Share your memory with Mr. Stephen

Daddy, I never imagined this day would come , the day I would have to write these words. You always told us that the Njodzeka’s are Spartans, raised to be strong and resilient. But beyond being a father, you were my mentor, my best friend, and an elder brother.
Mfoorme, thank you for raising us with a deep understanding of love, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to family and community. You were not just my father; you were a father to all. Your heart was always open, and your joy was contagious. I often asked why you went out of your way to help others, and your answers, filled with wisdom, were lessons that shaped me into a better man teaching me to see life as a whole. No matter the circumstances, you carried a joy within you that uplifted everyone around you.
Dad, the values you instilled in me are countless, but above all, you taught me the importance of strong principles, understanding that everyone has flaws, and never letting my own define me. You firmly believed that hard work pays off and that success is not a matter of luck but the result of dedication and perseverance. You were strict with us, not out of harshness, but out of love shaping us to be strong, disciplined, and to appreciate the value of effort.
Some of my fondest memories are of us watching soccer together and traveling the world in pursuit of humanitarian service. Those moments weren’t just about the game we loved or the places we visited ; they were about bonding, laughter, and shared passion. These memories will remain with me forever.
Above all, Mfoorme, you believed in giving back. You always taught us that true wealth is not in what we accumulate but in what we give. You reminded us, time and again, that family comes first and ensured that we, the Njodzeka’s, remained strong and united. You lived by this principle every day, showing us the true meaning of love, support, and loyalty.
One of the greatest lessons you imparted was the importance of listening. You taught us that wisdom often comes from the most unexpected places and that every voice deserves to be heard. I will never forget the times we traveled to the village and stayed out late, as you gave equal attention to everyone, even those whom society overlooked. You saw value in every individual and treated everyone with dignity and respect.
Dad, you will forever be my hero. Your legacy will live on in the values you instilled in us, the love, kindness, strength, and wisdom you imparted. Though you are no longer physically with us, your presence will always be felt in our hearts.
Rest well, Dad. Your work here is complete, but your love and legacy will never fade.
Your Son

Mformi it is heartbreaking and with deep sorry to accept you’re disappearing to heaven. Pa Buri you lived a life full of passion and commitment. You are an all-round person for me a husband, Boss, Mentor and best friend. You are a leader who inspired loyalty and pushed people to be their absolute best, nurturing talent and turning them into something extraordinary, making you believe in yourself, even when you doubted yourself the most. You understood that true success wasn’t just about the bottom line, but about the growth and well-being of those around you. I know of countless stories from people how you have championed their ideas, challenged their assumptions, and ultimately, changed their lives.
You demanded excellence from anyone around and led with compassion, fairness, and with an unwavering belief in the power of teamwork and built a culture where people felt valued, respected, and motivated to give their all. And that, I think, is a legacy we would be incredibly proud of.
We supported each other and celebrated each other’s triumphs. We built a life together filled with laughter, adventure, and a profound understanding of each other’s souls. you knew me better than I knew myself. He saw my flaws, my insecurities, and he loved me not in spite of them, but because of them.
Mformi your absence leaves a void in our lives that can never be truly filled but your spirit. You passion, love will live on in each and every one of us in the lessons you taught, the lives you touched, and the memories we shared.
My love, you were a truly remarkable man. You were a brilliant leader, a trusted mentor, a loyal friend, and the most incredible husband a woman could ever ask for. I will miss you every single day of my life. But I will also cherish the memories we made, the love we shared, and the legacy.
Ta Mformi haan kii jung. Shaati Baah Daniel Dzeereem, Sister Dorothy Yefon, Baah Kuhlon Benedict, Mami Juliana Timfe a wira dzeem, till we meet again. Farewell

Taata Mformi Ndzerem, I’m still trying to put into words the impact you had on my life and the lives of so many others. Your tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to the Nso community and beyond have left an indelible mark on my heart. I’ll always remember your infectious smile, boundless energy, and unwavering optimism. You empowered countless individuals, promoted cultural heritage, and fostered unity and pride among our people. Your passion for youth development and empowerment inspired a generation, and your selflessness, wisdom, and generosity made you a beloved mentor, father and friend. I’ll never forget the idea you shared with me for a song – a song that I wish you could have heard me complete before you left this world. Though you didn’t get to hear the final product, I hope you know that your inspiration and guidance played a huge role in its creation. Rest in peace, Mfoomi. Your legacy will live on in my heart and in the countless lives you touched.

A Tribute to a friend and mentor.

I first met Mfoome Stephen Ndzerem in 2012, and from that moment, we formed a friendship that lasted until his passing. He was more than a friend—he was a mentor, a leader, and a visionary who dedicated his life to the betterment of Nso. His passion for Wirfon was immeasurable, and he devoted his time and energy to inspiring those around him.
When my father passed away in 2014, I was deeply moved when Mfoome Stephen unexpectedly showed up at his burial to offer his condolences and support. At that time, I had just been elected Secretary General of NFU Europe, and he immediately stepped in, offering guidance and mentorship. He taught me about leadership, emphasizing the role of NSODA as an umbrella organization for all Nso groupings worldwide. He passionately spoke of Nso as an Eldorado—a land with immense potential, capable of sustaining itself if only its people united and worked together for its progress.

When I was elected President of NFU, Mfoome Stephen believed in me even more than I believed in myself. He entrusted me with the responsibility of transforming the #NsoFirst vision from an idea into a movement. He connected me with a global network of talented Wirfon dedicated to serving Nso and stood by me every step of the way. Through countless late-night WhatsApp discussions and Zoom meetings, we worked tirelessly to establish the #NsoFirst Vision and #NsoFirst Initiatives—initiatives that inspired a shift in mindset for many. Our meetings often ran late into the night, sometimes past midnight, yet he was always present, ready to listen, advise, and strategize. The success of these initiatives is a testament to his vision, dedication, and belief in the potential of Nso and its people.

Mfoome Stephen was also incredibly generous, both financially and in spirit, when it came to supporting these initiatives or any other efforts that benefited Nso. His selflessness and commitment to his community were truly remarkable.
Beyond his devotion to Nso, he deeply cared about personal growth and development. He shared with me his journey of founding SHUMAS and encouraged me to think ahead, invest wisely, and plan for the future. He didn’t have to do any of this, but that was who he was—a man who found joy in seeing others succeed. I will forever be grateful for his mentorship and the invaluable lessons he imparted.

Working under his guidance was an incredible experience. I gained essential skills in leadership and strategic thinking. His passion for Nso was relentless, and every conversation with him was a lesson in service, dedication, and vision.
Just a week before his passing, we had a discussion about an upcoming Nso project he wanted us to pursue. He told me he was traveling to Yaoundé and would provide updates over the weekend. That update never came. Instead, I woke up to the devastating news of his sudden passing. I was in shock, staring at our WhatsApp messages, wishing I could call him just one more time and hear his voice again.

He used to call me “Baobab,” always reminding me that I was strong and capable of handling any challenge that came my way. That kind of encouragement could only come from a mentor like him—someone who saw the best in others and pushed them to reach their full potential.

I believe he passed away still holding onto the hope that Nso would one day become the Eldorado he envisioned. We make plans, but ultimately, God decides. Now, all we can do is pray for strength for his family during this difficult time and ask that his soul finds eternal rest.

Rest well, Giant. Adieu!

Hurricane of Tears

Tribute to a Humanitarian Collosus

My fickle fingers have been mute,
My muse lost in a ditch of insomnia seeking your return,
The light of my dream opens your door but
Dims as the dam of reality swallows me .

Mformi,my diction flew with you
The soul of my pen left with you ,
The mission of our visions saw a bed to slumber on,
Who will sing the song of my divine dreams?

Mformi, your voice sleeps in the museum of my mind,
Your words now lillies of wisdom in the garden of scholarship,
Your gigantesque bread like Christ’s feed myriads of hungry mouths ,
Orphan SHUMAS! A jamais shall be fathered by the mirror of your visible magnanimous rituals .

Death had to die to bring you to its feet,
A heroic exploit taking another hero home,
Legends like fig trees never depart ,they journey,
Lurk in the spirit of their lessons and heirs ;
A manifestation of the transition of a fruitful legacy.

Mformis,words ward off news of your flight,
They weep for the weary now in the arms of the plight,
An incurable leprosy you silenced with your blood of resilience .
Since the library saw the flames , knowledge is on a voyage,
Shall we build the Babel of your rare kind ?

Adieu

Sir Allen de Poet

He showed concern for those in desperate cases especially when I lost my kid sister’s husband.His financial assistant to my kid and concern was great ,touching and fatherly .May His good deeds continue to follow him real abundant blessings from the heavens 🙏🙏May God create others to replace him for the underprivileged.Taa mfoome beri wo,ghan kijung🙏🙏🙏

A friend and collaborator in trying to make Nso great again under NSODA. Work closely with Taa Mformi throughout his term as the President of NSODA. Taa Mformi has often consulted me for technical advice during his construction works. He was more than a brother to me and the family to me and I learnt a lot from him. He was the great man of our times. An icon of hope for the Nso man. A peace crusader during this period of crisis

Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka whom i fondly called “Président” was more than a work boss to me. He was more than a father. He was more than a mentor! He was more than a friend and brother!

He was a mentor in all it takes to be a mentor. He was a servant-leader whose humility was crushing over any advancing pride.
Apart from these values which I learnt from him, one philosophy that impacted me in my human relationships was that a an individual’s mind, no matter how big, is just a dot in the human space. He thus believed that a beautiful world is built from shared knowledge.
Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka was a man who would hardly respect an appoint time because he would prefer to listen to all craving for him before honouring his rendezvous.

All his acquaintances had to learn to be patient with him.
All these values, he inculcated into his collaborators.
“Président” you will be greatly missed, but your works of humanity live on as testimony.

Farewell Président 😪😪

Shey Dr Bulami E Fonyuy
Your SG and Protégé!

I came to know Pa SHUMAS, Mfoomi, community development specialist, a man full of compassion, easy going, relax no matter the challenges in 2014/2015 when I was serving as an employee at SHUMAS, his demise has left a DEVELOPMENT VACUUM in so many communities in Cameroon. As you go placidly to your maker, the millions lives impacted by your largess I am sure will miss you and with love they will already declare you into the heavenly king. As you Rest Eternally, intercced for the continuity, sustainability of MIGHTY SHUMAS that has served as a starting point to so many of us who are now into international development space.
With your impact in Cameroon, your generation and the yet to be born will continue to flourish at the mention of your name.
Goodnight
Dr Napoleon Nwunasungazi, psychologist INTERSOS Cameroon

Papa SHUMAS était plus qu’un collègue pour moi. Notre relation était plus que professionnelle, c’est un père que j’ai perdu. Nous ne pouvons pas être présents à vos côtés en cette triste journée, mais nos pensées vous accompagnent dans cette terrible épreuve. Recevez nos plus tendres pensées dans cette épreuve.safa laila présidente de l’association Mains Solidaires basée à Garoua-Boulai

Mformi, you are not dead, you live in your legacy
SHUMAS are shaking the nation eh…, SHUMAS are shaking the nation eh…, SHUMAS are shaking the nation eh…, SHUMAS are shaking the nation, shake! shake! shake! This well-known song tailored by the women’s groups of SHUMAS for SHUMAS tells the story. Indeed, your strategic humanitarian services (SHUMAS) and your death are shaking the nation; spanning the Adamawa, Centre, East, Far North, Littoral, North, North West, South, South West, and West regions, but you are not dead:
You live in the hundreds of women’s groups that you empowered economically to start their own small businesses, farms, and CIGs through your Women Empowerment program;
You live in the thousands of vulnerable children you enabled to stay in school and study for a hopeful future through your Education program that constructed schools, classrooms, laboratories, workshops, and granted scholarships;
You live in the hundreds of farmer youths who started their own agricultural projects through your Agriculture program;
You live in the Lamidos’ rural communities where you turned darkness into light through your Renewable Energy program;
You live in the challenging experiences of hundreds of persons with special needs that you empowered through the diverse vocational training projects of your Rehabilitation program;
You live in the thousands of people who benefitted physically, psychologically, and emotionally as individuals and as communities from health services and equipped health centers of your Spreading Health program;
You live in the carbon emission strategies you had in your Environmental program and replicated in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program, and the Agriculture program
You live in the hundreds of volunteers around the world who experienced the joy of serving, learning, fundraising, and giving to make the world a better place for more people in your Volunteering program;
You live in the trust and reputation you established at home and abroad that, yes, NGOs can positively impact livelihoods in the forgotten corners of our communities as a contribution to nation building;
You live in the hundreds of employees you employed in SHUMAS at different times to work, learn, lead, and grow even though not all rosy the working conditions might have been;
You live in the family, friends, and workers contributing from their respective spaces to support in nurturing the vision and mission of the SHUMAS you conceived, and that needed continual input and resilience.
Mformi, you are not dead, as you rest from work and rest in peace, your legacy lives on.

A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER

My father was the strongest man I have ever known. To say he was a good man would be an understatement. He was an extraordinary man who carried himself with humility and grace. He was a devoted friend, a loving brother, a cherished uncle, a dedicated husband, a nurturing father, and a doting grandfather. He loved fully and was deeply loved in return.

My father was(is) a man of many names. To the world, he was Mfòómé Steve, Pa Shumas, Pa Buri, Ntumfon (a title bestowed upon him by His Royal Highness, the Fon of Nkwen), Elolombe of Sadiko village (a title conferred by the traditional council of Nchemba II in Upper Bayang), the development guru, the great humanitarian, Director General of SHUMAS, CEO, jurist, and consultant. But to my siblings and me, he was simply Daddy.

He was the one I turned to when I had nightmares, when I was sick, when I needed help with my homework, or when I sought advice. Despite his many titles, his most treasured role was that of a father. He believed that being a father meant being a protector, a mentor, a provider, a teacher, a confidant, and a source of wisdom, offering guidance through life’s challenges while being a constant source of love and encouragement.

Daddy was intentional about fatherhood. He was always present, always aware. No matter the time of day, he knew exactly what my siblings and I were doing and where we were. His love was meticulous. Even something as simple as changing my WhatsApp profile picture, he would say, “Jiji, you changed your picture! You’re supposed to show Daddy the different options so we can pick one together.” He noticed every little detail about us because he genuinely cared about every aspect of our lives.

I remember quietly changing my nickname from “Jay” to “Jiji,” thinking no one would notice. But Daddy did. He saw everything because he was that committed. He never missed a milestone and never let an accomplishment go unnoticed. He rewarded everything .He was proud of us in ways that words cannot express.

He was a man of strong moral character. His honesty and deep sense of integrity guided everything he did, from his career to his relationships. He believed in doing what was right, even when it was difficult, and he instilled in me the importance of standing firm in my beliefs. He never sought the easy way out, nor did he bend his values for the sake of convenience. Instead, he remained steadfast in his principles, even when faced with adversity. His word was his bond, and his actions consistently reflected his beliefs, making him a source of trust and reliability for those around him.

Daddy was a man of sacrifice. He would sacrifice his time and resources just to help others, and this extended beyond small gestures. He made enormous sacrifices throughout his life for everything he was passionate about. Whether it was for his family, his community, or his work, he always put others before himself, ensuring that his contributions left a lasting impact.

Dad had a unique way of giving advice without making it feel like a lecture. His words were always thoughtful and rooted in experience. He taught me to approach life with curiosity and an open mind, always ready to learn. He was the living embodiment of discipline and hard work. His commitment to excellence was inspiring. He was the very definition of dedication and perseverance.

Beyond his work and responsibilities, my father loved deeply. He loved God, his family, music, dancing, singing, taking pictures, planning ahead, traveling, and exploring new places. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. There are countless memories to cherish, but my favorite moments were our one-on-one conversations. If two weeks passed without our private talks, he would send me a voice note saying, “Jiji, we haven’t had our two-man ‘tori’ ohhh.”

His impact extends beyond our family. He dedicated himself to helping others especially through education because he understood its transformative power. He worked tirelessly to equip and empower others, ensuring that those around him had the tools to reach their full potential.

Daddy, you taught me humility, diligence, discipline, consistency, creativity, and how to apply wisdom in my daily life. You instilled in me the values of kindness, integrity, and resilience. You will be remembered not just for the incredible work you did but for the lives you touched, the people you uplifted, and the humanity you embodied.

As I reflect on your life, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. You were not just an amazing father, you were an exceptional human being. Your love, wisdom, and strength continue to guide me, and your memory remains a source of comfort and inspiration. Though you are no longer here physically, your spirit lives on in every lesson you taught me and every value you instilled in me.

Dad, even though you are no longer physically here, the sound of your laughter, the warmth of your hugs, and the wisdom you imparted are always with me. You were not only a father, you were my friend, my biggest support system, and my greatest cheerleader. With each step I take, your spirit travels alongside me. I miss our talks, your kind guidance, and the simple joy of being with you. The ache of your absence is deep, yet the love you shared will forever illuminate my journey.

Even in your absence, your legacy lives on. I will strive to honor your memory by living a life of integrity, showing love and kindness to others, and finding joy in the simple things. You are not just a memory, you are a part of me, and I will carry your legacy in my heart always.

Dad, I miss you so much. God knows how I long to hug you and tell you the things I never had the chance to say. But one thing I know for sure is that I AM PROUD AND HONORED TO HAVE BEEN YOUR DAUGHTER. I THANK GOD FOR THE YEARS I SPENT WITH YOU AND THE PRIVILEGE OF LOVING YOU.

Rest in peace, Daddy, until we meet again to part no more.

With love,
Daddy’s Girl
Janis Njodzeka, AKA “Jiji “ (Daughter)