The venerated writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson once opined, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” This saying is an apt description of Tantoh Edison Fru Ndi, CEO of Dreamland Connect, who equally thinks that anything worth doing should be well done. It was thus not a surprise that many were called for the CENPA 2026 Awards for nation builders and Edison Fru Ndi won.
We are all aware that setting high standards is one thing, but exceeding them like Edison Fru Ndi often does is truly remarkable. Consequently, he remains a lighted candle on the lampstand, showing the way to an entire region.
Little wonder Edison Fru Ndi won the 2026 CENPA Award for championing economic and development initiatives in Cameroon’s crisis-hit North West Region. He was recognised particularly for his contribution to the realisation of Mutan Market, an initiative which, according to the Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association, CENPA, will help create hundreds of jobs for young Cameroonians.
The award was presented during the CENPA Awards Night at the GECAM André Siaka Hall in Bonanjo, Douala. The ceremony was chaired by Sir Dr Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, who praised the integrity of the award process and the association’s choice of recipients.
“This is not one of those events that you encourage those that have looted and pilfered from Cameroonians,” Nico Halle said.
He added that CENPA was made up of people committed to integrity and that the selection process had been thorough.
“CENPA is made up of people of integrity and they’re not here to flatter anybody. The selection was thorough and proper. You went for people of integrity,” Sir Dr Nico Halle thundered. He also highlighted the association’s charitable activities, describing CENPA as more than a professional organisation.
“CENPA is not just an association but a charitable organisation. They help the destitute, children of the poor,” he said.
Speaking during the ceremony, CENPA President, Kristian Ngah Christian, Publisher of The Guardian Post daily newspaper said the association has also been working to strengthen the capacity of journalists and sustain the print media.
He said CENPA has organised five training programmes, including sessions on how to sustain the print media and responsible media coverage of elections.
The association is also preparing an upcoming programme on elections reporting and the role of the media.
Kristian Ngah Christian said the awards were intended to recognise individuals and institutions whose work is having an impact on society.
“We are here to recognise some Cameroonians and institutions that have been impacting society. We recognise what you have been doing for society and it should continue. We are doing it as those who monitor the society.” Kristian Ngah added.
The recognition of Edison Fru Ndi comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts to promote economic activity and create employment opportunities in the Northwest Region, which has been affected by a prolonged crisis.
After completing the Mutan Market, Edison Fru Ndi and Dreamland Connect successfully completed the renovation of GBHS Bamenda Campus C which was done in less than the allocated time. Edison Fru Ndi continues to shine not just as an entrepreneur but as the Regional Delegate of the Chamber of Commerce for the North West Region.
