“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” These timeless words by Ralph Waldo Emerson capture the essence of the late Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka, a man who lived not for himself but for the greater good of humanity.
Mfoome Stephen, the visionary Director General of Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Cameroon, breathed his last on 18 January 2025, just a day after he was celebrated for his outstanding contributions to community development in the Bamenda III Municipality during the Hilltopvoices Thank You Cocktail. His passing marks the end of a chapter written in the ink of compassion, resilience, and unmatched commitment to transforming lives.
Born into a family rooted in strong Christian values, Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen drew inspiration from his faith. As Proverbs 22:1 reminds us, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold,” he lived a life that prioritised legacy over material wealth. His crowning achievement, SHUMAS Cameroon, stands as a monument to his dedication to inclusive development.
Since its inception in 1993, SHUMAS has touched lives in over 50 of Cameroon’s 54 divisions. Under his stewardship, the organisation championed projects in education, healthcare, agriculture, women’s empowerment, social welfare, and environmental protection.
In 2024, SHUMAS celebrated its 27th anniversary with a renewed commitment to expanding its impact beyond Cameroon by its 30th anniversary. This aspiration was fuelled by a reputation for transparency and accountability, traits that earned the trust of partners like MANOS UNIDAS, Building Schools for Africa (BSFA), UNICEF and others
Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen's influence transcended organisational leadership. He was a man who embodied the words of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” From equipping schools with furniture to constructing science laboratories and health centres, his light illuminated paths of hope for thousands.
In 2024 alone, SHUMAS’ achievements included the inauguration of an antenatal and infant welfare centre in Nkwen, construction of schools, provision of water supply sources and the provision of essential business start-up items to displaced female households. Such initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also enhanced long-term resilience in a face of a raging armed conflict in his region of origin, North West.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. In April 2023, the North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, conferred upon him the Gold Labour Medal of Merit. Additionally, the Fon of Nkwen in 2024 honoured him with the title Ntungnfor meaning the Fon's messenger, acknowledging his contributions to the Nkwen community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen was a devoted son who honoured his mother with an unforgettable 85th birthday celebration in 2024. This act of filial love reflected his adherence to Exodus 20:12: “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
A staunch Catholic, his faith underpinned his every action. He believed in the power of service, echoing the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “It is in giving that we receive.”
It is emotional that just a day before his passing, we gathered to honour him and SHUMAS at a cocktail event, recognising his contributions as one of Bamenda III’s most influential personalities in 2023 and celebrating SHUMAS as a 2024 honouree. Little did we know it would be our final tribute to a man who gave so much of himself to others.
As we mourn the loss of Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen, let us find solace in 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” His race may have ended, but the torch he carried now passes to us.
May SHUMAS Cameroon, the organisation he nurtured with such love and dedication, continue to flourish. May his partners stay around and make him through SHUMAS Cameroon. Let us honour his memory by emulating his commitment to service, compassion, and excellence.
Rest in peace, Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Shey. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched and the communities you transformed. Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21).
By Bakah Derick
Administrator and Lead Strategist
Hilltopvoices Communications Group Ltd
Email: hilltopvoicesinfo@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
Tags
City News
Humanitarian action
Local News
Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka
Opinion
SHUMAS Cameroon