In a tribute to the unsung heroes of journalism, spoken word artist and poet Tani Awa, also known as Mottanni, penned a stirring poem that captures the essence of dedication, courage, and resilience exhibited by press men and women in the North West region in particular and worldwide.
Entitled "Dear Abakwa Press Men and Women," the poem pays homage to the fearless individuals who tirelessly uphold the principles of truth, transparency, and accountability in their pursuit of informing and enlightening society.
With outstanding verses, Mottanni extends his appreciation to journalists in the crisis hit North West Region of Cameroon, specifically acknowledging their commitment to shedding light on the realities of everyday life despite the challenges of the armed conflict.
The poem not only celebrates the tireless efforts of journalists but also honours the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their pursuit of truth. Names of revered journalists, both living and departed, are woven into the fabric of the verses, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those they have touched.
Mottanni's tribute is a reminder of the invaluable role played by journalists in safeguarding democracy, championing human rights, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, his words goes across as a call to action to defend the fundamental principles of a free and independent press.
Mottanni extends greetings to all journalists, affirming their indomitable spirit and commitment to the pursuit of truth. His poetic ode serves as an indication to the enduring power of words and the profound impact of journalism in shaping our collective consciousness.
By Bakah Derick
Email: debakah2004@yahoo.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
Here is the full poem
Write a news feature for a website about this poem writen by spoken word artist and poet Tani Awa aka Mottanni
Dear press Men and Women
A trowey salute for all wuna
Abakwa no fit die
While you are able to breathe
Because you baba Abakwa
for ya back like ya own fine pikin
You go continue for di shine
Your Energy no fit ever short
God bless you
God bless Abakwa
Choves Loh,
Ngobesing Suh Romanus,
Chris Mbunwe,
Nfor Francis
Today I celebrate you
You who have taken upon the fate to uplift my state
get me abreast of the daily happenings
Of our beloved city, the planet to help me understand whats astake
Grace Ngwafor,
Jeff Ngawe,
Colbert Nfor
Emmanuel Woloko,
Clementine Njang Yong
Today I celebrate your words
For they have been a beacon of light
in my darkest night
Shining bright, unveiling the hidden from sight
Exposing wrongs and shedding light on what is right
Nothing can resist your will
For you stake even your existence
on you stated purpose for good
Kebua Charles,
Mbuh Catherine
Sylvia Waindim
Ngongsong Jean Marie,
Juliette Afunui
Today I celebrate you
Your passion, that fire than burns deep within
The flame that guides you as you seek to win
our hearts and minds with each line
Your dedication , a testament of your craft
Your commitment to truth and you love for facts
Nji Ignatius,
Bih Sylvia,
Anyi Collins Anyi,
Ngeh Gerald(Uche)
I celebrate you
With each report, you weave a tapestry so fine,
A master piece of words, a work of art so fine
Your pen, the sword that cuts the noise and grime
With little or no pay, no social insurance
Lack of information act, Insecurity on all sides
Disrespect, In the face of oppression/danger
You still risk your life to run towards ,
standing tall, so you could relate every scenario to me,
so I can avoid the fall,
Your voice raised, your pens never still
Making me conscious of my environment
and its challenges, my mind, for you believe
freedom of the press is freedom for all
If a person has not found what they are willing to die forthen they are not worth living is your mantra
as right information dessimination is your passion.
So today I celebrate
Samuel Wazizi
Anye Nde Nsoh,
Pa Gideon Takarh,
Mac Chi, for their spirit lives on in you and me
I celebrate
Sah Terence Animbom,
Wawa Jackson Nfor,
Akumbom Elvis Mccarthy,
Tim Finnian,
Kingsley Fomunyuy Njoka,
Nimpa Francis,
Ambe Macmillan, your resilience we hail
Fung John,
Etoh George,
Pikin for Muma Mary Muma Jude,
Raymond Dingana,
Big brother Jato Richard Tonga,
Pikin For Mac Chi, Bob wey e don blow, Kebila Junior,
Bakah Derick,
Fame Bunui,
Mercy Kusi,
voice of the voiceless
Dear press Men and Women
A trowey salute for all wuna
Abakwa no fit die
While you are able to breathe
Because you baba Abakwa for ya back like pikin
You go continue for di shine
Your Energy no fit ever short
God bless you
God bless Abakwa
Abakwa no fit die
While you are able to breathe
Happy World Press Freedom Day
Mottanni
Poet|Spoken Word Artist|Voice Artist
699 444 555|679400486
desmonddestiny@gmail.com