In Loving memory of
Eternal Echoes: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr Ludwig Nsang Metuge
Step into the embrace of memories, where each heartbeat resonates with the warmth of his laughter and the gentle wisdom that defined his journey. This digital sanctuary invites you to share in the tapestry of a life well-lived.
Biography
Chronicles of a Soul: A Symphony in the Life of Dr Ludwig Nsang Metuge
BIOGRAPHY – DR. LUDWIG NSANG METUGE
Introduction
Ludwig Nsang Metuge, born on April 30, 1948, in the quaint village of Ngombombeng, Cameroon, was the cherished son of Isaac Metuge and Princess Bertha Mekang Ekwoge. Ludwig had two siblings, Sporah Epole Metuge Epse Ejede (of blessed memory) and Helen Ntube Metuge. Ludwig spent his formative years assisting his father on the farm, tending to livestock, and aiding at the local church, where his father was a catechist and served as pastor.
Childhood and Education
Ludwig’s zeal for education manifested early. After completing primary school at the Presbyterian School in Ndom, he benefited from a scholarship from the Basel Mission to further his education at the Presbyterian Secondary School (PSS) in Besongabang. Inspired by influential educators at the time, Ludwig aspired to become a teacher, leading him to ENS Bambili for further studies after completing PSS Besongabang.
Graduating from ENS Bambili, he taught for a few years in Bangangte, gaining an understanding of the community and the local dialect. After a few years as an educator, Ludwig attended the University of Yaounde, obtaining a first degree in English Language and Linguistics.
Life took a positive twist when Ludwig earned a scholarship to attend the University of York in the United Kingdom (UK) a few years after his first degree. He graduated from the University of York with a Master’s in English Language and Linguistics in 1983. After returning from the UK and several years as a university lecturer in Ngaoundere and Buea, Ludwig obtained a Ph.D. in English Language and Linguistics from the University of Yaounde 1.
Career and Achievements
Returning to Cameroon from the UK in 1983, Ludwig faced several challenges. He was transferred to Ngaoundere to join the University Center of Ngaoundere, a state institution of higher learning, in 1983. The University Center was transformed into the University of Ngaoundere by a Presidential degree in 1993. Ludwig was promoted to lecturer at the University of Ngaoundere in 1995. He made significant contributions for two decades, serving as the Head of the English Department and Director of Student Affairs at the University of Ngaoundere.
In 2004, Ludwig moved to the University of Buea as a lecturer and the Director of Student Affairs. He eventually transitioned to becoming the Director of Administrative Affairs at this university.
Over his career, Dr. Ludwig authored and co-authored several academic publications. He retired in 2014, dedicating his post-retirement life to cultural and development activities in the Kupe Muanenguba region while mentoring some students and lecturers.
Family and Relationships
At 31, Ludwig took on the mantle of marriage, embarking on a lifelong journey of companionship with his beloved wife, Philo Besem Metuge. Together, they cultivated a home marked by warmth, love, and unwavering support. Ludwig’s commitment to his family went beyond mere responsibility; it was a labor of love that bore fruit in the form of seven remarkable children and eleven grandchildren.
Hobbies and Interests
Beyond academia, Ludwig found solace in diverse interests. His love for agriculture from childhood led to him nurturing and growing over 40 varieties of fruit trees in his home in Ngaoundere. His engaging conversations about the Gospel, culture, and literature showcased his well-rounded and dynamic personality. Ludwig was fluent in Douala and mastered the Bangangte and Bulu dialects. Ludwig was also an excellent table tennis player and enjoyed playing soccer with his grandkids.
Ludwig also loved proverbs. Below are a few of his favorite sayings:
“Rigorous digging does not make one a geologist.”
“Tadpoles in a stream suck the rocks from the stone but never succeed in wearing the stone down.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Ludwig’s life was marked by resilience. Overcoming poverty, living in Ngaoundere far away from his relatives, and promotion delays in academia, he triumphed against obstacles. His journey from youth struggles to raising a prosperous family and retaining his values inspired both his colleagues and children.
Legacy and Fond Memories
Dr. Ludwig Metuge’s retirement in 2014 marked the close of a distinguished career. His legacy lives on through the impactful lives of his children, grandchildren, and the countless individuals he influenced as a community leader, senior lecturer, and administrator; Ludwig’s passing in 2023 leaves behind a legacy of wisdom and sincere kindness. His memory and teachings will certainly endure in the hearts of those he touched.
Harmony of the Heart: A Musical Tribute to Dr Ludwig Nsang Metuge
Immerse yourself in the melodic embrace of memories. This collection of worship videos is a symphony of devotion and gratitude, a visual ode to the spiritual essence that defined. Each note resonates with the reverence and love that continues to echo in the hearts of those who held him dear.
Rooted in Reverence
Embark on a spiritual voyage through the chapters of Dr Ludwig Nsang Metuge’s life. This section unveils the sacred tapestry of faith that guided him through the ebb and flow of existence. From the quiet moments of prayer to the steadfast belief that anchored his soul,
A Faithful Heart Remembered
Delve into the sacred vault of Ludwig’s devotion, where faith was not just a belief but a luminous thread woven into the fabric of his being. This section illuminates the moments of spiritual significance that shaped his journey, leaving an enduring legacy of love,
To Dr Ludwig Nsang Metuge
Tributes
Milton Metuge
From my earliest memories, Papa was always there for me. He taught me how to drive at a very tender age, play table tennis, and tie my shoelaces. He was my biggest cheerleader. I remember when I told him I had rented my first place and had to leave the house. You encouraged me to always be at my best and never give up. You taught me the importance of kindness, honesty, and, above all, respect. These are the values that have guided me throughout my life. A hard worker, always providing for our family without complaint. But more than anything, Papa was a man of love. He loved his family fiercely and always made sure we knew how much we meant to him. You faced many health challenges in recent years, but through it all, you never lost your spirit. You remained positive and optimistic, always looking forward to spending time with loved ones. Our wives and grandkids are going to miss you. Papa, you will be dearly missed, but your memory will live on in our hearts forever. Thank you for being the best dad a child could ask for. Rest in peace, Papa. We love you. Your son, Milton
Joelle Maureen Mengang
Papa it is still hard to believe that I’m writing this. The first time I remember God speaking to me in a dream as a teenage away in school was about you. I was probably 16 or 17 at a time and wrote you a handwritten letter. From then I wondered if God intended for me to be more than a daughter to you but an intercessor too. For many years later I always wondered, what if I knew how to pray better, what if I knew how to intercede better, what if I knew how to war in the spirit better. But the truth is God worked out everything for your good. You fought to stay with us, and we fought for you to stay with us. The only thing that makes sense to me is that God loves you even more than we do and chose for you to by his side now. When given the opportunity I often shared that the most important thing you and Mama gave me and us children is introducing us to God at an early age. You’ve taught me to live at peace with everyone, not to hold grudges. You’ve taught me to go to God for every big decision. You’ve taught me that after every success and even while going through, to give honor and praise to God first. I have extended this to reaching out to God for even the small things in my life. You’ve taught us even through the past years and even through your last weeks here that God‘s praises shall continually be on our lips. That we would always look up to God and not lose hope and not lose faith in Him. You have left us a legacy of hope and faith. My prayer is that this generation and the next will follow your example. You have run the race with faith and determination you have accomplished what you were sent on earth to do. I pray that the gift of faith will stay with this generation and generations to come. I AM PROUD OF YOU PAPA.John 3:16 “ For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish by have everlasting life Your loving daughter, Tanti
Dr Anne Ahone Metuge
Review My dearest Papa, I do not have enough words to describe what you mean to me - Loving, kind, generous, patient, dependable, caring, protector, teacher, and much more. As I write this, I capture a glimpse of your smile, laughter, and singing. You had such a lovely voice, Papa. I have fun memories listening to the recordings of some of your songs. You taught us valuable lessons. To love the Lord and to strive to be at peace with all men. You will always be dear to me, and I will do my best to keep up with your expectations. Even though you have left this earth, I know one day we will be united, praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity. Thank you for being an example for us. You lived as advised in Hebrews chapter 12, verses 1-3: "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin, which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Your legacy will live on, Papa, not a legacy of earthly treasures that will fade away, but that of striving to glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Love you, Papa. Your daughter, Ahone
Brian Nsang Metuge
Today, we come together to bid farewell to a man whose impact extended far beyond the boundaries of his immediate family. As we gather, I am acutely aware that each person present carries a treasure trove of stories about our beloved father. These stories echo the common themes of compassion, empathy, kindness, and generosity—summed up in a single powerful word: LOVE. Papa's existence was a testament to a life lived in the spirit of Jesus Christ, guided by the principle that giving is a profound expression of Love. His constant reminder to me that "it is always better to give than to receive" was not just a piece of advice but a philosophy he embodied. Papa, you will forever be engraved in my heart as the embodiment of LOVE. I remember Papa sharing tales of his father, Isaac Metuge, with me as a child. There is one story that Papa recounted over and over. The story is about how his father always kept 'guru-guru' snacks for him, which he would take after returning from school hungry. It was something to keep Papa full while he waited for the main meal. I could tell from Papa's eyes when he recounted this story that he knew that his father loved him. The seed of Love planted by Isaac Metuge had taken root in Papa's heart. Papa was a giver. He gave all of him, all he had, to his family. Papa, you taught me what Love was. I thank God for giving me a father like you because you made it easy for me to believe that God is Love. I am eternally grateful to you for this. You always called me "Dr. Brian." I hope I did not disappoint you by taking a different career path (I know I didn't). I know to you, I'll always be Dr. Brian. You motivated me all the time. You caused me to always look back at family and instilled in me the value of lifting each other. You said such is the way of Love – a life of sacrifice for others and a life of giving. Oh, ma Papa, how I miss you and will always miss you. Nonetheless, I choose not to mourn as the world does. I choose to celebrate your life! I know that I am my father's son. I accept the baton of Love you handed us and will pass it to my fellow man, as Christ taught us. Your greatest legacy will always be the seed of Love, who is Jesus Christ, that you put in our hearts. I will cherish this for the rest of my days. You, Papa, live on in the presence of the Lord, and as we part ways today, it is not goodbye but rather a "see you later." Until that glorious reunion in His presence, you remain alive in our hearts, a beacon of LOVE that time nor distance can extinguish. Live on, dear Papa! John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Your son, Brian (“Dr. Brian”)
Barbara E. Metuge
My Dear Papa, Few words from your “little flower in the pot.” I don’t have many words, as it’s hard to fathom the rest of my walk on earth without you. My earliest memory is of you teaching me how to read. You and Mama said I was too weak to go to school as early as my siblings, so you home-schooled me until you felt I was strong enough to be with other children. Your action was to my advantage because, thanks to your teaching style, I started as first in my class and remained a top student for as long as I can remember. As the intentional and creative teacher that you were, every lesson had a variety of entertaining topics, from music to the great gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the first songs I remember learning you taught us in Douala and English says, “Give praise to Jesus because He is kind.” And my father, you were so loving and kind to me and all who knew you. It was easy for me to believe in a loving God because I had a loving father. Thank you for letting God use you to mold me into the woman I have become. Papa, you were my living hero and model. Even the action figures I enjoyed watching could not compare with you. My faith in God and my drive for excellence in academics and professional life came from watching and listening to you. The first memory verse you taught me was “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10).” It has kept my feet on the right path and saved me from countless evils. Papa, as you said in your last days, “Your little flower in the pot has now become a huge Iroko tree.” By God’s grace and His Spirit at work in me, I know that the Iroko tree is bound to become a forest to reckon with, and all this is because you submitted to God by accepting to be a true father to me. Until we meet again in the Father’s presence. Love you always. Your daughter, Barbara (“Lady B.”)
Dr. Denning Ngo-Melle Metuge
"I am not alone; Jesus is with me." These are the first words I remember knowing and speaking. The words you taught me. "You are not alone, Papa, Jesus is with you". The last words I said to my father the morning the Lord called him back. Everyone would fancy to say that their father was a good man. I am convinced there is not a soul that knew my father who would not attest to the largess of his heart. Mine is a brief eulogy, for tales of my experience with you, Papa, could be told for a lifetime. Your words were filled with so much love and wisdom that the discernment of their depth is ongoing. You would say, "Lord Denning, when you grow up, will you give your children bad advice? Listen to me…". I have listened, Papa, and keep all your words in my heart. Every day, your words have new meaning, and in them, so much revelation of the heart of God. Indeed, in all your words and actions towards me, you aimed to reveal the heart of God. Certainly, while I was but a boy, you taught me the ways of Christ that I may never depart from when I grow up. I will continue to seek the Lord's face as you did while you walked amongst us; be kind and generous as you were. Should I be so blessed, one day, when my exit is near, I will speak as you spoke and declare the goodness and sovereignty of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will miss you is an understatement, but It is well, for I am not alone; Jesus is with me. I love you forever, Papa. Your son, Denning (“Lord Denning”)
Dembo Mengang
Grandpa loved to make me laugh. My grandpa was funny. He taught me a fun song in our dialect. I sometimes like to act silly and have fun when I sat on my grandpa’s lap. I liked it when we played soccer. Grandpa was very kind and my half birthday was close to grandpa’s birthday. You were really cool and wore cool glasses grandpa. We had fun together. My. Grandpa’s favourite colour was blue. Grandpa loved hugs. I miss him. I love you, grandpa.
Maimou Mengang
Grandpa I’m happy that I got to spend time with you. Grandpa you are funny. Now you are in heaven. One of my favorite colors is teal blue and your favorite color also is blue grandpa. I was alway happy when I sat on your lap and sang the song with you oh oh.. ya oh. I liked showing you my cool tricks and we had fun together. You taught me how to count in Akoose. I like it when we play soccer. I loved you Hug Grandpa. I miss you. I love you, grandpa.
Gladys Nzelle Ebongalame
My dearest Grandpa, I remember when we sang songs together, like the Bakossi song for babies. I remember when we would play soccer in the yard, and in the summer when we would play cards. Every time at night I would hug you. When the family came, we would be with each other and have conversations. I remember the memory verse you taught me psalm 23 verses 1-6. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the Lord forever. When I am afraid, I will remember this psalm and seek shelter in the Lord. You are the best Grandpa. Love Gladys