The Cameroon English Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA) has organized its inaugural award night at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in the media industry and the public. The event, which honoured close to 25 journalists, media professionals, and organizations, was marked by the presence of high-profile personalities.
In his opening remarks, Ngah Christian Mbibgo, President of CENPA, explained that the celebration was not just about recognizing individual achievements but more about highlighting the crucial role that media workers play in our society. Journalists and media professionals hw said are the unsung heroes who inform, educate, and inspire the public. By acknowledging their efforts he noted CENPA is also recognizing the impact they have on their communities and the broader society.
One of the evening's highlights was the award for Best Critical Writer, presented to Colbert Gwain, the writer of the The Colbert Factor. Gwain's work, which critically examines day-to-day happenings in Cameroon, has been lauded for its insightful analysis and courageous commentary. He received his award from Professor Felix Zogo, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Communication, who represented the Minister of Communication.
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of Ngah Christian as the Best Print Media Manager, whose leadership at The Guardian Post Newspaper has set a high standard in the industry. Christian runs a printing press that operates seven days a week, pays regular salaries, and even maintains an office in Washington, DC, thus highlighting his commitment to professional excellence and international engagement.
The Guardian Post Newspaper itself was celebrated as the Best English Language Newspaper, further solidifying its reputation in the media landscape. Other notable awards included The Post, which was recognized as the Best Anglo-Saxon Styled Print Media, and Kolle George Nkume (PhD) who was awarded Best Radio Pidgin Newscaster for his work at.Mount Cameroon FM in Buea and beyond.
Additional honourees included:
Best TV Journalist: Bennen Buma
Best Local Councils Reporting Print Media: Municipal Updates
Best TV News Presenter: Ben Meno Pufong
Best Investigative Journalist: Nalova Akua
Best Radio Sports Journalist: Rene Katche
Best TV Sports Reporter: Daniel Ekonde
Best TV Pidgin Newscaster: Smart Njikang Gabriel, also known as Ambassador
Best Print Media Journalist: Maxcel Fokwen
Fastest Growing Newspaper: The Voice
Most Authoritative Newspaper: The Median
Best Environment Reporting: Eco-Outlook
Most Resilient Print Media: The Sun
Best Radio Journalist: Albert Njie Mbonde
Best Sports Web Site Kick442.com
Media personality of the Year Joe Chebonkeng
And others
Barrister Akere Muna, President of the Jury, addressed the audience, explaining the rigor of the selection process. Accorsing to him,, the jury faced a challenging task due to the high caliber of nominees. The jury he said, was meticulous in the evaluations to ensure that the most deserving candidates were honoured.
The event also featured special recognitions, including an award to Minette Libom Lilikeng, Minister of Post and Telecommunications, for promoting digitalization in Cameroon. Minister Delegate in charge of the Commonwealth at the Ministry of External Relations, Mbayu Felix, was awarded for his humanitarian endeavors.
By Bakah Derick
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