Family members, leaders of the Social Democratic Front (SDF), government officials, clergy and supporters gathered at the Presbyterian Church, PC Musang in Bamenda on Sunday June 14 for a thanksgiving service in memory of the late Ni John Fru Ndi, paying tribute to a man whose life and political journey left an enduring mark on Cameroon.
The service, organised jointly by the Fru Ndi family and the SDF, formed part of activities commemorating the legacy of the party's founding chairman and long-time opposition leader.
Throughout the service, speakers reflected on John Fru Ndi's commitment to public service, his faith, and the values that shaped his life.
Delivering the sermon, Associate Pastor Rev. Tewang Nancy challenged leaders and citizens alike to place service above status, drawing lessons from the biblical call of Matthew. She reminded the congregation that leadership is not about power or position but about serving others with humility and integrity.
"Every leader is first and foremost a child of God and will be accountable to God," she said, urging Cameroonians to reject corruption, tribalism and self-interest in favour of justice and compassion.
The cleric further stressed that a leader's greatest legacy is integrity, noting that while wealth and public office are temporary, a good name endures in the hearts of people.
Parish Pastor Rev. Yenchi David echoed similar sentiments, recalling personal encounters with Fru Ndi dating back several decades. He described the late statesman as a man who consistently sought God's guidance and understood the importance of prayer in leadership.
The pastor used the occasion to call for continued prayers for Cameroon, expressing confidence that the country possesses enormous potential despite current challenges.
"Cameroon is blessed. The light is already shining, not by man's power but by the power of God," he told worshippers.
Rev. Yenchi also reminded the congregation that every profession and public office is an opportunity to serve humanity, stressing that people are ultimately remembered for the good they do for others.
Speaking on behalf of the Fru Ndi family, Benjamin Fru Ndi thanked all those who have stood by the family since the passing of the former SDF chairman. He paid special tribute to the Governor of the North West Region for his support and friendship towards the late opposition leader and his family.
Benjamin described his father as a self-made man whose journey from humble beginnings helped shape his belief in education, hard work and perseverance. He announced that the family is working towards reopening the Ni John Fru Ndi Memorial Library as part of efforts to preserve and promote one of the late leader's greatest passions: educating minds.
"The things we celebrate about him today began with those humble beginnings and his commitment to educating minds," he said.
National Chairman Joshua Osih also paid tribute to the late Fru Ndi, thanking party supporters and sympathisers who gathered for the memorial service and calling on members to continue upholding the values upon which the party was founded.
One of the symbolic moments of the service came during the thanksgiving offertory collection, led by Joshua Osih and Benjamin Fru Ndi, alongside family members and party officials. The gesture reflected the spirit of gratitude that characterised the day's celebration.
According to some event attendees who spoke to Hilltopvoices, the thanksgiving service was a call for a new generation of leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, humility and service to humanity all values Chairman Fru Ndi left behind.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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