For selfless services: Labour minister knights Bertoua-based Cameroon Tribune journalist, Pierre Chemete.

The dedicated Cameroon Tribune reporter based in the East regional capital, Bertoua, was decorated by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona.

This was during a ceremony organised as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state-run national bilingual daily newspaper, Cameroon Tribune, owned by the Cameroon News and Publishing Corporation, SOPECAM. 

The recent ceremony staged at the head office of the state corporation in Yaounde, was also attended by SOPECAM’s Board Chair who doubles as Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Joseph Le. 

It was also in the presence of the General Manager of SOPECAM, Marie-Claire Nnana, amongst other top-ranking officials. 

The 33-year-old journalist was awarded the labour medal for his devoted, loyal, and unwavering services rendered to the nation since joining the national bilingual daily in 2013. 

Speaking to The Guardian Post after receiving the award, the graduate of the Advanced School of Mass Communication, ASMAC, expressed joy to have been honoured with a silver medal. 

“I'm happy. I feel honoured by this medal which recognizes my modest services to the nation in my position as a journalist,” Chemete said. 

He further acknowledged that the recognition has further boost his commitment to the state corporation. 

“This recognition is a challenge for me to do more, according to our possibilities, to deserve other laurels tomorrow,” he stated, adding that: “I feel motivated to do so, and I will do everything in my power to deserve more”.

He was amongst some 266 employees were rewarded for their meritorious services to the corporation.

Chemete in a nutshell 

Born on February 10, 1989, in Tokombéré in the Far North Region, Chemete is a holder of a Bachelors Degree in Journalism obtained from ASMAC in 2012. 

Four years later, he defended a Master’s Degree in Management of Decentralised Territorial Collectivities at the Catholic University of Bertoua.

In his quest to broaden his knowledge and improve his capacities, Chemete took several training programmes related to peace journalism, politics, economics, development, election management, online journalism, and international relations. 

In this light, he underwent the Media Studies and Exchange Development Programme in China as part of the China International Press Communication Centre, CIPCC, in 2022. 

He contributes contents for Cameroon Tribune, Business Today, and other specialised publications of SOPECAM. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3170 of Tuesday July 16, 2024