Mbengwi is the headquarters of Momo Department in the Northwest Region of Cameroon, located some 22 km from Bamenda. Information The indigenous people are Meta people, to whom a few settlers from neighboring tribes like Ngie and Oshie have been added (see references to Dillon's work). The name "Mbengwi" means "a land of wild animals" in the Meta language since it used to be a hunting ground in the precolonial days, though it was settled before it became upgraded to an administrative centre. Today, this is still the principal function of the town whose growth has stagnated because of youth exodus and lack of income generating activities -both in the town and its hinterland.Interesting sites in include the Abi waterfalls in the heart of town and the Catholic monastery.Ecological attractions include wildlife watching (especially birds) and fishing in the Abi and Mezam Rivers.For people with anthropological interests, the 30 or so Fon's palaces (centers of traditional rule)offer an artistic wealth that is the envy of any Museum on African Art (especially woodwork) with artifacts dating back more than 300 years. For the culturally minded, the annual MECUDA (Meta Elites Cultural and Development Association)organised dance competition are also a must see. It usually comes up between December and March and offers the opportunity for this people to showcase a cultural heritage of more than 50 traditional dances.Sometimes plays and competitions in sports and other activities are organized (including agric shows). Etymology The name Momo is derived from the River Momo, which runs through the division, crossing the Mamfe-Bamenda road at mile 71. Education and schools Mbengwi has a lot of schools one of the biggest of which is Government Bilingual High School (GBHS) Mbengwi, which is rivalled by only 7 other Government high schools in Cameroon in terms of infrastructure. It also has other schools like Government Technical High School (GTHS), Government Teachers' Training College (GTTC), Government Technical Teachers' Training College (GTTTC), Presbyterian Teachers' Training College (PTTC), Full Gospel Mission Teacher Training College (FGTTC) and St. Joseph Catholic Comprehensive College (SJCCC). Most Schools in Mbengwi are boarding schools which means most students live in the schools during the school year. Most secondary (post-primary)schools have to take an exam called GCE (General Certificate of Education)at the end of the 5 years in college and another 2 years later (Advanced levels). Controversy Salomon Tandeng Muna one of the architects of Cameroon history hails