Donga Mantung is celebrating Prof. Fuh Calistus Gentry because he turned football from just holiday entertainment into a real development pipeline for youths — and he did it where many said football was impossible due to the crisis.
Here is why his name is trending in Nkambe, Nwa, Ndu, Misaje and Ako:
1. He created real opportunities, not just trophies
His Misaje Sport Empowerment Program (MISEP 2022) was sponsored to the tune of 5 million FCFA . It wasn't just "play and go home":
- 16 teams from the 4 major communities: Nchaney, Besaah, Misaje and Dumbu
- Man of the Match prize: 5,000 FCFA in group stage, 10,000 FCFA from quarterfinals
- Winner: 200,000 FCFA plus other prizes
- Players were scouted to form a *3rd Division team — Sodepa FC, named after the ranch in Dumbu, plus an Athletics Club.
For a youth in Dumbu or Kemedzung who has no job, that is a career path.
2. He linked football to peace and education
His latest "Ako/Misaje Unity Cup"was played alongside a scholarship scheme. The tournament was _"designed to promote peace, unity and brotherhood between the two subdivisions that share a common political destiny"_.
During that event:
- Ako FC beat Misaje FC 2-1, both got huge cash envelopes from Gentry Foundation
- *GCE prizes:* 150,000 FCFA for 1st at A-Level, 100,000 FCFA at O-Level
- *Orphans of the crisis* got 30,000 FCFA + school bags full of books.
People see it as football with a heart. He lifts the burden off parents just before school resumption.
3. He succeeded where others failed
The report notes _"it pulls crowds on each match day considered a feat as few communities in the troubled North West region can host football games because of the security situation"_.
While other elites fled, he brought football back to Misaje. That alone earned him respect.
That is why across Donga Mantung, youths, Fons, and even CPDM supporters celebrate him as _"the main financier of CPDM activities"_ but more importantly as a man _"carrying out actions that help to boost peace and social cohesion"_.
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