Prudentia Yensi Lawan : Unwearying Queen Mother In Animal Kingdom

Destiny - of sorts - seemed to have chosen where she would grow up. After she saw the light of day on May 18, 1970, in the famous Shisong Catholic General Hospital, Kumbo. In the Bui Division of Cameroon's North West Region. Jakiri is just 23 km outside Kumbo on the highway to Bamenda, the regional headquarters. The little town boasts the National Centre for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Training, CNFZV. One of Cameroon's pioneer training centres for intermediate animal science staff. Where she would later train. Before continuing higher studies abroad. To return and serve in the same centre - some time. 

The "Filipino" Lady!
Seen and appreciated almost in the same manner by colleagues, Prudentia Yensi Lawan epouse Eseini, a Filipino-trained, Cameroonian Veterinary Doctor, remains true to herself. Self-effacing, humble…. Currently Divisional Delegate for Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries for Mezam in the North West Region since 2017, and Regional Focal Point for the Livestock and Fisheries Development Project, LIFIDEP, North West since 2015, Dr. Yensi is most noticed and acknowledged for one thing. Her endless, infectious smile …. and chuckles. As response to any situation. No matter how "life-threatening!"

No End To Studies
Apart from her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, DVM degree from The University of the Philippines, Los Banos (2000), Yensi Prudentia also holds a Professional Master of Science, MSc degree in Animal Science from the Bamenda University of Science and Technology/the University of Dschang (2019). And a Master's degree in Biotechnology and Animal Science, University of Bamenda (2020). 

At The Beginning, Jakiri
After earning the General Certificate of Education, GCE Advanced Level in Saint Augustine's College, Kumbo, Bui Division of North West Region in 1990, young Prudentia continued to CNFZV Jakiri. Graduating in 1992 with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. Before leaving for The Philippines.

A Job That Offers Fulfillment 
Born to a middle-income family in Jakiri - the fourth amongst seven children - Prudentia Yensi Lawan seemed to have been cut out for a career in Veterinary Medicine at a senior level. To impact lives and livelihoods. Through animal farming. "I find much fulfillment in my job because I have trained many men and women of all backgrounds since 2001. Some are today veterinarians in Cameroon, serving with government, Non-governmental Organizations, are self-employed or have continued their studies in the university," says the married mother of two. Her husband, Esenei Paul Ikiafang, is also an Animal Science staff.
Dr. Yensi had stints with Heifer Project International, Cameroon in the North West, South West and Littoral Regions as a consultant veterinarian. Then as a part-time teacher in the National Centre for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Training, Jakiri. Before joining the North West Regional Delegation for Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries. She is currently a part-time lecturer with the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development, HIARD, Bamenda University of Science and Technology, BUST.

While She Is Still Around
It is common in our days for people to wait for some “loved” person to pass on. Before they step out in public at the obsequies – or through written eulogies – to supposedly appreciate them. But this is not in the habit of acquaintances, colleagues and aides (former and serving) of Dr Lawan. In the following pages, they – one after the other – tell their stories. Of who Dr Lawan has been, and meant to each of them. 

Rare Gem Amidst Kings
Often referred to – curiously - as "Doctor Cow," the appellation generally connotes the numerous veterinary nurses and animal health technicians in Cameroon. And the male Veterinary Doctors farmers are accustomed to meeting. But talk of a female Veterinary Doctor is still hearsay to many people who have never met one. Yet Dr. Yensi has been in the business of treating and caring for animals for 22 years now. "A rare profession for a rare woman," comments Dr. Ebou Valentine, a male colleague at LIFIDEP. 

Ambassador At All Levels
"Dr. Yensi from childhood has been innovative. In education, she strove for excellence. An ardent advocate of girl child and women solidarity, she has demonstrated this at the social group level and in the school milieu. Of all seven children, she seems to have taken in her mother's footsteps - a family ambassador at all levels. She penetrates the male milieu with little or no remorse to present gender-sensitive issues. A good and prospective leader and administrator," notes Ambe Fellowship Fomukong, a childhood friend.
Ambe adds: "Prudentia adores perfection; is ready to help others attain it; does not settle for half measures; has a listening ear; is kind and generous; has a good sense of judgement; is a good adviser; is sharp and smart; self-confident; has a good sense of humour…" 

Dogged Commitment To Excellence 
"Since returning to Cameroon at the beginning of 2000, Dr. Prudentia Lawan rolled up her sleeves and went to work, organizing her community. A common trait in all she has done to this day is a dogged commitment to excellence. This makes her a reference - professionally and socially," comments Ray Bannavti, former Director of Mantum Technical College, Jakiri.
"Two years after her return, Dr. Prudentia Lawan got her first job with Heifer Project International, Cameroon. Two years later, she became a lecturer at the National Centre for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Training, Jakiri. She became the envy of students and staff alike through her personable approach to teaching, mentoring and professional relationships," Bannavti remembers.
 
 

Queen Mother Recognition 
"Despite her promotion, Prudence has remained level-headed and relatable to the communities she serves. Community organization remains her core value as she continues to promote livestock production and animal health in general as the key tool to fighting poverty in Cameroon. Because of her exceptional service and productive leadership, the Paramount Fon of Nso awarded her the traditional title of Yaah - the status of a Queen Mother. Yaah Dr. Lawan is a true icon, the kind of exemplary professional we need in Cameroon," Ray Bannavti stresses.
According to Mrs. Fru Mercy Arango Nguti, who has known Dr. Lawan for more than 30 years, she is: "Determined, dynamic, consistent, persistent in making things move…is a game changer to all around her; motivated without reservation." "She loves to see everybody around her empowered; is passionate about seeing peoples' lives change; carries along her team members; wants everyone to share in wha...