In the tapestry of life, General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana née Abunaw Marie Etengeneng wove threads of compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her journey was not just one of remarkable achievements in the realm of criminal justice and women's rights but also of profound motherhood, managing to balance the scales of her professional ambitions with the warmth and love she extended to her family and the many lives she touched.

From the rivers of Mamfe to international stages, her life was a testament to the fact that with love, courage, and determination, one can leave an indelible mark on the hearts of many and the course of history. Her passing on International Women's Day, a date symbolizing the very causes she fought for—women's rights and empowerment—seems a poignant reminder of her lifelong commitment to justice and equity.

General Mrs. Kwamu Nana née Abunaw Marie Etengeneng was born on May 29th, 1953, in Besongabang, Manyu Division, in the Southwest region of Cameroon, to Divisional Officer D.O. David Ako Abunaw I and Princess Clara Manyi Abunaw née Etchu Egbe, both of blessed memory. As the third child of a family of 11 children (8 girls and 3 boys, 2 of whom are of blessed memory), her early years were marked by courage, joyfulness, and a profound willingness to support those in need, fostering a sense of belonging and exuding an incomparable joie de vivre until her departure.

Her faith was strong, and her love for singing, dancing, and spending time with loved ones was contagious. She even often brought her children to work during late night obligations. She could break out singing and dancing where you least expect yet easily get people to join her.

She loved culture, fashion, traveling, adventures, and much more. Having connected with the vibrant communities across Cameroon and visited over 20 countries around the world, she had a deep appreciation for diversity and brought lessons from and pieces of these cultures back with her. She was fondly called “Mami Nyanga” for her elegant and eclectic sense of fashion.

General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana’s educational journey was fueled by a passionate quest for knowledge, shaping a foundation that would support her remarkable contributions to the world. She often espoused that her wisdom was enriched not just by formal education but also by invaluable lessons from community members, elders and the cherished guidance of her mother, who was a significant influence in her life.

• She began her educational odyssey in 1958 at Government Primary School, Mamfe Town. Her journey through primary education mirrored her father's nomadic career as a Divisional Officer, taking her to various towns and schools including the Catholic School Nkambe Town, Cameroon Baptist Mission Buea (now CBC), Basel Mission Girls’s School Victoria (now Presbyterian School, Limbe) and Presbyterian School Mamfe Town where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate in 1965.
• In 1965, She then proceeded to embark on secondary education at Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS) Besongabang where she was the best chemistry and math student in her class and became the Girls Senior Prefect. There, she obtained her GCE Ordinary level certificate in 1970.
• She advanced to high school in the renowned Cameroon College of Arts, Science and Technology (CCAST) Bambili, where she obtained her GCE Advanced level certificate in 1973 with flying colors in the sciences.
• General Nana Abunaw Marie’s parents were extremely keen on the education of the girl child, and they believed that when you educate a girl child, you educate a nation. In this light, she made her way to the prestigious University of Benin in Benin City, Nigeria where she began her university education in 1976 studying pharmacy. About 3 years later, she came to terms with her “people calling” and after a long talk with her dad, obtained his blessing to switch to administration. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and a Minor in Business Administration with honors in 1980.
  
  

As a teenager, amidst the swirling currents of the Mamfe River, General Nana Abunaw Marie's courage shone brightly as she plunged into its depths in an attempt to save a cousin from drowning. It was there, amidst chaos and fear, that she first encountered Chief Justice Kwamu Nana Anthony, also a teenager then, who came to their rescue. Destiny, however, chose a dance in CCAST Bambili (after completing her education) to reunite them, setting the stage for a love story wrapped in destiny and courage. This bond, forged in youthful bravery, blossomed into 46 years of companionship, gifting the world with seven remarkable children, each a testament to their enduring legacy: Elvis Kwamu-Nana, Anthony Kwamu Nana Jr., Ako Kelly Kwamu-Nana, Njapuh Kwamu-Nana, Egbe Kwamu-Nana, Setche Kwamu-Nana, and Yankam Kwamu-Nana.

General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana's legacy as a “Mother of All” is marked by her boundless love and compassion, inspiring all who knew her with her acts of kindness and dedication to uplift those around her. Known affectionately as Mummy General and IYA, or "Mother of Children” in Bakweri, she truly lived as the "Mother of All," extending her profound love not only to her children but to the broader community and those in the penal system.

She is also known as Mummy Ekong Noh for being the inspiration behind the touching song, Ekong Noh - A Mothers' Love (by her daughter, Setche) and for playing a crucial role in the powerful tribute to mothers worldwide. Despite severe pain (unbeknownst to anyone), she silently persevered through the music video production, to support her daughter’s passion. This  silent endurance for the sake of a loved one’s dream exemplifies the depth of a mother’s sacrifice.

Her enduring spirit is captured in these heartwarming memories:

• The first time she visited her daughter, Setche, In BHS Buea boarding school, she brought the same packages for all the kids she visited, though it's customary to bring a bigger package for your child. She taught her daughter a lesson in cheerful giving.
• When talking about the prisoners under her care, her son, Yankam, who was 4 yrs old, kept referring to them as her children. This simple yet profound statement shed light on her compassionate approach towards the inmates, treating them with dignity and love, akin to her own family. This practice of inclusivity and warmth extends her maternal embrace beyond the confines of her home, demonstrating her role as a nurturer even within the prison walls.
• Around the world, her children often meet people who upon realizing the connection with her are very honored and try to do them favors because they are grateful for her generosity; saying things like, "your mom paid for my school," or  "helped my brother," or “your parents did this or that...” Yet, when they recounted those encounters to her, she remembered the people but not the deeds, never tracking her acts of kindness, truly living as the "Mother of All" with her endless giving and humility, because kindness was not something she did, it was just who she was.

She was versatile and her diplomatic skills and soft power were outstanding, subtly guiding others towards goodness and self confidence. She wasn't perfect, but she touched many lives and had a penchant for making people feel good. Ashu Besong, one of the many she inspires, captures her essence perfectly:

"When you come to Aunty Maria’s house depressed, you leave feeling like a lion."

General Nana Abunaw Marie had a keen passion for penitentiary administration, leading her to pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in penitentiary administration from the National Prisons Training and Retraining Center (now ENAP Buea) in 1982 and the National School of Administration and Magistracy ENAM, Yaoundé, in 1983 respectively.

As the Prison Administrator of Bamenda Central Prison and later as Inspector General of Penitentiary Administration in Cameroon, She championed a revolutionary approach to corrections, treating inmates with dignity and employing them in roles that fostered rehabilitation over punishment, including roles in raising her own children. Her philosophy, centered on humanity, transformation, and a holistic approach, reshaped the prison culture and significantly impacted the community. She believed that losing one’s freedom is already enough punishment, and that if you treat people like animals you can expect them to behave like animals. Her efforts extended beyond the prison walls, addressing community stigma to ease reintegration for former inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism rates, preventing the cycle of re-incarceration.

Her deep commitment to human rights and justice led her to found the Equity & Justice Prison Fellowship Cameroon nonprofit, advocating for restorative justice and offering prisoners a new lease on life.

Below are some of her remarkable career milestones:

• From June 1985 to December 1990, she served as the Director of Studies, leading a team of penitentiary administration professionals. This team included individuals who have since become Administrators or Superintendents, now overseeing Cameroon's major prisons in cities such as Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua, Bafoussam, Buea, Bertoua, and Maroua. Additionally, members of her team have ascended to positions as Regional Delegates and the Director of Penitentiary Administration (DAPEN).
• Between January 1991 to July 1992, she became the Administrator in charge of discipline in the Bamenda Central Prison.
• In July 1992, she became the Administrator Superintendent in charge of the Bamenda Central Prisons, equivalent to the rank of Assistant Director in the central administration.
• In January 1994, she was promoted by choice to the Rank of Senior Administrator of Prisons.
• In October 1997, General Nana Abunaw Marie was appointed to the post of Director of the National School of Penitentiary Administration (ENAP) Buea.
• In January 2002, she was promoted by choice to the rank of Administrator General of Prisons (6-Star epaulets Administrator), the highest grade in the Prison Service and the first woman to have achieved such a rank in the country.
• In August 2004, she was appointed by presidential decree of H.E Paul Biya as the Pioneer Inspector General of Penitentiary Administration in the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MINATD).
• In July 2005 she was appointed the Pioneer Inspector General in charge of Penitentiary Administration in the Ministry of Justice by the president of the republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya and same year appointed President of the Central Coordination unit for the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Ministry of Justice by the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, H.E Amadou Ali.
• In September 2006, she was appointed by the Head of State, H.E Paul Biya, as a member of the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF).
• In October 2006, she was appointed member of the Advisory Board of the American Biographical Institute (ABI) in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
• In April 2009, she was appointed Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Justice where she served until she retired in 2015.
  
  

Beyond Borders - A Global Legacy of Justice and Empowerment
General Nana Abunaw Marie’s impact extended beyond national borders, as evidenced by her taking center stage in a series of significant international conferences and task forces where she represented her country. Notable among these were:

• The 5th Triennial Convocation of Prison Fellowship International in Washington DC, USA under the theme ‘’Remember me.’’
• The United Nations NGO FORUM on Women in Horou-China where she was a resource person.
• The famous Beijing Conference on Women by the United Nations where she made history and shared the stage with other prominent women from Africa including former South African first lady Late Mrs. Winnie Madikizela Mandela. This was definitely a memorable one for the books and remains the quintessential blueprint for gender equality and women empowerment till date across the world.
• In June 1996, she was elected to the International Council of Prison Fellowship International, Washington D.C
• The African Caucus of Prison Fellowship International in Harare Zimbabwe, in October 1996, delegated as one of the 120 women worldwide who deliberated on women’s issues and took place in the House of Lords London as part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Soroptimist International.
• In November 1996, she participated and was nominated as the voting delegate (from Cameroon) of Soroptimist International at the World Conference in Harrogate-England.
• In November 1997, she attended the Council Meeting of Prison Fellowship International in Manila, Philippines where she represented the Central African Region and Madagascar in the presentation of country reports.
• In 1998, as Board Chairperson of Prison Fellowship Cameroon, she participated at the Prison Fellowship International African Caucus meeting in Accra-Ghana.
• In September 1999, she did a Prison Fellowship Survey Study of the MADAGASCAR National Ministry in Antananarivo- together with Dr. James JIJIDE, the African Regional Director of Prison Fellowship International from Zimbabwe during which they visited the prisons and made studies of their prison system.
• In September 1999, she participated as a resource person at the 6th quadrennial Convocation of Prison Fellowship International in SOFIA BULGARIA – Eastern Europe focused on the new and modern methods of rehabilitation of prisoners.
• In June 2000, she was one of the members of the Cameroon Delegation to the United Nations Conference on women in New York in USA (Christened BEIJING+5 years) an assessment on how empowered and advanced the women have been since the 1995 Beijing conference.
• Between 2000 to 2017, General Nana Abunaw Marie took part in a plethora of conferences which were all focused on improving the rehabilitation conditions of prisoners ,on Prisons Reforms-Challenging despair in prisoners and creating Hope (TESPO) in them.
• As a criminal Justice Officer, she was the only Cameroon participant and Resource person at the Conference on Modernizing the criminal justice system, in London, with Tony Blair (the then Prime Minister of Great Britain) being the main guest speaker.
• She represented Cameroon at the Prison Fellowship International Council meeting in Harare-Zimbabwe.(Current methods of prison management and care for the destitute).
• She was a participant at the Convocation of Prison Fellowship International in Toronto, Canada under the theme ‘Kyrie Eleison’ (Lord Have Mercy), where she was elected the Secretary General of the African Caucus.
• She participated at the African Caucus in Addis Ababa – Ethiopia on the Leadership Training Institute and course program on HIV/AIDS.
• She was a participant at the International Council of Prison Fellowship International in Hong Kong China.
• She made a PF Cameroon Survey visit to Nigeria visiting Prisons in six of the states and making comparative studies with the Cameroon prison system.
• In 2018, she was a keynote speaker at the International Leadership Conference in Seoul, South Korea and at the African Development Leadership Summit in CapeTown South Africa, organized in partnership with the Royal House of Mandela.
• She has also been a keynote speaker numerous times with the Youth for Human Rights organization and United Nations at various conferences around the world.
  
  

Honors and Heart - Celebrating a Life of Service and Engagement
General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana Abunaw Marie's exceptional leadership and dedication were recognized with numerous honors and awards between 1970 and 2018, reflecting her impact across various spheres of life. Among these were:

• First Prize for Able Leadership as Girls Senior Prefect of Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS) Besong- Abang –Manyu- Division-Cameroon.
• Best sports lady for the year 1972/1973 in Cameroon College of Arts and Technology (CCAST) Bambili, Mezam Division.
• Cameroon Soroptimist International Community Woman of the year.
• Meritorious lady of the North West Region of Cameroon in the year, 1996, during the international day of the woman, Knight of the Cameroon Order of Valour (chevalier de l’Ordre de la Valeur Camerounaise).
• Woman of the year Award by the American Biographical institute in Raleigh North Carolina, USA.
• She was also awarded a Certificate of Congratulations in Recognition of her position as Technical Adviser in the Ministry of Justice and CEO of Justice & Equity Prison Fellowship Cameroon by the EFOKHOYU NETWORK of Manyu Division.
• She received the Ambassador for Peace award by Rev. Moon-Korea; and the Superlative Research Award Category ‘A’, from the International Non-Olympic University (INOU)-Gomti-Nagar, India.
• Declared Role Model among others for Women of the S/W Region and Cameroon at large during the International Women’s Day, 8th March 2016 in Buea (PS: the same day she took her last breath eight years later).
• Certificate of Recognition from the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (P.C.C) in devotedness and hard work towards the Presbyterian Church Buea Station.
• Certificate of Recognition for MAKOM M’ESES’ A YEHOVA MBENGA’A KAMERLIN (FAKO) for outstanding service, dedication and loyalty to MEY and the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon in 2018.
• She was also bestowed the Bakweri Traditional Title “IYA” meaning “Mother of children.”
• She is a very devoted member of remarkable associations which included:
  
  • The Christian Women Fellowship (CWF) for so many years,
  • Besongabang and Bachuo Akagbe meetings,
  • The renowned Manyu Women Association ‘’MOHWA’’ where she played a very significant advisory role in championing unity and peace amongst women and supported towards empowerment of women and the girl child.
    
    

In her final years, General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana Abunaw Marie Etengeneng showcased unwavering strength and courage, engaging in a valiant struggle against cancer. Initially triumphing over Hodgkin's lymphoma and later confronting stage 4 Gallbladder cancer twice, she faced each challenge with unbelievable dignity and grace. Despite the sudden resurgence that ultimately led to her passing, her spirit remained indomitable. Her resilience and encouragement, even in the face of grave illness, was a source of strength and hope for her loved ones. Her journey through treatments in Yaounde, Douala, and India, coupled with natural remedies and the unwavering support of her family, highlighted her belief in the possibility of hope and the essence of a strong will. She passed away on International Women's Day 2024, surrounded by love, and in the comforting embrace of her son, Major Kwamu Nana Anthony Jr., and her sister, Evangelist Mafany Queen.


Her passing at 1:15 pm in the heart of International Women's Day—a symbol of her lifelong commitment to advocating for rights and justice for the disenfranchised — felt like a deeply meaningful tribute from the universe to her legacy. This day, reflecting her dedication to equality and empowerment, marked a fitting closure to a life richly lived in service to others and the ideals she cherished.


She leaves behind her darling husband, Chief Justice Kwamu Nana Anthony, her eight Abunaw Siblings, her seven outstanding children, seventeen grandchildren, numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and a whole tribe cutting across generations and nations to mourn her. She leaves a huge vacuum in the Abunaw, Etchu’Tanyor families and the Manyu, Cameroonian, and international communities.


“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”                                                - 2 Timothy 4:7

As we remember General Mrs. Kwamu-Nana née Abunaw Marie Etengeneng, let us celebrate her life as a beacon of hope, love, and resilience. Her legacy is one of inspiration—a call to action to continue the fight for a just and compassionate world. Let us honor her memory by living up to the ideals she championed, cherishing our loved ones, and fighting tirelessly for the dignity and rights of all individuals.


Rooted in her profound love and advocacy, Mummy General's legacy also shines through her recognition of some of life's unsung heroes—our mothers and parental figures. She believed in showing appreciation not just on special occasions or after death, but every day; a sentiment at the heart of the Mothers’ Appreciation Challenge, she inspired. Fueled by the song, "Ekong Noh - A Mother's Love," this initiative reflects her life’s impact as a “Mother of All.”


Join the challenge and keep her spirit alive by spreading love and appreciation to mother figures worldwide. Together, we can carry forward her legacy of compassion, advocacy, and spreading joy!

By Ogbe Abunaw (aka Omodada)