Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The National Museum in Cameroon is now enriched with a new cultural artifact, a special traditional regalia from the North West region, the ‘Toghu’ attire.
The said ‘Toghu’ is the same that was worn by Cameroonian athlete, Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, last year during the Tokyo Marathon which earned him a Guinness World Record, after completing the race in 4 hours, 24 minutes, 2 seconds, setting a new record for the fastest marathon run in cultural dress.
“I am grateful that the Ministry of Arts and Culture, and the National Museum accepted the donation,” Afowiri said at the ceremony.
“This donation is not the end, but just a step.”
This gesture symbolizes his pride in Cameroonian culture and his commitment to nation-building.
A move saluted by the Ministry of Arts and Culture whose Secretary General, Prof. Blaise Jacque Nkene, present to receive the artifact said “every possible measure has been taken to preserve the outfit”.
Speaking at the ceremony, the cultural ambassador said he is on a cultural mission using sports for hidden identity and traditions.
Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy, has completed 19 international marathons, including all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
He won the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 from US President Joe Biden.
Before the donation to the National Museum, the athlete had presented the awards to Cameroon’s ambassador in Washington DC, Etoundi Essomba.
Coming: a marathon for the nation
In a surprise move that sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the participants, renowned athlete Afowiri Kizito Fondzenyuy announced the launch of a Yaoundé Cultural Marathon, scheduled for 2026.
The announcement, met with widespread applause and enthusiasm, with many left stunned by the sheer audacity and vision of Fondzenyuy’s proposal.
The marathon, expected to be a groundbreaking event, promises to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Cameroon.
It is set to be a game-changer, bringing together athletes, cultural enthusiasts, and community leaders from all walks of life and age groups in a celebration of Cameroonian identity and diversity.
The announcement of the project was followed by a plea for the government and other institutions to join the initiative.
The real prize
“Every stitch of ‘Togho’ he wears, and every mile he runs with it carries the aspirations of our people,”says Chinedu Hardy Nwadike, Afowiri’s manager.
“It is not about the money, it’s not about me, this is legacy,” Afowiri said.
“Each time I run out there, it’s to represent our country, our culture, and the future. There’s no better place for this relic than the National Museum, where generations can come and be inspired to run or represent their culture in their own way.”
Fondzenyuy, it should be noted, uses his platform to raise funds and awareness for social causes, such as education, autism, and infrastructure development in Cameroon.
Through his Amom Foundation, he has supported over 20,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
His initiatives include school construction, scholarship programs, girls’ education, and autism awareness campaigns.
He is currently building a school for children with special needs in Cameroon and invites the public to join him in the venture which will save the lives of hundreds of children with special needs in the country.
