My Brother, My Friend. I can never forget my first contact with you during my early life of late 70's. You were always properly, dressed wearing trousers called "apaga " or "bongo", high heel shoes called "salamadas" with long sleeved shirts, and parading the lone street in the village especially during holidays. His name was Ni EMMANUEL.
I admired him and wished he could greet or just talk to me especially as I learnt he was a Big Teacher from Ecole Normal Surperieur Bambili. During preparations for the Annual Moghamo Students Association Come together, I gathered courage and introduced myself to him as a Form 1 student of PSS Batibo. After a brief interrogation Ni EMMANUEL responded "eyeeh" this is good news, I would pick you up tomorrow at 8:00am so that we go for the launching of the cultural week.
Next day, a Renault 12 car arrived to pick me up, guess who came, it was Ni EMMANUEL, what a joyful day to the entire family to see and receive him. A few minutes later we drove off and I could now attend students Association meetings, he assisted and protected everywhere we went.
In May 1980, as a Form 3 student I received an official mail through the School, guess the Sender, it was Ni EMMANUEL, writing from GHS Mamfe, extending greetings, and advising me to study the Sciences and Mathematics in particular. The reply of this letter, though written but could not be posted because of lack of stamps, however we discussed during holidays in the presence of his calm and beautiful wife whom he introduced to me by name Ma Grace.
Ni EMMANUEL, you became my guardian, Mentor, inspiration and above all Big Brother. Thanks immensely Big Brother for advising me to write the competitive Entrance into ENS Bambili, which I did successfully in 1987. You are indeed God sent. Upon completion in 1990, you now call me" Prof “. In 1991 you took me to the GCE Marking centre in Bamenda for the marking exercise which I began and continued till date .
Big Brother, you taught me many things, amongst which was the fact that life was a marathon full of many challenges and always advised me on how to overcome them but today who would do it? You told me education is the key that opens all doors and that we should ensure children go to good School, yes, we did. Thank God Almighty for showering His blessings on the family.
In 2012, Big Brother, you fell sick in Buea during the marking of Exams, Mum and I cut short the marking exercise and I drove you back home for Medical attention, little did I know that things shall never be the same as your life took an unusual and unexpected turn. We rushed you back and forth between hospitals and the situation was rolling out of control and finally you had to move to USA for intensive medical care.
Big Brother, Ni EMMANUEL, we contracted every possible hand on deck to save your life, but I guess God had a better plan. I promise to play the advisory role in the family while thanking God for His abundant blessings.
What an epitome you were, go and rest peacefully in the bosom of our Lord, till we meet to part no more. Adieu Adieu!!! Ni Ni EMMANUEL NJEI.
Your Junior Brother
Ni Dam.