Bakah Derick, a seasoned journalist and media professional with nearly two decades of experience, continues to shine in the media industry. His work has earned him several prestigious awards and recognitions, with the most recent being the Agbor Balla Humanitarian and Human Rights Reporter of the Year Award at the 2024 Victoria International Media Merit Awards (VIIMMA).
The VIIMMA 2024 award, held in Douala, celebrated Bakah’s tireless efforts to spotlight human rights issues in Cameroon, particularly within conflict-affected regions. His work has consistently focused on amplifying the voices of marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, bringing to light their struggles and advocating for their inclusion in all aspects of life.
Beyond human rights, Bakah’s commitment to environmental issues earned him the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) North West Chapter-Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) Award for Environmental Protection Reporting 2024. This was during the CJTU awards Café to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day. His insightful and engaging reporting on environmental challenges in the region has contributed to raising public awareness about climate change, Bushfire and the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices.
Bakah’s versatility as a journalist is further showcased by his award for Sports Reporting, winning the CJTU North West Chapter-ANYE Nde Nsoh Memorial Award for Sports Reporting 2024. His detailed and captivating coverage of local sports events, especially those with strong community ties, has brought him further acclaim, underlining his ability to engage with diverse topics that resonate with his audience.
In 2023, Bakah was recognised by his peers for his commitment to journalistic integrity. He received the CJTU Award of Excellence for Standing Firm in Defence of the Canons of Journalism and Trade Unionism. This award dueing the 2023 World Press Freedom Day honoured his courage in upholding the ethical standards of journalism, even in the face of adversity.
His contributions to climate change reporting have also not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Bakah was named World Echoes Media Climate Change Journalist of the Year, an accolade that recognised his efforts to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on communities in Cameroon, and his advocacy for global action on environmental issues.
That same year, Bakah’s involvement in promoting local development initiatives was honoured by the Bamenda III Council. He received the Council Excellence Award for Outstanding and Selfless Contribution in Promoting Council Development Activities 2022, reflecting his close ties to the Bamenda community and his commitment to highlighting positive developments in the region.
Bakah Derick’s work continues to inspire not only fellow journalists but also the communities he serves. His achievements across diverse fields, humanitarian reporting, environmental protection, sports journalism, and trade unionism speak to his passion for making a difference through his craft. With each award, Bakah further cements his legacy as a media professional dedicated to championing truth, justice, and the welfare of all.
In addition to his recent accolades, Bakah Derick’s journey to recognition began much earlier in his career. In 2012, he was honoured with The Guardian Post Achievement Award for Best Journalist of the Year. This prestigious award celebrated his innovative approach to news gathering and reporting, as well as his exceptional command of the Queen's English, which set him apart in the field of journalism at the time. Further cementing his reputation, in 2017, he won the The Drum 12th Anniversary Most Outstanding Media Professional of the Year award. This recognition highlighted his professional aptitude and humility, qualities that have consistently defined his approach to media and communication.
By Asheri Loveline
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