MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Oscar Ndedi Embola

After several years away from active participation in Fako America, Oscar Ndedi Embola is reconnecting with the organization and stepping forward to serve. His return offers the perspective of a member who watched FA from a distance, saw meaningful changes taking place, and decided it was time to get involved again.

Tell us a little about yourself and life outside Fako America.

My name is Oscar Ndedi Embola, son of Iya Georgiana Tombise Dosah of Bokwaongo and the late Sango Emmanuel Jabea Embola of Great Soppo. I spent my formative years in Victoria and Douala. After seven years at St. Joseph’s College Sasse, I spent some time in Lagos and Port Harcourt before returning home to complete my education at the University of Buea. I moved to the United States in 2003 with my wife, Nalova. We currently live in Upstate New York with our son, Molua. I work in the corporate travel industry as an Operations Manager. We are diehard travel aficionados and travel whenever we can, all over the world.

After several years away from active participation in FA, what made you decide to reconnect?

Over the past few years, I saw great progress in how Fako America conducts itself professionally, along with a marked decline in the rancor and personality clashes that used to be common within the association. I see progress, greater financial accountability, and a promising new generation of leaders and members. All these things convinced me that I could be more useful on the inside. At the end of the day, Fako America is home.

You attended the Ohio Convention after being away for some time. What stood out most to you?

What stood out for me was the genuine effort, and relative success, in creating a more professional, organized, and streamlined convention process.

What did the experience in Ohio tell you about where FA is today?

FA has certainly come a long way, and many improvements have been made. We still have a ways to go, but it’s a good start. We must continue to build on the progress that has been made..

What helps an organization regain the interest and confidence of members who may have become less involved?

The organization must show that it is capable of running itself effectively, demonstrate results on proposed projects, maintain financial responsibility and accountability, and encourage healthy participation and openness to different approaches and ideas.

You have volunteered to serve on the Rules & Ethics Committee. What drew you to that committee, and what do you hope to contribute?

I am a strong proponent of fairness, the rule of law, and ethical practices. My hope is that I can contribute to a fair and balanced approach to the work of the committee for the benefit of Fako America as a whole.

As you become more involved again, what would you like to see FA continue building or improving?

I would like to see Fako America continue building on financial responsibility, project implementation, and greater inclusivity.

What would you say to other members who may have stepped away or are watching from the sidelines?

I would simply say that I understand where they are coming from. But there comes a time when we need to jump into the fray if we want to help bring about meaningful change and progress.

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