Min. Felix Mbayu Honours Late Mother Through Prize for Educational Reporting

Mayor Peter Chenwi, Minister Felix Mbayu Representative Handing Award to Bakah Derick.

The role of education as a driver of social equity and the responsibility of the media in promoting informed societies were strongly emphasized on Friday January 16, 2026. This was during the North West Media Forum organized by the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), Bamenda Chapter.

Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth.

The event, which was held at the Banquet Hall of the Admiralty Hotel in Upstation Bamenda, featured the presentation of The Monica Chunji Mbayu Prize for Educational Reporting, sponsored by Minister Felix Mbayu, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth.

Mayor Peter Chenwi, Representative of Minister Felix Mbayu Presenting a Message from the Minister.

Speaking through his personal representative, Peter Chenwi, Mayor of Bamenda II Council, Minister Felix Mbayu described education as “the most powerful social equalizer” capable of giving every child, regardless of background, the chance to succeed through merit and knowledge.

Mayor Peter Chenwi, Minister Felix Mbayu Representative Handing Award to Neba Jerome.

The Minister explained that the prize was established in memory of his late mother, Monica Chunji Mbayu, to honour the values she upheld and her strong belief that education provides dignity and opportunity. He further stressed that journalism plays a central role in this process, noting that educated journalists go beyond reporting facts to produce educative content that enlightens, empowers, and guides communities toward informed decision-making.

According to the Minister’s message, supporting educational reporting is an investment in a more informed, responsible, and progressive society. He commended journalists in the North West Region for their positive communication, which he said has contributed to peace and stability, and extended New Year wishes while pledging continued support to the media.

Sah Terence Animbom, President, CAMASEJ Bamenda Chapter.

Announcing the winners, Sah Terence Animbom, President of CAMASEJ Bamenda Chapter, revealed the results of the competition for the Monica Chunji Mbayu Prize for Educational Reporting.

According to him, Bakah Derick emerged as the overall winner with a score of 85.8% for his report titled “The Presidential Questions: Can Cameroon give every child a real chance to be educated?” Sylvia Waindim followed with 85% for “Classrooms under fire, minds unbroken,”.

North West Governor, Others Immortalize Event.

While Neba Jerome Ambe secured third place with 84.4% for “Education Under Siege: Candidates in Esu braving Insecurity to write GCE.” A Special Mention was awarded to Mbuh Stella, who scored 76.6% for her report “Lessons under fire.”

Mayor Peter Chenwi, Minister Felix Mbayu Representative Handing Award to Sylvia Waindim.

The forum was attended by the North West Governor, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, the Regional Delegate of Communication, Njike Celestine, the personal representative of the Minister of Communication, the national president of CAMASEJ, Jude Viban, mayors, and media professionals from across the region and beyond.

The North West Media Forum concluded with a renewed call for journalists to continue using their platforms to promote education, peace, and development through responsible and impactful reporting.