The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CEOAFRICA, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor, has expressed deep grief over the death of Prof. Fidèle Binam Ngo Njom, wife of the Executive Secretary of the International Centre for Research and Documentation on African Traditions and Languages (CERDOTOLA), Prof. Charles Binam Bikoï.

Prof. Fidèle Binam, a distinguished Cameroonian physician, anaesthesiologist and medical professor, died on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

In a condolence message, Ilobanafor described her death as a devastating loss to her family, Cameroon, the African medical community and the continent.

He hailed the late professor as a visionary scholar, patriot and dedicated public servant whose courage, integrity and commitment to medicine left an enduring legacy.

Ilobanafor particularly praised her pioneering contributions to anaesthesiology, critical care, emergency medicine and resuscitation, noting that she broke significant barriers for women in medicine and inspired younger generations of African professionals.

Beyond her professional achievements, he recalled her warmth, hospitality and maternal disposition, recounting how she warmly received and cared for members of an African languages consultative delegation hosted by Prof. Binam Bikoï in Yaoundé.

“She was a true mother, a lover of humanity, a strong pillar and the bedrock of her husband’s success,” he said.

The CEOAFRICA boss also commended her resilience, noting that she remained committed to national development despite her illness.

He said her death had created a major vacuum in Africa’s healthcare sector, particularly in critical care and emergency medicine, where highly skilled professionals remain in short supply.

According to him, Prof. Fidèle Binam’s research, clinical expertise and contributions to medical training will continue to influence healthcare practice and education across the continent.

Ilobanafor further highlighted the remarkable partnership between the late professor and her husband, observing that while Prof. Charles Binam Bikoï dedicated his career to preserving Africa’s cultural heritage through CERDOTOLA, his late wife devoted hers to advancing healthcare and saving lives.

He urged Prof. Binam Bikoï, their children and the entire family to draw strength from her remarkable life and enduring legacy.

On behalf of CEOAFRICA management and the media community, Ilobanafor extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, describing Prof. Fidèle Binam as a distinguished scholar, devoted wife, great mother and woman of exceptional impact.

He also called on governments, medical associations and academic institutions to immortalise her legacy through meaningful initiatives, including the establishment of a research foundation or professorial chair in critical care and emergency medicine in her honour.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Prof. Charles Binam Bikoï, his children and the entire family during this dark hour,” Ilobanafor said.

“We pray that God Almighty grants her soul eternal rest and gives the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Details of the funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.