Papa am shock and short of words when I hear you are no more. You left us as chicks with no one to take care of. Your memory lives in me as I pray for you to have eternal rest in the lord till we meet again.
Your brother, Etchu Takang
TRIBUTE TO PA AYUK PETER AKO-EBOT
It was in the year 2004 that Pa rallied us round him to create WISDOM ACADEMIC COMPLEX at BIYEM-ASI LAC Yaoundé. He was unanimously voted Chairman of the Board of Directors. He showed much interest in designing the primary section of the school. He worked energetically to see that the school had the official papers after which he spared no effort in meticulously planting the school. As a man who wanted to design his own breed of teachers, he personally recycled the teachers he recruited through regular seminars. Through these seminars, the teachers of OXFORD as the primary section of the school is commonly called came to develop new techniques of teaching unique only to the school. He personally followed up the lesson notes of the teachers and made pertinent comments. He had wonderful joy when things were done the way he desired. He would encourage and even give the teacher pet titles. The impossible was never his portion. He believed everything was possible with abit of reflection and application. His worst moments were when things were not going the way he designed. He will become restless till solutions were found. The spectacular performances of the children in public exams were largely attributed to these teachings and organisation of the school.
Pa showed much interest in the children as well. His best moments were when he was playing with the children. He usually fitted squarely with them, He thought the children new songs and organised them as they played. Very often he played the role of the referee. I remember during one of the graduation ceremonies in the school, he ‘stole’ the show when he appeared in his academic robes. Pupils, parents and teachers scrambled to have photographs with him. A parent quickly remarked ‘this our Pa will not stop surprising us’. Some of these photos remain the best souvenirs when you visit some of the parents. He designed most of the games with local materials, which many other school operators who visited the school admired.
Pa showed much wisdom in organising the Board of Directors. He had an exceptional way of blending divergent ideas to come up with an acceptable headway. He accepted criticisms no matter how piercing they appeared. He had an exceptional way of using humour and a brief moment of digression to calm down tension during Board meetings.
He was very interested in the training of trainers. This was one of his greatest ambitions for the school. The creation of a Teacher’s Training College to train our own teachers was one of the topics we last discussed on before his departure for the U.S.A. He spoke so much about the merits of such a college that he firmly promised to engage on the creation of the college upon return from the U.S.A. Unfortunately, he will never be there again to bring this desire to fruition. He has therefore left this challenge to the Board of Directors. I am very convinced that the day such will be created, our Pa will put on a long smile in the grave. I can assure you that this will be done with much hurdles because this was a domain he mastered and cherished so much.
Pa, you showed much interest in WISDOM that nobody doubts it. While in the U.S.A. you called permanently to find out about the school. You requested much documentation to open up links for the school in the U.S.A. This left us with much hopes of joy because your discussions made us to see new and brighter horizons in the nearest future. But surprisingly, instead of giving us a ring on the results of your connections that way, we instead received shocking news of your passing to eternity. The pain you leave in our hearts shall take a long time to heal. The gap in the company can never be filled. For one thing, we shall only try but shall rarely attain your mark. Be assured however that with the much we learned from working closely with you, we shall sustain the school and take it to the heights you so desired. The difference is that we shall take a longer time than you would have done with your wisdom and dedication. We shall forever miss you Pa !
The Board of Directors,
WISDOM.
DEAR PAPA
Papa, am short of words as I keep asking myself why? why? and why this time? When you told me over the phone to take care of the children in Yaoundé, I thought you were just reminding me as usual not knowing there were life time instructions which could never be repeated again. You left me alone knowing that I have nobody in this world. Give me the strength to take care of the family. I will miss you especially as a brother, a father and an adviser.
Adieu papa.
Ako Ebot Janet (Sister)
BIG PAPA
Big papa, I went to school knowing that I will come back and see you as you promised. I even worked hard in school as you ever wanted hoping that you hold on for me and see as I pass through school and even orientate me on the choice of subjects to offer in form 4 while preparing for my GCE ordinary levels. I came back home on the 11th of February and met a sad situation at home that you are NO MORE. Where are you grand pa? Why did you leave so soon without any notice?
Bye and see you in paradise.
orock ma mbeng (Grandson)
GRANDPA
Grandpa, I wonder where you are and what you are doing with us by your side. Remember when you said you were coming back and we will live together at wokeka village and me been your retirement grand child. I even remember when you told me on phone on Thursday before you passed away on Saturday that you were going to be home soon, not knowing you were biding farewell to me.
My adviser, leaving me alone in this world means nothing because this is the time we need you more than ever. What ever the case we love you but God loves you more. I will not cry because I know you leave in us.
Bye till we met to part no more.
Ako Anyang Leslie (Grandchild)
TREASURED MEMORIES TO MY DARLING HUSBAND.
Fondly called by your children, Muyeh, Jimbo, American man. I called you, pa, darling, epeh, my better half. You called me: Ngone, Ngore Muyeh, dearest.
My beloved Husband, I can’t imagine years have passed by so soon. Yes, remember our wonderful years together, the hours of life and all we share. A moment of this pleasure will always bring you near. The chapters we created, the joy in life’s sweet bliss, for there you are beside me always at my side. We met and you became a best friend, a brother, a companion, a teacher, guardian, a conselor.You gave me a new definition of happiness and true love. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, months into decades and you stood by me through thick and thin, giving me renewed love and assurance. God gave us children, children that put smiles on our faces. You were a good father, a leader by example, a disciplinarian, a fountain of knowledge to not only our children and relatives but to every one whose path crossed with yours. You never failed to give moral, financial, academic, and spiritual support to those who knew you.
Yes! These are treasures of expression that we carry on through photographs of love through life’s extensions. I can’t believe the sides of life that bind us had been separated by the cold hands of Death. Remember the seasons of bliss, how we got up from bed together, we say good morning together; we read the bible, say our prayers and share our plans for the day. How I prepared those delicious meals you loved and when you eat you will say “ha this is good food, Thanks my darling”. How you will fill the car with food and bring back home and how at night we discussed about the children. You were the pillar covering your family and household. Your woes were my woes and your bliss mine as well. We were like Romeo and Juliette. You were the one that did everything for me. I always tell people “I don’t know, nap ah”. You always made time for our kids and for everybody around you. You will follow them up academically and make sure their needs are provided. We opened our home for children and relatives for their education and did our best to inculcate our values to them.
A man of Values you were! A man of his words, a selfless person. Indeed you were a counselor and born teacher!
In 2009, I left for the USA and you followed after. We had a wonderful time over there with our children and grand kids. Even while abroad you made sure our junior kids back home are comfortable and you will call and talk to each of them and make sure they were at school and take their studies seriously. You will make sure even abroad you get account of what is happening back home. Suddenly you took ill and gave me and the children the courage that all is well. Even when you were in pains you remained brave. You showed me you were ok. Remember the wonderful x-mass 2011; we shared at Ma’agabor’s place at Atlanta GA as a family. Little did we know this was your last moment with us as a family? On that fateful Saturday at 5:43 am, your usual family meeting time, when you get everybody up from bed to dialogue and put things in order, death snatched you away from us our ever loving Muyeh.
Chai! Death be not Proud! Because you are a plaything in the hands of God and I know my husband has triumphed, For Philippians 1:21 says “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Yes it is hard to say farewell, but the Good Lord whom you loved so much called you to be by His side. Right now I am in great pain and devastated, but I am proud you died in the bosom of GOD and were an achiever! You’ve been a precious gift from God. One thing is certain; you were loved and will be loved forever. Like Tennyson said “It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”
Farewell by beloved, until we meet again
Your Beloved Wife (Ngore Muyeh)
DEAR GRANDPA
Grandpa you have been a loving father. What will grandma do without you? You told us you were to come to Cameroon very soon. You told us to send our seizes that you will send us things. Grandpa, thank you for your caring love for me as your grandchild, because no matter how old I am I will always be your grandchild. Thank you God for the Death of my grandfather, for he died to rest. All I can say is Thank you for giving us the best of yourself, for loving us and for teaching us how to love. Farewell.
Besong Brenda (Grandchild).
MY DARLING GRANDPA
Love is Patient and kind; it does not skip a record of wrongs. So was papa. His major goal was to keep the whole family together no matter their differences. He was the father of all. His absence has created a vacuum in our hearts but by the grace of God we shall overcome our lovely papa’s departure. If I was to write about our stories with paper, this space will never be enough.
Adieu papa! Farewell papa! Ayuk peter Ako-Ebot.
Pride Reed (Grandson).
TRIBUTES TO MY DEAR DAD
Oh my beloved father! I wait for the phone to ring by 2 am Cameroon time, 8pm American time, to hear your voice, to give account of everything happening at home, to hear more of your words of wisdom, but all these are now in blessed memory.
Death! Where is thy Sting!
A fountain of knowledge you were, a great teacher, a man of great understanding and humility! You thought me true values of life, to work in the light of God, to be outstanding in everything I do. Your unique qualities embedded in me, make me standout in everything I do and in my academics. You held our family with the cord of Love, unity and thought us to love one another as ourselves as the Bible teaches.
I anticipated your return from the USA to discuss in details how my defense for an award of a master’s degree went on. We discussed forwarding my education to the Doctorate level and on the phone you encouraged me by telling me that “Knowledge is power and Wisdom is god’s Gift”. Why have you decided to go and do not see this dream come through?
Papa you assured me while at the hospital that all is well. I prayed with strong Faith.
Ah! No! Years Oh!
Papa why didn’t you tell me you were changing to a high new house?
Death has stolen the light away!
God teach us! How should we begin?
We were like “star-crossed lovers” You have taught me that life without love is like a “Cauchermar”
Muyeh, you have always been an important guidepost for us, a standard of what a doctor, a professional, a gentleman, a friend, a husband and, most importantly, a father can and should be. It’s hard to imagine life without your guidance, your wisdom and your example.
Daddy your policy to teach people how to fish has really come to realization!
Indeed your word you always say to me is” Ma’ayuk, You have to develop a strong heart”. Papa you were intelligent, warm, kind. You were generous of spirit and generous with your time. You were always eager to share in my successes and those of my siblings and always there to listen when things did not work out. The price of love is grief. And today we grieve for your loss, which I especially will miss dearly.
Papa you fought a good fight.
I will remember your kind words, I will follow them and I miss you and love you so much
All of us loved you so very much. But God Loves You Most.
Rest in the bosom of the Lord
Ma’Ayuk (Daughter)
Dearest Dad
I knew this day will come but did not know it will be this soon. I am happy that God’s will has come to pass and am sad that I will never have a physical adviser, a protector and provider understood like you. You understood my state of mind when no one else did. My best moments with you was when we lived in Buea just us boys it was a beautiful, exciting boys camp. For a long time, we understood what you liked and how you wanted our lives to be.
When I called Mom right after you had been driven to hospital, I could not help but think of the outcome. All I did and could do was PRAY. I prayed that let God’s will be done still nursing hope for the better. Finally, the news broke, I was devastated, I asked questions but all I did was pray for a peaceful transition for my Dad.
Dad I will miss you forever, it is a difficult loss but all I will continue to do is Pray for you and for us.
“That’s my Baby”
Benjam Eyong Ayuk Ako-Ebot
Dear Papa
Life is such a mystery. We life to die, you lived for us; your life was within us and will forever remain with us. Will forever remain with us, we will always miss but we will be comforted because we know God loves you most. Rest in Peace. Papa I love you.
Nso Babet (Daughter)
Born on 4th March 1947 at Besongabang, Mamfe to the family of Late Pa Gustav AKO ANYANG and Mami Sophie ENOWAKPA all of blessed memory. He got married in 1966 to Ma Rachel Tabot Ako – Ebot nee Agbor of Besongabang Village in the Mamfe Central Subdivision.Pa was baptized in 1964 at PC Besongabang and was a member of the Christian Men Fellowship of the PCC and many other Affiliations. Pa Peter attended Basel Mission School Besongabang in 1960 where he obtained his FSLC, and in 1966, he obtained a Teacher’s Grade III at Basel Mission T.T.C Nyassosso. He proceeded to G.T.T.C Kumba where he had a Teacher’s Grade II in 1969. Due to his quest for greater knowledge, he left the shores of Cameroon in 1975 and enrolled in Rapid Results College, London where he obtained his G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced level. He moved on to the University Of Wisconsin Stevens Pointwhere he obtained an Associate Degree in 1979. In 1980, he had a B.A. in Human Services with a Major in Human Justice at Governors State University, Park Forest, Illinois. He later obtained a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Supervision at Chicago State University, in 1981.
He served and held various positions in the course of his Public service life while also acting as a community leader. These include the following:
Ø Classroom teacher in the Government School Fako Division, South West region
Ø From 1975 to 1976 he was acting principal and Director of Studies at Enonchong Memorial College, Besongabang,Manayu Division
Ø 1977 to Summer 1979, he carried out Tutorial Services at the Languauge visual Aids at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.
Ø 1981, he was Administrative Assistant at the Wilco Area Career Centre, Romeoville, Illinois.
Ø 1981, he served as Supervisor of Counseling and Orientation services for the Joliet Job Corps centre, Wilmington, Illinois, USA.
Ø From 1982 to 1986, he served as career and occupational Development Counselor at the ministry of National Education, service of schools, Universities and professional orientation in collaboration with radio Cameroon, Yaounde through the radio program “ Helping You Choose a Career”
Ø Provincial Chief of Service for Administration and Financial Affairs at the North West Provincial Delegation of National Education, Bamenda from 1986 to 1991.
Ø Teacher, Educator, Trainer and Counselor, Government Teacher’s Training College Bamenda from 19991 to 2001
Ø Senior Counselor at the National Commission for UNESCO, MINEDUC Yaounde up to March 2nd 2001.
Ø Resource person at the inspector General in Charge of Bilingualism, MINEDUC, Yaounde from 2001 to 2006.
Ø He handled the post of Assistant Chief of Centre at the Institute of Vocational Training Center I.V.C.T Buea, SW Region where, he was in charge of Pedagogy, Curriculum and Instruction as Director of Studies and plan, implement and evaluate programs and training activities at the Centre in 2006 where he later retired in 2010.
Pa was a good team leader who promoted guidance/ counseling in Cameroon at grassroots level. He was interested in education, development and reforms. Mr Ayuk Peter Ako-Ebot, was a builder, an organizer and a man of initiative. He spent his time uplifting people, especially children in the domain of education. Pa was the brain behind the Neighborhood Nursery and Primary School Bamenda and Wisdom Academic School Complex Yaoundé. He was a committed Civil Servant, a loving husband and father, a devoted and committed Christian whose Faith remained unshaken throughout the ravages of his health struggles. His death is a blow to the family.
He was a selfless husband, father, and grandfather, uncle, who spent all his time to see that his siblings, relatives and children succeed in life. If family, children or friends could stop one from dying, then we could have been here with us today. Papa rested in the Lord on Saturday, the 4th of February 2012 at 0800 a.m. Eastern United States time after a short but aggressive battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
In his last days, he was at peace and ready to meet his maker and when the call came, he answered peacefully with his ever loving wife by his side. We know he is in a better place where we will all meet him one day in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and Savior. He lives behind a wife, 11 children, 7grandchildren, Sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends and the entire Christian community to mourn him. Any well wisher wanting to assist the family can do so by using the bank information provided below.
WELLS FARGO BANK
Routing #: 122000247
Acct#: 7246274869
Acct name: Peter Ayuk Ako-Ebot Memorial Fund.
