At institution’s 8th literary award: FEICOM DG drums more creativity to improve local dev’t.

He made the call in Yaounde, Wednesday. This was during a ceremony to hand prizes to winners of the 8th edition of the FEICOM Literary Award.

Camille Akoa said this year’s edition aligned with celebration of the 50th anniversary of FEICOM that has been on since 2024. 

Participants in the literary exercise wrote on the theme: “The post-fiftieth anniversary FEICOM: What prospects for a harmonious development of decentralized collectivities?”

He said the topic offered opportunity for inspired staff to take a retrospective look at the institution. Camille Akoa noted that they reflected on what is on ground and what is expected of FEICOM in the future.

Camille Akoa disclosed that 18 entries were received from Oyono Oyono Raymond Calvin, Abanda Belinga Ambroise, Yuven Evans, Elokobi James, Mani Lucien, and Ndima Ndzana Guy Rodrigue.

Other competitors were; Essomba Mathieu, Tatangang Mbifih Dilys, Ngandir Ndanga Sylvestre Serge, Laure Gisele Mefan, Nkodo Frederique Marcelle and Balla Adrien Roger, Cheo Bertrand, Elangwe Robert Ngoe, Tchougan Tchapchit Marce, Alhadji Oumar, Ntimbena Anyouzoa Jean Elvis and Bankoue Nancy Larissa.

The DG stated that the writers proved that FEICOM had entered a new era given the monumental achievements of the last decades especially in accelerating local development.

Putting the future in perspective, the DG said there is need for innovative management, and best practices. He said thanks to cohesion, within the institution, FEICOM has stood the test of time.

Such momentum, he noted, will continue in the coming years with or without a change in leadership. Camille Akoa restated the need to keep the mission to transform rural communities alive.

8th literary award winners

The President of the award jury, Ngane Suzanne, said after careful vetting by members of the jury, drawn from the Ministry of Arts and Culture, publishing house, Editions Ifrikiya, and FEICOM; five persons emerged winners.

These, she said, are: Elokobi James, who won the first prize with a cash prize of 300,000; Nkodo Frederique Marcelle won the second prize earning 250,000 FCFA. 

Ngandir Ndanga Sylvestre Serge, won the third prize. She went home with 200,000, FCFA. The winner of the fourth prize, who smiled home with 150,000 FCFA was Laure Gisele Mefan. Balla Adrien Roger took home 100,000 FCFA for the fifth prize.

One of the winners, Elokobi James, said he wrote on: “Whispers of the Seasons: Fifty years on”. Elokobi told The Guardian Post that his essay traced FEICOM’s path in the last 50 years.

Elokobi also stated that he looked at the institution’s impact of the in rural communities with its additional responsibilities and what the future holds.

Elokobi who said it was his second shot at the competition after he submitted an entry four years ago and won the fifth prize.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3708 of Thursday February 19, 2026