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In Memoriam: Martin Zachary Njeuma

From the November 2010 issue of Perspectives on History

Martin Zachary Njeuma (April 9, 1940–April 28, 2010) was born in Buea, Cameroon, to Isaac Mase Njeuma and Ma Sophie Mondinde. He was the first of two sons in a family that eventually included 10 siblings. He earned his BA degree (with honors) in history in 1964 from the University of Ghana. He then studied French at the University of Paris from 1965–66. He obtained his PhD in African history in 1969 from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) of the University of London.

Njeuma returned to Cameroon in 1970 and worked as director of the National Archives in Buea. He later was recruited to the University of Yaoundé where he built his career, eventually becoming a full professor (1981), head of the history department, and dean of the faculty of letters and human sciences. He retired in 1995.

Becky Ndive Passes On

Nkeze Mbonwoh (Cameroon Tribune)

      Another Radio icon has died leaving Buea in shock, her fans in grief and tears.

Njome Becky Ndive, the famous matriarch of "The Debate" on CRTV national television, has quit the scene. Becky Ndive, as she was popularly known, gave up the ghost at about 11 pm on July 12, 2009 in the Buea Regional Hospital Annex after a protracted ailment.

She retired from the CRTV in 2005, had since then been living in Buea shuttling between her Great Soppo home and her mother's house in neighbouring Ekona. Becky leaves behind many offsprings amongst whom Oscar (eldest son and military officer), Miriam (in the USA ) and Suzan in Buea. These three, she had in her first marriage with the then Prime Minister of West Cameroon, Dr Emmanuel Endeley.

Go and Rest Auntie, Becky Ndive We Will Miss You!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen (Originally published on Mabi's World)

I barely dried my tears following Michael Jackson's death only to learn about Becky Ndive's passing on!

Devastated!

So I thought: what a cruel world we live in ! Is it so cruel that some "STARS "can no longer bear but pass on to a world beyond? Otherwise, how can Auntie Becky ( like she was fondly called) die when she was always so full of life?

She would weep for others and sympathise with many!
She would visit you if you were sick!
She would cheer you up if you were feeling low!
She would joke even when no one expected her to.

She would tell you to 'keep up the good work and be there for listeners and viewers'
She would make you feel proud of yourself in a 'house' where others hardly did same!

Obituary: Kate Ebenye Idowu née Steane ("Auntie Kate")

it is with great sorrow that Bakwerirama announces the death of Mrs. Kate Idowu nee Steane whom we profiled late last year. Family sources say that Auntie Kate as she was fondly called, died in Limbe, Cameroon, on the evening of January 2nd 2009. According to one of her grand nieces,

Auntie/Grandma was born in 1919 and would have been 90 years old in September but the Good Lord brought her into this year and took her away into his loving and peaceful arms. We thank him for a life well-lived, especially at the service of others... We are blessed with all the wonderful memories of our auntie/grandma and wherever your Auntie Kate’s cookery book is, dig it out in memory of her. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
 

Bakwerirama extends its heartfelt sympathies to the Steane, Endeley, Martin and Idowu families.

Dr. Herbert Endeley, University of Buea's Pioneer Registrar Laid to Rest

By Harry McYemti and Ben Nakomo in Buea (Originally published in The Entrepreneur)

The mortal remains of late Dr Hebert Nganjo Endeley, the pioneer Registrar of the University of Buea has been buried in his native Mokunda village in Buea Town, Cameroon.

Herbert Endeley who until his death was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) in charge of Research and Cooperation at the University of Buea (UB) died after a brief illness at the Reference Hospital in Douala on Tuesday, November 28, 2006.

Adieu Dr. Herbert N. Endeley

By Jerry Komia Domatob

As Dr. H. N. Endeley joins ancestors
Cheery with decorum and splendor
Admirers applaud his grand feats
Shinning like lights on mountain tops

Buea University captures global spotlight
Like Olympic winners on universal spotlight
As maiden Registrar, Dr. Endeley set standards
Both friends and foes emulate and salute

Obituary: Chief Manga Williams is Dead!

The Paramount Chief of Victoria (Limbe), H.R.H Chief Ferguson Billa Manga Williams has died. He died on Saturday, July 9, at about 11:00 am in his Down Beach Palace.

Born on February 1, 1919, in Victoria (now Limbe), late Manga Williams was the fourth child of his parents: Chief John Manga Williams and his mother, Iteki Ida Williams née Do'o of Bonabile in Bimbia. He was the second child of his mother. He succeeded his father in 1959.

In Memoriam: Mola Ndeley Mokoso is No More

It is with deep sadness that the Bakwerirama team announces the death of prominent Bakweri novelist, poet, painter, journalist and politician, Mola Stephen Ndeley Mokoso, on June 9 in London, England.

According to news reports, Mola Ndeley:

... came to the UK a few years ago to pursue treatment for a long ailment, but his life here was full of activity. He continued his work of art and writing, seeking to perfect all the time. He won many friends among the retired who took after his inspirational talents. On the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee, he was hailed by the local press as the man who had on official duties brushed the Royal family in three different decades. Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Nigeria, Prince Philip on his visit to Cameroon and Prince Charles to whom he offered his famous painting of the Victoria Botanical Gardens.