BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM | 14 November 2026 — The Manyu Elements Cultural Association (MECA) Birmingham has elected a new executive, with Chief Orock Julius, also known as Pah Orock, taking over the presidency following four years of leadership by Chief Edward Oru.
The election, held during a gathering of sons and daughters of Manyu Division resident in Birmingham and surrounding areas, was conducted by an electoral committee chaired by Aja Mirabel. Members described the process as smooth and welcomed the results with excitement and applause.
Newly elected executive
The following names and offices were provided after the election:
- President: Pah Orock (Chief Orock Julius)
- Vice President: NKENG Takem
- Secretary General: Mr Mark Bareta
- Vice Secretary General: Dr Tabot NKENG
- Financial Secretary: Ulle Tambi
- Treasurer: Ida Ntui
- Vice Treasurer: Florence Besong
- Social/Cultural Secretary: Ma Agnes A
- Chief Whip: Mr Akwarandu
- Vice Chief Whip: Clifford Orang
- Wellbeing Officers: Diddy Mbih and Sister Susan
- Publicity Secretary: Francis E
- Vice Publicity Secretary: Valery Besong
The Vice Social Secretary position was listed without a name and remains to be confirmed. Some names have been retained as supplied pending confirmation of their full spellings.
Chief Edward Oru urges cooperation
In his outgoing remarks, Chief Edward Oru reflected on the association’s growth over the previous four years. He reminded the incoming leadership that MECA Birmingham had become a substantial community organisation and urged the executive to devote its efforts to its members. Differences of opinion, he advised, should be resolved through discussion and agreement rather than allowed to undermine unity. His remarks were partly indistinct in the supplied transcription and are summarised rather than quoted verbatim.
President-elect pledges unity and inclusion
In an acceptance speech, Chief Orock Julius thanked God, the electoral committee, the outgoing president and executive, previous presidents, founding members and the wider MECA Birmingham family. Recalling his upbringing and the significance of traditional titles in his community, he described the opportunity to serve as president as an honour.
He praised the foundations laid by previous leaders and the commitment of members who make time to attend association meetings. He also paid tribute to his wife for her support.
Outlining his priorities, the incoming president said his first task would be to unite members. He pledged to continue the association’s support for members during celebrations and difficult periods, sustain projects in the United Kingdom and back home, and make meetings more inclusive of people who may be reluctant to speak publicly.
He urged the community to work together and build on the organisation’s existing achievements.
A celebration of Manyu heritage
The gathering combined the leadership transition with food, conversation and cultural fellowship. Traditional Eru and plantains were among the dishes enjoyed by members, reinforcing the association’s role in preserving Manyu cultural identity in the diaspora.
BaretaNews community report. Election results and names supplied by a participant; speeches summarised from recordings and transcripts supplied to the newsroom.
