Bernard Fonlon Receives Tribute for his Scholarly Achievements

Originally published in L'effort camerounais

Professor Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, of Blessed memory, has been honoured following his extraordinary contributions to culture, politics, religion, literature and philosophy, in tribute paid recently on the occasion of the 4th International Day of Philosophy that held at Bilingual Grammar School in Buea, under the distinguished patronage of the Minister of Secondary Education, Louis Bapes Bapes, under the theme, "Philosophy and Ethics".

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Mossima Pius, a teacher in Government Bilingual Practising High School in Yaoundé, and member of the Association of Philosophy Teachers, regretted that late Bernard Fonlon's contributions in the fields of literature, culture, politics and religion have been analysed and commented upon by both friends and foe, but very little has been said about his contributions in the field of Philosophy, though many views of a purely philosophical perspective have occasionally been echoed in some of his books and even his life.

He unfolded the value of some of the contributions of the late doctor, whom he described as the "Socrates in Cameroon," especially in the domain of Ethics or Moral Philosophy, since he had a special liking for the Socratic Ethics, which teaches that there can be no true moral life without knowledge, which starts by interrogation, even of those things and values which are evident.
Stressing its role in the society, Mr Mossima said that Philosophy has to impress itself in a world where the needs and aspirations of men have become mainly material, where ethical values have been completely baffled, and where there is defiance of rationally and commonly accepted principles.

He reminded philosophers that they have to play the role of "catalysts in the true democratic process where tolerance, justice, true brotherhood and peace should be incarnated." Recalling the affirmation once made by Late Bernard Fonlon that the genuine intellectual should have a philosophical disposition, he reminded all present that this attitude requires one to rise above passions, avoid rigid dogmatism, possess intellectual and moral independence, be relentless in the quest for what is true, good and beautiful, and above all to be a friend and servant of man, which if cultivated, will result in a civic and ethical society.

These qualities are not are not impossible to attain, he said, adding that Professor Fonlon and many others do not only affirm these qualities but have lived some if not all of them, in their lives. He reminded all present that "as we pay homage to this brilliant, incisive and down-to-earth epitome of a scholar," there is one moral responsibility left to be done, which is doing all we can to immortalize 'the Socrates in Cameroon', Bernard Nsokika  Fonlon.

In his welcome address, Mr Mbella Moki Charles, the Mayor of Buea  thanked the Minister of Secondary Education for his dedication and commitment towards setting up and fostering quality educational foundation for the youths of Cameroon, which has earned the respect and admiration of many people within Cameroon.

He expressed satisfaction at the existence of philosophical thoughts and ideas in the Anglophone system of education, through which youths will be exposed to rational thoughts and ethics governing our society, thereby rendering them more responsible in their actions.

He prayed that through such great commemorations, the entire nation especially of policy-makers will emphasise the importance of philosophy within academic and professional training.

The Minister of Secondary Education, for his part, reminded all present that without the virtues of tolerance, solidarity, dialogue and respect, our country runs the risk of ending up in turbulence and uncertainty. He called on teachers and a school administrators to inculcate in Cameroonians the cult of justice, the concern for integrity, selflessness and the love of well-accomplished duty, through Philosophy and Civic Education. 

"I have the firm conviction that if everyone listens to his or her moral conscience, we can contribute more to the social radiance of ethical reform on which our educational policy is anchored," the Minister concluded.

The ceremony was attended amongst others by the Governor of the South West Province, Eyeya Zanga Louis, the Senior Divisional Officer of Fako, Mr Bernard Okalia, the Rector and Vice Chancellor of the Universities of Dschang and Buea respectively, as well as religious, political and traditional authorities.

Comments

[Paul Anchang]

I would like to congratulate the creators and moderators of this website. I remember vividly in Augist 1996 when Dr. Fonlon passed away, it was merely a couple days after my birthday. The compound was full of people and i realized how important the man my dad and i often visited was. I have later on read his works and hope through his works every, generation may learn something.

I hope we follow in his footsteps, but realistically we must create our own footsteps, with lessons from him.

Cheers,
Paul Anchang