The Fomunyoh Foundation launches its Law Library in Bamenda, Cameroon
May 10, 2012

On May 10th a new legal section of the Foundation Library was opened to the public. The event was marked by an inaugural seminar attended by members of the judiciary and the bar from the Northwest Region of Cameroon. The event was held at the Foundation's headquarters main hall in Mile 6, Mankon, Bamenda.

After opening with a welcome address by TFF Country Coordinator Mr. Ajereboh Jespa, there was a guided tour of the library for the participants and topical presentations by eminent members of the judiciary and the bar. During the interactive question and answer session, participants made valuable recommendations on which concrete steps should be taken to render the Foundation's Library accessible to legal practitioners and citizens across all segments of society in the region.

In his welcome address, Mr. Ajereboh highlighted the mission and vision of TFF vis-a-vis the law library. Quoting the foundation's founder and president, Dr Chris Fomunyoh, he said,''TFF believes that, given the Anglo-Saxon culture of readership and permanent interest in continuous education, having the Foundation Library within the community will reinforce that culture. It will allow access to knowledge and information to those that need but cannot afford it, especially among the Cameroonian youth." Mr. Ajereboh then urged the Judges and lawyers present to view the Foundation Center as a unique venue for learned discussions, debates and seminars.

Hon. Justice Ignatius Ajuyo of the Mezam High Court, Barrister Kemende Henry, Bar Council Representative for the North West Region, and Senior Barrister Ngolle Edward Sone made topical presentations on bail in criminal litigation, conveyancy in property law, and jurisdictions of the Court of First Instance (Magistrate Court) and the High Courts, respectively. Also in attendance were many student lawyers from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, Nigeria.

The guided tour enabled participants to appreciate the current collection of the library. Subjects covered include the law of torts, criminal procedure, legal ethics, constitutional law, international law, international human rights law, immigration law, business law, administrative law, legal research, corporate law, insurance law, property law, patents, sports law, legal drafting, law of evidence, employment law, advocacy, and multiple law dictionaries.

Based on recommendations made by the participants, TFF's management is preparing to open the library for public use. The foundation plans to beef up its collection by adding highly sought after legal books and documents currently needed in Cameroon and the Central Africa sub region, including tomes relevant to the 'Organisation pour l'Harmonisation en Afrique du Droit des Affaires (Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa) or OHADA, and Nigerian law books as well.

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