Minister Nalova Rejects Special Prize Offered at FENASSCO
In a remarkable display of integrity and adherence to principles, Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga, made headlines when she declined a special prize offered to her at the FENASSCO League A Games. This event, which took place in Limbe, saw various accolades being distributed to students, government officials, and dignitaries. However, Minister Nalova stood out as the only individual to refuse the honor.
Her decision to reject the prize was based on her belief that as an organizer of the event, it would not be appropriate for her to receive an award. She is quoted as saying, “Let the prize be given to another person,” highlighting her stance that her role as Minister should not be conflated with receiving rewards from activities her ministry oversees.
Furthermore, Minister Nalova chose to connect with the audience in a more direct and personal manner by opting not to read a prepared speech, instead addressing the participants off-the-cuff. This approach resonated with the audience, as it presented a candid and unrehearsed connection, contrasting with the often formal and scripted nature of official addresses.
The incident at the Limbe Centenary Stadium during the closure of the 24th edition of the FENASSCO A Games not only reflects Minister Nalova’s ethics but also sets a precedent for transparency and humility in public service. Her actions have sparked discussions on the role of public servants and the importance of maintaining a clear separation between organizing and being recipients of accolades in such events.
Minister Nalova’s gesture has been met with both praise and curiosity, with many lauding her for her principled stand, while others wonder about the implications for future events and the expectations set for public officials. It’s a conversation that extends beyond the boundaries of the FENASSCO games, touching on broader themes of governance, accountability, and the values that guide public service.
Professor Nalova Lyonga rejects prize award Of the various accolades distributed to students, government officials, and other dignitaries during the recently concluded 2024 FENASSCO League A Games in Limbe, the Minister of Secondary Education, Professor Nalova Lyonga was the sole individual to decline the gesture. She publicly turned down the special prize presented to her by the games’ organizing committee.
This incident took place at the Limbe Centenary Stadium on Tuesday, April 9, during the official closure of the 24th edition of the FENASSCO A Games, which commenced on Tuesday, April 2. “Let the prize be given to another person,” she declared. “MINESEC cannot organize the event, and I am receiving the prize,” she further remarked.
Despite declining the special prize, the Regional Delegation of Secondary Education accepted the one offered to them for their efforts in ensuring the smooth conduct of the games within the region.
In addition to refusing the prize, Minister Nalova opted not to deliver a prepared speech, preferring instead to address the participants directly without relying on written notes. This decision was made even as her staff had arranged a podium for her to deliver the prepared speech.
“I don’t need to make a speech. We want to leave, and they have not given me mattresses,” she remarked. The mention of mattresses stemmed from her earlier threat that no buses would depart until the mattresses, which she claimed were stolen by students, were returned.
Despite the efforts of MINESEC staff and the Secretary-General at the Ministry of Secondary Education to persuade her to read the prepared speech, their attempts were unsuccessful. During her impromptu address, Minister Nalova connected with the audience, as her words were candid and unrehearsed. This occurred in the presence of her colleagues from various ministries, including Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Youths and Civic Education, Basic Education, Sports, and Physical Education, as well as regional and local authorities.
