Orlando Samgwa'a Gwanyama - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Orlando be with us forever.

This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one,

Ba Nkom Orlando Samgwa'a Gwanyama.

He will remain forever in our hearts.

Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando Samgwa'a was born on the 21st of September 1964 in Bali Nyonga to the late Ba Nkom Gwanyama James Kanga Mukong and late Mamun Lucy Gwanyama.

He was a teacher by profession and the head of the Gwanyama Family of Bali Nyonga.
He departed us quite unexpectedly on 28th January 2021. Rest in perfect peace our dear father, husband and brother.

Tributes

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April 22, 2021

Dear Ba Nkom, How are you? It is a bit more than two months today since you and Ni Victor were buried. And that showed to me out here that it is really true that you both are gone. WaO!!!! It’s sooooo interesting that one cannot hear your voice again.
So is there a Gwanyama Clan up there? Please pray for ALL of us left behind and for peace to return in Cameroon.

March 30, 2021

We-ehhhhhhh dear Ba Nkom,
Receive Ma Helen Tata and Ba Nkom Tata well ohhhhhhh. They are on their way. Show them the ways of heaven and all you up there please jointly pray for our families that you have left behind. Missing you and your lovely smiles.

February 21, 2021

Utterly shocked to receive news of Ba Nkom's transition this morning. What mystery crossing the bar with twin brother! Aaahh! this life!!
We are both Bobans but interacted more, having remarkable moments, each time he was sent as GCE examination Superintendent when I was Principal in GBHS Santa and Ntamulung. He was reliable, meticulous, and very conscious of his self-esteem. He was also a researcher and committed Christain. May his gentle soul RIP and rise in glory!!

February 19, 2021

Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama:

The news of your passing came very early in morning. Just getting up from bed and seeing the text message -- Ba Nkom passed this morning, it felt like it was a dream, at first. Then, I read the message again and I immediately reassured myself it was not a dream. Indeed, it was true! Just a phone call solidified it for me.

Then, I started to deal with several questions, a few were answered and I belief the rest will be answered when I get into eternity too. The truth had set in - Ba Nkom was gone and another void had been created! The Gwanyama's family was now in mourning again - they just laid to rest Commissioner John Fomuso in December and Ba Nkom was right there leading the family through the funeral rituals! Most of all, looking quite well! So, the news that he was ill only for a short while made sense to me. Then I began to accept that God's time for Ba Nkom had come and he had to answer the call! No one says no to the call!

The debate with God about why this soon makes no sense but I dribbled with that on my mind. No one has answers to this question and many others until one is in eternity, I believe! After speaking with some family members, I came to terms with what I need to do -- pray to God for mercy and compassion on all of us still here and for Ba Nkom to see his way to the ancestral land of no return! Even more, we need strength to deal with the reality and to surrender, in its entirety, to God, especially as we cannot change a mite about it. And so my prayers went in that tune. Most, I asked my friends to join in the prayers and they all did, I believe.

Among the several experiences, I shall treasure about you, Ba Nkom, is the fact that you always treated me as you would for your dear sisters. An example is what you told the crowed at a death celebration at Ba Tita Fongwa's (my late father) compound -- you were there because of me! You were therefore representing me. I was your sister who could not make it from California for the celebration. Ba, you stood there on my behalf and you let everyone know it. My heart melted when I heard it and that shall remain on my mind as long as I live. That is the precious pearl, washed to shore, by a strong sea tide that I am holding hard onto as I bid you farewell.

Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama, you were loved and respected and you played your role as our Ba and a titled gentleman in our village with dignity and a style of beauty! We take this time to thank God for the length of time He granted you to be with us. We thank you for the beautiful children you and your dear wife, Ma Irene blessed the world with. They will live to tell your full story! That is what life is about, the children continue where their parents stopped; just as you continued when your father stopped. Thank you very much.

Ba Nkom, I join the family to pray that you find your way to where your parents, brothers and sister reside in eternity so that you can enjoy the now spiritual family joy. May you intercede with the angels on behalf of the family you left behind so that they too may find peace and solace with the beautiful memories you left behind; so they too can hold tight onto them just like I hold onto my beautiful sea shell washed to shore by a strong sea tide!
Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama, rest in perfect peace. Dzid mbonked ka Ba. Amen.
Dr. Marie Ngetiko Fongwa

February 19, 2021

Ba Nkom ORLANDO GWANYAMA SAMGWA'A, in your struggle to actualize your dream of becoming a Ph.D holder we first met in Ahmadu Bello University (A.B.U), Zaria, Nigeria in January, 2013 as newly admitted postgraduate students for Ph.D (Mathematics Education) programme. We were altogether four students admitted for the course and the two of us became, not just course mates, but friends. Each time you came from Cameroon to Nigeria for the course you would always prefer to stay with me in Kaduna and insisted that we should go to Zaria together. My people here were so fond of you that the sad news of your demise was a big shock to them. Even while on oxygen in the hospital we communicated when I prayed for you, not knowing that was our last interaction. I know what you went through to achieve your goal, working harder and ahead of the rest of us. But for the COVID-19 PANDEMIC you would have graduated with your Doctorate degree (Ph.D) in 2020. Well, man proposes but Almighty God disposes and to Him be the glory for your life as a gift for all those you touched their lives one way or the other during your lifetime. May the good Lord and greatest rewarder reward you and grant you eternal rest from all your struggles while on earth. Dr. ORLANDO, good night and rest in peace with the Lord!

February 16, 2021

Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama aka Ni Orlando as we called you when we were growing up and how my friends in CCAST Bambili all knew you.
I was privileged and blessed to have you as a big brother while I was doing my High School studies in CCAST Bambili while you were studying at E.N.S. Bambili. You would frequently stop by at CCAST Bambili to check on my wellbeing knowing that I had come into the melting pot that was CCAST Bambili from an all-girls school, Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, Bamenda. Not only were you a very good big brother to me but a special friendship developed between us at that time. All my friends knew and respected you and came to refer to you as “that Andin’s handsome brother” in E.N.S. Your caring nature and concern for others shone through at that time as it continued to shine throughout your life in the Gwanyama and wider extended family especially after you became our father’s successor and the new Ba Nkom Gwanyama in 2002. You were always there for everyone.
You were a man of principles and with strong views on a range of matters and loved a good debate. You never shied away from expressing your views on any subject of interest in very firm words. I will miss our debates on all kinds of topics including most recently on Cameroon politics and especially the situation in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon.
Thank you Ba Nkom for always being there for all of us in all situations. I will miss your warm smile and reassuring and encouraging words in times of trials.
Your unexpected passing has been a big blow to me but I know that the heavenly angels are rejoicing to have you in their number.
Rest in peace my dear father, brother and friend. I will miss you greatly. You are gone but you will remain forever in my heart. Fare thee well till we meet again to part no more.
Mrs. Andin Nwana (Sister)

February 15, 2021

Tribute to our fallen baobab tree,Mr.Gwanyama Orlando Samgwa'a, presented by the 1986 batch of G.S.S. Jakiri. Our hearts are heavy and bleed with pain following the heart breaking news of your passing into glory. It was a dark day and we wished the announcer could tell us it was a joke. But,it was January and April fool could not have been the case. So the bitter pill of your demise was forced down our throats,
Sir, you taught us Maths with a lot of passion and dedication that we considered you more as a father or better still an elder btother. We missed you as we left Jakiri to further our education in different areas of the country and the world. A few months ago we found you and it was very exciting to watch the videos in which you gave us valuable advice. " The story of thinking ahead' . You reminded us to always think ahead. Sorry sir we failed by not thinking ahead enough to have imagined that you could leave us so soon. We wish we could think ahead on how best we could prepare for your funeral. Hmmmmm,this is more difficult than the vectors, graphs, four figure tables etc that you used to give us.
Sir we will forever miss you .We pray your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the lord Almighty. Fare thee well sir.
Ghogomu nee NCHANDZE Nicoline for batch '86.

February 14, 2021

Tribute from the Tasem family
Ba kom you were a son, brother, an in-law to us a mentor and a uniting force to us we all love you but God loves you most. Rest in his bossom

February 13, 2021

A remark in memory of Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama who died on January 28, 2021
by Dr. Philip Wagala Gwanyama

I will start by extending a special thanks to the many of you who responded very quickly to comfort and support Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama as he became ill. Thanks to you who are mourning his loss with us; your generous support and kind words are greatly appreciated.

John 8:7 suggests that only those who have never sinned can cast the first stone at sinners, yet Romans 3:23 concludes that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama is no exception to the conclusion! He had his own weaknesses, but the number of these weaknesses are small when compared to the many good things he accomplished on earth. He worked so hard at every task that were assigned to him (or task which he assigned to himself) that, he found very little time to stop and appreciate or enjoy what he had achieved.

At a very young age and primary school years, Ba Nkom Orlando grew up with our Grand Mother (Kah Mariam Ma’Doh Tasem) and Grand Father (Doh Fineboy Tasem) who are both of blessed memory. While with them, he quickly developed interests in trade and commerce.

• He successfully bred local chickens in a small scale for the markets. He had so much energy around him that those who spent the time to know him could not escape learning about. As a young child he hunted wild birds for consumption, and during one hunting trip, he shot a special “big bird” locally called “Tou! tou!” using his home-made Wooden Slingshot Catapult. After notifying our Grandfather of the harvest, he went donated the bird to our father Ba Nkom James K. Gwanyama (now of blessed memory).
• Our uncle Ba Ngu’ket Samuel Sojah Tasem even opened a wine and beer trading store (Off-License) in Bali Nyonga that he was assigned to operate—and at his very young primary school age operated it very successfully. This commercial skill he acquired helped him in life; this I know very well because, when the Bali Nyonga students of the Bambili CCAST Complex (ENS, CCAST & Agric. Schools) hosted the 1979 National Bali Nyonga Students Re-Union we turn to him (as a very young BOBAN) to run the Cash Bar during the Night Gala--- he accomplished the task very successfully with enough proceeds that were handed over to the next Host of the Re-Union.

I knew Ba Nkom Orlando not only as a brother and successor of our father, but also as one of my past students with very impressive accomplishments.

• After his Primary Education at Government school Bali Nyonga, he went for his secondary education at the Cameroon Protestant College (CPC) Bali where he began training his mind to be intellectually curious.
• In 1982/83, he enrolled at the newly created Science Department of the Government Bilingual College Buea, to pursue studies toward the GCE Advanced Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Here, I was his instructor in Mathematics and Further Mathematics. Upon successful completion from this college program, Ba Nkom Orlando was one of the very distinguished few nominated and honored with the Southwest Governor's award for excellent performance at the GCE Advanced Level Examinations in 1984.
• He was then admitted into the Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) Annexe de Bambili, under the University of Yaounde Cameroon, to pursue Mathematics. Since 1987 after completion of this program, he has taught Mathematics at High Schools and Colleges in the West African Country Cameroon.

In all, Ba Nkom Orlando was intellectually capable of multitasking.

• In addition to his instructional responsibilities at the schools and colleges he taught at in Cameroon, he pursued Graduate studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he completed an MA degree in Mathematics Education. He later enrolled (Part Time) at the College of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria where he almost completed a Ph. D in Mathematics Education. Before his death, he was making preparation to go defend the Ph. D Dissertation in Mathematics Education.
• He carried out multiple projects for many family members (including me), and friends abroad.

Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama will be greatly missed. My condolence to his wife Mamun Irene Gwanyama, his son Ni Palmer Gwanyama, his daughter Dr. Noella Gwanyama, and his son Ni Bengyella Gwanyama.

May his soul rest in peace.

Philip Wagala Gwanyama
Professor
Department of Mathematics
Northeastern Illinois University Chicago

February 12, 2021

Tribute to Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando
The demise of Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando came to us as the surprise of the year. No one could believe that you who worshipped in church a fortnight ago was no more. You were full of life, energetic, charismatic and manifested a selfless sacrifice to serve God. You worshipped God with all your might, strength and soul. You were an epitome of Christian commitment and devoteness. Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando fellowshipped in P.C Azire since the late 90’s when he was transferred from Jakiri to Bamenda. P.C Azire became his trademark and he was P.C Azire incarnate, very difficult to serve the two that is why even when he constructed his residence at Mukwebu, nothing could stop him from worshipping in P.C Azire. I recall the devotedness he served as a member. Many Christians can still visualize him tailing the Harvest thanksgiving committee indian file cute in traditional regalia in majestic steps as they moved to the Lord’ altar to present their harvest. This phenomenal Christian friend served his congregation with so much abnegation.
In the CMF Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando would be remembered for his hilarious jokes and cryptic comments that usually kept his beloved group alive. While he served in the executive of the group he was known as “the opposition of the Exco. He touched and impacted the lives of many CMF brothers. Ba Nkom Gwanyama had a simple sociable, respectful and respectable disposition. As a notable in Bali Nyonya fondom, he never carried it with him, he remained a down to earth personality. He was loved by all who cared to come closer to him. Our words cannot fully express the sorrow that has engloped us since his passing on, on that fateful 28th of January 2021. It was a black Thursday to us. However, though his departure is premature, for he has gone too soon from us, we will remain grateful to God for the life time opportunity to have fellowshipped with Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando. If not how could we have been able to fathom this incredible transcend. Who could have imagined that it would be Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando? Chai!!!, death is inevitable and indeed no human can predict or escape from the monster when it comes knocking. Fare thee well Ba, we can only conjecture him, now, in the jocund company of Angels in the celestial realm and we pray them to take care of his gentle soul because he deserves their welcome and protection. We invite the Lord of host to open wide the gates of heaven and reveal comfort, and lasting peace in the grieving hearts of his loved ones and more particularly to the Gwanyamas. Lord be a merciful judge on him as he shall be fondly remembered.

Elder Dr. Tah Monunde Mercy.
Chairperson P.C Azire

February 12, 2021

RIBUTES TO A TRUE FRIEND TRANSITED TO THE WORLD BEYOND
Oh! Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando, how do you leave me stranded at the cross road of this thick forest? What answers do I give the myriads of questions that friends are asking? They have asked me whether you were sick and I have since remained gagged, what should I tell Pa Tamufor alias D.O and Pa Mbah? Should I tell them that you called and you are coming or that you have truly gone prematurely? Were you not strong and full of life when we last sat together at Azire New church junctions? What suddenly happened? With Ateh George out there how do I now spend my days? Who will keep me company in the evening? I went to the Ndah-lela meeting last week and your seat was vacant. What will happen to your Ph.D defence? Or was it a mirage and meaning physically Healthy but Dead (Ph.D) SO I CAN now accept with the poet who says; ‘The firewood of this evil world is for those who take heart’. Truly, good people make their exit from this world faster that we can conjuncture?
A baobab has fallen, a traditional icon and beacon has transited. You certainly stood tall among your peers having nurtured your children and provided them with survival kits. We celebrated news of grand children, the last being that of Benyella whom you proudly announced was a Tanyi. Unfortunately death has robbed you of the joy of a grandfather, I hope they take after your legacy and uphold the family name.
In your life’s pursuits you never sacrificed your Christian quest for eternal life. I thank you for your religious tenacity; you never save up your faith even when you faced tough times. You gladly accepted to be a Regional Patron to the Regional Executive bureau of C.M.F. Your brothers in C.M.F Azire were all shocked at the news of your untimely and sudden death. They bid you farewell. I know that with the fervent faith you had with your readiness to serve God in whatever capacity you were called to perform, he will open wide the gates of heaven to receive you in His Kingdom. I received your death –with assignment with a gladsome mind, and will leave no stone unturned to ensure that you are given a befitting Christian farewell and burial. Fare you well, brother and may God be a merciful judge to you and receive you back home.
Elder Buma Charles

February 12, 2021

WILL MISS YOU BROTHER.
* My dear brother/dad, your death came pouring on me like icy rain. It was a dream when it was announced and now a reality.
* You lived a fulfilled life, a life as a father who sacrificed for his children, a man who has no hate nor envie. You had never conspired even to hurt a fly.
* You showed love and trust to everyone around you and the world as a whole. Trusting God as you were taught and brought up by our late grandmother Nah Miriam ( Alias nah Ngonti).
*I have been so traumatized about your death as it came like a dream. When you texted me two weeks prior to your admission to Laquitini hospital telling me you were not feeling well, little did I know you were at the start of a journey of no return. You will be strongly missed by those who loved you brother.
* I can still picture that beautiful voice coming from the wilderness ward of Laquitini saying "ma Agie, I 'm not short of breath. I'm just so exhausted that I find it even difficult to chew food".
* There is a saying that " ndoopvi bue wueh" meaning that, "There is no one who is immortal .
*Ba Nkom my best friend, a brother/father, I love you but the almighty God loved you more. Have a safe journey my brother and be at peace forever.
RIP.
Mamon Agnes Kaspa

February 11, 2021

I have done tributes but this one is different, one of the exceedingly difficult ones. Ba Nkom, for any body who knew him, he was one of those people you could always count on, available when needed, fun to be around, he loved to live, and though he left too soon, he made his mark for the time he spend with us.
Ba Nkom, Difficult to accept yet very true. Difficult to understand yet very real, the blow was hard and the shock is severe. Ba, my brother, I was never there for family matters but you were always present as you get my call to meet Ba Mumbili to arrange family matters on my behalf. Ba Nkom, you left without telling me how you and Ba Mumbili who is on his sick bed use to treat those family issues, nor who to ask since Ba Mumbili is sick and cannot represent me. Ba the children are stranded, and as you go to join our mothers, fathers, our in laws and all our family members who have gone ahead. We join our voices to pray that, God may guide, protect and give us the grace to accept his will because he alone has the final say for the length of time each of us has to live here on Earth.
Ba fare thee well, till we meet to part no more
Ba James Njankenji for the Njankenji's family

February 11, 2021

Tribute from Mr John Udemba
Oh wonderful great Orlando, I enjoyed you so much during our historical journey to Nkambe for a funeral. It remained in my heart even though it was for a funeral of a dear one, yet it was fun, full of love, closeness and discovery of you. how much you love & care for your personal family, the family your father entrusted to you , your relatives, your friends and your concerns for entire humanity. Actually it was just to Nkambe and back. But for me it remained as the best thing ever happened between us. I thank God for he actually created something deep in you for humanity to emulate. Well I personally felt your departure to eternity , I also felt that it was sudden but nobody can question God. We believe and entrust that he knows and controls everything. with all these thoughts in mind, I believe you lived for God and died in God, He will out of his infinite mercy reward you in his heavenly kingdom. May your gentle loving soul, all the departed souls of Gwanyama's family and the souls all the departed rest in perfect perfect peace Amen.

February 10, 2021

Tribute to a senior colleague and ACE of Advanced Level Mathematics
whom we popularly called ‘‘Ba’’

Gwanyama Orlando Samgwaa was his official names but he insisted that we address him as ‘Ba Nkom’, which we were made to understand, is a big title in the Bali Nyonga traditional hierarchy. And so the examiners respectfully called him ‘Ba’.
Ba was an experienced AL Mathematics examiner who devoted his evaluation skills to the services of the Ministry of Secondary Education and to the Cameroon General Certificate of Education Board from day one in 1994. As a result of hard work and a very high respect of hierarchy, Ba was promoted and appointed as Assistant Chief Examiner, ACE, for 770 AL Pure Mathematics with Statistics in 2009, a post he managed satisfactorily up to his demise.
Ba was a committed teacher of Mathematics, a subject that he always defended with all his efforts. He will do everything to let you understand that Mathematics is always in what you say and in what you do. As a specialist in AL Pure Mathematics with statistics, he always insisted on the in-depth treatment of statistical concepts for they are very useful and practical to mankind’s every day activities. Ba would put up very strong arguments either to defend or reject proposals made by candidates or examiners on some approaches used to solve problems in Mathematics for the sake of ensuring adequate understanding of basic concepts.
Ba loved arguments and he always argued seriously but ended up each argument with a broad smile and some advice to his colleagues, junior or senior.
Ba held the opinion that for teachers to teach well, they must be provided with the basic skills and materials and given better working conditions. Reasons why he was recently in a seminar in Limbe jointly organized by MINSEC and AIMS, to improve on his teaching skills, so that he can henceforth teach Mathematics differently.
Ba was a jovial character and his relationship with the examiners, especially the younger ones was very friendly and fatherly. He loved farming, lived a simple social life, interacting with all and sundry irrespective of your coordinates in the society. He enjoyed drinking and sharing with friends and colleagues, preferably in the evening after work and during such moments Ba will crack several jokes that will keep the company alive.
Ba, we were together in September 2020 during the last GCE marking session and you were quite strong. We didn’t get the news of your illness. The bomb news of your demise set our hearts on vibrations and they are still vibrating. We are really shocked and confused. It is like we are dreaming.
Nevertheless, we have faith that God has a plan for everyone. The vacuum you have created is a very big one. The 765 and 770 examiners and the Mathematics family at large will definitely have to endure the pains inflicted on them by your abrupt exit for a very long time. We pray that God should give you a peaceful rest and provide us and your family with an identical replacement.
Adieu Ba Nkom.
For and on behalf of the PMM and PMS GCE Examiners
Fon Akenji Akenji – CE 770 PMS

February 9, 2021

I will forever miss you Ba Nkom. I did not believe your departure from this world. It was too soon. I can still picture your face even though the mirror has been broken. On that dreadful day of (January 28, 2021) that you departed this world to join your ancestors it has not been same.
Ba Nkom you were the mirror of the Gwanyama's family, the Head of the House and the Ba as a matter of fact. Too young, too soon to depart from us. My solace is the fact that you will always drop me off at school, buy me coconut and tell me the funny stories as we drove to school. Every moments of your life is like a book on a path towards heavenly bliss..
Ba Nkom when I close my eyes the image of you is all I see. The summary of our togetherness to your exit lingers on my mind and its a memory that even death cannot erase…
Ba Nkom your departure is a transformation that life is vain and everything in it is vanity.
This death won’t separate us as I would soon grow old and exit just like you did and we meet again soon to continue as father and daughter. Then my son also would pay tribute to me like I am doing this morning to your blessed memory.
Rest in the Lord true soldier of faith Ba Nkom. (Coconut head).

February 8, 2021

Tribute to Ba Nkom from Lopti Sunday Ngom

Honourable Prof,
I'm still to come to terms with the fact that your sojourn in this orbit is over. I couldn't imagine that your journey to Douala for medication was for good. Your response to the Almighty's call leaves us in GHS Akum startled with the twists and turns of life. Indeed, a great man, a hero, our father, our 'Ba Nkom' as we fondly called you, and above all our teacher of great repute is gone. You made a world of Mathematicians who soar around our triangle with hard currency in their pockets and shared your good principles with your colleagues for the good of this nation. I call you honourable because you bothered about your students as physicians do about their patients. I call you honourable because you caught my attention in the GHS Akum staff with your unequalled rigour, humorous and insightful remarks. Your challenging observations/remarks in staff meetings were indeed central in redirecting colleagues' views of pedagogy and socialising. In all, you have exited both GHS Akum and this world with honour and deference. You are a paragon of humility; you taught us with humility in GHS Akum that happiness in life does not only come from obtaining terminal degrees ( you sought abortively for yours in Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria), occupying topmost posts(you were contented with your chalk in class and not the office), but also from being respectful and taking each day at a time with joy and with the belief that the Lord will provide by blessing our efforts.

We owe you more than you could ever imagine while you were here in this planet earth. We, therefore, supplicate you, Lord, not to judge our "Honourable Prof" according to what he deserves, but according to your infinite mercy and grace. Thus, admit him into your heavenly booth of your saints till we meet to part no more. Amen.

By Lopti Sunday Ngom
HOD English, GHS Akum

February 8, 2021

Tribute to Ba Nkom Orlando by Pa Lawrence Pufong.

The unbelievable and suddenness of your transition to eternity has shattered and left your family, siblings, children, friends and many others in complete distraught.
I am personally confused and greatly saddened. I had hoped to meet you on my return home to celebrate our children; Melaine Ndi, your granddaughter, and my son Robert Peghebe as well as their son Baby Rome.
However the Lord our God had other plans for you. Indeed, man proposes but God disposes . I believe He has greater use and need for you in paradise than we have for you here on earth.
Your intercessions from on high are more useful and important though your physical presence will always and forever will be greatly missed.
Your memory will forever remain green and celebrated for being a wonderful parent, an assembler and a peace maker, a charismatic and an inspiring person; as we pray for the repose of your soul.
Rest in Peace Ba Nkom Orlando Gwanyama.

February 8, 2021

Dear Gwanyama Family

I am a friend and classmate of Mrs. Patience Ndi, born Gwanyama. So l know how very deeply affected you all are concerning the passing away of your beloved Head of Family Ba Orlando Samgwa'a Gwanyama. I had never seen Pat cry because she jokes a lot and makes us laugh all the time . So when l heard her sobbing early in the morning l knew something terrible must have happened.

It is very heartbreaking to lose such an eminent and important personality . Please take heart and know that you are not alone in your grief.

May the Almighty grant Ba Orlando a safe and welcomed passage into His heavenly kingdom

From

Elsie Ngowo Effange-Mbella

February 8, 2021

My heartfelt condolences boh Pat and the Gwanyama family. Stay strong and be comforted by our Great Comfort who is all knowing. Orlando, this world is not our home, we are just passing by.You have played your own beautiful part and exited the stage to the Lord’s call. We are going to miss you, but the beautiful memories will forever be remembered. Asleep peacefully in the bosom of your Creator. Rest, Rest In Peace.

February 8, 2021

Accept our sincere condolences for this sudden and great loss in the family.I do remember Bakom with his broad smile and his curiosity to know what was happening around him at every given moment. He was very devoted to his teaching job with varied ambitions ,especially that of becoming a PHD holder in his subject matter. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

February 8, 2021

I was shocked to learn of your early exit Ba. You were my math teacher and subsequently you became more than a teacher to me, you became family. I remember you would always ask about my kids and how they were doing, you were a great listener, you referred to me as madame Bocande, you were a kind man and your smile was peculiar. The last time I saw you was along time ago, yet it always felt as if you were always present. You are going to be missed Baa and I cannot understand the pain your immediate family is going to feel during this period, I want to pray that the lord guide and direct them during this difficult period and above alll console them. RIP Baa

February 8, 2021

Ba-Nkom Gwanyama, we have racked our brains, wondering what happened. It’s hard to believe you have taken your exit from the Harvest Committee and you are now on a mission to the celestial city. You were so instrumental in fostering the work of this committee and the PCC as a whole.

Your vibrant nature, objectivity and a good sense of humour kept us on course as we did the work we were called to do . Unfortunately, you never carried the work to its logical conclusion because you had urgent and better services to perform in the Lord's vine yard. However, your positive contributions to the achievements of the 2020 Harvest Committee of P.C. Azire will remain forever engraved in our memories .
Adieu Ba-Nkom.

_From the 2020 Harvest Committee of Presbyterian Church Azire, Mankon-Bamenda._

February 8, 2021

You were the perfect loving brother/dad/grandad who prioritized everybody else's problems above yours.
I particularly remember/appreciate the time you left your young family behind and escorted me to Nigeria when I had to go study there for the first time.
I loved and will miss you so so much but I know you are in a better and peaceful resting place with the almighty.

February 8, 2021

O death, O death. Ba Nkom our father, brother, friend, go well. As you transition get everyone. May your and those of the faithful departed continue to rest in the lord.

February 7, 2021

Tribute From Na Nforgwi Gwanyama Florenace Gwanyebit

Dear Ba Nkom, your death has come to me as a big shock. I didn’t see this coming.
How my heart bleeds with your passing. I heard of your sickness just a few days ago but didn’t know it was death coming. Ooh what a world we live in. Ba Nkom, who have you left me with? Since the passing of Ba Gwanyebit, you were one of those consoling me to take heart and accept the will of God. Since then, we have worked together attending family matters and you were always present to represent at every family occasion. Where do we start, how can one accept this pain? No last words for me Ba Nkom? The sorrow is too much to bear but who am I to question God. I will submit and always bow to the Creator for He is the Alpha and the Omega, the giver and taker of life. I wipe my tears this very moment to appreciate God for the wonderful time we shared together. I will let the sweet memories take over and let you live on in my mind.
I will always remember your smiling face and I pray the good Lord accepts your soul and keep you with his angels in his heavenly bosom. Rest in Peace Ba Nkom and greet Ba Gwanyebit for me.
You will be greatly missed

Farewell Ba

Na Nforgwi Florence Gwanyama Bisanga Gwanyebit

February 7, 2021

My dear and beloved father, it is with much pain and emotion that I am writing this eulogy.

The news of your death on the 28th of January 2021 came to me as a massive blow felt deep within my bones. For the past couple of years, you have not always been at your best in the last days of January and mostly recover in first part of February. We used to talk, make jokes and laugh about it and I always prayed for February to come and pass with you not getting ill.

This December 2020, you sent me very nice and happy pictures you took with my daughters; I was very happy, but it brought me memories of the first time I saw my own grandfather the late Ba Nkom Gwanyama James Kanga Mukong when he came to visit us in Bamenda. In his words he asked me “Do you know who I am?” when I responded no; he said “I am your grandfather” hugging me. After that I only saw him alive sick in the hospital at St. Louis and later when he died. After seeing the beautiful pictures you sent me; I could only recall the scenario with my granddad; I was hoping that it won’t happen to my children as it did for me. Who are we to question God’s ways? What is Possible and Not Possible is not our concern; our concern is only to strive for what we want. This January 2021 has come and taken you along; you have left me with tears and courage ; we have always expected the best and planned for the worst. Even in your last days you only asked me to be courageous; little did I know you were moving forward.

Monsieur Wanga! (as we used to call ourselves based on the story of your French teacher who was known for saying Monsieur Wanga, depuis longtemps que ont se pas vu). You have done your work well! You prepared your path and left us in Order before departing. The life you gave me and my siblings, your ground zero support to family members, groups and friends; and the knowledge you impacted to students of higher and lower institutions in the North West Region. Luckily, I was twice your student; first in Longla College and later in the University of Bamenda; I know from firsthand and word of mouth that you simplified mathematics.

As consciousness continue to exist, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself; all your final fears have passed. As we all know death will come some day when we are called for a higher purpose by the Almighty. As the saying goes "it is not what happens to you in life; but how you interpret what happens to you" Your departure has created a gap to be filled with consciousness for higher performance and post traumatic progress.

I am sure that the Good Lord called you earlier over there to prepare a much better place for those of us you left behind. While wishing you further progress in God’s Heavenly Kingdom, may the Almighty God grant you Eternal Rest.

Extend my greeting to Granddad and Grandma

Fare well Monsieur!

You remain in our Hearts Forever and we will continue to love you. Until we meet again. Adios

Your Son
Palmer G. Gwanyama

February 7, 2021

My very dear Father,
It is with a very sad disposition that I am doing this. We-ehhhh Bankom, like play, like play you are gone? Without a word, without that your nice smile! Who is going to go to Mbot now? All those trips to Mbot with your high powered delegation!!!! All the laughter, all the foofoo and kati kati, the good wine, the sawyer, WaO!!! I can’t believe that you are no more.
You are going to be thoroughly missed, Ba Nkom. We loved you but God loves you more. Rest in peace ohhhhhhh. May God reward and award you for all the “Ambassadorial” trips you did for All of us. You did your work soooo well. It never crossed my mind that I’ll be talking about you in the past. You are too young Ba Nkom. Anyway, go you in peace. All the planning I used to do with you!!! All the meetings we used to have at Njamanjam with Papa Ni John Fomuso!! You never missed any of those planning meetings and you were always on time. I just know that God will give you an Award for a job well done. I wonder whether your father is happy that you have left us soooooo soon.
Dear Ba Nkom, rest in perfect peace.

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His Life

BIOGRAPHY OF BA NKOM GWANYAMA ORLANDO SAMGWA'A

February 27, 2021

Birth

Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando Samgwa'a was born on 21st September 1964 in Bali Nyonga to the late Ba Nkom Gwanyama James Kanga Mukong and late Mamun Lucy Gwanyama.

Early Education

For primary education, he attended Government School (G.S) Tikali, Bali and Cameroon Protestant College (C.P.C.) Bali for secondary education. There, he was always among the top three in his class. He further distinguished his brilliance when he won the Atekwana-Prize for the best Science student in Form Four. His outstanding performance qualified him for the award of the partial Government scholarship which was always given to his father to augment his school fees from Form Two through to Form Five. His mother had died when he was in Form One and his dad had sole responsibility for his education. Thus, he blazed a brilliant academic and conduct trail on completion from CPC Bali.

High School

CPC Bali became the launching pad for his academic ladder as he proceeded to the famous Government Bilingual High School (GBHS), Molyko, Buea, where again he left indelible footprints. He was in the first science batch of students there and continued as always to top his class. Consequently, it was no surprise that he produced the best GCE A/L results in the whole of the South West Province in 1984 as published in the Cameroon Tribune GCE A/L examination results for that year.

Further Education

Following his outstanding performance at the GCE A/Level, he proceeded to Ecole Normale Superieure (ENS) Bambili – University of Yaounde through a highly competitive exam but he was not very keen to take up the teaching profession. Given his intellectual prowess he foresaw brighter academic prospects in pursuing further university education and so, he put aside the ENS Bambili idea for the Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde, where he enrolled in the Physics Series. However, after profound contemplation and on the parental caution from his father and mentor, Ba Nkom James Mukong GWANYAMA , who re-iterated the famous adage that “A bird in hand is worth two in the bush”, after one month of studying Physics he finally decided to pursue the professional higher education course at ENS Bambili.

Professional Education

Paradoxically, on returning to ENS, Bambili, Orlando’s ranking was 12th. in the class during the first year, which was far below his usual high academic performance. He was challenged and determined that having finally decided to become a teacher, he had to be a teacher “par excellence”. In the 2nd and 3rd years he came 2nd in class after his friend (a brother) Mr. Jam Glory who always occupied the first position.

Professional Life

On completion of the Teacher training at ENS Bambili he was posted to GHS Jakiri. It was there that he got married to Ms Irene Fongwi Fomukong on 2 February 1991. They were blessed with three children Palmer, Dr. Noella and Dr. Bengyella. His thirst for knowledge was undiminished and he went to the “primus-inter-pares” University of Nigeria Nsukka where he pursued a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education.

Family Life

Orlando then took a break and concentrated on educating his own children, while carrying on with his teaching career as a renowned Mathematics and Statistics teacher at various colleges and High schools in Cameroon among which were G.H.S Jakiri, G.H.S Mankon, G.H.S Akum, CPC Bali and Longla High School among others.

His children have gone on to be successes in their various careers; Palmer is a holder of an MBA and a business mogul, Noella is a qualified and practicing Medical doctor and Bengyella is a qualified and practicing Veterinary Doctor.

Higher Education

Once he knew his children’s education was taken care of, he decided to pursue a Ph.D in Mathematics Education at the College of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. In the meantime, he taught Research Methods and Statistics at the University of Bamenda and at the time of his passing, he had just submitted his thesis and was making final preparations to go and defend his Ph.D at Ahmadu Bello University.

Professional Exams

He was also Assistant Chief Examiner for GCE "O" Level Mathematics. He always told his children to seek to gain knowledge because your knowledge is something that no one can ever control or take away from you.

Posterity

He was blessed with 6 grandchildren Gwanyama Chalmer, Gwanyama Kyira, Gwanyama Ajinikob, Mbusa Aretha-Gina, Gwanyama Samgwa'a and Samjela.

Traditional Responsibilities

As a Nkom and red-feather successor to his father, the venerable Ba’nkom Gwanyama, he handled his traditional responsibilities and family concerns as father and head of the extensive Gwanyama family with consummate maturity to the admiration of the entire Bali community stretching out to the various areas where his “children” were married. He was a member of various traditional groups; Nda Lela, Nsunyin and Nda Nchibi.

Social Life

Ba Nkom Gwanyama Orlando was a well-rounded member of society as evident from the many organizations and groups to which he belonged. He was an active member of several Alumni Associations – Bali Old Boys Association (BOBAN) (a BOB at heart) and Bilingual Grammar School Ex-students Association 'BIGSEA'. Professionally, he was a member of the MATHS TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION, GHS Akum Staff and Cameroon Teachers Trade Union 'CATTU'.

Spiritual Life

With regards to his spiritual life, Ba Nkom Orlando took his spiritual life very seriously and was a devout Presbyterian Christian. He worshiped in the Azire Presbyterian Church Bamenda and was an active and devoted member of the Christian Men Fellowship (CMF) group.

Final Farewell

Ba Nkom Orlando passed away on Thursday 28th January 2021 after a brief illness. He leaves behind his wife, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, in-laws, grandchildren and friends to mourn him.

He has left a gapping hole in our hearts that can never be filled because he was who he was, with all his unique qualities. We entrust him into Abraham’s bosom where he can now rest in eternal peace with his Maker.

We love you Daddy and you will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace Daddy

Ba Nkom loved Wine

February 7, 2021

I remember how late Ba Nkom will be teaching me how to identify good wine. When Ba Nkom was with Ma Helen, they will go through all the wines to determine the best.
Left to me, I’ll serve my juice. The memory of you teaching me how to identify good wine cannot leave me because you did with such passion for this daughter of yours who knew absolutely nothing about wines.

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