof. Tih Pius saw it by the road at our village at Kikaikelaki and he commended me to come and see the Administrator. I came with some photos of the art. We talked at length but it didn’t yield any fruit. I had to leave since I was pursuing my education. Since then, I never had time to come back again. Deep within me, I knew that one day I will be recognized. That is why it took that long before the recognition is coming today and am very grateful. When I came here and met the present Administrator, Pa Nji Richard and, the Assistant Administrator in-charge of Personnel, Mr. Ngew Samuel Kwi, they pushed it forward for the recognition to come. I am really grateful to them.
Have you been able to do replicas of other edifices?
Divine Nyuyuni: Presently, I have one that is standing in the house, it’s also a magnificient structure like this one, that is the St. Michael the Arch Angel Convent at Kikaikelaki parish that I produced and it is still under completion.
Have you had an opportunity to train other young Cameroonians to ensure continuity of this talent?
Divine Nyuyuni: Not quite but I have some children in the quarter that when am working, they will come and seat beside me observe and also assist me. I keep telling them to remain focus and follow their dreams.
What are you studying at the university, is it related this artistic work?
Divine Nyuyuni: It is rather very unfortunate that my university dreams did not come true; I had a problem along the line with my university studies. I was for my third year and a problem came up that my being in the third year was not due. They said I had to go back to level 2, since I was the one sponsoring myself and could not afford to continue due to finances, I decided to drop out. I went into bike riding in order to help myself; but unfortunate, men of the underworld could not allow me to grow. Time and again my bike is being stolen and life has not really been easy on me. If I am alive today, it’s thanks to God because my hands are still there and I can still work. I know that God’s plan for me will still be realized.
What are your plans for the future and what does this recognition from the DHS mean to you?
Divine Nyuyuni: I plan to intentionally and consciously train young ones who are willing and ready to learn. Now that am back home, I will encourage hand work especially at the level of primary schools. I pray that someone should buy this great idea and I bet you we will have great architects in future. This award has marked a turning point in my life. When I look at this certificate, I know that it will keep reminding me of the great task that I have ahead of me. I want to sincerely thank Prof. Tih Pius for this great recognition and my wish is that I will be able to see him again face to face and relay my appreciations.
According to reports, Mr. Divine Nyuyuni still remains optimistic that a good Samaritan can still come to his rescue and he will realize his dream of becoming a great architect.