The Nkwen community is mourning the passing of Pa Primus Nformbelem, a revered elder whose life spanned more than a century and whose footsteps helped shape the spiritual and cultural fabric of the community. Pa Nformbelem died peacefully on Friday 8 August at well over 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy deeply etched in both the Catholic Church and the cultural life of Nkwen a village he so proudly spoke about.
Regarded as one of the pioneering actors in the growth of the Catholic Church in Bamenda and in Nkwen in particular, Pa Primus Nformbelem’s life was marked by great devotion. In the early days of Catholicism in the region, he was among the faithful who trekked the long, rugged routes to Kumbo for prayers and sacraments, an act of commitment that remains a source of inspiration for younger generations.
His faith journey saw him witness and contribute to major developments in the Church’s presence in the Bamenda, including the creation of the St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral, Big Mankon, the erection of Bayelle Parish, the growth of Futru Parish, and eventually the transformation to the University Chaplaincy in Mbelem which was once a humble mission station of Futru Parish into a spiritual hub for students and academics alike.
A founding member of the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) in the Bamenda Archdiocese, Pa Nformbelem dedicated his life to service, fraternity, and the nurturing of Catholic values. He was known to spend long hours counselling the youth, using his own story of sacrifice and perseverance to encourage faith, discipline, and community-mindedness.
Beyond the Church, Pa Nformbelem was a diligent farmer, a steadfast family head, and, when occasion demanded, a defender of Nkwen’s rich cultural heritage. His voice and presence at cultural gatherings were a reminder that faith and tradition, far from being at odds, could walk hand in hand in shaping a morally upright and culturally grounded society.
News of his passing has drawn tributes from across the globe, with many describing him as “a man whose life was a living homily” and “an elder whose footsteps will be hard to fill.”
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, but in Nkwen and across Bamenda, the memory of Pa Primus Nformbelem’s faith, wisdom, and gentle strength will remain a guiding light for generations to come.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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