Paul Mofor Tembong, born in 1941 into royalty in Awing Palace, was the grandson of two prominent chiefs. His upbringing was marked by tragedy as five of his siblings passed away, leaving him and his sister. Despite this, he excelled academically and in the military, becoming a respected figure known for his dedication to society, family, and faith.

His educational journey began in 1950 when his brother took him to Bamenda, starting school in 1951. He pursued teaching, sports, and military training, showcasing a diverse skill set. Throughout his life, he held various positions in education, sports administration, and the military, leaving a significant impact wherever he worked.

Paul Mofor was industrious from a young age, engaging in hunting and trading to support himself. He played a pivotal role in sports development, establishing new teams and competitions, and contributing to infrastructure improvements.

His military service saw him rise through the ranks, becoming a respected leader. Even after declining active duty to focus on his family, he continued to serve in reserve capacities.

Recognized for his contributions, he received prestigious awards, including the Cameroon Order of Valor and Cameroon National Order of Merit. In his personal life, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Sadly, his life was marred by illness in his later years, eventually succumbing to prostate inflammation in 2024. His passing was mourned by many across the nation, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his communit

Born into Royalty in Awing Palace about 1941, grandson of HRH Fon Ayafor of Awing, Santa Division and HRH Fon Kouete Mekong of Bamesingue, Bamboutous Division, Mofor Paul Tembong was a prince of two villages. His father, TATA Mofor Nchende Peter Abraham. and mother, MAMA Ngwemeta Martina had seven children. Five died leaving him and his sister. The years that followed saw him distinguish himself in school and the military and ultimately rise to become the exemplar of a man who cares for society, family, and God. He grew into a distinguished pillar of society and a role model for all who knew him, or about him. Even his neighbors “felt safer when he was in residence.”

That journey began in 1950 when his brother Mr. Maurice Ngongeh came home and took Paul to Bamenda through the hills of Mendankwe to Nkwen.

Education: Paul started school in January 1951 with the CBM Nkwen. In 1960, he was admitted in B.T.T.C. Soppo for Probationary Teachers Course. In 1962 – 63, he returned to Soppo after teaching in Kumba and in Bomboko. After teaching for some years, he joined the school of Sports and Physical Education Yaounde (INJS) in 1970. He completed three years in Sports school from 1970-1973.

In 1980, he was admitted into the military academic (EMIA) Yaoundé. He came out as a Sub-Lieutenant of the infantry as Reserve Officer. In 1986, he was called up to be an active military officer but declined to focus on his family and continued with Youth and Sports and Reserve Officer in the Army.

WORK: Paul Mofor was no stranger to hard work. As a young man, he learned to hunt, sell, and man. He sold colanuts, mushrooms and coffee in primary school. He would go hunting and sell beans and coffee from Awing to Bamenda up station and returned to Awing same day, on Sundays. He worked in Santa coffee estate, weeding 100 stems of coffee at one shilling and six pence a day.

After teaching and completing his training in the school of Sports Yaounde, he was appointed as a Divisional Chief for Sports in Donga Mantung Division in Nkambe. He worked for two years and was transferred to Fako as Divisional Chief of Sport from 1975-1979. Paul Mofor was a starter of many things, forming several new concepts and teams such as inter-quarter sports competitions. He dissolved P.W.D, Press Book, and Victoria Star clubs to form the Victoria United Opopo leaving out Power Camp which became Electsports. 

All the sports property of these clubs went to Victoria United and players from the Inter quarter teams built up the united team. He rebuilt the Centenary stadium in Limbe, opened literacy classes in C.D.C camp and reopened the Canoe Race sponsored by Guinness. Build Holiday Camp at Mile 6 Beach and located a permanent office for Youth and Sports Divisional Office.

With Victoria / Fako as a Centre of attraction along with SO.NA.RA competitions he formed the FATRADANCA – Fako Traditional Association before transferring to Ndian in 1979. While in Ndian, he also opened competitions for Pamol Camp.

After his military training in EMIA, he became 2nd Lieutenant of the Infantry. The First Army Company was opened in Mundemba and Mofor became Chef de Section, that is, second in command of creek patrol Mundemba in 1981.

When he left Mundemba, he went to Buea as the first Director of Youth and Animation Center. Built the rest house there and formed Literacy classes in Buea. Promoted consistent and competitive handball, volleyball, basketball games at the center. In 1989, he was appointed Chief of General Administrations till December 2001 when he went on retirement.

AWARDS: Awarded a medal, Cameroon Order of Valor and Cameroon National Order of Merit.

FAMILY LIFE: Mr. Mofor Paul was married to Helen Mengentoh with eight children, many grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. He became sick with prostate inflammation from 2012. Visited many hospitals out of the country and within the country for treatment. He finally went to the Regional Hospital where he was admitted, where he took his final breath and transitioned into glory on the 22nd of March 2024.

He is mourned by many across the country and abroad.