This December 31, 2024, marks 45 years since the respected Pastor Jeremiah Ncham Waindim passed on, yet his story remains as relevant in the life and history of Boyo Division as if he had departed only yesterday. The echoes of his contributions to education, politics, and community development continue to reverberate, in Kom, Fundong subdivision, Boyo and beyond.
Born around 1929, Pastor. Waindim was a man of extraordinary vision and commitment. His life, deeply rooted in faith, education, and service, continues to inspire generations. Whether as a pastor, politician, or educator, his every endeavour was highlighted by an unshakeable dedication to the progress of his people.
Pastor Waindim’s academic journey was nothing short of remarkable. In an era when educational opportunities were limited, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, a B.A. in History, and, in 1973, a Master’s in Education with a specialisation in Vocational Education from the University of Northern Iowa, USA. These achievements placed him among the first from Fundong Subdivision to reach such academic heights, marking him as a trailblazer in the field of education.
He used his knowledge to transform the educational landscape of Boyo Division. As Headmaster of then Cameroon Baptist Mission School in Belo, Vice Principal of the Kom Baptist Teachers Training College, and pioneer Principal of the Kom Baptist Technical College, Pastor Waindim shaped the minds of countless students. His efforts to establish institutions such as Government High School (GHS) Fundong and other schools in the region were groundbreaking, ensuring that future generations had access to quality education.
Pastor Waindim’s influence extended beyond the classroom. His foray into politics was marked by a deep sense of purpose. As the first Cameroon National Union (CNU) Sub-Section President of the newly created Fundong Subdivision and Municipal Administrator of Fundong rural council, he was a driving force behind many development initiatives that have matured in Boyo today.
He lobbied tirelessly for the creation of roads, Water Projects, and the establishment of administrative unit for his area. These projects not only enhanced the quality of life for the people of Boyo but also set the stage for the division’s continued development. His legacy in politics is one of selfless service, guided by the belief that leadership is a call to uplift others.
In his role as a pastor, Pastor Waindim’s spiritual leadership was as impactful as his political and educational contributions. He served as a chairperson of several commissions and boards of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), where his wisdom and humility were widely revered. Through his ministry, he touched lives, providing guidance and hope to many.
Behind every great man is a strong woman, and in the case of Pastor Waindim, his wife, Mrs. Martha Afuma Waindim, fondly known as “Mami Nyanga,” was his pillar of strength. After her husband’s passing in 1979, she shouldered the enormous responsibility of raising their children alone. Through the difficult times, love, and faith, she navigated the challenges of single parenthood, ensuring that her children received the care and education they needed to thrive. Her dedication to her family and her ability to maintain their unity amidst adversity demonstrate her strength and character. She passed away in February 2001, but her legacy as a devoted mother lives on in the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Behind his public persona was a devoted family man whose values of discipline, education, and moral uprightness shaped his eight surviving children, now excelling in various fields. His nurturing spirit and faith made him not only a father but also a role model whose legacy continues through his descendants.
Boyo Division would not be what it is today without the visionary efforts of Rev. Waindim. Educational Institutions, critical infrastructure projects, and the administrative advancements in Boyo stand as reminders of his work. His relentless advocacy for education and community development remains a guiding light for those who aspire to serve selflessly.
As we remember him 45 years since his passing, we at Hilltopvoices celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations. Pastor Jeremiah Ncham Waindim may no longer walk among us, but his spirit lives on in the institutions he built, the lives he touched, and the progress he inspired.
Pastor Jeremiah Ncham Waindim was a man of faith, education, and action whose story remains timeless in the annals of Boyo Division and beyond.