She has grown from the bottom right to the top. Her story is both
thrilling and inspiring. From it I have learned never to give up no matter how
hard the circumstances may be, but to trust in God. She is a woman with a
compelling personality. Among woman it is easy to spot her because she
towers far above many. She is commanding
and noble in her manner.
This special
woman graduated from primary school in
1970. Then got into secondary school; but could not stay there. Two years later,
she withdrew for lack of money for fees. That moved her into a different area
in life. She started doing what we call trading – selling groundnuts, bean
cakes, bananas and black.
A time came
in her life when she took a different trade which only women of great courage can
take. She ventured into a world generally reserved for men - driving a taxi - a
Renault 12. Later, she learned knitting pullovers and opened a workshop. She had 18 apprentices. With her high business
acumen, she explored venues to expand her business. That was how she became a
major supplier of pullovers to shops in Yaounde and Douala.
It was not
long when she became a taxi owner; bought taxis and employed many drivers. As
God worked in her life, she stepped up to the owner of Dina buses that
transported passengers to Kumbo and Yaounde. God continued to be on her side and she bought
a 20-ton vehicle for the transportation of goods that came in from Germany. She
was now an importer; her imports included vehicles from Germany and Belgium. In addition, she traveled to Cotonou and Nigeria
for material for dresses. That was not all; she bought palm oil from Lobe
Estate in tanks.
In 2010 –
2012, this great leader built a 3-storey complex of 48 rooms with packing
stores behind the main market for income generation. She loved serving. She joined
the CWA in 1997. She loves God and Mother Mary. She also loves people and is very passionate about
whatever she does. Go to the Cathedral every morning and you will find her at Mass. That, to her, is the best way to start the day.
Today, she is
the Diocesan Treasurer of the CWA. Her name is Mrs. Therese
Nkemgni.
