According to family sources, the final journey of Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka, the former Director General of Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS), is set to begin on Saturday, 5th April 2025, with a funeral service in Maryland, USA. Following this, daily Masses will be held at the family compound from Monday, 7th April to Thursday, 10th April at 2:00 PM.
On Friday, 11th April, a wake keep will be organised at the St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral in Big Mankon, Bamenda, at 2:00 PM, followed by a night vigil and animation at his family residence at 6:00 PM.
The main funeral events will take place on Saturday, 12th April, starting with the removal of the corpse from St. Blaise Mortuary, Big Mankon, at 7:30 AM. This will be followed by a viewing at St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. Burial Masses will be held simultaneously at St Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral in Bamenda and Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Cathedral in Kumbo at 10:00 AM, after which close family members and friends will lay him to rest at 1:00 PM.
A reception and animations will follow at 2:00 PM, offering an opportunity for loved ones to celebrate his remarkable life. The funeral will culminate on Sunday, 13th April, with a Thanksgiving Mass at All Saints Parish Church, Bayelle, at 8:00 AM.
Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka, who passed away on 18th January 2025, was born in 1970 in Kumbo and and became a respected figure in humanitarian service, particularly in education and community development. As the Director General of SHUMAS, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of Cameroonians, spearheading projects that left an indelible mark on the nation.
One of his most outstanding contributions was in education, where he facilitated the construction and equipping of over 1,000 classrooms and staff offices across Cameroon and beyond. His efforts ensured that children in remote and underprivileged communities had access to quality education, a fundamental tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.
Beyond education, Mfoome Stephen played a pivotal role in healthcare, water provision, agriculture, and environmental sustainability projects. Under his leadership, SHUMAS partnered with numerous organisations to improve social welfare, empower women, enhance livelihoods in marginalised communities and the development of Nso his native village. His impact extended beyond Cameroon, earning him recognition in international development circles.
The funeral ceremonies are expected to draw an outpouring of grief, respect, and gratitude from family, friends, and beneficiaries of his work. Tributes will highlight his generosity, visionary leadership, and unmatched commitment to humanitarian service. Many describe him as a man of integrity, driven by the desire to uplift others.
The Nso community, in particular, mourns the loss of a son whose contributions transformed countless lives. His ability to mobilise resources and implement impactful projects earned him admiration from local and international partners alike.
As Cameroon prepares to bid farewell to one of its most dedicated humanitarians, his legacy lives on in the classrooms he built, the communities he empowered, and the lives he touched. Mfoome Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka may be gone, but his spirit of service and philanthropy will continue to inspire generations to come.
By Hilltopvoices team