The induction ceremony, held on January 11, 2024, at the Nkwen Baptist Church in Bamenda, marks a new chapter in the leadership of the 70-year-old institution
Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema has been inaugurated as the 15th Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention, CBC. The induction ceremony, held on January 11, 2024, at the Nkwen Baptist Church in Bamenda, marks a new chapter in the leadership of the 70-year-old institution. At 45, the Bokwango native from Buea in the South West Region becomes only the second Southwesterner to lead the CBC. Guided by the theme “Peace and Holistic Development,” Rev. Dr. Teke has pledged to prioritize inclusivity, unity, and growth within the church. Drawing inspiration from Acts 6:1-7, he outlined his vision for a church that values diversity and uplifts minority voices, expressing hope for a future where francophone members also take on leadership roles.
“The CBC belongs to all of us,” Dr. Teke declared. “My dream is to see a church that embraces its diversity, where francophone brothers and sisters can also aspire to leadership roles. Together, we will work for truth, equity, and holistic development.” The ceremony was presided over by outgoing Executive President Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne, who handed over the symbolic green stole of office. He urged Dr. Teke to remain rooted in scripture and address challenges with humility. Dr. Nditemeh, known for his efforts to empower minority groups, pledged to continue handling ongoing court cases involving the CBC to allow his successor to focus on leadership without distractions.
In his inaugural address, Rev. Dr. Teke called for reconciliation and urged members involved in legal disputes to withdraw their cases and resolve matters internally. He emphasized the need for unity as the church moves forward from a turbulent period marked by public controversies. “We are a family, and our disagreements should not divide us,” he said. “Let us come together to find solutions that honor our shared faith and mission.”
The induction also ushered in a new leadership team, including Chairman Kongor John Kwa, a retired principal, and Vice Chair Caroline Monte, a public health expert pursuing her PhD. Together, they aim to expand the church’s reach and promote inclusive development. As the CBC prepares to celebrate its “Year of Jubilee” in 2025, Rev. Dr. Teke’s administration faces the dual challenge of repairing the church’s image and reinforcing its mission of spreading the Gospel. With a focus on equity and reconciliation, his leadership promises to usher in a new era of growth and transformation for the CBC.
