NW Governor installing New SHUMAS Director
The Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, has officially installed Madam Njodzeka Billian Nyuykighan as the new Director General of Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS), urging her to build on the legacy of the organization’s late founder.
Speaking during the ceremony at the SHUMAS Head Office in Bamenda on Saturday 18th April 2026, the Governor challenged the new leader to uphold the vision and commitment of her late husband, Nzerem Stephen, who founded the organization more than three decades ago.
“If we had just 10 people like the late Nzerem Stephen, the North West would have been a different place. He spearheaded back-to-school efforts in the North West when people feared to talk about schools for young people,” Governor Lafrique said.
Madam Njodzeka Billian
Madam Njodzeka becomes only the second Director General of SHUMAS since its creation. She had served as Acting Director General for the past year following the death of her predecessor, during which she maintained stability and continuity within the organization.
Under her interim leadership, SHUMAS expanded its reach by strengthening partnerships and implementing projects across key sectors, including education, water and sanitation, nutrition, food security, environmental protection, peacebuilding, and community protection. The organization also maintained staff stability while bringing in new expertise to enhance its operations.
The ceremony drew a wide range of dignitaries, including administrative authorities, traditional rulers among them the Fons of Nkwen, Ngembu, and Kochi clergy, development partners, staff, family members, and well-wishers.
Paying tribute to the late founder, the Governor described him as “an ordinary man who did extraordinary things,” particularly in supporting vulnerable populations such as the poor and persons living with disabilities.
He reaffirmed the government’s support for SHUMAS and called on development partners to continue backing its initiatives.
“We appeal to all partners to continue supporting SHUMAS in bringing hope to those in need. I assure the new Director General of the full support of the government and the North West administration,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Madam Njodzeka expressed gratitude and called for renewed collaboration among stakeholders.
“I thank God for making this day possible and appreciate everyone who came to support us. I call on the public, humanitarian actors, and development partners to continue working with us so that we can better serve those in need,” she said.
NW Governor visiting stands
The installation marks not only a leadership transition but also a renewed commitment to advancing humanitarian efforts and improving the lives of vulnerable communities across the North West Region.
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