Today Thursday, August 10th 2023, the Tiko Council esplanade hosted the sub-divisional exhibition of Tiko handicraft.
The exhibition was organized by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA) in collaboration with Tiko Council and was chaired by the 1st Deputy Mayor Efite Andrew.
The handicraft exhibition brought together the best arts and crafts competitors from around Tiko sub-division.
Tiko people displayed different handicraft products that varied from products made from cassava, corn, soya bean, juice, jam and drinks from different fruits; dresses, bags and shoes made of wool or fiber were also part of the show. Antibiotics to use against snake bites, bathing soap extracted from slim water, dried snails, natural spices like white pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper soup spice equally featured. Jewelry, cups and bowls made from coconut shells and other forest nuts also graced the exhibition.
The highly competitive exhibition took the jury hours to select the best seven (7) participants (arts and crafts) to represent Tiko sub-division at the divisional level in Limbe.
Some of the arts used dry plantain leaves to do post cards, coconut shells to do bangles for both men and women, palm kernels nuts and a host of other hard forest seeds to do medals, bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces. Who would have known that from such ingenuity could be exposed from using simple forest products and by products.
The beauty of nature was displayed, talents showcased and expertise proven. Owners of each handicraft stand were urged to use their talents and expertise to help them run their homes, contribute to sustainable development and empower the rural populations.
Mary Ndinge Lyonga is a marketing assistant at Eagle Wings and Spice Located at Mutengene, Tiko Road.
She was once a Volunteer at the Tiko Council Community Radio for a period of 3 months under the Leadership of Mme Sarah Nkongho as the Station Manager. She is a graduate from the department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Faculty of Social and Management Science, University of Buea.