Epenebel-Nninong: Celebrating the lives of Sango Martin Mballe, Nyango Dielle & Nyango Senge

Epenebel village, Bangem Sub Division, Kupe Muanenguba Division witnessed an unprecedented crowd, March 1 and 2, 2024 to celebrate the lives of Sango Martin Mballe, Nyango Otilia Dielle, Nyango Odette Senge and other members of the Mballe’s family, sleeping in the Lord.

Sango Mballe who was born in 1928, died in 1999. Nyango Dielle was born in 1935 and died in 1999, while Nyango Senge was born in 1945 and died in 2014.

Friday March 1 was reserved for traditional rites, cultural display and feasting. The long night had an interception of the eating of Bakossi traditional meals, drinking of locally fabricated wine, the menac, and all categories of liquor.

Meanwhile Saturday March 2 was divinely reserved for a memorial service at Presbyterian Church Epenebel.

Speaking to Christians and guests in the church, Rev. Mesape Wilson, Parish Pastor, Presbyterian Church Tombel town and Presbyterial Secretary for Bakossi South, preached from Luke 22:17 under the theme, “Remember Them.”

He appreciated the Mballe’s family for remembering their late father and mothers and other departed ones in the family.

He added that the Mballes are remembering the enormous contribution of their parents to their lives and have come to offer thanks to God.

However, Rev. Mesape said while they celebrate the departed ones, it is also important to celebrate someone while he or she is still alive. He told the population to reverse the dynamics and start celebrating people who are alive.

Meanwhile Rev. Adu Ngu of the Epenebel Parish described the service as instrumental and memorable. This he said is because they were not only celebrating those that have departed, but they were celebrating the living as well. He called on the population of Bangem Sub Division to emulate the altitude of thanksgiving to God.

From the church, the pastors and the Mballe’s family visited the tombs of their loved ones to pray and place wreaths on the graves.

Other pastors at the ceremony were Rev. Nkwelle Ngole Emade of Presbyterian Church Middle Farms, Limbe and Rev. Fang Terence of the Muaku parish.

Speaking to The Ultimate, Mballe Makoge, said they were celebrating their father and two wives of blessed memory for the indelible marks they have left in their lives.

He thanked friends and relatives that accompanied him to Epenebel for the ceremony. While wishing them safe travels to their various destinations, he appreciated the population of Epenebel for coming out massively and their support to ensure the success of the ceremony.

The event ended with feasting and traditional dances showcasing the culture of the Nninong clan and Kupe Muanenguba in general.

By Olive Ejang