The Guardian Post’s Asong Ndifor wins All-round Best Editorialist Award.

The prestigious award was handed to Asong Ndifor at the private library of his Liberty Garden residence in Mutengene, by the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Life Time Media Group, Tim Finian.

Speaking after receiving the award, Asong Ndifor said he was dedicating it to The Guardian Post Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Ngah Christian Mbipgo, and his editors for giving him the opportunity to continue to refresh his journalism skills.

"But for The Guardian Post, I do not think the organisers of the award would have fished me out from my Garden for this humble recognition, though it isn't the first in a career that has spanned through Africa, Europe and North America for some 48 years," a visibly-elated Asong Ndifor said.

"As an editorialist glued to a chair and reading some 10,000 words from various sources and fact-checking to write an editorial of some 1,000 words daily, is not as exciting and fulfilling as being a reporter on the beat with all its thrills and challenges. An editorialist isn't the best position in the profession," he said during the solemn ceremony.

Asong, 73, said young reporters will not regret if they emulate his example of a committed life that brings moral authority to the profession in serving humanity. He adds that even if they are not recognised by society, God will.

Affectionately called Pa Asong at The Guardian Post, Asong Ndifor is a British Chevening Alumnus in Journalism. He has worked for Cameroonian, Nigerian, British and United States media organs in various capacities and extensively travelled around the world.

The holder of post-graduate Diploma in Journalism, from the University of Cardiff, UK, has reported and did editing for media houses such as the Voice of America, VOA, the Washington-based Global Integrity, African Winner, New Africa, West African Tourism magazine and African Development Magazines.  

Asong Ndifor has served on the National Press Card Issuing Board, pioneer National Secretary General of Cameroon Association of English-speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, and National President of Cameroon Association of Commonwealth Journalists.

He has been resource person in various courses such as Election Reporting, financed by the Commonwealth Press Union, Malaria and the
Media. It was sponsored by Bill Gates Foundation among others.

He returned to Cameroon in 1990 after 10 years as West African correspondent for the London-based International Communication mediachain in Lagos. Upon his return to Cameroon, Asong Ndifor served as the Editorial Coordinator of the now defunct The Herald newspaper. 

He is also briefly edited the English version of Le Messager. He has been serving as Editorialist at The Guardian Post for close to ten years. 

Asong Ndifor is currently the Tiko Chapter President of CPC Bali Old Boys Association. He also holds a traditional title of "Nkem," loosely translated as Adviser to Royalty in his mother's Lebialem Division.

Asong Ndifor said such recognisions and positions have been due to his dedication and commitment to the profession in which he always takes side with the truth.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3142 of Tuesday June 18, 2024