Comfort Eneke Ashu a.k.a MADAM

I interviewed Ma Comfort inside her school and she was a joy to talk to. My editor at the BBC was really really happy with her interview. Ma comfort could talk!

I just learnt about her death recently when I wanted to recommend another journalist to go and do a story about her. For some strange reason, I said I should first check online about what she was up to -only to learn she had since died.

I was shocked. So honoured to have met the great lady and hope she is getting the rest she rightly deserves.

Rest in peace mama

Francis

May her  soul find rest in the arms of the Lord.

 Ma Comfort Ashu, my honorable "madam, mrs, and sister" was my mentor and inspiration. Madam walked me through my family joys and sorrows from day one of my marriage. Ma Comfort, my cousin, and I were married to cousins who were very close. Ma Comfort was always by me with guidance during times of depression, my instructor in family matters, my Proctor on institutional management, and my comforter in time of pain.  Ma Comfort stood by me when I lost my brother Captain Njang, and in my absence, Ma Comfort, made sure my husband had a befitting burrial.
Ma Comfort played the 'senior role" on behalf of my mom for my children's marriages. Ma Comfort, I still have not explained to you why I left for the US without your knowledge. I hope you've forgiven me.
May your soul rest in perfect peace as you take your flight to the Abha Kingdom.

 We are deeply grieved by the passing of our dear Mammy Comfort.
May her soul soar in the highest precincts of God.
Our hearts are heavy with sadness, but the mercy and blessings of the Lord are abundant.

"All the world's a stage,/And all the men and women merely players./They have their exits and their entrances,/And one man in his time plays many parts..." . May these memorable lines from Shakespeare console you Batuo,  Esther, the whole family and indeed, all of us who saw Ma Ashu excel in her "many parts". I think especially of the creative side that brought me closer to her in ACWA (Anglophone Cameroon Writers Association). A writer never dies, it has also often been said. Sincere condolences.

  You should remember,
or maybe no more
that you were so close to my mamma,
you had a series of photos taken together in the early years of your respective marriages

 You should remember
or maybe no more
that my parents loved you so dearly as to name their first daughter after you
yes, Comfort Eneke-Ashu Tambe they did call her

 You should remember
or maybe no more
that every of our visit to your home in Soppo in the 80's prized us with a basket
full of fresh tomatoes to take home

 You should remember
or maybe no more
that I rushed into your office, cracked and stressed by one lecturer while I attended UB
and your voice was loud and clear pronouncing "stand up and move right through"!!!!!!

 You should remeber
or maybe no more,,,
Do you remember?
I would so love to hear you answer me, but helas I think I should hold for some while, 
or maybe just respond to these questions the way I know you would do.

Thank you Mamma for being there always
Your timing to exit has not been the best
but your stay has been eventful and fills the house with memories

Rest In Peace Aunty
Tell my Papa and Mamma that we are strongly following and respecting the
instructions they planted in us
With Love
BYE BYE!

Gone but not forgooten!The death of an author like Mrs Ashu, can leave us with a collective sense of loss, feelings of nostalgia, and the belief that an era has passed. We remember writers for the stories they tell and the many ways their words can entertain, enlighten and inspire us. She will never be forgotten. She was a great advocate for a sound book culture in Cameroon. Her humility and strenth which many strive for was admirable. What an amazing woman we lost... Words alone cann't express the feelings that i have. What i know however, is that Ma was an inspiration and her legacy will live on through her children. Rest in peace, you are among the angels now.

 
Though we never met
Like indubitable strangers
Inspiring stories about Mrs. C.E. Ashu
Lure belated admirers, to the departed marvel
 
Yes! Since Vox Populi=Vox Dei
It stands to reason
Ms. Ashu reigned in myriad arenas
Bequeathing legacies, even in abstentia, for posterity
 
At home, church and school
Where folks cherished her as popular pool
Testimonies shrill, Ms. Ashu, zealously enlightened
Educated, entertained, empowered and delighted
 
Fabulous and formidable battler
Her resilience as a fighter
Empowered friends and foes
Tackle adversity on their toes
 
Pathfinder and trailblazer
She endlessly traced new frontiers
Like foresighted architects of fame
Who always uplift the lame
  
Storyteller and word smith
She instructed, informed and interpreted
Like brilliant artists
Mrs. Ashu described, narrated and exposed
 
Leader, counselor and instructor
She enhanced lives as a proprietor
Distinguished and reputed educator
She inspires in life and death, as an editor, mentor and administrator
Bye Mrs. Comfort Ashu

Special condolence to the Ashu family, friends and associates.
Profuse thanks Dr. J Ashuntantang for highlighting her exploits
Accept my heart-felt sympathy on Ms. Ashu’s exit
 
 
Dr. Jerry Komia Domatob
Professor and the Interim head of Mass Communication,
Alcorn State University, Lorman-Mississippi.  

To my oldest sister . I still have a vivid memories of my first and last vacation spent at your family home with a whole lot of other family members. You & your husband welcomed openly and kind heartly in.On our last day of our vacation you and him would give us good advice on instilling in us the value and importance of education .Not failing to give us money for our books and pockets.
 
Your nurturing ,inspiration ,contribution,knowledge,wisdom etc...... your list will never end .Your love and kindness will live on especially thru your family & friends and also your well wishers.




Your Loving Baby Sister

Though I had known mrs Comfort Ashu in UB, I only got very close toher n March 1997 when she was assigned to be my supervisor after the demise of John Kale Kale. Though she ended up not supervising me because her hands were very full, she, however, gave me a lot of guidance and directives that helped me complete my dissertation on record time.
I hard workingwoman I came to know. Very generous, open and speaks with confidence. When she opend her school in Bonduma Buea, I covered the first graduation of the pupil in The Post newspaper that she always appreciate till her passing away.
A loving mother that you are, I wish that your soul should rest in perpetual peace!