Journey of a Statesman:

Hon. Ebong Ngolle Sleeps in K’ba

By Ekoko Willies in Kumba

John Ebong Ngolle, former Minister in charge of Special Missions at the Presidency of the Republic, who died on 2 July 2020, has been buried in his private residence in Kumba. The departed statesman was raised posthumously to the dignity of Commander of the Cameroon Order of Valor.
    The medal signifying the new status of the late statesman was placed on his casket by South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, who represented the Head of State at the funeral ceremonies that were staged at the deceased’s residence at Mile I, Mbonge road, Kumba.
   

SW Governor, Okalia Bilai, decorates Ebong Ngolle posthumously

 

In President Biya’s condolence message that was read on the occasion by Meme SDO, Chamberlin Ntou’ou Ndong, he noted that Ebong Ngole’s death is no doubt a big loss to Kupe-Muanenguba Division, the SW region and the CPDM party.
    Representing the Secretary General of the CPDM party, the Secretary for Organization at the CPDM Central Committee, Minister Talba Malla, said the news of Hon. Ebong’s death was received with deep consternation at the party secretariat.
    He described the deceased as the ‘political Maradona of the South West Region, noting that Hon. Ebong always predicted the outcome of every political move.
    “Hon. Ebong Ngolle was a politician and statesman who has left indelible footprints on the sands of time,” Talba said.
    Speaking on behalf of the SONARA family, the Board Chair, madam Bertha Ndoh Bakata, who succeeded the late Ebong Ngolle on the seat, described the death as the loss of a pillar who served Sonara for 25 years with ingenuity, helping to improve the standards of the national oil refinery.
    During a funeral service earlier held at the Presbyterian Church Kumba Town, Moderator emeritus, Nya-sako Ni Nku, prayed for the repose of Ebong Ngolle’s soul.
    Drawing his sermon from the book of John 14:1-6, he underscored the point that nothing is politically right, when it is morally wrong. He challenged politicians to have fear of the Lord so that they should have wisdom to serve the nation.
    Ebong Ngole started his civil service career in 1960-61, in the PM’s Office of former West Cameroon in Buea, where he was chief of service for finance.
    In his rich and enviable career as administrator, Ebong served as DO and SDO in almost all the Divisions in the North West and South West regions. His exceedingly brilliant career as civil administrator was sanctioned by his appointment as Governor of the SW and later the NW region.
    Present at the burial among others was former Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, Ngolle Ngolle Elvis, Senator Otte Andrew, The CDC Board Chair Hon. Chief Justice Benjy Itoe, the MP for Kumba Urban, Hon. Tabot Lawson Bakia, MP for Konye/Mbonge, Hon. Ekolle Peters, the General Manager of Pamol, Mekanya Charles Okon, the Kumba City Mayor, Mayors of local councils in Meme, religious and traditional authorities and a cross section of the Meme population.