Go and Rest Auntie, Becky Ndive We Will Miss You!

Written by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I barely dried my tears following Michael Jackson's death only to learn about Becky Ndive's passing on!

Devastated!

So I thought: what a cruel world we live in ! Is it so cruel that some "STARS "can no longer bear but pass on to a world beyond? Otherwise, how can Auntie Becky ( like she was fondly called) die when she was always so full of life?

She would weep for others and sympathise with many!
She would visit you if you were sick!
She would cheer you up if you were feeling low!
She would joke even when no one expected her to.

She would tell you to 'keep up the good work and be there for listeners and viewers'
She would make you feel proud of yourself in a 'house' where others hardly did same!

She was such a warm person in an environment where such charateristics were lacking. When I was appointed deputy service head in-charge of coordinating CRTV's provincial radio progammes and sent to work at CRTV's National Station (2005), Auntie Becky opened her arms and heart to welcome me. I presented Luncheon date, a CRTV national radio magazine programme which Auntie Becky Ndive used to coordinate to great acclaim.

She joined me in the studio on many ocassions to present 'LIVING WITH AIDS' - a regular health feature she produced and presented every Wednesday on "Luncheon Date". Whenever she came into the studio I was most humbled by how much she gave to satisfy the listeners .

She often had very kind words for her younger colleagues and would urge us not to relent. Like she once told me " I di come go retirement so wona need for continue the work".

She was full of concern. She would call me after broadcasts of the CRTV television breakfast show - 'HELLO' - to give me feedback. One day she told me ' You make me not to leave my house early in the morning because I have to stay and watch TV until you are done with the programme".

She had a style and knew so well how to touch her listeners and viewers! I remember on one edition of the Wake Up Show on CRTV National Station, the sportscaster told a story about one of Cameroon's footballers buying a number of motor-bikes for youths of the under-privileged neighbourghood in which he grew up on the condition that they report each with 1000 FCFA daily to his mother. "Ma mami eh who give dat kind money, na dey Becky don rich!,"Auntie Becky exclaimed (almost instinctively). That was her style!

She was fun to talk to! She had the kind of voice you would love to listen to!

I last spoke to Auntie Becky in early May 2009. I had called to say ' thank you auntie for the love, care and support shown me and my family' . But she responded to my telephone call from a hospital bed. Saddened, I told her I wished I were home to pay her a visit but she said (softly) 'go my daughter , I miss watching you on TV and getting you on the radio but I understand you had to move on, take care of yourself and the family '.

I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I look back. How can I hold back the tears?

Not when I think of how you used to call me 'your daughter and daughter in law ' and refer to my hubby as your 'son' ?

Not when I think of how you were a source of inspiration to my daughter when she was called up to be 'The Moderator' of a debate presented by the nursery section of her school! She still remembers meeting and talking to you about that debate.

How can I forget that you loved 'THE DEBATE' on CRTV and continued to handle it even when it was "retirement time"? What a legacy!

How can I forget your passion for women and gender issues? A passion we both shared. You were not just a journalist and a senior colleague. You were much more.

How can I forget the pleasant surprises you often had for me? Like the lovely gift you brought back from the UK. You said it was to keep your son's wife "sparkling" on TV and that is how "Bakweris take care of their wives!".

Go Auntie! Go and finally get some rest!

But we will miss you sorely.

Michael Jackson, dead! Hard to Believe It!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

I had been looking forward to his "come back" this July (2009) only to learn of his sudden death!

Michael Jackson was loved by many, kids and adults alike. He was an icon and a role model .

I remember watching Michael Jackson when I was growing up and wishing I could dance like he did.



In my first year in secondary school I performed "We Are The World" during a welcome show for form one students. That was a dream fulfilled!



All across the world Michael Jackson touched the hearts of many. He was an extraordinary singer and performer and won thirteen Grammy Awards during his career. He was so talented!
We loved him, loved the dance, the songs, the clips, the outfits!

Beyond his successful musical career this Pop Star had a plethora of issues to grapple with over the years.

Perhaps CNN's Larry King summed it all when he said "It was hard to love him and hard not to love him".

Would there be another Michael Jackson to set the world dancing?

How Can I Thank Mother?

Written & Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Mothers are so special!
So do they know how to make theirs feel special.

Role models they are to many of theirs,
Sacrifices they make on behalf of theirs!

How can I hold back my grateful tears, mother?
How can I ever pay you for all these years, mother?
How can I make the world know you've been a blessing all these years, mother?

Your love has been constant.
Your love has been my rock.
Your love has been my fuel.

You are my refuge and my stronghold!
You are worthier than gold.
You are my pride!

Mother you deserve the best!
For you have been the best!
You have equally given me the best.

For bringing me forth to the world, I say thank you.
For the days you couldn't eat because I needed more food, I say thank you.
For staying awake because of me, I say thank you.
For all you have done to make me a better "me", I say thank you.

I know I can never thank you enough mother!
But I'm certain I can offer you my love, mother!
I know I can also pray for you, mother!

Let the heavens open up for continuous pouring of blessings on you!
May it always rain gold on you.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

I Google Searched Myself! Terrific what I saw !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

As a Journalist/ Mass communicator it behoves me to gather and disseminate information on a wide range of issues. This implies searching for the information , interviewing people, writing news stories , reporting the stories, producing and presenting the news plus programmes among other things. On many occasions therefore I have been the interviewer and not the interviewee. In other words- the one asking the questions rather than providing the answers but for the few instances when some Cameroonian newspapers and magazines turned the spotlight on me.

This morning I attempted a google search of my names and whaaoooo! Terrific -the tons of literature I found on the Internet following the search! And so I was able to once more read through an interview granted me (in 2005) by the Post newspaper and published in it's edition of Thursday 28 July 2005. Meet Mabi Azefor Jack of All Journalism .

So much has changed in my career life after that interview for in November 2005 I was appointed Deputy Service Head in charge of CRTV's Provincial Radio Programmes , thus moving from Douala to Yaounde-CRTV's National Radio Station.

In February 2006, I appeared on TV (Cameroon's National Television) as the Pioneer Presenter of CRTV's breakfast show HELLO- a moment many of my fans will live to remember.

( Mabi on hello set with Rev. Angela Acha-Morfaw plus floor manager setting the stage-Feb 2006 )

In the course of time, I was appointed Chief of English Language TV-Programmes (Jan 2008). (Mabi on hello set- July 25, 2006)

As I "throw-in -the-towel" as well as celebrate the path so far covered I'll relish sharing some of my interviews, newspaper articles, videos and photos with you as I continue to blog for these form part of Mabi's World

Try This, It's Easy!

Posted by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

My daughter returned from school the other day and requested I help repair the zip of her friend's pencil case. While in school the zipper had given way and she promised her friend she could ask her mum to help repair it.

Once home she asked me "Mum could you please help fix my friend's pencil case?She loves it so much and she was so sad in school when it got bad" .

At first I didn't know what to tell her! Then she went on to say "please mum I know you can do it , just use your sewing machine and sew it."

In fact I was wondering how I was actually going to put back the zip, given that I had never sewn a pencil case before.

At least I knew how to fit in a zip on a dress so I told her I was going to completely take out the old zip and fit it another one so her friend would be able use the pencil case again.

Just like my daughter had suggested, I was able to help fix the pencil case.

When I took a closer look at the pencil case I noticed it looked too small and faded so I decided to attempt a new one.

This is what I came up with!

The following day my daughter took both the old and the new pencil case to school and handed them to the friend. She was simply over joyed.

Since then a few others have equally asked me to make pencil cases for them.

This reminds me of many mothers out there who take delight in putting their passions, talents and time to use, for the good of entire households and communities when the need arises.

Arts and Craft: What They Sometimes Portray!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

If you live in or travel to Africa very often then you certainly are familiar with Africa’s great works of art and craft. Some of the crafts and artisan objects originate from the continent’s rich and diversified culture. Others attempt to depict everyday life, humanity, attitudes, believes, myths and realities. Perhaps that’s the beauty behind every piece of art!


While on the field as a culture desk reporter (2003-2005), I had the chance of interviewing a cross section of artists and artisans so too did my love for art and craft increased. Often I sought to understand what some works of art actually signified. For instance a painting could carry a message of hope. Sometimes that of suffering or love; to name but these.
I must admit my love for arts and craft has kind of doubled over time. Every piece I come across I tend to appreciate it and sometimes I would purchase it. I equally take delight in snapping or filming some of them. I sometimes put my imagination to test by crafting something! I may not be good at craft but I guess I could make an appreciation of what I see!

This is perhaps the most annoying piece of art/craft I have ever come across. I walked into an “open- air African designed restaurant”, decorated with beautiful calabashes and nice paintings; depicting a typical African village setting. Behold I saw these “nude-feminine-structured works of art”.
I pulled out my camera to get some shots I would use on my blog. As I took these photos I noticed some Europeans were doing same and I kept wondering why some artists would rather portray "nude feminine objects" as if that’s all a woman’s got to show! Unfortunately some artists/sculptors are specialized in carving such pieces!

“She” is rather decent. In most African cultural and traditional settings the woman is obliged to cover her body (at least her private) while in public just like the man. Ironically, many works of art that seek to portray African men, are hardly left unclad (if not partially).
This is a case in point (a photo I took at the same venue).

Generally, I hold women in high esteem not just because I am a woman ! A woman is worth respecting! She has many virtues known to many of us. Of course as a human being she has her own weaknesses! That notwithstanding I believe she is a lovely human being, full of dignity! Seemingly and unfortunately so, the "woman" is yet to completely wipe off the "negative and sometimes indecent tags" her society continues to put on her. If only she could be perceived by many (especially artists)from a more decent perspective, perhaps…………………..!!!!!!!!!

Stop! Reflect and Pay Tribute to Women the World Over !

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Each year, women the world over are in the spotlight on March 8 coined the International day of the woman. It is a day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. Simply put , it is an occasion to think about the woman, assess her role in the community and celebrate her contribution to making herself and the world a better place .Women’s groups, organizations as well as individual usually take part in the celebration.


In Cameroon March 8 hardly goes by unnoticed, unlike in some other countries. A number of socio-cultural activities are organized prior to the day ( with the women being active during all such events)even though the women’s march-pass is a “vital” part of the day's celebration. The day usually culminates in heavy eating, drinking and dancing by women groups.
The “Women’s day” fabric is considered a “must-have” by many women in Cameroon, for the celebration to be somewhat complete. Different dress patterns especially the ‘kaba’( a traditional free-flow outfit typical of the Sawa people)as well as head-gears are usually on display.


I have a passion for women and gender issues. Sometimes I describe myself as a "Womanist". You would therefore imagine my feelings each time I think of such moments when people the world over pay tribute to the woman such as:

March 8(The International Day for the woman),

July 31(The day of the African Woman),

October 15 (Rural women’s day).

Many are those who question: why celebrate the “woman”?

The road has been a long and tedious one for many women in their quest to get a “fair treatment” like their male counter parts –call it gender equity. The challenges have been and are still enormous. Many women the world over continue to suffer from acts of violence caused by the men sometimes leading to pain and death. Some face discrimination at home and at the workplace. Many still lack access to education. Harmful traditional and cultural practices continue to stand on the path of women.The rights of many are violated. A good number of women are yet to make their voices heard in different circles.


However, it is important to recognize that the emancipation and empowerment of women is today a reality in many areas and communities .Women are seen in all facet of life, they hold key positions and take the lead in many spheres. Many now hold themselves in higher esteem. In fact they have come a long way and this calls for celebration. They are politicians, bankers, pilots, doctors, journalists, nurses, teachers, traders, drivers, cooks, farmers; to name but these!


Happy Women’s Day!