TRIBUTES
Tributes to the Late Mr. Njapba Ngu Julius from family members, friends and colleagues
widow
Mrs Njapba
Hello Ju, this is Joe Joe,
Since 1980 that we met each other, a true story has been written. A story of trials, at times rejection from some members of both families, yet we strongly believed in ourselves, gluing to each other the more. We had a humble beginning but love has been leading. We had nothing to hang on, but our God. We have fought all the challenges together, not just as husband and wife, but as two friends. It has been a beautiful relationship.
Together we toiled at our job sites and on the farms. You held my hands as I found myself in the market to trade so as to help you raise the children. God blessed us abundantly because our early hardship did not diminish our passion for each other. In a way I am the more convinced that it bonded us for you were simply a bundle of love.
My heart bleeds as I come to the reality that you have flown away. For three years I have journeyed with you as you fought pains. You are a great man. Few people will endure that kind of pain; yet keep on smiling with assurance as you did.
I watched you drop your head in my arms as your soul flew to the Lord. Then I pleaded, Lord receive his soul!!! And in total surrender I prayed the angels to welcome you into the Heavenly realm. I did this because in my human nature, I am convinced that you were gladly returning to the God we have served as a Family all our life. It is amazing how peaceful you became at the moment of departure. I can testify what you stood for. You refused to entertain any thought from anybody that your sickness was caused by anybody.
You have been my big brother in the Faith. Go ye then my love. I will emulate your example, hoping that one day I will have a beautiful graduation from this world like you. You are a model to your sons, daughter and daughters in-law. Together we celebrate you with pride.
Daddy, It’s well indeed.
Bye My Love, see you then,
Your wife, Joe Joe.
Read all tributes
The following are excerpts of tributes from family members and well-wishers. If you are interested in reading the full tributes, please download the funeral programme booklet which also contains Mr Njapba's biography.
Daddy, I cannot believe that you are no more. I am completely heart broken and devastated. You were my role model and mentor. Growing up as your son, I had a lot of disciplinary issues in secondary school but somehow you always found a way to put me on the right path.
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Dad you were the kindest, gentlest, companionate person I have ever known. Never will anyone hear you say a mean or unkind thing; I don’t think you had those kind of thoughts.
Ngaoundere, Cameroon
My father died a fulfilled man, with a grateful heart. He knew God had been good to him. It is reassuring that he believed in Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord.
Gatineau, Canada
“Theo, always remember I am here for you”, Daddy, you made this particular utterance to me countlessly over the years and even you had taken ill. Those words meant the world to me and served as a source of strength, security and love.
Montreal, Canada
Dear Dad, What is the measure of a man? Is it the amount of money he has? The possessions he owns or the power he holds? Is it the professional success he’s recorded over the years? I don’t believe it is any of these things.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Whilst it is sad to lose my teacher and father-in-law, one thing remains unchanged - he had a great impact in my life in several ways and I would like to highlight two of those.
Gatineau, Canada
Daddy, so many images and thoughts come to mind whenever I think of you. The lovely smile you would always have on even in pain just to give me hope that you would be fine. It would not be easy to forget our long interesting discussions that always made my day.
Buea, Cameroon
Daddy, I am honoured I had the privilege of calling you daddy. You were so easy to talk to. You were so caring, loving and accommodating. I remember the Christmas of 2016, the laughter we shared, the love you showed me. Ever since I lost my dad in 2014, Christmas was never the same until I spent Christmas with you and the family in 2016. You made me feel at home.
Dubai, UAE
Daddy even though you are no longer with us, I was lucky enough to have had you in my life for this while. I will always love and cherish all the memories. You filled a space in my life that I never thought someone could. I thank you so much for being there for us.
Birmingham, UK
Daddy, I am glad I had the opportunity of being a daughter to you. In the very short time we got to spend together and our chats, your positivity and love for life is one thing I will forever remember. You live on.
Dubai, UAE
Father, my best friend, motivator, mentor, pastor, teacher and guardian. You were the best father anybody could ever dream of or have. You were a perfect description of a true Father.
Buea, Cameroon
Papa, I love you and you mean a whole lot to me. You were the Father I never had but finally got though, not having you again. Your kindness, considerateness and loving nature spur me wanting to walk in your path.
Cameroon
Dad you were a man of wisdom, multi-talented and supportive. You were always there for me, “why did you leave the stage so soon?” Dad in life you thought me to be patient but focused. Dad the gap you have left is too much for me to bear. Dad rest in peace till we meet to part no more. Adieu Dad
Buea, Cameroon
Uncle, it is with deepest sorrow that I am writing this tribute to you. I still can’t believe I will be talking about you in the past. Words can’t describe this difficult moment. Your death has once again reminded me that we all are just passers-by in this life.
Yaounde, Cameroon
Ju!!! You have made me appear like the ‘doubting’ Thomas of the gospels for it seems like a dream that I can’t talk with you. I put my eggs in one basket and the only word I knew when you were sick was ‘healing’ and here I am staring as the apostles did when Jesus ascended into heaven.
Banso, Cameroon
Dear Daddy, The Lord in whose vineyard we met bless and keep your soul. We became so close while serving our Lord and Saviour. You were never my biological father but a father indeed.
Buea, Cameroon
Oh Daddy, where are you? I can’t find you in your room? I can’t find you on
your bed? Daddy, it is unbelievable that you are no more. You took me as your
younger sister not as an in-law. You knew all my troubles and shared with me.
Cameroon
Hello daddy, can you hear me?? Or is it bad network?? On the 12th of February 2019, your friend (my late husband) asked me if I knew his best friend, I said no. He said if I never knew, “My best friend in terms of integrity is Mr. Njapba. I love him so much” and on the 13th he went ahead to meet his Lord. I was comforted thereafter because he showed me where to turn to for counsel and direction.
Buea, Cameroon
Daddy Best, As l fondly call you. I am speechless, broken, for little did l know that you would leave this world at a short period. God almighty knows all, I can’t even describe the pain. God decided to call you to rest. Daddy I am thankful and grateful to God for bringing us up in the fear of the lord, hard work, honesty and sharing with one another.
Cameroon
Daddy, my own son as I will call you. It’s hard to type this but God knows
why Days and weeks have passed by and no words from you but I believe you are in a better place. I miss your morning devotion, I miss your advice who will call my phone again to say Ma WEB, my mother I just call to check on you.
Cameroon
My Pa, may your soul rest in peace. I did not know the sickness was the
one that will take you away so soon. My heart bleeds because at the time you
were to enjoy the fruits of your labour you passed on to glory. I had hoped you will get well. It was just a matter of time and that I will visit you when I come back and we chat as usual. What a pain in my heart.
USA
Mr Njapba, Here I stand of words full bereft As we all are bereaved. Bereaved because of your exiting. Exiting on October 15, 2020. When a have-you-heard news dispatch flew in from Pa Ali “Mr Njapba is no more.” My heart sank in despair and sorrow undiluted. Yet the startling truth was compellingly stranger than fiction.
Buea, Cameroon
Dear Mr Njapba, We, sons and daughters of Mbum origin working at UB, were
terribly aggrieved when we heard you had transited on October 15, 2020.
You were one of the founding fathers of our meeting, when the necessity of
such a gathering became unavoidable. As the eldest member of the group
you cheerfully accepted the position of Adviser. In this position you advised
members on very important issues that related not only to their wellbeing as
workers for the University of Buea, but also to their private lives.
Buea, Cameroon
Dear Mr Julius Ngu Njapba, Pioneer Finance Secretary That Thursday afternoon on 15 October 2020 members of the Botari Social Group Buea received news of your death with utter bitterness. It was not because
of your exiting the scene; it was because we believed that, though you were ill, you could still live on. We have summoned courage to accept it as the Lord’s doing which is not subject to human debate.
Buea, Cameroon
