Bwiam recently lost one of its industrious sons that had worked for peace and uplifted the lives of others.
Marcel Jinage Badji died recently and was laid to rest in Bwiam on Tuesday December 1st with thousands of sympathisers in attendance.
The late Marcel Jinage Badji was born on 21st May 1951 in a village called Allakunda in Foni Bandali District. He attended schools in Bwiam and ended up at St. Augustine's High School. He entered College in 1970 and was trained as a teacher. He taught in Basse for four years and then to Saint John Vienney Primary at Bullock in 1977. He became a headmaster in the same school. In 1986, he became deputy headmaster at St. Edward's Primary School in Bwiam.
The late Marcel Jinage Badji moved to work with Fr. Philip Crowe in the St. Joseph's Family Farm Centre in Bwiam in 1993, and rose through the ranks to become the Director after a few years, a position he held until his death. He studied in Ireland at Kimmage Manor and obtained a Diploma in Development.
Many have described him as a man of high integrity, deeply dedicated and committed to his duties and responsibilities.
According to his family, he never wanted to hurt anyone he came in contact with. He looked for ways to solve problems.
"On his hospital bed he showed his concern to his children and others while in agony," says Mrs. Anna Sally Badji, his wife.
Addressing thousands of sympathisers, Reverend Fr. David Jimoh Jarju said "Marcel has what it takes to be a gentleman with a sense of justice, he went beyond what justice demands."
Fr. Jarju urged people to change their ways and embrace peace. "A straight branch does not last long on a tree," he concluded.