The Guardian Post NW/West Bureau Chief wins Environmental Protection Reporting Award.

The recognition is part of an award of excellence that was organised by the North West Chapter of the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union, CJTU, in Bamenda.

The environmental reporting award was jointly organised by CJTU North West Chapter and environmental protection non-governmental organisation, the Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch, CAMGEW. 

The award ceremony was mainly to recognise efforts of journalists working in the North West Region and to pay tribute to fallen colleagues who passed away.

The award ceremony was chaired by CJTU North West President, Nji Ignatius. Also present were representatives of different media organs and some authorities.

Mboh thanks management, promises to do more

After receiving the award, Mboh Promise said he was happy to have been selected by members of the jury. He thanked CJTU and CAMGEW for recognising his work.

"I'm super excited because this is actually my first recognition since I started my professional career about three years ago. This is just a reminder to me that I am on the right path, and for me to do more. Special appreciation to CJTU and CAMGEW for such a beautiful award," Mboh said.

He recounted having developed passion for environmental reporting, while he was still a student in the university. 

“I published some stories in this domain while volunteering with Transcontinental Times,” Mboh said. 

Timely recognition

According to Mboh, the award is very timely as it falls in line with this year's World Press Freedom Day theme: “A press for the planet: Journalism in the face of environmental crisis". 

“It is also a reminder to us media practitioners that we have as responsibility, to sensitise the population on the importance of protecting the environment,” he said. 

The award ceremony, which was in two faces, saw six journalists awarded by CJTU, in the categories of: Peterkins Manyong Memorial Award for Political Reporting, Eric Motumu Memorial Award for Critical Writing and others. 

There was also the Environmental Protection Award funded by CAMGEW. Six journalists won in this category.

CJTU NW President planning big for 2025

During the event, CJTU North West Chapter President, Nji Ignatius, said in 2025, the award ceremony shall double that of this year. He said the categories shall be added and prizes doubled.

While acknowledging the fact that the CJTU award was in memory of some great journalists who passed away, Nji also challenged practicing journalists in the Region to take interest in environmental reporting.

"We need to double our reporting on issues that have to do with the environment because as journalists, we are part of the society. So, when you move around, you don't need to look only at what authorities are saying or doing. Environmental journalism is what is selling today,” Nji said.

About Mboh Promise

Mboh Promise is a professional journalist who hails from Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication and Development Studies from the University of Bamenda.

While still in the university, Mboh volunteered with several media organs, including Transcontinental Times, Arreyb Media, Municipal Updates and others. 

In 2020, he emerged one of the best interns at The Guardian Post newspaper. In August 2021, he was recruited as a reporter to serve in the North West Bureau, a position he held until May 2023, when he took over as the North West/West Bureau Chief.