Commemoration of the first anniversary of Mfoome Stephen Ndzerem Njodzeka gathered momentum on Saturday 18 April 2026 in Bamenda, where remembrance gave way to concrete steps to sustain his humanitarian vision.
At the SHUMAS Head Office in Mile 6 Nkwen, the North West Regional Governor, Lele Lafrique Adolphe Tchoffo, installed Billian Nyuykighan Njodzeka as Director General of the Strategic Humanitarian Services, marking a formal transition in leadership.
Paying tribute, the governor described the late founder as “an illustrious, visionary leader” whose work “transformed lives in the social, educational, humanitarian and philanthropic domains”. He added that “even if we emulate 10 per cent of what he did, this region will be a different one”, urging the new leadership to uphold a legacy built on service and impact.
In her first major public address in the role, Billian Nyuykighan Njodzeka framed the moment as both reflection and responsibility.
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“Today is not merely a moment of remembrance,” she said, “it is also a celebration of a life devoted in humility, service, compassion and transformation.” She stressed that the organisation’s future rests on collective commitment, noting that “the legacy… is not buried in the past. It lives in every life we touch, in every act of compassion, dignity and service we uphold.”
She also highlighted some of the projects realised with the inetention of honouring the legacy of Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen.
"I also wish to sincerely thank our partner, Building Schools for Africa, for their remarkable support in preserving and honoring the legacy of our founder through impactful projects. These include the construction and equipping of 15 classrooms, 3 VIP toilets, 3 school gardens, and the provision of 210 benches in Mezam Division, Bafut Subdivision, Ngoketunjia Division in Babessi Subdivision; and Bui Division, Jakiri Subdivision. We equally appreciate the provision of potale water to EP Bagam in Bamboutos Division, Galim Subdivision, as well as support for the Ejulmula (Sweet Potatoes) value chain project, which is contributing to improved school retention and stronger community resilience."
The Fon of Nkwen, Fon Azehfor III, who doubles as the president of the board of directors of SHUMAS conferred a posthumous title of "Ntung Nfor Ngung Development" on the late Mfoome Ndzerem Stepehn, describing him as a man who “planted seeds of development that have grown into schools, clean water, livelihoods and hope for the vulnerable”. He told the family, “no hero rises alone… we thank you for sharing him with humanity.”
The unveiling of a memorial monument at the SHUMAS headquarters stood out as a defining moment. Organisers said it symbolises both honour and obligation.
“This monument stands not only as a symbol of remembrance, but as a call to continue the work he dedicated his life to.” A representative of the Nso Legends forum noted
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The event also saw the launch of the SHUMAS Legacy Magazine, chronicling decades of intervention across Cameroon. Tata Allen Laika and Nsaibirni Warren on behalf of the Magazine committee acknowledged that the publication represents only a fraction of the organisation’s footprint, describing it as “a microcosm of a much larger legacy that cannot be contained in one volume”.
Partners including Building Schools for Africa, UNFPA and UNICEF were recognised for ongoing collaboration, as speakers highlighted recent projects in classroom construction, water supply and agricultural value chains.
In his homily at the family residence in Up Station Bamenda during a memorial Mass and the blessing of the tomb, Rev Fr Bonaventure Ndong urged continuity anchored on shared responsibility.
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“Each one of you must initiate change for the common good,” he said, adding that the late Njodzeka’s life remains “a call to serve, to be dependable, and to carry others along”.
The anniversary events, which began with a thanksgiving mass and fundraiser in Bayelle, have drawn a consistent thread between memory and action. One year after his passing, the message from Bamenda is that the legacy of Mfoome Stephen Ndzerem Njodzeka is not only being remembered, it is being organised for continuation.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
Photos by Divine Agwetang
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