hi daddy, on this special day, we remember you so dearly. One new candle, you were to blow out amongst us but God alone knows why He called you do that you put out that candle in the presence of your lovely wifey.

Happy happy, super hero. Have lots of fun and remember to send us too a piece of cake so that we can also share, as you always do. Love you lots

It was on Oct 10, 2015 that while on a visit in Madison, WI, I received the boomerang CT 1:30 amish phone call announcing your return to Our Lord. Yesz your “to-do-list” came to an end and what mattered was that you were now resting alongside your Aggie (RIP) and The Lord and of course our father Fobellah Nkeng! (RIP). You left some of us dazed and confused to date. I was one of those who witnessed every moment of your life in the last three decades when your health took a sudden inexplicable down turn.

I can recall your faith, hope, love, joy and warm affection; your integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice continued to enrich and encourage many and to lift others’ spirits. The coward, death, changed everything but time has changed nothing. Family, friends, … we still miss you as much today as we did on the fateful dates, 18-19 December when you were remembered through a memorable celebration of your life of integrity, compassion, courage and sacrifice!

We trust you are resting in The Lord’s hands, free of pain while in our hearts you will live forever till we meet at The Lord’s appointed time. May the happy memories carry each of us (family and friends) through this loss and time.

Give our love and supplications to the ancestors of our extended family as you joyfully re-unite and rest in the Lord’s garden. Join hands with them to intercede for family and friends. May your departure never be a source of despair but a path to hope, love, service and unity to family and friends who mourn you today. It was your choice that you preached so passionately about these virtues when you were still with us physically. Go well brother, Colonel, Edward… and may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace! Amen!

Dear Faher, It is exactly one year today that the Lord called you to His heavenly kingdom. It looks like yeaterday. How time flies! This is a day too hard for me to forget, first because an important person like you quot the earthly stage to eternity. Secondly, and coincidentally it is my birthday. As my workplace give me this day to celebarte my birthday with friensds and families, I used this to also celebate your life remembering the very exemplaery life that you lived.
I am convinced youhave met your wife- my sister and both of you are living in your usual peace and harmony. May your gentle souls rest in perpetual peace!
Ndi NkemNdenji Fomenky, New York 

Dear daddy,

yesterday was particularly hard for us as we celebrated my graduation with a Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters in Business Administration degrees. It was festive as we danced and reminisced about your sacrifices that you made for us. We were consoled by the fact that your intercession in our life is still very visible in our successes. But we could not help but wish, and hope that you could have been here physically to reap the fruits of all the work that you did.

I looked at your sons and knew that you would have been very proud of all that they have become. My consolation came from the fact that they could not have turned into such fine gentlemen unless they had a great dad who was an excellent role model.

Thank you daddy for the life that you gave us. Thank you daddy for all the encouragement and support as i burned those midnight candles to finally get to this moment. Thank you for the last days that you spent with me - I continued to learn a whole lot. Most importantly, thank you for continuing to watch over us and intercede for us in death. We love you daddy. 

Ntu. 

Thanks to God, today, May 13, 2016, your daughter Ntumbong graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Masters of Business Administration degree.  The commement ceremony was in the presence of her siblings, your children, her children, some family members, and her friend, Renie. Like you, other family members, far and near, who could not physically be present were there in spirit. You left for the heavenly mariapolis after a short stay with Ntu and you can well appreciate how she was struglling with studies, work, and family life in the USA.

Thanks to the almighty, today she is Dr. Ntumbong Yochembeng.  The journey has not been easy, but through your intercession, this moment is not just a dream but a reality.  Continue to intercede for her and the family you left behind. May she and her siblings continue to succeed in the struggles ahead for the glory of God.  Rest in peace, Col.

Uncle John 

Tribute To Colonel Edward Fobellah -- Looking Back

Dear Brother, Colonel Fobellah:

Where do I begin? You went too fast, though not too soon. You survived many odds and kept yourself in good shape till your death. You were blessed in many ways: great parents, a devoted wife, dedicated children, lots of family and friends; and you got all types of medals and awards in your career. You fought a great battle and made a name in Cameroon and beyond.

You left behind four grand kids. Farewell Colonel. I saw your lifeless body on November 14, 2015, during your requiem mass in Maryland. It was then that I came to terms that the tearful-morning calls I received on October 10, from Virginia were true. I visited you many times during your short stay in Virginia. During my last visit in the summer, we discussed peace, love, unity, development at home and plans to be in Cameroon in Dec. 2015. The part of being in Cameroon this December is true but little did I know that we would not have another face-to-face chat on Earth.

Your wake was overflowing with love and peace. It is no coincidence that you got the BNDA DC-metro chapter going. Shortly after the birth of the chapter, you disappeared. Your wake organized by BNDA-DC Metro and the immediate family went very well. It was great to see so many family members and friends from all over the nation and Canada turn out to bid you farewell. I know you are resting in peace with Aggie and those who went before.  I know as humble as you are you were delighted by the honor from all your family and friends.

Let me get back to our youthful days. I spent my pre-college days with you and Gilbert Leke in Bellah Ngeh. I spent most of my time in the Palace though I was asked to stay at my uncle, Pa. Thompson Nyo’s place. We moved from Pa’s home to the Palace, to Pa Morfaw, and sometimes to Pa Andrew. We explored the Ngeh area and later had Ben Aka and Grace Amin as friends. It was a joyous time and your dad mentored me as one of his children. He confided in us and narrated family history, the value of reading the Bible, and of being good students in college.

After college, I found a job in Tiko and you visited often from Buea where you were job hunting and living with Martin Morfaw and Francis Ngu. Shortly, you gained admission into the Ecole Militaire Inter Armées Cameroun (EMIAC). You never forgot your friends. You came to stay briefly in Tiko when you had a break from school and you advised me to focus on my job and not get into problems/politics. You reminded me constantly to be professional in my publications. I had started writing textbooks for schools. You were a gem in civics, history, and geography amongst other subjects. You lectured me on the dual ties between the Nkemnji and the Fobellah families and helped me with map reading skills when I was studying geography at the GCE A level. You indicated the great emphasis on map reading in the military.

When I taught in Edea you were a big army officer but found time to stop by from Yaounde to Douala on missions with young officers. Army life was strict but you remained humble and gentle. You served in many places and while in Buea you always found time for us to relax at Buea Mountain Club. During my brief visits to Yaounde from the USA, I made sure I came to visit you and Hon. Ndobegang. Mrs. Fobellah cooked lavishly despite my being a picky eater. You both were generous beyond measure. How can I describe the love you and your beloved wife bestowed on the family? You found time to keep in touch and visited us in Madison during one of your brief USA tours.

You fell sick while on service in Burundi and prayers kept you alive for many years. Your dad in his old age was devastated and worried about your health and the death of Pa Charles in Bamenda. Many family members and friends, including Fr. Etienne’s prayer group, prayed for you and God heard their prayers. It was difficult for us to accept Aggie’s untimely death since you were the lingering patient. You waited to complete your mission on Earth. Thank God. May you and Aggie Fobellah rest in peace! http://aafobellah.forevermissed.com/

Following Aggie’s death, we came to Cameroon to renew our vows. You were extremely helpful as you had just gone through a similar exercise with your in-laws. You provided additional transportation, actively advised us on how to conduct the bride price talks, and contributed financially to the amount we offered as final bride payment.

I did not know where to start this tribute but now I do not know where to end it.  I can go on and on but I must end. Farewell dear brother. May the light of Christ shine on your path to His Kingdom! To God we give praise. Please, intercede for the family you left behind.

Something has happened to us. 

Something has happened to us.
My brother, our brother.
You died without our knowing.
You died when we were out,
Gathering firewood to roast the meat,
To celebrate the fact that you were well.

You died without our knowing.
You died when we were shouting with joy,
That you were well.

You died without our knowing.
You died when we were making arrangements,
To dance over the earth,
That you were well.

Something has happened to us.
And now I understand,
Why our people say
Death takes a man,
When life is sweetest.

And now I understand,
Why our people say
Death is a common thing.

Something has happened to us
Go well brother
Go well Edward
Go well Nda Nyoh
Go well colonel

Go and remember us to your honourable wife
Go and remember us to Aggie Nyoh
Go and sit on the row with the eminent

Something has happened to us
Something so great that we cannot weep

With a face split like winter lips.

Danilo Aletanu.

BIOGRAPHY OF COLONEL EDWARD YOCHEMBENG FOBELLAH

Written by Julius Fobellah

Shared by Anu Yoch on 11/11/2015

Following the death of Fobellah Nyochembeng 1, in April 1947, Lance Corporal Dominic Nkengafeh Fobellah, NP- No 1593, applied the same year and was granted early retirement from the Nigerian Police Force on the 1st of October to return home and rule the village of Bellah-Ngeh. Togerther with Lady, Abetaw Suzanna, he left Buea to Bellah-Ngeh Fontem where he was enthroned Chief of Bellah-Ngeh. While in the Palace, a young baby boy was born to the polygamous family in June 1949 and named Yochembeng Fobellah Edward. He was named after his grandfather Fobellah Yochembeng and one of the British lawmakers called Edward. This is because his father was so used to astronomy and his book “When Were You Born,” revealed the child would be a jurist, but this was not exact as his cadet brother who was purported to be a warrior or soldier was christianed Alexander name sake of the great Middle East warrior and founder of the town Alexandra of Egypt, Alexander the Great instead became a jurist. His father’s foresight was not perfect because Edward became a military colonel and Alexander, a seasoned magistrate.

Edward was enrolled at the Bangwa Native Authority School Fontem in January 1957 and was among the last set of Cameroonians to conclude the standard six in 1964 when he was the time keeper of the school and a talented sports man with specialty in long distance race and football. He was playing football alongside his half brothers and age-mates Gilbert Lekeaka Fobellah and Bernard Akamin Fobellah. As his father, he played music with the school and college bands. He passed the standard six First School Leaving Certificate and the Common Entrance into the most renounce, at the time, Sasse College.

In September 1964, he enrolled at the Saint Joseph College Sasse, where his father continued primary school from 1923 to 1926. He completed Sasse in 1969 and in November 1970 he was enlisted in the Military Academy (EMIA) as cadet officer. During his partial training from January to June 1972 in Koutaba, he did parachuting and basic Military tactics “ cat 1, cat 2 & cat 3.” He was first in his promotion class, and became thus custodian of the Academic Baton.

On graduation from EMIA, he was posted to Koutaba and later to his Alma Matter, EMIA, as an instructor.

In pursuant of excellent military academic performance he went to study in Canada where he underwent training at the British Colombia Academy.  He served at the infantry Company of Djoum and Ebolowa where he was promoted Captain on the 01-07-1983.  He served at the intervention battalion – Koutaba before been appointed to Tombel as Company Commander from where he was nominated as Chief of military intelligence in Buea.  Promoted to the rank of Major in July 1992, he was later posted to Douala.  While serving in this locality, he was sent on a peacekeeping mission to Burundi where unfortunately he became ill and was flown to Nairobi-Kenya and Cairo-Egypt for treatment. He was later brought back home for intensive follow-up.  He had a two-year medical leave.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and finally Colonel while occupying the post of research officer “Charge d’Etude” in the ministry of defense. He retired in 2006 and settled in his native village at Bellah-Ngeh, in Fontem.

In the economic domain, he constructed a befitting student residential hostel; “Atiamoh” in Yaoundé.

Socially he loved interacting with people and was a good sports man and dancer.

He has been president of Lecudo Yaoundé and Emah Bellah-Ngeh Family meeting for years.  As a Catholic Christian since December 1962, he loves singing in the Church choir.

While in the village, he undertook humanitarian gestures by assisting villagers to have access to medical treatment when they are sick and developing the village with his military expertise and self sacrifice.

He was preceded in death by his beloved, cherished, and caring wife, Agnes Aroke Fomenky, a woman of very high esteem, who gained the respect, and admiration of the Bellah-Ngeh people and the world at large.

A letter to Colonel Fobellah Edward and wife Mama Agnes Aroke Fobellah

Dear brother,

            It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter to you and you dear wife. I want to ask you to tell me when you are coming back from the U.S, because when I spoke to you, you promised to be back latest November so that we can prepare a memorial thanksgiving mass for your dear wife. I am still waiting for that activity to come up and for the building of her grave.

            Brother, is it that you wanted to tell me that you too was to go so soon? I think I want to accept that no one knows the day, the hour nor the place because I know it has never been your wish to put this burden on anyone nor over your only daughter. It should just be the will our heavenly father for this to happen.

            Mama Agi, have you seen Nyo? I hope yes because the love you showed him, the care you gave him, the joy you manifested when you were doing anything is proof to tell us that your going was just to go and prepare that table as you were doing here on earth.

You were that mother who spent all her time in the kitchen to please everyone who entered your house must have a choice on the table.

There was rice, koki, plantains, fufu, vegetable, sweet yam, irish potatoes, assorted vegetables, yam etc. Fruits of all types. We were very free to eat what we wanted, eating abit of all. One could think it was a public restaurant.

            Mama I believe that where you are, Nyo has already met his food as usual but what about the children? Did you even think of what Nyiawung will eat when he comes back from school?

Oh! Mama I thought you told Nyo to stay back and take care of them while you get a rest ask Nyo where he left them.

Mama, we were planning for Nkeng’s wedding on the 28/12/12 and were already sewing our party dresses as usual but you were buried on the 21st of  Dec 2012. You did not even instruct me on what I should do after you. Now again a few weeks to welcome your grandson from the same Nkeng your husband joins you. Mama is this God’s plan?

            I know that all my questions will never have an answer but God is the judge and is the only one who decides.

            You were buried on the 21-12-12 a day I will never forget and your husband too is coming to join on the 19th Dec 2015 just few years after you. Mama I am more confused. I don’t know what to say, what to do and where to do it. I am still thinking, I am still dreaming but my eyes are wide open which means it is reality.

            Colonel and Mrs Fobellah, you people have proven that you loved one another until your burial dates fall the same and same month. May the lord who created you , who brought you together as husband and wife continue to keep you together in heaven.

May he take care of the children you left behind, your parents especially Abetoh whom you abandoned in your house and all those who care about you people.

            Ndoh and mama, you were my comforter, my only source of inspiration. I pray that the heavenly father will continue to give us the strength to take care of this family you left behind until we meet to part no more.

In tears

Aunty Judith Fortoh

From: Martin Agendia Morfaw (Nkemtimeah)
5115 Cheshire Lane Lanham, MD 20706

STATEMENT OF GRATITUTE AND TRIBUTE TO
COLONEL EDWARD Y. FOBELLAH  

I was deeply saddened, upon hearing the sorrowful news of the death of Colonel Edward Yochembeng Fobellah, from our close friend. I am moved as I remember him today. Edward was related to me with bonds of love, friendship and mutual esteem.

  In their own ways, so many people have said to God, “thank you for sharing your son Edward Nyochembeng Fobellah with us,” I am sure you wanted him more. I know it was not always easy, but thank you for sharing him. Death is obligatory to all human and Christians. God’s call is final and we must respect it. All I can do at this moment is to pray, and ask God to enjoined my friend with him in the fulfillment of his greater mission.

  In the nearly 24 years that Edward was sick, he chose to live with the same determination that guided the over sixty years of his life. He did so keenly aware of his health challenges and the determination to keep his body out of the driver’s seat of his life. Edward was hardwired for happiness. He could find the bright side to any trouble. Not only that, he could inspire others to see the bright side of a problem. Ed, as a good friend, you were also a good mentor, a teacher, and a brother. I copied from you the love of wisdom. You were revered for your believe that the family is the model for human relations. You taught us that the chief relation in human life is between parents, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. I wish you were still here for me to re-iterate one advice you gave Paul Atem, Francis Ngu and myself, one Sunday morning in Buea four decades ago; when we bought two kilos of morocco fish and when the seller went to get us change. We took one small fish and tried to add to what had been weighed; but you resented the act and took it off before the seller returned with the change. With that, I built for myself a strong upbringing of ethical values. “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others” It was your belief that people would not be able to eliminate injustice in society until they became true Christians. You were too an extraordinary devoted Christian

  What kept you going is your faith, your will, and your strength of personality. Esoh, I wish you know how sad and empty I feel today as I write this tribute. A reflection of how well you kept strong health wise, make me wonder if there is ever any true cause of death.

  As I ponder on what to write about you, a lot comes to me mind. The most important, is that we shared an honest and introspective view of 60+ years life journey, but what we most poignantly shared is the truth: that achieving success is not  the real measurement of a man and not the most important part of the journey. The most important part is the blessings from God, and how we share those blessings is the ultimate measure of a successful life.

  You were blessed to have Fobellah Nkeng as a father, I was blessed to have him as the father to most of my friends, Akamin, Francis, Njikem etc, with whom we schooled together, lived together, and worked together. The outstanding quality in you is the real blessing that I can proudly say I was blessed to have you as a friend. I can go on here indefinitely narrating and sharing the memories of the wonderful times I was opportune to experienced with you, but the pain of your abrupt departure, hinders me to think cohesively  - EWO ‘ OH (farewell).