Saturday 15 March 2025
Godlove Ngwafusi: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
In 1996, Godlove Ngwafusi founded the Cameroon Community of Canada, National Capital Region (CCC-NCR) with a vision to establish a strong, structured, and self-sustaining Cameroonian community in Ottawa. His goal was not only to build a national and global network but also to create a support system that prioritized mutual aid and collective upliftment. The inspiration for this initiative came from a deeply personal experience. When Fidelis Ncham, a financial attaché at the Cameroon Embassy in Ottawa, passed away alone in his rental home, it exposed a critical gap in community support.
Despite being a diplomat, Ncham’s isolation was evident—none of his colleagues knew where he lived, and the responsibility of locating him fell on Ngwafusi. After unanswered calls from Godlove, he summed a group of concerned friends—including a high school acquaintance—ANE found Ncham deceased in his home.
This tragic moment became a catalyst for change. Recognizing the need for a structured support system, Ngwafusi gathered like-minded individuals and planted the seeds of CCC-NCR. The first meetings were held in his basement—the only available space at a time when most Cameroonians in Ottawa were transient.
From these humble beginnings, the initiative grew into a beacon of community resilience, culminating in the vision of the Cameroon Cultural Centre (CCC)—the first dedicated African community hub in the region.
Beyond CCC-NCR, Ngwafusi has continued to shape and elevate African-Canadian communities through multiple pioneering initiatives.
He founded the African Hockey Association, breaking barriers and providing African youth with opportunities in a traditionally exclusive sport.
He also helped orient the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO), towards uncharted waters of daring, cutting edge gumption, fostering cultural pride and advocacy.
His relentless drive has consistently championed innovation, inclusivity, and self-reliance.
A lifelong advocate for African excellence, Ngwafusi’s Can-Be-Done philosophy extends beyond community-building into high-impact projects designed to position Africa and its global diaspora at the cutting edge of knowledge, innovation, and economic self-determination.
His work has long anticipated a future where strategic thinking and resource mastery will redefine global dynamics.
Those who have followed his trajectory recognize that his initiatives are not just about the present—they are the building blocks for something much bigger.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Godlove Ngwafusi was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honor bestowed by the Government of Canada to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to their communities.
His leadership, vision, and commitment to empowering African-Canadians continue to inspire new generations.
As Ngwafusi often says, “Many drops of water make a mighty ocean.”
His legacy is a testament to the power of collective effort, strategic foresight, and unwavering dedication to uplifting communities—while quietly setting the stage for a transformation the world has yet to fully grasp.
