The North West region of Cameroon marked a significant milestone on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique officially installed Madam Njodzeka Billian Nyuykighan as the Director General of Strategic Humanitarian Services dubbed SHUMAS.
The ceremony, held at the organization’s Bamenda headquarters, was attended by a diverse group of administrative authorities, traditional rulers, and development partners. This transition follows a year-long interim period during which Madam Njodzeka successfully steered the organization after the passing of its founder, Nzerem Stephen.
In a poignant address, the Governor paid tribute to the late Nzerem Stephen, describing him as a visionary whose commitment to education and vulnerable populations profoundly shaped the region.
He then challenged the new Director General to uphold her late husband’s legacy, noting that Stephen’s courage in championing “back-to-school” efforts during times of local instability was a testament to his extraordinary character. The administration reaffirmed its full support for SHUMAS, calling on international and local partners to maintain their backing for the organization’s mission.
During her tenure as Acting Director General, Madam Njodzeka proved her leadership by expanding SHUMAS’s reach across vital sectors, including food security, environmental protection, and peacebuilding. Her ability to maintain organizational stability while introducing new expertise has positioned the NGO to continue its multi-sectoral impact.
Under her formal leadership, SHUMAS is expected to deepen its focus on water, sanitation, and community protection, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations in the North West Region receive essential support.
In her acceptance speech, Madam Njodzeka expressed profound gratitude to the stakeholders and called for a spirit of renewed collaboration. She emphasized that the success of humanitarian efforts depends on the synergy between the public, humanitarian actors, and development partners.
As the second Director General in the organization’s 30-year history, her installation represents both a continuity of founding values and a fresh commitment to improving the lives of those in need across the region.
