- Pressmen, ELECAM Authorities Show Impressive Solidarity
- SHOPAN Show-Cases Last Respect To Fallen Member
Human traffic, wailing and gnashing of teeth were what characterized the funeral of Desiyi Stella Bikenun épse Mbah Motomu, the better half of Chronicle newspaper Publisher, Mbah Motomu Eric, on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Batibo village of Momo Division , North West Region.
Beginning at the Bamenda general hospital mortuary that October 6, where Desiyi Stella’s remains were removed from the morgue, to the ceremonial ground at Batibo where she was laid to rest, the forest of human heads spiced by the animation staged by Bazore funeral orchestra and Glorious Singers of Synagogue House of Prayers for All Nations (SHOPAN) was total expression of love the population has for Motomu Eric, his family and particularly, the decease (Desiyi Stella). Like one of the mourners commented by this reporter; “It’s regrettable that Desiyi Stella missed her keepsake funeral”.
Funeral Scene
The long convoy of cars numbering over 2 scores, gave yet another colour to the occasion as the hearse zipped itself through to the ceremonial ground at Batibo keenly admired by those who lined on both sides of the road. The unceasing wailing of the mourners was watered down by the angelic but melancholic entrance song by the SHOPAN Glorious Singers dressed in seemingly new yellow and black uniform apparently specially bought for the occasion as the prestigious casket containing Desiyi Stella was ushered in by the famous Bazore funeral orchestra boys dancing with the coffin on their shoulders.
The installation of the mortal remains in the tribune was closely followed by the viewing of corpse for the mourners’ last respect, praise, worship and animation.
Eulogies
Mbah Motomu Eric’s family head expressing the family’s Godliness, opined that believers do not die given that life is a transition and called on the mourners not to mourn like unbelievers as there’s life after death.
Stella’s Family
Although the decease’s family regretted that Stella’s absence has created a vacuum in their hearts, they were sure that she is in the midst of angels in heaven. They prayed God to guide them till they meet again. Like the Motomu’s family head, they hailed everyone who was present at the ceremony or who assisted the family during the trying moments for showing the concern.
The representative of ELECAM National President and North West Regional Delegate, who told mourners that Desiyi Stella was the Momo Divisional ELECAM Chief of Communication, Documentation and Archives, said they were all shocked to get news of her sudden death. He said Stella who was fondly called “Mah Stella”, gave her maximum best at the job site regretting that she died when her services were needed most especially as biometric registration of voters was already on.
Representing the North West press as a whole and CAMASEJ in particular, Choves Loh, stressed that Stella proved the saying that behind a successful man, is a woman especially as she was very crucial in the creation and launching of Chronicle newspaper. Hear him; “Stella was also a pillar of the entire press houses that have united all journalists”.
SHOPAN Founder/Overseer
The Founder cum the Senior Overseer of the Synagogue House of Prayer for All Nations (SHOPAN), Kan Elroy Moses, who was present at the occasion body and soul, cautioned the mourners to present their problems to God first, before any body and equally advised all to pray “because a bad prayer is better than no prayer at all”. He said God is supreme and so if He did not permit Stella to die, she wouldn’t have. After all, everything happens for the glory of God. We must not mourn as people without hopes or faith”. He pointed out that Stella died leaving behind 2 kids and others have died without an issue. “Stella will live after her departure through her children. Stella died in hope. She did the best she had to and we accept the verdict of God”. He said Motomu and Stella were like son and daughter to him.
Motomu Eric
Attracting tears and cheers from the mourners, Stella’s alter ego, Motomu Eric courageously narrated how he lived together with Stella for 10 years and how they both went through ups and downs. He said 4 years ago, Stella was very sick and his family gave off hope that she was to die. He said they just started constructing a house but she died suddenly shortly after both of them went with a carpenter to inspect the building.
Apologizing for the late wife, Motomu reminded mourners that everybody is liable to errors. “If Stella ever offended anybody, I pray that the person finds a space in him and forgive her’.
First & Second Readings
After a message by the lead pastor of the Synagogue House of Prayer for All Nations, Pastor Nche Linus of Santa Assembly, preached from Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit” and Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” respectively.
Pastor Kan’s Miracle at Funeral
One of the highlight at the funeral was a prophecy the SHOPAN Senior Overseer, Kan Elroy Moses made which came to pass at the occasion.
Just after Pastor Nche Linus was about to wrap up his preaching, it started drizzling, the sky went dark, promising heavy downpour. He even told mourners that he was cutting short the preaching because it was about to rain cats and dogs. This was when Pastor Kan took over the microphone but before he delivered this marathon message, he told mourners that it was never going to rain until after the ceremony. Doubting Thomases were flabbergasted at the end of the day when Kan Elroy finished his over 40 minutes’ message and the burial finished without the expected rain. While others showered praises on Kan for the miracle, others were quick to opine that the bright day indicated the saintly life Desiyi Stella lived.
Who Stella Was
Stella Bikenun was born on December 7, 1976 at Ndian in South West Region to the family of Akenji John Bikenun and Grace Nkenyi. She became a Christian in her early years and remained ever so until her death on September 28, 2012.
Biography of Late Desiyi Stella Bikenun épse Mbah Motomu Eric
Desiyi Stella Bikenun’s death is a tragic end to a life that had so deeply affected the course of history. Stella, a driven and highly opinionated woman, led a life that did not only expand the horizons of those who came across her but also increased her family’s understanding of the fullness of life.
Born on December 7, 1976, at Ndian in the South West Region to the family of Akenji John Bikenun and Grace Nkenyi, Desiyi Stella Bikenun was first in a family of seven. Her other brothers and sisters are: Nico Bikenun Chimbite, Derrick Bikenun Bownde, Collins Bikenun Munti, Glory Bikenun Yemu, Winifred Bikenun Yaazo and Quentin Bikenun Queke.
Stella attended her primary school at the St. Peters School , Mundemba from 1989 - 96 where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate. She did her secondary education at the Momo General Technical High School , Mbengwi from 1996-97 which was sanctioned with the General Certificate of Education, GCE “O” Level. From 1999-2000 she studied for her GCE “A” level at the Longla Comprehensive College, Mankon and obtained her “A” levels in two subjects. With her ever increasing quest for more knowledge she proceeded to the University of Yaounde II-Soa and precisely to the Faculty of Juridical and Political Sciences from 2003-2007, graduating with a degree in English Private Law or Droit Privé Anglophone (DPA). After two years of rest, she decided in 2009 to take up some computer training that earned her a diploma.
Desiyi Stella Bikenun became a Christian in her early years and remained ever so until her death last September 28, 2013. This beautiful queen soon discovered that life was not complete without a man beside her. She saw her dream come true when in 2002 an equally black and handsome man, Mbah Motomu Eric proposed to her and the romance ended up in a solid relationship. They both lived happily and by 2011, they decided to solemnize the marriage at the Tubah council in Tubah sub division. For over 10 years of her marriage with Eric, God blessed them with two equally beautiful children – Treasure Abid Motomu and Steric - a skillful combination of Stella and Eric.
Before her passing away last September 28, 2012, Stella spent the rest of her life on earth making sure that her children and the entire family never wants for anything, sacrificing things for herself along the way.
Stella’s death is a surprise to all those who were close to her because when she took ill four years ago, nobody knew she would survive. By God’s abundant Grace, she survived and joined everybody in singing and praising God for her health. Two weeks ago when the illness returned, and after much thought, I decided to send her to her specialized physician at the University Teaching Hospital, CUSS in Yaounde . Even though her health deteriorated, her spirit was very strong. Even in her final stages of sickness, she participated in church services. When Stella finally passed on, we mourned, but took comfort knowing that she was with her Creator, and she was at peace. Somehow, it helped ease the pain of losing my wife and my friend Stella. I want to assure her that I will continue to keep the family together.
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