For selfless service to nation: Customs communication director, Ekoube Jean-Claude, knighted.

He was knighted during the ceremony to celebrate the 2026 International Customs Day. The event held at the Yaounde 101 Airbase, was chaired by the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze.

During the ceremony, Ekoube was honoured alongside several other outstanding staff of the Finance ministry administration.

The Knight of the National Order of Valour medal was affixed on Ekoube by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu.

Speaking at the end of the ceremony, the happy recipient expressed gratitude to the past and current customs hierarchy for giving him a platform to serve the nation with honour and valiance. 

Ekoube also confessed that the national medal marks a key point in his career and remains resolute in serving the state in the best of his abilities in his sectors. 

“I am so delighted to receive this honour from the Head of State and national champion. It shows that the work I have been committing to for the past close to two decades has not gone unnoticed,” Ekoube said, while admitting that the road has been tedious but his determination kept him going.

“My family is proud for this medal, and I promised to keep bring glory to them as I serve the nation,” he added, before expressing his appreciation to his collaborators and especially those of the Customs Communication unit and especially the Customs hierarchy for their trust placed in him. 

It should be recalled that Ekoube’s works at the customs department has won him several awards and recognitions from the state to local initiatives. In 2024, the Customs department communication unit under Ekoube guide, distinguished itself by winning the Best Talent Cameroon Award, an honorary distinction that recognizes innovation, impact, and performance in the public and private sectors. 

Its selection as a finalist for the 2025 edition, competing against entities such as Brasseries du Cameroun and CAMWATER, demonstrates the strength and relevance of its long-term commitment. 

After the official ceremony at the Yaounde 101 Military Airbase, Ekoube Jean Claude offered a thanksgiving mass at his Biteng Residence. This culminated in a dinner as hundreds of friends, family members, colleagues and partners travelled from far and wide to honour the recently knighted Ekoube. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3690 of Sunday February 01, 2026