Bye-Bye Pa Yong

By Fai Cassian 

The mortal remains of Bobe Francis Yong arrived Bamenda where it was moved from the Akum Mortuary to the Bamenda Cathedral. The great educationist, football promoter, media promoter and philanthropist died in Atlanta-USA last December 30, 2013 while on a medical routine checkup. However, Pa Yong’s remains left USA on Monday January 27, 2014 via Paris in France. He landed at the Douala Airport on Wednesday January 29, 2014 and then Bamenda the next day. According to the program at our disposal, he was to be moved from the Akum Mortuary today January 31, 2014 at about 8 am. From there, Pa Yong’s mortal remains will be taken to the St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral, Mankon for a funeral mass to be presided by Bishop Nkea from Mamfe. There after, an official funeral and eulogies at the Bamenda Congress Hall. It was where the weak, the strong, the rich and the poor had to pay their homage to the departed hero. Pa Yong’s remains would be moved to his private residence for an all night vigil. On Saturday, February 1, 2014, there would be a final funeral mass at his higher institution, the National Polytechnic Bamenda to be presided by Bishop George Nkuo of Kumbo. At by 13 pm, Bobe Francis Yong’s mortal remains would be taken to his native Anyajua in Kom, Boyo Division for burial.

It should be recalled that Bobe Francis Yong died shortly after Yong Sport Academy won the Cameroon Cup and some few months after he lost the mother. Born on January 8, 1945, Bobe Francis Yong was raised in a typical Kom family of moderate parents. He quest for education earned him the First School Leaving Certificate, London Chamber of Commerce(1) and a Diploma in Secretariat duties. He was recruited into the Public Service as a Clerical Assistant and had worked at the Bamenda DO’s office as a typist. After 24 years of service, he retired and created the stenographic school which he later transformed it to Progressive College. He gave a human face the problem of school fees by accepting even foodstuff and other farm produce. This caught the admiration of parents and gave birth to a series of schools such as PCHS Bamenda, KCHS Anyajua and the admirable National Polytechnic of Bamenda.  He also left an indelible mark of greatness as a sports promoter with two 1^st Division teams, National Polytechnic FC and Yong Sports Academy. He is also the proprietor of Cameroon National Television-CNTV and Abakwa FM. Before he kicked the bucket, he had been putting in place at Agricultural School at Bambui. As it stands, Bobe Francis Yong would be remembered beyond the borders of Cameroon. At the time of putting this farewell to Pa Yong, confidential sources hinted that Pa Yong would be decorated Posthumous by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization.  

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