by HRH Ganyonga II

TWO BCA MEMBERS ELEVATED TO BALI NOBILITY BY HRH GANYONGA II

ROYAL HONORS IN BALI RECOGNIZE LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE.

At a special ceremony at the Bali Nyonga Royal Palace on December 30th, His Majesty Doh Ganyonga III, former BCA-USA President Ni Alex (Ba Sam) Ngati was knighted and given the title of Ba Nkom Gwanbidbila. BCA Project Committee Chair and President of Nkumu Fed Fed Washington DC was bestowed the title of Na Jalla. Both nobles spoke with the BCA Publications Committee about what the title meant for them.

NA JALLA JUSTINE NJAFUH

"While it came as a pleasant surprise, it gave me joy for what it symbolizes not just to my person as an individual but more importantly to women in Bali Community back home and the wider world (Diaspora). The appointment and installation of a Na Jalla is the equivalent of the British tradition of recognizing an achiever who has impacted her society. His Highness, Senator Dr. Doh Ganyonga III with his Councilors and Advisers found me worthy of being recognized as one of his four jewels as we are also called.

In my peculiar case where I am the youngest Na Jalla on account of my dedication to community service both back home and out here in the diaspora, this honor, I do not claim alone but celebrate as the culmination of a supported leadership by those that I have been blessed to lead.

I am also elated that my submission to the authority of Jesus Christ with the required Christian humility blessed me with understanding in our communities so much that I can confidently continue and increase my community leadership and mentoring work where faith, integrity, and selflessness assist in defining and assuring achievement. I look forward to continuing what earned me the honor and to mentor deserving candidates for similar office in future"

“Receiving this honour came as a shock. It was never on my radar. During my time as president of BCA-USA, I served the organization without harboring hopes for any recognition or honors. I had never even harbored ambitions to be president of the organization. You may well know, that I took up a leadership position in the association only in 2009 when I served as a committee chair. Being conferred this title and receiving the “Nfe ngu” at the same time is a huge honor for me, my family and broader BCA family. I am humbled by the recognition from His Royal Highness. I do not lose sight of the responsibilities that come with the title. I shall continue to serve our community as best as I can.”

Title: Na Jalla

Meaning: The Fon’s Necklace

History: The Jalla title was instituted in Bali

Nyonga in 2015. A Jalla holds a rank similar to the Nkom (Source, Titanji, Bali Nyonga Today, 2016). Name: Gwanbidbila History: A transferred renaming Meaning: the house is getting back to order or the

BA NKOM GWANBIDBILA

house has gone back to order.

YAAH OF SAWI-BUM

Over the 2017 Christmas holidays, former BCA First Lady Ma Hannah Ngati was recognized with a royal honor from the village of Bum-Sawi where she received the title of Yaah of Sawi from HRH Fon Ngwieh II,of Bum-Sawi. His Royal Highness also bestowed the title of Shey Wantu to Na Jalla Justine Njafuh. Both were recognized for their collective efforts in championing Nkumu Fed Fed Washington DC’s construction of a school in the village. His Royal Highness also conferred the title of Be Fon to Ma Hannah’s husband Ba Nkom Gwanbidbila in recognition of his illustrious support of community

development in the village of Bum-Sawi. Title: Yaah of Sawi-Bum Meaning: Princess