By Andrew Nsoseka
Bokova village in Buea Subdivision has a new traditional ruler. Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki has been confirmed as the new Chief of Bokova following consultative talks held on January 22, 2025, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer of Buea, Abba Abdourahman.
The decision was reached by Bokova kingmakers after deliberations that brought together key stakeholders of the village, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community renowned as the home village of former Prime Minister, Peter Mafany Musonge.
Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki’s selection has been widely welcomed, particularly by youths and development-oriented groups within Bokova, many of whom see his emergence as the formal recognition of years of quiet but impactful service to the community.
A legal practitioner by profession, Barrister Evanjoh is also known in Bokova and neighboring villages as a committed community builder whose life story is closely intertwined with the struggles and aspirations of the people he now leads. Born and raised in the village, he has often spoken openly about growing up under difficult circumstances, describing himself as an underprivileged child who survived by working on people’s farms after losing parental support at an early age.
That personal journey from hardship to professional success has shaped his deep commitment to education, youth empowerment and social solidarity. Over the years, Barrister Evanjoh has consistently invested his personal resources in initiatives aimed at improving access to education and skills for young people in Bokova, Bonavada and surrounding communities.
One of his most visible interventions has been the yearly Barrister & Mrs Evanjoh Back-to-School Initiative, organised at the Upper Bokova Village Hall and in the Bonavada community. This ongoing academic year, the initiative supported more than 160 pupils and students, spanning primary, secondary and university levels. Beneficiaries received school materials, cash assistance and, in some cases, tuition support, easing the burden on families ahead of the academic year.
Speaking during the event, Barrister Evanjoh described the initiative as a fulfilment of a personal mission born from his own experience of deprivation. He recounted how timely support from benefactors had once changed the course of his life, inspiring him to give back to the community that raised him. His emotional connection to the cause resonated deeply with villagers, many of whom see him as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Beyond education, his philanthropic outreach has also included support for vocational training and encouragement for youths to acquire practical skills as a pathway to self-reliance. Community members often describe him as accessible, empathetic and deeply invested in the wellbeing of young people, qualities that appear to have weighed heavily in the kingmakers’ choice.
With his confirmation as Chief, expectations are high that Barrister Evanjoh Abel Nyoki will blend traditional authority with modern leadership values, promoting unity, development and inclusive decision-making in Bokova. Observers believe his background as a lawyer and his longstanding engagement with grassroots issues position him well to navigate both customary responsibilities and contemporary governance challenges.
As Bokova welcomes its new chief, many residents express optimism that his reign will build on the village’s rich heritage while opening new opportunities for youth empowerment, education and sustainable community development.
