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

The award night, held in Yaounde Thursday July 25, was attended by national and international dignitaries, including government ministers.

The CENPA award jury, headed by revered lawyer, Barrister Akere Muna, said during the Yaounde ceremony that Asong Ndifor was being distinguished “…for using his decades of journalistic experience to write insightful and perceptive editorials daily, for The Guardian Post that contribute to nation building”.

It was the second time in less than a year that Pa Asong was bagging the award of the country’s most celebrated print media editorialist.

Described as a man of few words, Asong Ndifor writes with a fascinating economy of words that leaves a lasting impression in the minds of readers.

Known for his mastery of informed commentary, Asong Ndifor is a witty writer and a wordsmith.

As one of Cameroon’s most respected and influential print media editorialists, Asong Ndifor is admired for the rigour he brings to his work, his choice of words and the logic that accompanies his writings.

In June this year, organisers of Life Time Achievement Award for Nation Builders, conferred the Gold Category Award on Asong Ndifor.

The award had recognised Asong, a British Chevening Alumnus in Journalism, as "All-Round Best Editorialist" in the country for 2023.   

Speaking after receiving the award, Asong Ndifor had said he was dedicating the prize 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," Asong Ndifor said then.

He continued that: "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 added.

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 added that even if they are not recognised by society, God will.

The stuff Asong Ndifor is made of 

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 done 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. He was 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 media chain in Lagos. 

Upon his return to Cameroon, Asong Ndifor served as the Editorial Coordinator of the now defunct The Herald newspaper. 

He also briefly edited the English version of Le Messager newspaper. 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.

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3192 of Wednesday August 07, 2024