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!

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

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