CELEBRATING A WONDERFUL COUPLE
TRIBUTE TO MA HELEN TATA AND BA NKOM TATA
It is hard to believe that this extraordinary couple – Ma and Ba Tata are no longer with us. Their departure has created an unimaginable emptiness in our lives, but they leave behind a rich legacy of cheerfulness, generosity, love and outstanding dedication to family, friends, country, and the world at large.
We’ve known Ma Helen and Ba since our arrival in Bamenda in 1987. She worked closely with Andy in the former GTZ (now GIZ) financed Primary Health Care Project and was our go to person from day one. She took on the responsibility of orienting and onboarding us in the community and introduced us to all the relevant people and social groups. She was not only very generous with her time but also with her resources including harvests from her farm in Bali. We spent a couple of years together and even in our absence, the Tatas continued to represent us in group meetings and took on hosting responsibilities on our behalf. Ma Helen was such a passionate woman and a go-getter. She left no stone unturned in every and any assignment. She managed our affairs at home unreservedly and fearlessly protected our interests every step of the way.
Ma Helen was caring, committed, faithful, and selfless. She will call us habitually irrespective of our locations, to check on how we were doing. She will send packages of plantain chips, njama njama and other foods by post from Atlanta to make sure that we had a share of her harvest. Ma Helen was always present at key family events – college graduations, weddings, and memorial celebrations. Her last visit to Virginia was in October 2019. We had no idea or inclination that would be our last days with her.
We shared so many stories, we traveled and had fun and quality times together in Bamenda, Geneva, Burke Virginia, Ouagadougou, Tbilisi, Shekvetili, Batumi, Middleburg and Atlanta, emptied a couple of bottles of good wine and enjoyed life as she always said. We were planning to meet for our next “Mamons” vacation in May 2021, and even proposed to include the “Bas” this time around but helas it was not to be. God decided otherwise and called them “home” instead.
Although their departure is deeply painful, we give thanks to the Lord, most of all for the life they lived and for the laughter, the joy and happiness we shared. We are grateful for their love, for all the concern they showed us and for always being there for us in good times and bad. We are grateful for all the memories of them that we hold dear. They brought us so much happiness in their kind and loving ways. They considered us not just as friends but as family. They were special! We will miss them dearly, but the extraordinary memories of cheerfulness, generosity, and love will fondly remain with us. May their souls, rest in perfect peace.
             Dr Andy & Mercy Tembon

Tribute to Ma Helena Lega Tata.

It is definitely with a heavy heart that I write this tribute to a fallen hero, my darling sister, Helena Lega Tata nee Gwanyama. Ma Helen was born in 1950 and I was born in 1952. Our Late father, James Kanga Mukong Gwanyama loved the name “Helena” so much that he also named me Helena Luma Gwanyama. Ma Helen went to Saker Baptist College in 1964 and I followed in 1965. Before I left Bali, our late father realised that going to the same school with the same initials to our names will create a problem. So he asked me to choose any name I liked. The Ekitis were in Bali at that time and one of their daughter’s name was Patience Ekiti. Oh how I admired her and loved her name. Therefore I quickly told my late father that I’ll like to be called “Patience”. My primary school friends know me as Helena while my Saker friends know me as Patience.

Ma Helen, in our large family setting, has been more than a sister to me. She grew up with her Grand Aunt, Na Ma Robert Segmia; but we used to just call her “Na-ALO” because invariably “Lobot” was easier said in Bali than “Robert” since her first son was called Robert. I visited her at Na-ALO’s place a lot. From January to December for some six years, Ma Helen was the brain of that family, planning everything from farm work to harvesting and storage, the daily menu and of course going to school. So you all can see where Ma Helen got all her energy and planning skills from. We will eat groundnuts during the groundnut season, roasted corn, plantains, foofoo and njamanjama etc. I never came back from Na-ALO’s place without either guavas, plums, garden eggs, cracked mbanga, berries, garri, pears etc. There was always something in that house for visitors. You never visited Na-ALO in a hurry. If you didn’t have about an hour to spare, you better stayed back. Prayer sessions with her never lasted less than 20 minutes. After that, one had to recite some Bible Verses to her, then promised to be a very good girl. Na-ALO was a very strict, clean, organised and busy woman. It was rare to see her sitting around with nothing to do.No wonder Ma Helen picked up those qualities forever; always busy, strict, honest, well organised, very generous and caring. One also never visited Ma Helen in a hurry.

Back at Saker Baptist College, she was such a wonderful and caring sister to Ma Alice Yeba and I. We both went to CCAST Bambili together where our bond grew even stronger. After Bambili, Ma Helen married a “Bush Faller” in the person of Ni Thomas Tata. Of course, Ma Helen became a real financial anchor for most of us in the family. If you didn’t get close to her, it was your fault because those of us who did reaped a lot of pocket money and niceties. Transfers and work separated us a lot but whenever we met, Ma was always so full with gifts for me.

When she and Ba retired, and lived at their Up Station Residence; the place became so homely and nice. A visit to Ma and Ba started off with dining, wining and then a tour of the freezer, kitchen, or garden for what to take back. I never visited Ma and Ba in a hurry. And I always went back with my car filled with vegetables, corn, germinating bitter-leaves or beans etc. Sometimes, I had to go with her to the farm where she had planted cassava, cocoyams, sweet yams, okro etc. When you went with Ma to the farm and came back, the tiredness was much. Ma had so much energy and it wasn’t easy to match up with her.

Ma Helen also used to fire guns at cry dies in Bali. She also helped to tone down how widows were treated in Bali. In most meetings, she stood with those who were weak hence the name “President of the Popular Side” in our EXSAN meeting.
I am not a very active member in our Fed Fed and EXSAN Groups, so I always relied on her to cover me for any “eventualities”. But see what has happened. Ma Helen, you have dealt with me. I know you are looking at me and laughing because you always told me to try to attend meetings.

I am going to miss all those wonderful times we had together. I am going to miss all the advice when I had to make difficult decisions. I will miss the laughs over my cooking and your savior-fair. I am going to miss all the Achu and your excellent coconut rice. I am going to miss the really ocean fresh roasted fish from Douala or Yde. I am going to miss all the roasted plums and plantains. Somehow you and Ba always had sweet fresh palm wine in the fridge. Who knows what both of you have carried with you to heaven to entertain those already there!!!!! Fair ye well. It is Well. You and Ba Nkom have left an unbeatable record. Go to your Reward and Award. The dream is unending but I am going to dance to your happy tunes only.
             Patience Ndi nee Gwanyama.

A TRIBUTE TO BAH NKOM AND NA HELEN TATA.
Yes we live in a world where everyone will reach the end of the road but your passing away is just beyond understanding. Bah Nkom, Dr Tata and mamoon Helen Tata no normal person will accept your death because it came like this big shock confusing everyone..You have been the pillar of this family and after You WHO? I married into your family and You became the ones who always stood up for me in my times of trials and tribulations. Whenever I had a ceremony in Batibo You were the ones who organized and handled everything for me. Bah Nkom I remember the KEY handing ceremony that You organized for me and gave me a key that anytime I want I can come and open any door in your compound and enter without fear or favor. DR Tata u were my mentor in my professional carrier at different levels.. Na Helen Tata, I was in Yaounde when my mother died. You were the very first person to rush there to stabilise everybody and give them food and drinks before I could arrive Batibo. How do you begin to mourn such sweet souls, such divine and God fearing creatures. You were the roof that covered the house , Now the wind has blown off that roof, and Now the house lays bear with all those inside exposed to the rains the winds, disease , thieves etc etc. I feel like my heart will burst with emotions. Sleep in the Lord u two angels.there must be some serious celebration going on in Heaven right now. Let your journey together be smooth. Presented by
BAh Mba Henry ( bah Worekrutih)

Christy Wakai
I'm dumbfounded and lack words to talk about my family's relationship and the Tatas for many years.
I just pray that Ba and Mamon Tata's Souls should Rest in Perfect Peace. Let their faces continue to shine on their children, family and other loved ones they've left behind.

Tribute To Ma Helen Tata And Ba Nkom Tata
Ma Helen Tata and I were contemporaries in CCAST Bambili in the early
seventies but I only came to know her better very many years later, especially
during a period of five years when we both worked as members ( I as president
and she, the Vice President) of the Church Development Committee (CDC)
of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon Up Station Bamenda Congregation
while the husband, Ba Nkom Tata, was the Chairperson of the Session of the
said Congregation. During that period, I came to appreciate Ma Helen, as a
positively critical, organised, time conscious, hardworking, confident, happy,
every ready to help, friendly, vibrant and benevolent lady, with exemplary
selfless leadership qualities, who was committed at all times in giving the best
of herself for the good of her community, her circle of friends and above all the
Christian Congregation of which we were part. Indeed, some of the
outstanding evidences of the development in that Congregation then and
even now (the Balcony Project) are a testimony of the devoted, philanthropic
and loving nature of the person of Ma Helen Tata, alongside her husband, Ba
Nkom Tata, working in the Vineyard of the Lord.
 The terrible and shocking news of their sudden passing away and in such a
quick succession, into the great beyond, at first, sounded like a dream but now
it is true!!! It is, to say the least, very painful to all of us who knew them. Ma
Helen, in the company of her husband, was a blessing and a source of
encouragement to all who came to know and work with them. We will miss
them for ever but they are not gone from our hearts.
To the entire Tata family, and on behalf of my family, please accept my sincere
condolences on this very sad occasion. May the Comforting Spirit of the Lord,
our God, be permanently with you, at these trying moments; and may the Souls
of the departed Rest in Perfect Peace with the Lord. Amen.
             Prof. Carl MBOFUNG,

Ma Helen, you were my mentor, my senior colleague and later on my friend. There just won’t be enough space to write all I have to say here but to say that I will miss you a lot because you went away too fast. I am still in shock how you and Ba just ‘disappeared’ like that! Hmm!
I first met you in 1988 when I spent 6 weeks with you and we toured all health centers in the North West sleeping on all sorts of beds in all sorts of places?- You were a very kind, diligent, strict and extremely professional lady. As Managers of the North West and South West Special Funds for Health respectively, we collaborated a lot professionally . It was always a joy when you either had to come to Buea or me to Bamenda because we managed somehow to make hard work interesting. You were very caring and protective of me throughout and went as far as encouraging me to join you at WHO. Do you remember our Zimbabwe meeting and that horrible guy you didn’t like? You were the mother hen and I blossomed under your loving care. The kids won’t remember me but we did discuss about them all the time. You battled severe ill health 4 years ago, what happened this time?
I sent you a whatsapp message last week
Thursday March 18th 11.45pm “Ma, wetin”
Friday March 19th :6.45 am “Ba is gone for good. I’m still on O2 in hospital
7.02am: “Weh Ma, am so sorry to hear
Friday March 20th: Ma, how are you today
NO REPLY----until the news broke. You had gone to join Ba.
Ma Helen my mentor, my friend, what else can I say? Greet Ba, Rest well, rest from your labours. We shall meet on that beautiful shore one day. I thank God for giving you to us

Dr Belinda Assam

My Dearest Sister you went from being my patient to being a very bright light in my life: loving-and caring, sharing, fun to be with, always present. We were not just colleagues at the World Health Organization where you were hailed as a hero we were best friends. We travelled the world! Did you just leave without saying goodbye? Of course you are right, it is just an ‘Aurevoir’. What a better way to travel but with your beloved husband! We love you but God loves you more. Rest in perfect peace.
Dr Mrs Grace Fobi

Farewell Ba Tata and Aunty Helen,
I can’t stop thinking of how Aunty Helen will take me to visit grandma “Nah Tehler” in Bali as a kid. She will later remind me as a teenager and even as an adult regularly of the things I was fond of during this period. The promise of travelling to Ba Tata and Aunty Helens place in Station for the summer holidays was what it took to motivate me to get the best out of the school year. If only we had known, we were bound to go there regardless. I have this memory of a summer holiday back in the 90s, where we left Bamenda and forgot to take some vegetables that Aunty Helen had bought for us. Shortly after Santa, which despite its 22 km from Bamenda was a 1-hour drive away due to the condition of the roads, having realized long after we left that we forgot to take the package, she came after us, we saw her car drive past us, overtook us with full speed, halted our journey, handed us the vegetables and headed back to Bamenda. This was one of my first adult experiences of the “iron lady” aunty Helen was and will always be known for. She was a true role model, energetic and empathetic mother with a huge heart who will forever live in our hearts.   
I spent this fun evening in November 2019 in Raleigh with Ba Tata laughing out my lungs, learning from the very best about our Bali culture, getting the best advise you could get, in what was going to become the last time I met him. Everything about this evening was how I had grown up to know him. Respectful, humble, full of humor and life.
Thank you for the wonderful and loving impact you had on us as children. May you Rest in Peace in the bosom of God Almighty.

We will remember you always!

Ganse Kenneth Lima

Tribute to my friend Helen Tata.

My Dear Helen, friend, sister and "inti"
Our friendship has been quite unique in that it dates as far back as our admission into Saker Baptist College in 1964. I had to ask you at one time what actually brought us together. You said, you had a serious eye problem wherein your eyes were always running down with tears and blurred your vision also painful. Each day after Breakfast in the Dining Hall while others ran quickly to the classroom climbing the long hill from Dining Hall to administration block you were always left behind struggling to get to classes. I, Claudia was the only one who stayed with you each day holding your hand wiping your tears until we reached the class. And so our friendship began because unknowingly, I showed compassion and love.

This is what you told me and then I understood what bounded us together and we have been friends ever since.
My elder brother, Mr. Michael Fokam who was a classmate to Bah Tata in C.P.C. Bali was looking for a girl to marry. They both decided to get Helen a Bali girl in Saker and fortunately my good friend.

I and my brother now became "go-between to link them together delivering love letters and finally it came to pass that my brother on Tom's and I on Helen's made your marriage to be a reality. You were supposed to be my Bridesmaid at my wedding with Mr. Buma-Kor but because you were already married, I could not have you as such. The way out was to use your son Kebila as one of the page boys. You also in the name of friendship gave Segmia to me as a God-daughter.

So, Helen we became family and stayed close and everybody in our families knew we were friends. To crown it all- you made sure I visited you in Geneva before your retirement from WHO and so in 2011 you footed all the expenses to get me there and while there took me to a specialist in Ectomogy to consult for my eyes with which I could not read again. I was told that I had "Macular Degeneration" but that I would not go blind; the goodness that has kept me going with my eyes problems.
(Paste photos here)

My true friend and best friend in Jesus Christ but next to him is Helen Tata who sacrificed all to make me comfortable. She was very compassionate, caring, generous and kind. Even our children especially have been fond of you both Ba and Helen. Thank you Ba Tata for supporting Helen and all she did for me and being a big brother as my brother Ni Michael.

Helen told us Majors and everyone she met that if anyone has anything to give her, the person should support her in the building of God's House in P.C. Station Bamenda. As she appreciates God for what He has done in her life. We can only remember both of you by what you have done in our lives and the church.
May your generous souls rest in Perfect Peace till we meet again.

Claudia Fokam Buma-Kor (Aunty Clo)

Mami Tata ( that's how we call you), it's hard to believe that I'm writing this about you and Ba Nkom Tata. You were an excellent Boss to me and my colleagues .I acquired many great values both from your leadership in the Special Fund and Sakerettes of the Bamenda Chapter. I have cried until nothing is changing.  Even in death you give us a msg, that death fears no one.. You people have made history by traveling together to glory land. I 'm comforted because I know you are in heaven. We'll continue praying and supporting the children, God being my helper. RIP great couple. Forever in our hearts.

Tribute to Na Helen and Ba NKom Tata.

Mama ! Mama ! Mama! I was listening to hear you answer. No response confirmes that you are no more. It is a bitter pill to swallow. Our journey together has been a long one. It all started in the late seventies when I visited you in Calabar Nigeria on my way to Benin City, looking for admission for a Pharmacy degree. You gave me all the necessary information and encouragement. After the degree I came back home and was recruited by the government and later transferred to Bamenda Regional Hospital. I was warmly received by you and we worked together in the same office. My story changed and you also involved me and family in all social groups you belonged to, among which is the Mother Is Gold Family meeting, which is now called Friendship Group; and EXSA Bamenda, which you are the Founder. We both are pioneer members of Fed Fed Bamenda Branch.
We share a lot in common. We have the same first name (Helen), we attended the same Secondary School (Saker), we are both from Bali Nyonga and we have the same profession (Pharmacist), I can go on and on. When you hosted Friendship last month, the joy of reuniting was so much; enjoyment and merry making could not be described. We feasted and danced; the music we danced our rock to was “Fuel for love”. It leaves me devastated.
A few weeks after You and Ba became sick and was admitted, I visited and talked to both of you. It never occurred to me it was our farewell. You and Ba were nice people and have contributed a lot to the community. We have enjoyed your company. I was tempted to question God, all I know is that I am not skilled to understand what God has planned.
Mama and Ba Farewell to Glory Land to meet Your Creator.
                  Helen Fohtung

Tribute to Mami Helen Lega Tata

Na Helen Lega Tata was one of the pillars of Fed Fed Bamenda Branch. She incarnated the vision of Fed Fed Bamenda and galvanized all the members on her mission to achieve this vision. When she took over the leadership of Fed Bamenda branch in 2014, she manifested great leadership qualities, evident particularly in her personality of frankness, sincerity, devotedness, and charismatic way of doing things. As a leader whose actions were result driven achieved a lot for the branch during her tenure of office. She would not hesitate to scold when it was necessary for correction and encouraged outstanding performance whenever it was evident. She was a mother with a heart of gold, selfless, and catered for all her folks without discrimination. Before the cold hands of death snatched her, she was the adviser of the Fed Fed group.
Na, thank you very much for your many and wise advice you gave to us. You were a role model to many and for that you shall live to be remembered by many. God blessed you with multiplicity of admirable outstanding virtues which you unreservedly used and mentored others. For that we say THANK YOU!
When we prayed and saw you off to Big Mbingo on Sunday the 21st of March 2021, at 9:30 am, it didn’t end there as we continuously made several prayer requests on your behalf and the family. Yes! But God Almighty said it was your turn. May your good works on earth here follow you and your generation. You didn’t go alone Na, but alongside your beloved husband Ba Nkom Dr Tata Fofung, who meant the world to you. May you people be united in heaven as we know that heaven is rejoicing to welcome a new angel. Kindly give our departed members a warm embrace on our behalf with the most recent being Na Anna Dinga Titanji with whom you have journeyed together. Farewell Na. You will forever be in our hearts.
For and on Behalf of Fed Fed Bamenda Branch—President
                                              Gertrude Njinjoh.
                                              

Tribute from Fedfed Texas
Fedfed Texas Wish Na Helen and Ba Nkom Tata Onwards Heavenly Blessings

Each day brings us closer to eternity. Ma Helen and Ba Tata completed their destined earthly journey in March 2021.

As president of Nkumu fedfed both at the national and branch level, Nah Helen served the organization selfessly with dignity and respect.

The ladies of Fedfed Texas built a nursery school in Mbufung, Bali Subdivision, thanks to the supervisory sacrifices of Na Helen and her Bamenda team. Na Helen used to drive her personal vehicle to go inspect the construction of the classrooms. The Texas Cowgirls appreciate you Na Helen and wish you well in that Land that no ancestor has come back to describe.

Na Helen was that educated, tall, ebony slender beauty of a big sister that many of us admired and even aspired to emulate. May her legacy transcends her procreation and the other lives she touched.

Na Helen and Ba Tata united in love, then and now. May the Almighty God welcome na Helen and her husband, Ba Nkom Tata into His Heavenly Kingdom.
Ma Therese Fomunung (President)
For Fedfed Texas

Oh ma Helen, you took me as a little girl when I came to Saker Baptist College Victoria, in form one. You were more a mother to me. Taught me what was right and guided me on the right path. I remember you paying my transport during holidays from Saker as I always squandered my pocket money without thinking of leaving some for my holiday transport fare.I cried my eyes out when you graduated as I missed you so badly. We kept in touch especially when both of us were working in Bamenda. I promised visiting you in Geneva but couldn't make it for some reason. However we never stopped calling each other. I was thinking of meeting you in Bamenda this April but death has snached you away from me.That's life for we can't question the Almighty God for He knows best and holds all our future. You will for ever remain in my heart with your lovely husband Ba Nkom Tata. Ma Helen, you were my second Mum. Rest in perfect peace with your husband sweet mother. Love you both always.
      Anastasia Jeffers nee Gwannulla.

MAMMY MA HELENE,
MY STAR AND MAIN ACTOR OF MY BECOMING SPOUSE GWANYAMA, IN DECEMBER 28TH 1987 AND UNFINISHING FUEL TO THE BEING OF THE CHILDREN AND I SINCE DECEMBER, 8TH 1995, WITH THE PASSING ON TO GLORY OF YOUR BELOVED BROTHER NI SEMA SAMUEL GWANYAMA AND MY DARLING HUSBAND.

LIKE A CANDLE IN THE WIND ,YOU PASSED. HONESTLY I NEVER ASSOCIATED YOU TO DEATH.

THE STORM OF THE PASSING OF BA, THE EVER SO STRONG, HAD NOT BEEN DIGESTED, WHEN THE INDESCRIBABLE NEWS OF "MAMMY MA HELENE HAS PASSED " CAME BREAKING BONES AND SHATTERING HEARTS.
BA AND MAMMY, YOU WERE ACTORS. ACTORS DONT DIE BUT LIVE ON.

MAMMY IN 1987, YOU CAME AND SAW MY FATHER THAT YOU FOUND A PEARL CALLED BISANGA IN HIS FAMILY WHOM YOU WERE INTERESTED IN FOR YOUR JUNIOR BROTHER, SEMA SAMUEL.

YOU WENT RIGHT AHEAD WITH THE SYSTEMATIC PLANNING OF REALIZING YOUR BROTHER'S DREAM.

ON DECEMBER 28TH 1987, BA IN HIS WHITE MERCEDES CAR, RARE IN THOSE DAYS IN CAMEROON, DROVE THE LATTEST COUPLE IN BALI, MR AND MRS SEMA SAMUEL GWANYAMA WITH SWEET HEART BINDING MUSIC. YOU CAN IMAGINE!

MAMMY MA HELEN WAS AT THE BACKGROUND MAKING SURE ALL WAS SMOOTH. THAT'S MAMMY FOR REAL.

MAMMY THAT WAS NOT ALL. YOU STOOD BY US AS BEGINNERS.
YOU NAMED OUR DAUGHTER...JUBSIA. YOU HAVE CALLED HER ALL ALONG, MY FRIEND.

YOU WERE EVEN CLOSEST TO US WITH THE PASSING ON TO GLORY OF YOUR BELOVED BROTHER, MY HUSBAND AND DADDY, NI SAMMY.

I REMEMBER THAT MORNING WHEN YOU VISITED HIM IN POLYCLINIC BONANJO. YOU SAID, MA BI, I UNDERSTAND......!

MAMMY YOU STOOD BY US AT A CROSSROADS. WHILE IN SWITZERLAND YOU SENT DOCUMENTS FOR YOUR FRIEND TO FURTHER HER STUDIES . YES YOU DID. YOU PLAYED THE ROLE YOUR BROTHER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PLAYING IF ALIVE.

THE CHILDREN AND I APPRECIATE YOU MAMMY.

MAMMY, I WAS THE FIRST PERSON YOU CALLED WHEN STEPPING YOUR FEET IN DOUALA.YOU WILL COME HOME ,WARM THE HOUSE AND SHOW US LOVE.

MAMMY, YOU CALLED ME MY WIFE. THIS FILLED THE GAP OF MY HUSBAND'S ABSENCE.HOW LITTLE THINGS MATTER IN LIFE!

MAMMY PHYSICALLY YOU ARE GONE BUT YOUR MEMORIES LIVE. YOU ARE AN ACTOR AND ACTORS DONT DIE.

THE LOVE IN YOUR COUPLE CONTINUES AS YOU MOVE ON TOGETHER.
MAY YOUR GENTLE SOULS REST IN PERFECT PEACE .

WE ARE A CHRISTIAN FAMILY. WE THANK GOD ALMIGHTY FOR HIS DECISION. WE SURRENDER YOUR SOULS AND ALL THE FAMILY THAT YOU HAVE LEFT BEHIND TO GOD ALMIGHTY.

BA, MAMMY, BI GIT NI BONY.

NI SEMA SAMUEL GWANYAMA'S WIFE,CHILDREN AND GRAND CHILDREN.

Tribute to Na Helen Lega Tata and Ba Nkom Tata:
It was with great shock that we received the news of Ba Nkom Tata's death a few days after he was admitted in the hospital. We embarked on serious prayers for healing mercies for Ma Helen who was still in the hospital. A few days later on the bomb shell fell and we got up to the news of her death. This was devastating. We were dumbfounded, the screaming and wailing did not change the situation. God had decided to answer our prayers otherwise, according to His will and purpose for her life. As mere mortals we are helpless and limited as to what we can do.
Yes, the baobab tree has fallen. Ma Helen, bubbly and energetic; the Organizer, the Mentor, the Counselor, the "go getter", the fearless Leader who "walks the talk", the action and speedy lady, the disciplinarian, the teacher, the architect, the builder, the farmer, the selfless and trusted friend, a near perfectionist, and above all the mother who Pampers but never spoils her children. All these were embodied in this one person. She was a role model to many.
As a leader, you led by action and whatever you set as a goal you made sure you achieved and accomplished it no matter the challenges. Sometimes your resolve in getting things done appropriately and on time got you into conflict with people as you were sometimes misunderstood.
As a friend, you were very committed, selfless and devoted. You made all your friends feel special.
Sister name and Na (as I fondly call you since you became our President General of Nkumu Fed Fed) we have come a long way in this life. Through Saker Baptist College as a younger sister to you, through adulthood and as a wife and mother. You have guided and mentored me in several spheres. As pioneer Fed fed members of the Bamenda branch, and also as Nkumu fed fed Presidents,we worked very closely together as we shared a common passion for the underpriviileged and the needy. I shall never forget our trip to Koppin Fulani on one of your health visits where we found the Fulani girl Nkumu fed fed took on as a project to educate. Our numerous trips to Wosing and Gungong to bring health services closer to the rural communities; the times we spent in your home on the computer sorting out IDPs, putting together food items and clothing stored in your garage for IDPs at the beginning of the socio-political crisis in our Region, our special treats in Club 58, etc. etc. All these remain indelible in my mind. It is now springtime here and my garden is ready for planting. You promised to send me more vegetable seeds for this year. Na I sorely miss you.
You and Ba loved Mathew and I and made us feel special in many ways. Mathew will never forget the surprise birthday party both of you made for him in Geneva in September 2008. Even in our absence, both of you supervised the final stages of construction of our home and made useful and relevant changes. We hold you in very high esteem.
As a couple, you complemented each other. You were kind hearted and very welcoming. Your vibrant and dynamic personalities kept everyone around you contagiously happy and optimistic. Your untimely departure here on earth is a wakeup call for all of us. We pray that the Almighty God will welcome you in a special way into His heavenly kingdom. May your gentle souls rest in perfect peace in the bosom of your Maker. Adieu. We love and miss you. You will forever remain in our hearts.
         Helen and Mathew Gwanfogbe.

Na Helen, we became friends at my mature age. We just bonded not minding the age difference between us.
We chatted on family, health and other societal topics.
I became your confidant when you were elected President General of Nkumu Fed Fed.
Every day I admired your selflessness and hard work to serve humanity
We shared real quality time whenever we had the opportunity. One of such was when we ate "Achu" lunch in your Upstation home, with your beloved husband Ba Nkom Tata.
Little did I know that was the last meal I was sharing with both of you.
Fare thee well, na Helen and Ba Nkom Tata. Sleep in the eternal peace of the Lord your maker.
             Na Bertha Titanji

I am heavy hearted and still looks like a dream that Ba Nkom and Na Helen are no more. My very special people, you two played that parental and grand parental role in our lives and that of our children.
Ba you were such a nice person that words cannot explain. It was fun being by you with your endless jokes. You and Naa brought us closer to you and showed us true love and today your no more.
Naa my own personal person, my role model, my super woman gone just like that. Naa how could you two do this to us? Where do we go to when we miss home and needs that parental and family love?
Ba and Naa you two were everything to some of us. We had good moments these past three months not knowing we were enjoying your last days on earth.
Go well my lovely and caring Ba and Naa. You'll forever be missed by the kids, hubby and i.
RIP.
                        Constance Fon

TRIBUTE TO A WONDERFUL COUPLE ; Ba Tata Thomas and Mamon Helen Tata.

18/03/2021,"Ba Tata has opened the way,"is how Ma Helen Tata announced the demise of the husband!
On 22/03/2021, Ma Helen Tata followed the husband!
Sorrow and sadness filled our hearts; the sorrows till date are deep and profound.
The departures of the Tatas was sudden unexpected and particularly distressing because three weeks back,we were at their home for our monthly come together where they were as usual very warm and interactive.
The Tatas were founding members of a Family Meeting Group in BAMENDA in the late 1990s.They had as registration no. 15/90 and 16/90 respectively. From the ashes of this Family Meeting, Friendship Group BAMENDA was born in 1992.
Ba Tata Thomas was one of the Technical Advisers. What he believed, he believed with his heart and soul.
Ma Helen,was lead member of the "popular " side and she animated our meetings to the joy and happiness of many members. She fought hard for every cause in which she enlisted and the causes for which she fought were good and right.
Bakom Tata and Mamon Helen were husband and wife,were two friends,were partners, uniquely couple of superlatively high standards, complete integrity and boundless enthusiasm for whatever tasks they took in hand.
I readily mention their unwavering commitments in dealing with issues of the funeral of a member of friendship or arrangements for the wedding ceremony of a child of a friendship member, not forgetting their outlandish gifts to friends in friendship after their trips across the Atlantic ocean!
No one, whose privilege it was to know Ba Tata and Mamon Helen will easily forget the candor of their warmth and glowing brightness of their friendship.
They shall forever remain in our hearts.
May their souls rest in perfect peace in the bosom of God.
Adieu Ba Tata and Mamon Helen.

Ndoping Ivo.
President, Friendship Group BAMENDA.

I cried when I had an accident on Sunday February 21st 2021 after you insisted we must talk about the PC STATION meaning project and I eventually left Bamenda later than planed. I enjoyed seeing you two relaxing together, yet thinking about service to God. I thought to myself that if the accident were fatal you would have blamed yourselves. Little did I know the insistence was to bid me goodbye. I thanked God that I was not affected, only the car was badly damaged. You promised to call me and we talk over the project again before it starts. Is this the call you have given me?
May the God you served diligently and sacrificed much for Grant peaceful repose to your gentle souls. Adieu Ba Nkom and La Helen (the Tatas).

The news of Ba Nkom and Na Helen, saddened me greatly. Often times we see pillars in the family and cannot picture life without them, so this is not easy at all.

Ba was always very welcoming to me. He always seemed larger than life, like an icon, so it was always special to see him. When I would see Ba, I would always mess up the greetings while simultaneously looking confused and it was so embarrassing. Ba would just laugh and be understanding. He would never look down on anyone, instead he would pick you up and to me that was more powerful than any icon that I could imagine.

Na Helen was such an uplifting spirit. Always winning to help, Na Helen was a guiding light that gave direction. I always saw Na with a positive attitude and an unbelievably huge smile on her face. A smile that illuminated incessantly. I am reminded by this in all the pictures that I have been seeing.

Ba and Na are a shinning example to all of us and should be a reminder to us on the importance of how you treat others.

So at this difficult time, I pray that Ba and Na find peace in a place that is free of hatred, free of pain, free of viruses and full of love. I pray that Ba and Na find their home with God. I pray that Ba and Na look down on us and be reminded each and every day that they are still alive in our hearts and minds. I pray that Ba and Na Rest In Peace.

Ba Kom and Na Helen, two of the best people to ever walk this earth, were taken from us way too soon. May the good memories and the shining example of their lives always hold deep in our hearts. May God give us the strength to live with the pain of losing Ba Nkom and Na Helen. As little boys growing up in Cameroon if you had ever taken the chance to ask us who we wanted to be when we grew up the answer always was that we wanted to be like Ba Nkom. We all admired and respected him just like we admired and respected Na Helen. We will remember Ba Nkom and Na Helen in our hearts and thoughts everyday. May their souls through the mercy of God Rest In Peace.

Tribute by Ni Langmia Nukuna

What do you say about a couple who exemplifies love, hard work, dedication to their family, church, community and society. We have not only lost wonderful parents in Kah and Ba but mentors who also helped shaped us into who we are in so many ways.
I continue to marvel at how much patience, steadfastness and strength Kah displayed as she lovingly shepherded us through those difficult teenage years. This is especially exemplified by the first day I spent in the house, when she firmly but in a loving, motherly way, taught me what it meant to be a responsible elder brother and what my responsibilities were in the house. This is after I left the house in the morning, returned around noon without letting her know where I was going. She actually got me to look at my daily chores and responsibilities as a badge of honor. My mother will often say “ as long as you are with Kah Helen in Bamenda, I am fine”. She helped toughen and build my character and I must say those of my brothers and sisters, as well as other relatives who grew up with her. I remember happily going with her to the farm when I lived in Station. She will switch from her professional outfits after working as a pharmacist, strap on her boots and we will all head to the farm. She often effortlessly turned what most will term an undesirable experience into a joyful family get-together.
She never stopped parenting us and actually took on my mother’s role especially after our mother passed away in September 1999. She traveled to my sister Adeline’s graduation in Omaha, Nebraska from Geneva. She will constantly call and advise us over the years and whenever she came to the US she would make sure she let us know she had arrived. She will call me from Cameroon, Switzerland just to express how happy she was that I just visited or spent time with Gabsaga and Babila whenever we were in Atlanta. She will hold conversations with you that made you feel like you were the only one in the room and the most important person on the planet. Despite taking on this multiple tasks, she was always full of life, at ease, with no signs of stress even when she went through some periods of difficult health that could have been very anxiety provoking. She was always one to give to others. Mother, Kah, you will be profoundly missed but we know you are in a better place with the Lord and with your other half, Ba whom we fondly call Doh.
One cannot complete this story without talking about Ba/ Doh. Ba was usually soft-spoken, with a gentle but loving smile and exuding the confidence and protective feeling you always want in a father. Initially, when I first met him, he seemed like an enigma. This quickly changed as his calm, attentive and welcoming air wrapped you in a cloak of fatherly love. He was always pensive, commanding your attention whenever he spoke. How we yearn for this moment again but we know you and Kah have left us with a solid foundation and a lifetime of wisdom to draw upon to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
We can only ask that you continue to guide and pray for us as you commune with the Lord, until we meet again. RIPP our dear loving parents.

I Have been trying to find the right words to describe how I feel. How this week has changed me. Because when it comes to death, if we are fortunate, we are given a warning. Time to say goodbye. If we are not,
there is only the sudden terror,
the wrench of being torn apart;
of being reminded
that nothing is in this world is permanent,
not even the ones we love,
This poem by Maya Angelou describes who Ba and kah were to me.

When Great Trees Fall

When great trees fall,
rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down
in tall grasses,
and even elephants
lumber after safety.

When great trees fall
in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses
eroded beyond fear.

When great souls die,
the air around us becomes
light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly,
see with
a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines,
gnaws on kind words
unsaid,
promised walks
never taken.

Great souls die and
our reality, bound to
them, takes leave of us.
Our souls,
dependent upon their
nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed
and informed by their
radiance,
fall away.
We are not so much maddened
as reduced to the unutterable ignorance
of dark, cold
caves.

And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly. Spaces fill
with a kind of
soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.

Ma joe

Ba Nkom and Nah Helen,
Life is unfair to have taken you both from us without any notice. I am still in shock as to what has just happened. For those who don't know Ba and Nah raised me as a child. Today is a very sad day not just to this family but to the world. The world is going to shine a little less bright in your absence. No one will ever forget the amazing personality and loving heart you both had. You transformed everyone you came in contact with, that simply putting it into words, does you no justice. You changed my life without even trying, and I don't think I could ever tell you how much that meant to me. " I will never say goodbye to your soul even though I say goodbye to your body today".
Mba Rodney Mbangei

My sister-friend Helen and her loving husband, Ni Tom, have gone to be with our Lord. It hurts. I don’t understand it all but as a christian, I know that God is God. He let both of them die. His will has been done. I accept it.

Helen and I were classmates at Saker Baptist College, Limbe and CCAST, Bambili. After CCAST, life took us to different directions. She worked for WHO in Geneva for some years while I spent my life in Nairobi with my family. During that time, Ni Tom got a job at the African Environment Outlook department of UNEP (UN Environment Program) in Nairobi. Since we were there already, it was a pleasure to welcome Ni Tom into our home from time to time.

Fast forward, we reunited in America. Helen would call me every time she visited her children. We talked often about our life experiences especially now that our children have given us grandkids. She was concerned about my health issues.

Helen was a happy go-getter. She was very generous. For her 70th birthday, she told me that she didn’t want a big celebration. Instead, she had a project back home to build the balcony at her church. She told her children to help her achieve her goal.

We called each other ‘Theo’ after her senior brother. Helen and Ni Tom went home with the plan to come back to the US this month, March 2021. It was a shock to me and many others to learn that both of them had fallen sick. My classmates and I prayed fervently for their healing. Unfortunately, Ni Tom passed away. When I learnt that Helen’s condition had improved, I called her but understandably, she didn’t answer. The following day she called me and spoke for about two minutes. She asked whether a friend’s upcoming surgery had taken place. That was how selfless Helen was. Even on her sick bed she was concerned about others.

What a loss! I miss my ever loving friends. I thank God for the love they showed towards me and many others. May they rest in our Lord’s arms till we meet again. May their families be comforted.

Christiana Ewusi Attere

Ba I'm was still in tears when I learned that you left us so suddenly and still in shock I got the heart breaking news that Na was no more. In my wildest imagination it could never had occurred to me that this the way you people will leave us. You people were such a granis that everyone will love to have. You people were so humble, sociable. I in particular, I am what I am in life today because of your support. What an awesome grandparents you both were. I will never forget your many gestures one of which I will never forget is the day of my wedding, you and Na showed up at my wedding at night. From that day you people's show of humility and meekness marked me. Despite your high social status, busy schedules, etc you always show up, I lost my house you people were so involved to see that the house be rebuilt... Oh what a hole the cool hands of death has created in my life. Your impact can never be measured on a scale. Such a scale will break. Your memories will live with me all the days of my life. Grandpa, Grandma go well.
 Grandson: Godwin NTUNGWEN.

It is with deep pain and shock that I write this tribute to the both of you. Helen, my elder sister, and her husband, Mr. Tata, both raised me to be the woman I am today. I started living with them as a little girl and grew up with them from primary school to university. They sponsored my entire education. They took care of me like a daughter. They have always been there for me through thick and thin. I grew up with her children. They looked at me as an elder sister, later realizing I was their aunt. My son, Etinge, and My daughter, Lega, whom I named after my sister, Helen, came to know her as a second mom. She taught me so much of what I know, it was she who first taught me cooking, my independence as a woman and motherhood. As I write this with tears, I will heed her last words to me, “Do not cry when I am gone. Stay focused.”

To both of them, it was all about making a better world for the family, their friends, and their community. They were so kind, sweet, charismatic and selfless. To them there was always a need, always someone else who needed help, always some way to make life better for others.

Luke 1:37 says “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” If we as a family can put our trust in God, we can and will get through anything. While on this journey called life, as much as it is a bitter pill to swallow, we must take the good with the bad. Cherishing the memories and accepting the will of God. I will miss you both very much. Your love for me truly had no boundaries. I love you both dearly. May your souls Rest In Peace.

TRIBUTE TO BA NKOM TATA AND MA HELEN TATA BY ADELINE NGWA

I am still in shock. Ba Nkom and Mami, you have both left a vacuum in my heart. We normally see this in movies. Never did I at any moment believe it could happen to me. Ba and Mami you were true Legends: loving, caring and always encouraging us to do the right things. Mami, I remember when I whispered in your ears that I wanted to come and spend holidays with you at WADA in Wum. I knew if I had asked Papa the answer would have been a no. You asked me to pack my bag and didn't ask Papa. You simply told him you were taking me to spend the holidays with you. I had a wonderful and unforgettable time at WADA. You worked so hard during my wedding to make it a success, just to name a few as I can write pages upon pages. Ba Nkom, you have been a grandfather and an uncle to me. You and Mami attended my graduation. You advised me to further my education when I arrived in England and has visited numerous times. You always called to check on me. I am already missing those phone calls. The lion and lioness have gone to sleep. ‘Good night Mami’, that was the content of my last text message to you on the 3rd of March 2021. Good night Ba Nkom. The angels have definitely gained two souls in heaven.

Tribute Bah Nkom Dr Thomas Tata Fofung and Na Helen Tata
By Ba Ngwa

Oh death, where is your sting? You have the power to invoke pain on us and attempt to destroy our Christian belief? You have snatched Ba Nkom and Na Helen from us! But we will fear you no more as you have simply transitioned Ba and Na to the greater glory of God in which they will find eternal peace and happiness.

Mamoun Adeline and I are deeply saddened by your sudden departure. First, the news of Ba Nkom’s passing struck us like a thunderbolt, only for the shocker of Nah’s passing too a few days later! I wish to express our profound shock and deep sadness to all the children, and Ni Theo for this irreplaceable loss, which is also a personal loss for us.

I knew Ba Nkom and Na Helen when I had the happy opportunity of marrying one of their daughters, Ma Adeline. In a culture where pre-marriage and traditional protocols are key, Ba Nkom made sure that I had as few obstacles as possible once, he as the patriarch of the Tata family, was satisfied that I was capable of fulfilling that responsibility. He insisted that his daughter was not and would never be for sale – an indirect allusion to the payment of a dowry which some of my prospective in laws had anticipated but had instead incurred his wrath! During our civil wedding in Bamenda and our religious wedding in Yaoundé, Ba and Na Helen were there playing a pivotal role. In his compound in Bali, my presence was always acknowledged and he made sure that I always sat by his side during a casual occasion or during traditional ceremonies in his compound. He was a man who recognized and respected the role of tradition in the social fabric of the Bali people. No doubt he was appointed a ‘Nkom’ under the reign of the current Fon Ganyonga III. A man of great intellect, commonsense and compromise, he always sought common ground on contentious matters.

As we were about to leave Cameroon in 1991 for England, I had to vacate my government residential property in Melen. Ba readily accepted to host us at his house in Yaoundé for a couple of weeks. And Na Helen made sure our stay was as comfortable as possible. We dinned and wined to our satisfaction. The first plantain sucker we planted in our back garden in our Obili residence in Yaoundé was given by Na Helen. This went on to bare so many fruits and fed so many generations of those who occupied that house after us. When I visited the house in 2015 behold the plantains were still there, nurturing people among many others who had no idea of its provenance. This typically exemplifies Na Helen’s generosity. My recognition as an in-law was continuously nurtured wherever I was. While pursuing his PhD studies at the University of Reading in 1992, Ba paid us a visit in Southampton to find out how we were doing. Ba attended my PhD graduation ceremony in 1997. Ba and Na Helen also attended Ma Ade’s graduation in 2003 in the same town.

A man with an unmatched ability for storytelling, he was a modern-day version of the main character ‘The Ancient Mariner’ in the rime by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Make sure you were not in a hurry to leave when he started telling a story. You would be spellbound, transfixed and unable to leave until the end of the story. What a man!

But in these moments of sadness and pain, let us not lose focus. William Law once said “This world, with all its stars, elements and creatures, is come out of the invisible world”. Let us find comfort and consolation in prayer and the Holy word of God, trusting that He is waiting for Ba Nkom and Na Helen, who are now on that onward journey to His invisible yet glorious world. As Christians, we know that Jesus promised and reassured us that there were many rooms in His Father’s house and that He was going ahead to prepare a place for us. Let us therefore dry our tears and start looking into our own lives and hearts to see what in us needs changing, so that when the Master calls us, we too should answer with great expectations and blessed assurance. Ba Nkom and Na Helen, I will not say ‘Adieu’ but ‘Au revoir’ for we shall surely meet again. To paraphrase Saint Paul, you fought a good fight, you finished your course, and you kept the faith. May your lives here on earth be a blessing and inspiration to us all.

AUREVOIR Ba Nkom Dr Thomas Tata Fofung and Na Helen Tata, née Gwanyama.

Ba Tahmundungnji NGWA.

Our profound Condolences to the Tata Children, the Tata and Gwanyama Families. What a Great Loss.
Helen, my Moyo (as we usually called ourselves), and Ba Nkom Thomas Tata, what race were both of you running? Where were you running to? What happened along the line? It sounds like a big joke, fiction, but l am told it is a reality.
I am lost in the wilderness, shocked, devastated, asking questions to which l am not receiving answers.
Helen, who is going to keep reminding me to take care of your daughter Kah Lima Maimo, failure of which you will take her away from me?
Who is going to invite me to come and harvest vegetables from your garden?
Who will offer me that special wine that you pulled out each time l visited you people?
Helen and Ba Nkom Tata, both of you were a symbol of selfless humanity who touched and brightened the lives of many. You all had a wonderful sense of humor with a laugh that bent you double. Both of you stood tall enough as human beings of unique qualities who had the interest of your family and friends at heart.
You were a Blessing to many. You will be dearly missed.
We Thank God for your lives. He joined you together as husband and wife, and He decided to take you away as husband and wife.
Helen and Ba Nkom Tata, safe journey.
May your gentle souls Rest In Perfect Peace.

Tribute to Na Helen Lega Tata and Ba Nkom Tata from Mkumu Fed Fed Ladies

Our tragedy today beats all negative records for never before has Nkumu Fed Fed been visited on several fronts and so flagrantly, hit by a triple tragedy. The pain in the hearts of Nkumu Fed Fed women rocks the deepest recesses of discomfort and worry. Within one week, Nkumu Fed Fed ladies in their anguish-limp hands will have to bear the mortal remains of three, all high profiled: Na Helen Lega Tata, our Immediate Past President General, Na Anna Dinga, our Adviser and Ba Nkom Tata, our beloved husband and Patron.
Na Helen Lega Tata’s Fed Fed journey started right at the inception of the Bamenda branch. Inspired by Fed Fed Limbe, she contacted a few ladies in Bamenda to brainstorm on getting the organization started in the region. The brainstorming materialized with Na Rose Niba becoming the pioneer president of the branch and Na Helen Tata as the kingpin on humanitarian and developmental issues. Action oriented, each step she took was strategic and her ideas embracing even the national scope. She had a knack for informed identification of needs and the mobilizing ability to galvanize the resources for the goals.
Her medical background naturally inclined her to take steps towards making medical services available to the poor and needy of the community. She particularly addressed the string of women having to trek more than eight kilometres to the nearest district hospital for delivery in the Bali and Batibo neighbourhoods. She addressed the crisis by developing a project in support of two communities Gungong and Wosing to construct community health centres, and using her influence with the North West Special fund for health, was able to mobilize the funds from the then GTZ. It was a welcome move which Nkumu Fed Fed national took up and within only a few months had it completed. This became the pioneer project to have a funding partner and was thus used as the launch pad for the creation of Nkumu Fed Fed in 1996.  It is tribute to her diplomacy and forthrightness that she caused the then Minster of Health, Professor Monikoso, to elevate these community centres to recognized health districts. Her instrumentality in the creation of these centres will continue to bear witness to her person and humanitarian empathy.
Na Tata’s passion in the education of the underprivileged girl child leaves a foundational legacy in the organisation. For she explored the Nkumu Fed Fed educational programme and fished for an indigenous girl from a remote Bororo community in Kopin Fulani to attend school. Jija Buba was that first girl and benefited from the Nkumu Fed Fed scholarship programme, which catered for her education from primary school through college. Nkumu Fed Fed’s care for and the education of the vulnerable and needy people are expansions of that project. Even the betterment of infrastructural and capacity building projects are only further extensions as well.
Fast forward, Na Helen’s centrality in Nkumu Fed Fed activity hibernated when she moved to Geneva for United Nation work imperatives, but upon her return, Fed Fed Bamenda quickly elected her their president. So empowered, she immediately jumpstarted her activities in the health programme area. Centrally, she noted the deteriorating shambles of all the Bali Nyonga district hospital and health units— dilapidating structures, non-functional toilets, old and tired hospital beds and mattresses, the absence of water supplies, etc. These sprung her into action.
Working with the district medical officer of the sub-division, she hatched an operation revamp Bali District Hospital. First, she ensured water supply. Then, using pictures of the saddening conditions of the hospitals she woke up action by presenting these at the Nkumu Fed Fed AGM that held in Washington DC. Because of her awareness raising campaign, many friends, benevolent donors, Nkumu fed fed branches and members came to assist in the renovation of the hospital. Even poor Kutadchi women’s groups were asked to support that initiative. That is how the superb transformation of the hospital came about, with new internal and external toilets, new hospital beds, mattresses and mosquito nets put in place. The virtually defunct hospital started seeing an increase in the number of people in the community who were consulting in there.
Her virtuosity naturally made her the candidate for the association’s National Presidency. As Nkumu Fed Fed National President for three years, she was the inspiration for many projects, including the construction of the foundation of the Gwan multi-purpose skills centre, which today is newly completed and to host and train victims and/or survivors of community crises.
Na Helen Tata had a hard pulse, a fast rhythm on the fast lane. The slow were insufferable to her make up. As a leader, she would walk the talk, expecting others to follow suit. Strength was her key character trait. That strength received its impulse from her home, her husband, Ba Nkom Tata. 
The jangling sound of chaos coming home was news of her husband’s (Ba Nkom Tata) passing. It was a jarring jolt for all and certainly radically rattled Na Tata’s state. For this unbearable and sudden horror event happened when she was herself hospitalised in the same hospital. Those who knew the strengthening role both were playing for each other sensed the calamity. Even the not so farsighted had reason to worry, which is why all Nkumu Fed Fed members stormed heaven for her recovery. For a while, hope rose as she generated hope in her communication with many from her sick bed. Then, like a blast of unexpected thunderbolt, news of her departure smashed the hearts of Nkumu Fed Fed members early morning on Tuesday 23rd March, 2021.
Even though death is considered the inevitable hour, these heaven-storming ladies of Nkumu Fed Fed felt reduced to helpless, inept shock and disappointed that their prayers for Na Tata’s recovery were not answered the way they wanted. From the high place above, Na Tata certainly understands what God’s design was meant to show, while we here continue to mourn with questions of disbelief and confusion occupying our minds.
Na Helen Tata, now you certainly consider the things which, though you did not do or which you could have done better, were initiated for your sisters to help carry out. For, like all human beings, a workaholic like you was bound to be considered flawed by those who could not match your pace, but so beautifully flawed you were, confident and fascinating. It is that confidence that now consoles us that your choices were choices for the best and that that best now surely receives rewards at the hands of our God, fragrant with peace. You made your very deliberate and visible mark as you blazed through earth’s path to eternity. Leaving the scene at the same time with a one time President of Fed Fed Bamenda (Na Anna Dinga) your journey is not lonely, for you are a team, a formidable one. Could you start by interceding for your sisters who miss you so dearly?. You already know their quests; ask God to be with their dreams.
Adieu, Na Helen Lega Tata.
Eunice Tita Tata
For and on behalf Nkumu Fed Fed Ladies

Tribute By Dr Gilles Kwende.
How can the end be like this? How can i talk of you people in the past? Helen I can remember vividly how it began back then when you, Patience, Lilian, Enoh, Ngwese and myself formed a physics study group in CCAST. I recall the input of beautiful, intelligent, elegant and no nonsense Helen in the group. I remember you were betrothed to young, handsome Ni Tom back in those days. I remember the success of that group at the GCE scoring a 100%. I remember me visiting you people in Azire after your marriage and then we getting bonded with ni Tom. I remember me discouraging you from going to Ecole Normale just because I argued you were too strong academically for that. I remember when I came from Ibadan after my second MB and you asked me to get you forms for admission into school of pharmacy in Ife as studying in the faculty in Yaounde with marriage, two young sons and in French was just impossible. I remember me coming back to meet you as a pharmacist at the Provincial Hospital then. I remember you being the chief architect of North West Special Fund for Health. I remember Ba rising in his career to SG in the ministry. I remember your joining WHO and you and Ba moving to Geneva.I know how Helen took my young wife and treated her as a younger sister. I remember all our days subsequently in Friendship. What a family? What a couple? Ba always cracking jokes and laughing. Oh Helen, the lady who was ever so upbeat who said what she thought at anytime without fear of favour and who never failed in any task she undertook. But death outclassed you both. That is really the nature of things. This world is just vanity. You both go ahead and may the Almighty preserve your souls till we meet again. Gilles-Kwende

Tribute To Ba Nkom Tata And Mamon Helen Tata from Mrs Rosaline Mborigong

I cannot actually convince myself that you both have died . What is this dramatic drama that you people have acted ?
I knew you had traveled but only God knows what happened next . You suddenly got missing and silent , not picking up my calls nor texting back !
Ba Nkom Tata and Mamon Helen, this is true love in action . You are an inspiration to many couples . May you be more united even in the next world .
May your good works go with you. Greet those who journeyed before you .
In my heart forever .Adieu Ba and Mamon.

TRIBUTES TO BA NKOM TATA THOMAS AND MAMON HELEN LEGA GWANYAMA TATA_

Mamon Helen Lega Tata,your death is a wonderful surprise.Where are you this great, dynamic philanthropist. Why did you pursue your husband to the eternity forgetting that he left you behind with the role of papa and Mama.
You were a kind hearted person who sympathised with the destitute and that is why you ensured health for many in the GTZ Special fund for health, General Hospital Bamenda, Geneva ,Gungong, Worsing and wherever you were.
You were the founder of Fed fed Bamenda Branch.
Thanks for all that they achieved through their charitable works.
Ba Nkom TataThomas take your loving wife to Paradise and may your souls rest in the bossom of the Lord

Niba Nahlela Domatob Rose

Tribute to Ba Nkom Tata and Kah Helen Tata
My Dear intimate friend as you always called me. I remember that afternoon when I came to see you and found you lying on the chair in the parlour. You complained of persistent fever and after checking your treatment i insisted that you needed a Covid test, I found the testing centre in the Regional Hospital, called you back for testing the next day. Even though Ba Nkom Tata said he was not sick you both did the test. You were so nice to have called me back in 24 hours to tell me that you both tested positive. You also assured me that you both were on treatment including Kleda Medication. Three days before you left this world you, you answered my telephone call and told me that you were doing well. Now where is Ba who said only Mamun was sick not him? Now where is my intimate friend who assured me on the phone that she was fine? I understand that we are all but passersby but it is so difficult for me to accept that you are no more here. I understand that God’s Will must be done but His Will is so different and difficult for man to comprehend. My intimate friend thank you for the love and friendship that existed between you and my wife and between you and myself. Thank you for all the services you rendered to me. Goodbye intimate friend until we meet to part no more. Rest in perfect peace with your Lord.


Your Intimate Friend
Prof Emeritus Robert J. I. LEKE

Helen was my colleague at WHO who was a gentle soul with an overly willing spirit and a warm, welcoming smile and demeanor. She shared these rare qualities with her dear husband.

Only God knows why he has called them both home to rest from her earthly storms. They have left huge voids, and theirs were lives worthy of emulation.

My family joins the many others around the world extending condolences to their families.

May their souls rest in perfect peace, and eternal light shine upon them.

Ma & Ba Tata
It is with deep pain that I write this farewell note to both of you. Your memories will always linger near. Thank you Ba & Ma for the love, care, support, and Sunday meals you showered on the Boys and I in your home in Geneva.
Ba Tata, thank you for sitting in for my Dad at the Buea Council for my civil ceremony. My parents knew they could trust your judgments. Ma, you were a sister, auntie, friend and confident to me. I love you, and always will. You both will be deeply missed.
May our Good Lord receive your souls in His Heavenly Kingdom. Rest in Peace my surrogate Uncle and Auntie….In our hearts forever.

Bob, Maureen and the Boys

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Tatas. We all pray that you will find strength to go through this difficult time. Indeed I am deeply saddened by the loss of both Helen and her dear husband. It is such a great loss!!! I am however so grateful to God who enabled me to meet and eventually work with Helen. She was my greatest mentor and a true friend. I will never forget her kindness, laughter, commitment to work and service to the people of Africa. Rest In eternal Peace my sister and friend. May the eternal light shine on both of you for ever. Amen

Helen and Thomas,
We met in my early yesrs as a WHO staff. Over the years we have been in touch and I learnt a lot from the experience of Helen. We became a family. Now you are gone. I will continue sharing with others what i learnt from you over the years. Rest in eternal piece Helen, Thomas.

On behalf of HER CLASSMATES: THE “MAJORS”, SBC CLASS OF 1969

Helen Lega Gwanyama, entered Saker Baptist College as student #213, in 1964. Her class took on the name “MAJORS”, from the fictional character of their literature book “Animal Farm” by George Orwell.

Helen was one of the intellectually gifted stars in her class, and she graduated in 1969 to proceed to CCAST Bambili for GCE “A” levels. In Saker, she was the “Food Prefect, and her culinary prowess lasted all through her life.

Helen got married soon after “A” levels, and went to the University of Ife in Nigeria, to study pharmacy, already as Mrs Tata. She returned home as a qualified pharmacist in 1980, and worked in Bamenda, first at the General Hospital pharmacy and later as the Head of the newly created GTZ-funded Pro-Pharmacy system in the North West Province (from 1987-1991)

In 1991, Helen proceeded to the USA for further studies in pharmacy, and returned home in 1996 to continue at the Bamenda Pro-Pharmacy. This is where she was before she landed a top job with the World Health Organization HQ in Geneva in 2001, as Technical Officer in the Medicines Programme Coordination Unit. She diligently served WHO till 2012 when she retired at age 62yrs, the then statutory age of retirement at WHO. 

Helen was instrumental in the start-up of EXSSA Bamenda, upon her return from studies in Nigeria, and she belonged to that chapter all her life. Her cheerfulness and popularity, coupled with her legendary generosity, earned her the nickname “President of Popular Side” Whenever she returned home on leave or from any trips abroad, her chapter was certain of material, financial and moral support. The “Majors” in Bamenda and anywhere else in the world where she found them, were assured of Helen’s generosity. 
Helen had a heart of gold, always bearing gifts for all. Helen was a consummate cook, and she entertained effortlessly, lavishing friends and family with legendary generosity. Her homes (in Cameroon, Geneva and the USA) were open and welcoming to all who needed a place. An avid gardener, she planted vegetables wherever she went, and spoiled her friends with her harvests.
Helen was a nurturer, caring for all and having a soothing word for each one of us. Even with her own health challenges, she enquired about the health of others, offering material and emotional support, as needed. 
Helen was a fearless, straight-talking, no-nonsense woman who spoke truth to power. She carried out assigned responsibilities diligently, and she was the able Financial Secretary of our Majors’ class Forum.
She married young and remained a friend and partner to Ba Tom Tata till death. They both loved the good things of life, and lived life to the fullest. She lived for her children and grandchildren, and loved them the only way she knew: giving them her all.
The Majors have lost a sister, a friend, a pillar! We will miss you, Major Helen Lega Tata nee Gwanyama. We can only look forward to our grand reunion in the hereafter, to part no more. Sleep tight and God bless you and Ba Tom. Boh, we love you.  

The best of the best. Ba Nkom and Nah Helen, my Romeo and Juliette. You lived your life in happiness. You helped everyone around you and touched many lives positively.. you always made everyone around u smile and feel comfortable. Your larger than life experience made u to simplify things of this world. This is an example worth emulating. You gave so much love to the family and equally received same. You two were always together and even in death u choose to be together. So love has won the day in the end.. we will keep that contagious smile that u bequeathed to us. It will remain as your legacy. Keep taking care of each other my idols. Fare thee well.

Dear Ba Tata, losing you is like losing my father late Dr Tutuwan all over again, because of the love and support you continued to show us, his girls. Every single minute spent around you has been filled with such joy, love and admiration, that i never had to wonder too much about missing fatherly love because you always came through with a smile on your face.
Ma Helen, our tough love queen! Mamie was a beautiful strong soul, walking tall and proud. What a straight talking no nonsense legend!
There’s no words to say what losing you BOTH does to me or to the world. Go in peace knowing that you have inspired some real change. Your lives’ achievements were so inspiring and meaningful to many and that is by far the best thing anyone who cares could ever ask for. If you see our daddy and your other pals in heaven, have a jolly good time just like in the old times!
Forever in our hearts ♥️
Lots of love from
Janice Tutuwan

Ba Nkom Tata, your legacy abounds. Great people are not mourned but celebrated. Today we celebrate you.
A selfless and committed father whose soft-spoken and encouraging attitude impacted lives without boundaries. I still remember visiting you in 2010 and you told me “It is never too late to start a journey, keep trying, and something will work out for you ...” Ba Nkom and Na Helen, you have decided to start another journey of no return. How nice it is to rest in the bosom of the lord. You both will always be remembered for your commitment, devotion and contributions to the family and the community.
Rest well Ba Nkom and Na Helen.
Clerkson Tangham (son-in-law)

A Tribute to the Tata’s by Maete Muluh.

I knew these two very loving people but didn’t put together as husband and wife .
I met with Ba Nkom Tata in June 1994 in Yaoundé when my sister who was one of the typists in his secretariat died . He talked to me very nicely and made all necessary arrangements with the concerned staff a coffin and transport to convey the corpse to Santa. I met him once again just to appreciate the help he gave me,not knowing that he was one of our “cats “
For Na Helen we only reunited when I joined the Majors Forum in February last year . We talked on phone twice. She was very happy and we both looked forward to meeting in any of our Sakerette occasions which never happened.Our Heavenly Father knows it all.
Sleep well my friends .

Dear Dad, granddad and uncle, your love has left memories that no one can steal, but your death has left memories that no one can heal.

I never knew that you would leave us suddenly. Thank you for all the advice and support that you gave me in choosing my career and cultivating my studies, which made me different today.

Am saddened that death took you both away, but God said, in all things we should give thanks. Your death has left scars in our hearts, but your legacies will stand in our lives. We will miss you Ba And Na.

Elias Tata

Ba Nkom and Na Helen, it is hard to believe that you are no more. My heart bleeds when I think of your sudden death. Ba, father to all children, a mentor and a Shepard, you taught us how to catch fish, not just how to eat fish. Ba and Na, where are you? Our family umbrella has been taken away. I will forever miss you. I know that my redeemer lives and at last, HE will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25
Rest in perfect peace Ba Nkom and Na Helen.
  Kah Florence Tata and family

On behalf of Ma Nina Doh....

What is life. Ba and Nah, I cannot tell what went wrong but to accept the will of God. You both were a blessings on this earth, you both touched so many life positively. I count myself very blessed to have shared some memorable moments with u all. As you both walk through the double doors of heaven, may the almighty God grant you guys external life. May u guys light continues to shine bright as you all watch over us, until when we shall all meet again in the blessed land of no returned. You all may be gone but ur legacy and memories will leave with us forever.

On behalf of Uncle Charlie Doh....

This special tribute goes out to a unique personality, man of the people, Ba Nkom Gwandkula and a woman of substance, sweet mother of all, Naa Helen Tata . You both sincerely never fails to provide me that precious time which I needed most . You both accepted me into the family circle and since then you both kept wearing that unconditional smiles to me! The untimely passing away of you both has kept me desperately wondering Aloud to no fruitful response. You both has created that huge vacuum within my life style. You both served as a treasure that kept me emulating every day . I will definitely miss you both everlasting. Ba Nkom and Naa Helen , continue to rest in most perfect peace in paradise!       Ni Charly Doh !!

BA NKOM THOMAS FOFUNG TATA PhD AND NA HELEN LEGA TATA - A FALLEN IROKO TREE OF THE CENTURY AND A BROKEN BRIDGE.
"Sorrow comes in great waves...but it rolls over us, and though it may almost smother us, it passes and we remain." - Henry James
This is not the first time I am seeing the above quote. However, since March 18th and 22nd 2021, these words are beginning to have profound meanings to me. Although we are humans and for that matter visiting actors passing through this stage we call our world, we seem to forget until something as heavy as what has happened jolts us.
Legends! Even in your death, I will miss your pure love of an understanding heart as well as the wealth of wisdom you amassed through many years of experience. Ba Nkom Tata and Na Helen L Tata , you were a person who brought a little and lots of warmth, happiness, wisdom, and love to every soul that you touched. I am grateful for having you as a Friend, Mentor, Uncle and Grandfather in my Family and Life.
Ba Nkom Tata and Na Helen L Tata , your humilities were most attractive and admired by many. No wonder you never liked to be the centers of attention, yet, your very presence commanded tremendous attention and respect. You may be gone but the fact that you wouldn’t want us to focus on your sad departure is not lost on us. You would rather we pay more attention to what brings us happiness in our lives while we appreciate one another. We appreciate that, but the pain of your absence would just not allow us to shift our focus from you this time.
Forgive us, for, a man and woman as humble and loving as you all were , will always be remembered by those of us who knew you and loved you. Although we will miss you, your smile, your pranks, your love, remain in our memories and we hope to take consolation in the good feelings we derive from these memories. Your warm smile, even at the point of death has taught us that love reigns supreme. This is what we and those who were fortunate enough to know you will remember you by.
Indeed Golden hearts have stopped beating and hardworking hands are at rest. Although we believe that we must thank God in all things, we are tempted in questioning God in this instance. God, did you break our hearts to prove that you only take the best? If so, we depend on you to assuage the resultant pain.
Ba Nkom Tata and Na Helen L Tata, I will always miss you. I love you so much but as it stands now, I have no choice than to accept that indeed God loves you more, hence He took you from us. I thank God though that I have so many wonderful memories to hang on to. You were a role model, and a friend. Your guidance and love will carry me through to the end of my days. I repeat…. I love you, and will always do until we meet again.
Farewell my dearest Ba Nkom Tata – my uncle, my father's beloved brother – my friend, my grandfather, my greatest idol. Like you once conferred with the mountains and valleys, may you now walk with the spirits of your ancestors!
And to Na Helen L Tata, our family Pilar , May Your Soul Rest In Peace.
                     Isaiah 41:10
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.


I here-by join all our sympathizers to apologize to all those that Ba Nkom Tata and Na Hellen Tata knowingly or unknowingly annoyed in anyway and pray to God all mighty to forgive their sins.
Rest In Peace

Joseph Babila Tata alias Dohnjuhnden and Family