Friday, 28 March 2008

Hon Ategwa's Burial Programme

Burial programme

FRIDAY 29TH MARCH = REMOVAL OF CORPSE
WAKE KEEPING

SATURDAY 30TH MARCH = BURIAL

SUNDAY 31ST MARCH = MASS
FUNERAL CELEBRATION

Ndungated Webmaster

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE HON. CHIEF FORTEH ATEGWA JOHN

BIOGRAPHY OF LATE HON. CHIEF FORTEH ATEGWA JOHN

It is often said that there is a time to live and a time to die but we will always have liked this statement to be the reversed when some very special to people passes away. Yes one such very special Lebialem figure of our time is HRH Hon. Chief Forteh Ategwa John. He remains the pillar of Lebialem education. Most who are proud to be in very high positions today were inspired by him.

Who was Honourable Chief Forteh

Hon. Chief Forteh was the most influential Ndungatet man that has ever existed. He was the pioneer principal of Grammar School Fontem. A story is told how he went round begging the indigents of the then Fontem Subdivision to send their children home for school when he took office as the principal. Remember at that time very few parents could afford to send their children in Seat of Wisdom. He convinced certain parents against their will to send their children to school. The results was that many children left the coffee and cocoa farms and got admitted into Grammar School Fontem. Some were admitted without first School and many are well placed today. For this reason he is widely considered as a pillar for education in Lebialem Division.

After leaving G.S.S Fontem, he worked in Dschang for many years. In 1988, he opened a lay private college in Ndungatet village called Bilingual Comprehensive High School, BCHS. This was to be the first major private college in Lebialem which saw the recruitments of some teachers from Ghana. The end result was that many more Lebialem children where thus able to school next door. Though the college is not in full existence today, it still serves as a centre for the Cameroon GCE.

In 1992 he won the lone parliamentary seat for Lebialem division into the prestigious Cameroon House of assembly under the ticket of UNDP. During his five year term of office, he fought for the creation of Lebialem division as well as many primary and secondary colleges in Lebialem division just to mention a few though amidst critic form some quarter a reflection of human altitudes.

In 1997 he lose his parliamentary seat and was immediately appointed assistant director of small and medium size enterprises at the ministry of Commercial and industrial development. Due to his hard work, in 1999, he was appointed director of commerce in the same ministry where he served until 2004 when he retired and took up permanent residence in this chiefdom at Njah Ndungatet Fondom.

In 2005, following the disappearance of the Fon of Ndungatet, he was made chairman of the regency council until 25th February 2006 when the New Fon was enthroned. This was another great achievement for him and the entire village.

In 1996, he wrote a book on the history of Ndungatet, as an effort to preserve our rich history to the younger generations.

Hon. Chief Forteh until his death remained the most influential Ndungatet elite. A story is told of how the entire village came out and lined the streets from `mami water` till three corners to receive him when he was returning from abroad in the mid eighties. Such an honoured has never been accorded any Ndungatet elite in particular and Nweh in general except politically motivated.

Amongst the chiefs, he was very influential and contributed positively to certain decisions for the progress and development of the village.

Many will believe that as a human being, he had his short comings. Indeed he had them just like any human being but his achievements surpass and this made him an inspiration power house of our community.

After a job well done, it was time for him to enjoy his retirement and to take stock of his achievements; he was taken up by illness which finally ended his journey on earth.

Hon. Chief Forteh leaves behind his wife (senior educationist and church leader) with whom he had three children (two boys and girl) who all living abroad.

The entire Ndungatet community will live to remember him.

May his soul rest in peace!!

HRH CHIEF FONKWETTA

LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY SWEDEN

Fonkwetta's Letter from Sweden on Hon. Ategwa

TRIBUTE TO HON. CHIEF FORTEH ATEGWA JOHN FROM

CHIEF FONKWETTA ATEM AMBROSE (LINKÖPING-SWEDEN)

This is a tribute of a son to a father, of a youth to an elder and of student to his mentor. This is the tribute of HRH Chief Fonkwetta Atem Ambrose to Hon. Chief Forteh Ategwa John

I went to the internet on the evening Wednesday 12 march 2008, after a very tiring laboratory session to check my mails as usual. I saw a mail from Ndungatet yahoo group and without reading the titled, I clicked opened the mail but remained like a man in coma for some time when I read the caption *HRH chief Forteh of Njeh 3 corners Alou Is no more!* words from Forji Slyvanus.

Who was Late Hon. Chief Forteh to me?

I grew up as a child and I did not know Hon Chief Forteh but had always heard people linked him to the then Grammar School Fontem. I remembered being told that when he was made the pioneer principal of Grammar School Fontem, he went round begging the indigents of the then Fontem Subdivision to send their children home for school. Some were admitted without first School and many are in well placed positions today. I remembered being told a story of how the entire village came out and lined the street from "Mami water" till three corners to receive him when he was returning from abroad in the eighties. Such an honoured is rare to find today except politically motivated. All these stories inspired me as a young Ndungatet secondary school student in CCAST Bambili and so my dreamt was to meet him one day.

I finally met him in his house in Dschang in 1991 when I went visiting with my uncle’s wife. The calm manner with which he received me, as a young school boy further gave me an idea of the man I had learned of. I saw in him a good leader as he capture people with a smile as did Bolingbroke in Shakespear`s King Richard II.

Bolingbroke's smile with the common man in England finally made the people to unanimously make him King Henry IV and so too did the Lebialem people unanimously in 1992, accorded Chief Forteh, the lone parliamentary seat for Lebialem division into the prestigious Cameroon House of Assembly under the ticket of UNDP. During his five year term of office, he fought for the creation of Lebialem division as well as many public primary and secondary schools in this division just to mention a few.

My first closed contact with Hon. Chief Forteh came on the 27th August 1995, when as a member of parliament he personally attended my enthronement ceremony in my palace in Njenabang presided over by Late Fon Foto Asongna I. He also played an important rule to ensure that I took my rightful position as the heir of the Njenabang Chiefdom. In October 1995, I got admission into the University of Buea but had no money to go to school; Hon. Forteh did everything to ensure that I went to the university.

While in Yaoundé as a parliamentarian, he continued to inspire me to study. He will even invite me to his office at Hotel de Depute. When he moved out of parliament in 1997 and was made director of commerce in the Ministry of Commercial and Industrial Development, he continued to receive me in his office. This honour accorded me inspired me to work harder as he had always made me to know that one’s education can take one anywhere. Some of the letters he wrote to me using the national assembly leader head are still lying in my box in Buea as testimony of his love and care for me.

When he retired in 2004 and took up permanent residence at home, he became very influential in the development of Ndungatet. As a true father and a traditional mentor he will always guide me on how to perform certain traditional issues as well as assisting me in many occasions. I have learned to be a good traditional ruler but regret he will not be there to see me put his lessons in practice.

Farewell Honourable Chief Forteh

Hon. Chief Forteh, you had always advised me to look for admission and study abroad but I told you that I am a traditional ruler and because I love my people and my country, I will live and serve my people. After obtaining my Master degree, I was jobless and so I decided against my wish to go abroad than to remain rejected in my own country. For this reason I left Cameroon for Europe without informing you and today you have left this world probably without knowing that I am no longer in Cameroon or may be angry with me for not informing you but as I am far off to achieve what you had always wanted me to do, I hope you will forgive me.

Hon. I am unable to attend your funeral but I will keep vigil in honour of your soul. I know that if you had the power to control your faith, you won’t have died now. As Einstein, a famous physicist puts it, “Everything is controlled by forces over which we have no control. Human beings, vegetables, or cosmic dust, we all dance to a mysterious tune intoned in the distance by an invisible player”.

I take much solace from another statement, this time from St Thomas Aquinas who said: quid movetur ab alio movetur – what is moved is moved by an unmoved mover”. I also remember the words of Augustine of Hippo who said “Thou hast made us for Thyself, and the heart of man is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.” Above all I remember the words of Jesus “come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matt: 11:28).

Hon. Chief Forteh, it is normal that no one can live on earth forever, everyone will return to dust though not at the same time. This is your turn and today or tomorrow may be ours. I miss you a lot but you had to go to prepare a place for your fellow men

Hon. Chief Forteh, you have fought a good fight, you ran a good race, and may you now find rest in God’s mansion. I make my prayers through the blood of Jesus, that blood that speaketh better things than the blood of Abel.

My Hero, go in peace

HRH Chief Fonkwetta Atem Ambrose

Division of Medical Biosciences

Linköping University

Sweden

Done at Linköping Sweden

March 18th, 2008

Worldwide Tributes to Hon. Ategwa

Ndungated Website continues to receive tributes to the loss of late Hon. John Ategwa.
Here is a rundown of the tributes and testimonies:

1) Professor Tazoacha Asonganyi

Although I have not seen Hon (Chief) Ategwa - Fuateh
-for some time now, I never knew that he was sick
until yesterday evening. Then I learned about his
death from a friend this morning around 9 am... and
confirmed it by phone from another friend! It seems
that as we were talking about him yesterday, he was
breathing his last breathe!

Hon Ategwa will be remembered as the first Principal
of the present GHS Menji. The solid foundation he left
there allowed the building of one of the very
reputable Government High Schools in Cameroon.

He will also be remembered for his honesty and
forthrightness in politics. He was the first
Parliamentarian of Lebialem following the return of
multiparty politics to Cameroon in 1990. He served
from 1992 - 1997. He can be said to be the only MP of
the era to have been voted throug what we can describe
in retrospect as "free and fair" elections...

During his mandate, he met Lebialem people
indiscriminately - without party considerations - to
ask for advice and discuss political issues. Although
he stood Parliamentary elections in 1997 and lost, he
was the one that ensured that the real winner actually
won. Following the elections and the usual rigging,
the CPDM candidate was declared winner. It is he who
collaborated with the SDF by providing his own polling
station results that corroborated those of the SDF and
convinced the Divisional Counting Commission to write
the report that allowed the Supreme Court to cancel
the Lebialem results and give victory to Hon.
Ndobegang who was the rightful winner. Lebialem's was
the only result reversed in the Supreme Court!

During his stay in Yaounde when he worked for the
Ministry before his retirement, he was always
available for advice and discussion as usual. Since he
had a "free phone", his office was alway like a
beehive - 99.99% Lebialem people! Indeed, he was a
very generous man!

There is no doubt that we shall all miss him! We can
only join the family in prayers for his soul to rest
in perfect peace.

My sincere condolences to his dear wife, his children,
brothers and sisters, and his extended family.

Tazoacha Asonganyi & Family.



2)
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO SISTER MARY MARTIN AND FAMILY

My family and I are deeply saddened about the loss of your husband, the illustrious Hon/Chief John Ategwa Fuateh.

A few months ago you were kind to join us in mourning my dad; but little did we ever imagine that you would be experiencing this terrible pain in such a short time interval.

I am sure the Okoyong Old Girls Association from the 50s, 60s, and later; plus the entire Njentse, Lebialem, Cameroonian and world-wide communities, (including the ones in Spain) will join you in expressing their shock and sympathies on the passing of a great person who gave his 110% for the betterment of his community and the world. Many of his, and your, former students will definitely feel the same emptiness and loss.

May the good and compassionate Lord Almighty grant him eternal rest.

Chris Ajua (Mbe Asaba Nkem Ajua)



3)
It is very sad to learn of the passing away of our beloved Hon. John Ategwa to eternity. Death is a path that we shall all undertake. However, the foot prints, love, kindheartedness, honesty, and selfless contribution we make to our community and the life of others' will remain eternal. Hon John Ategwa exhibited those characteristics during his time as Principal, Parliamentarian, father, and advisor to the Lebialem people. There is no doubt that we shall all miss him! It will be very vital to join his family in prayers during this special time for his forgiveness and safe journey to eternity. I extend my sincere condolences to his dear wife, children,brothers and sisters, and his entire family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Rolland Nkemazeh
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma



4) Hon.
Dr. Michael Ndobegang.

The news that Fuateh has gone on this long trip that our chiefs undertake once in a lifetime, the same news about the death of Hon. John Ategwa, first Lebialem MP following the re-introduction of multi party politics in Cameroon, was so hard to bear for many of us.
For some, that we only heard about his death is even more frightening, especially for one who had served us all. But it reminds me of the way many who have been at the service of Lebialem in politics have often gone.
Fuateh was variously rated as a Chief. Sure. Hon. Ategwa was variously rated as a politician. That too, was to be expected. I would rather talk about the person I knew, not the one people talked to me about. A man and a politician who demonstrated that he knew why and how the will of his own people ought to be respected. Someone who knew how to bow out in the game of politics. That was the sign of a very "big" man, someone who was a permanent winner.
Hon. Ategwa, (and I note that Prof. Asonganyi has already said this) did not mind that he had lost the elections in 1997. He knew that Lebialem people had won, because they had spoken. He was proud and happy that he had had the chance to serve Lebialem. He respected the verdict from the polls. But he was stunned and embarrased by what his fellow brethren were about to do to betray the people's will. He helped in every way possible to ensure that the post-polling day rigging that is usually carried out by these post and favour seeking "elite" of the ruling party was brought to nought. After all was done, he was so happy that he did not get carried by the wrong thoughts. He did not show any bitterness or or act the spoiler. He put no price for his supprt for the right.He was only too eager to see the will of our people respected.He promised his total collaboration to the one who succeeded him at the National Assembly, and that collaboration was there all through the mandate that ended in 2002.
Mafua Ndem's Focolare Movement has a branch in the Movement called "The Movement For Unity in Politics". I do not know if Hon. Ategwa knew about it or belonged to it.The central and unifying element in that Movement is not about winning, it is about serving. It calls on all its adherents to remember that politics is not so much about political parties as it is about how we use politics to respect the general will, and serve the common good.
Its position is that we do not have to belong to the same party to be together. That it is not necessary that only our individual parties must win. During and after each political competition we just need to understand why we are in it to be able to continue to love and respect one another and the people we serve; and not seek to please some alien master who does not really give a damn about our people, except that he can point to the falsified will of our people to beef up his vanity.
Hon. Ategwa's digified solidarity with Lebialem people as demonsrated during the 1997 parliamentary election raises him above the heap. For this and more in the domain of education, we should remember him well. I know what I am talking about, I was the one elected to the National Asembly as Lebialem's MP after Hon. Ategwa.
I maintained in my own way my relationship with Hon. Fuateh. I was humnbled by his availability when I was MP. I remember this day when I was at an outing in Ndungatet. He was there and was proud to talk to the population (very glowingly, I dare add) about my performance in and out of the Assembly.
I may not have seen him very often, especially after he retired from the civil service and left Yaounde.But we kept in touch somehow.As he exists, it is our fervent wish that we get more Lebialem people in politics who would like Lebialem always to be the winner. Humble people who go in to politics to serve, and who are eager to respect some basic rules, so that harmony, not bitterness reigns in Lebialem after elections. Who says that we cannot make Lebialem an island of peace after every electoral consultation? That can happen if we all borrow a leaf from Hon. Ategwa.
As he exits, let us remember him and the family he leaves behind. Because he left us something that we can emulate.
Adieu, Chief, and Fare thee well.
Dr. Michael Ndobegang.



5) On behalf of LECDA-USA and the entire Lebialem Community in USA, the Board of Trustees will like to express its deepest condolence to the wife and children of Honorable Ategwa, as well as to the Sinju’s family, following the sojourn of Chief Forteh to the land of our ancestors.
As a pioneer principal of what has grown to the today G.B.H.S. Fontem, and as pioneer parliamentarian of Lebialem Division, Honorable Ategwa surmounted the mammoth obstacles which are unavoidable stock in trade of pioneering and he also buttressed the foundation of the current trend of Lebialem development agenda which LECDA-USA is pursuing.
LECDA-USA will continue to work with all partners of development to ensure that the legacy of those who have struggled to move Lebialem Division forward will have their prints on the sand of time. May God bring the desired comfort to the family of Honorable Ategwa.
Stephen Fomeche
CEO LECDA-USA Inc.


6)

My dear Brethren;
Since yesterday March 14TH, when I learned about the passing away of Honorable John Ategwa (Chief Forteh), it has really been difficult for me to swallow this hard pill! So, death does not fear anyone??? So, Great people must always travel together. Lebialem, mourning Mafua Ndem Chiara and Honorable Ategwa back to back! Lord, we need your Help. Amen.
Two years ago, I had a stop over at my late Dad's house at Ndungatet. Amazingly, Honorable was present amongst the dignitaries who were around at Ndungatet. In the presence of about forty to fifty people, I had a small reception that night with my Ndungatet family. Honorable, as a Father was there, and also poured out the Traditional Libation for the Ancestors!
Through, his supervisions and that of his dear wife Sister Mary, everything went well. I am so sad, because I have not had the time of expressing my gratitude to you, Chief. Just to learn that, the cold hands of death have come to cease you from our midst! You were born to Lead, and you showed this throughout life!
Uncle(as i used to call you), your memories will always remain in me!
As you make that Faithful Journey to join your Ancestors, may you always be there for the welbeing of the Lebialem Land especially Ndungatet! Let your spirit be felt as you were a man of peace, and fostering education on all Lebialemer! In fact, you were born to Lead, and you showed this throughout life! You thought us too that in Politics, Lebialem should not put all their eggs in one basket; because we are all for the welbeing of our beautiful land! A man of few words, but of action!
My deepest condolences goes to your dearest wife/friend Mrs. Mary Ategwa, Dr. Kitts Motaze Sinju, Fidelis A. Sinju, and to ALL the Sinju Family; Home and Abroad!
Though, I shall not be there at Ndungatet for the funeral, know that I am with you all in spirit!
Elizabeth Morfaw Ngwa.
USA


7)
With deep respect and honour the National Executive
council and the National mobilisation committee of
Government Bilingual High School Fontem wish to
appreciate the concern of all GBHS FESANS on the
passing to eternal glory of their piooneer principal-
H.R.H. (Hon) Ategwa John. May his gentle soul rest ion
peace.

-Considering the role of Hon Ategwa towards the
educational empowerment of many sons and daughter of
LEBIALEM AND Upper Bayangi,

-Mindful of the high discipline he enforced on his
students during his tenure as the principal which till
date many FESANS are known for,

Considering that the varied nature of the young people
that he brought together between 1981 - 1986 in the
then GSS Fontem are today reaping the fruits of his
labour,
-Mindful of the fact that people have rights to their
opinions and some are well known for intepreting good
initiates in ways that suits their reasonings,

Acknowledging the fact that Hon Ategwa humbled himself
so much and went through many difficulties to prepare
for a brighter future for many sons and daughters of
Lebielem;
- Some members of GBHS FESA resident in and around
Menji had an emergency meeting chaired by the
National President (Mr Fuanjia Michael)and resolved as
follows;
-That all FESANS should in their various prayers
commit the soul of our Departed president to God
almighty.
That GBHS FESANS should book mass in thanksgiving for
the life of Honourable Ategwa in their various
communities.
That GBHS FESANS in Cameroon should turn up en mass to
bit Hon Ategwa final farewell to eternal home of glory
scheduled for March 30th 2007
-That GBHS FESANS should endeavour to participate
actively during preparatory activities toward the
final journey of our pioneer principal on earth.
-That GBHS FESANS will concertedly demonstrated their
love for our pioneer principal by registering and
dancing one traditional dance during the funeral
ceremony scheduled for 31 march.
-That GBHS FESANS wish to support the family towards
giving our pioneer principal a befeating burial. Sa
such the National Executive Council and the National
Mobilisation committee are hereby appealing on GBHS
FESANS Ffor free will donations. Benevolent donors
should send their contributions to :

Mr Fuanjia Michael(2nd Batch)
National President
(+23796383814)

Mr Temuhale Julius (3rd Batch)
National Treasurer
(+23777770071)

Mr Fobellah Defang Walters
National mobilisation officer
+23777000702)

Contributors should endeavouir to contact them before
28th March 2008.

Burial programme;
FRIDAY 29TH MARCH = REMOVAL OF CORPSAE/ WAKE KEEPING
SDATURDAY 30TH MARCH = BURIAL AND WAKE KEEPING
SUNDAY 31ST MARCH = MASS AND FUNERAL CELEBRATION

May the gentle soul of Hon Ategwa John rest in peace
amen.

AGWUNG-FOBELLAH DOMINIC
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
GBHS FESAN MOBILISATION COMMITTEE

Friday, 14 March 2008

Focolare Movement Founder, Chiara Lubich is no more!

This report is courtesy of Lebialem portal

...............................................

Reports from the Focolare Movement say their founder, Chiara Lubich, fondly called by the Lebialem people as Mafua Ndem died early Friday morning at three o'clock in her home in Rocca di Papa, Italy. Mafua Ndem had been admitted to hospital in February for respiratory deficiency.

On March 12th she expressed the wish to go back to her home. The doctors granted her wish but followed up with house treatment. Her condition was not improving though. Meanwhile prayers were organized across the globe for her. A few days prior to Mfua Ndem's demise, the Focolare Movement reported that "she confided to those around her that she had felt the spiritual presence of Mary with her." The release added that "she has lived her whole life in deep communion with Mary. The Work founded by Chiara has the name "Work of Mary", which is the actual title approved by the Church for the Focolare Movement."

Chiara Lubich

[Photo] Chiara Lubich in Fontem, Lebialem


Chiara Lubich will be remembered for her dedication to human development, both spiritual and material. The Foclare Movement which she founded during the last days of the Second World War has spread to the whole world. Fontem was the first place in Africa where the Movement was established. As part of the humanitarian agenda of the Movement, Seat of Wisdom College Fontem and Mary health of Africa Hospital Fontem were created in the mid sixties.A majority of the educated elite of Lebialem Division were educated in this college.


Please come back regularly as we update developments in this important sad event.


(c) Ndungated
Webmaster

Wednesday, 12 March 2008

RIP: Hon John Ategwa is no more


Some sad news just reaching our Ndungated.com Desk. The first Parliamentarian of Lebialem Division, Hon John Ategwa is no more. John Ategwa is widely credited for fostering Education in the Bangwa land as a whole.



He was the pioneer principal of the erstwhile GSS Fontem (now GBHS Fontem), and traveled across all major towns i
n Cameroon to lobby for all Bangwa parents to send their children home to attend college, irrespectively of age. He persuaded many to leave coffee and cocoa farms and get back to classrooms. His efforts paid off tremendously.









In 1988, he opened a college in his native village of Ndungated (Bilingual Comprehensive High School, BCHS), and it was another big boast, that enabled many native people t send their children to secondary school.



He was one of the main architects behind the creation of Alou sub Division, and Lebialem Division. He was voted to be the lone Lebialem parliamentarian at the Cameroon parliament in 1992. But popular opinion agrees that he failed to live up to expectation as an Honorable. He is married with Children. May his soul RIP.

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