Quite an interesting piece to read through!

I came across this article as I was searching some relevant information about Journalism and Mass Communication practice. I found the article quite interesting and thought I should share on my blog. Here is an excerpt of the article 'The world has and is witnessing a rather heavy shift in communication technology and media, hence, people calling this the “communication age” is only fitting, from journalism to peace talks, everything entails communication. With the advent of globalization, the entire world has become accessible; people can work and communicate remotely and this has completely advanced communication technology with the help of the internet'. Click here to follow the link and read the rest of the article . Feel free to join the conversation and leave a comment on the blog.

WANEP- GROUP CALLS FOR EMPOWERMENT OF GIRL-CHILD IN NIGERIA

Hello ,

I came across this article and  I felt it was necessary to share with others.
I am not the author.   The article brings out some of the major challenges and hurdles that continue to hold back  many girls and women in Nigeria as well as in other parts of the world.

Group calls for empowerment of the girl-child in Nigeria (By Ali Garba)

A group, West Africa Network for Peace-building Nigeria (WANEP-Nigeria) has expressed concern over issues still besieging the girl-child in the country.

WANEP-Nigeria observed that; “issues like early marriage, female genital mutilation, education inequality, gender-based violence, low self-esteem, human trafficking, poor health and sanitation are some of the numerous problems that continue to pose challenges for girls.”

This was contained in a statement signed by WANEP-Nigeria Board Chairman, Mr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, copies of which were made available to journalists in Bauchi yesterday.

Please click here or  on the link below to read the original story.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/10/group-calls-for-empowerment-of-the-girl-child-in-nigeria/

Back in the game: The next level in the life of a media personality! 2019 productions!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

 In  what I prefer to describe as  getting back in to the game- the next step in the life of a media personality, it has been yet another fascinating experience for me over the last couple of months , as I returned to radio. I began producing and presenting programmes and news on West Africa Democracy Radio !

 Hence, dusting off the years when  I had  moved  away from everyday journalistic work,  and from the  daily routine of programme planning, actual production and presentation of radio programmes and newscasts!

Luckily I had managed to keep the professional reflexes over the years and so it was easy to catch up really fast and swing back in to action once it was time.

Of course so much has happened  as well as  changed  over these years!

For instance, this time around I am in West Africa. Back when I started journalism practice,  I used to work  in my home country Cameroon situated in West-Central Africa, where I spent close to a decade doing journalistic work and radio and Television  (CRTV-Cameroon's National broadcaster).
Far from what obtained back then, radio production equipment have evolved over these years. New  and digital recorders are in plenty.  Editing soft-wares have gradually replaced the old editing machines and  methods that producers and journalists used several years back.  Mobile Phone lines have made it even easier to reach out to resource persons in other parts of the world to get their perspectives and add value to specific topics and issues being handled on programmes. The use of  the world wide web  to gather information and build content for different productions  has been a plus.   The availability  and the use of social media platforms  have also made it easier to share  programmes online and reach out to a wider audience beyond the scope and the broadcast zone of radio stations.

In a nutshell, it has gotten better over time !

Perhaps my quest to remain professional,  and religiously respect  the rules and ethics of the journalism profession is what I have held unto, in spite of the changing times . Maintaining my values and work ethics especially in an era now characterised by fake news , half- baked information, mis-information and rumour peddling , continue to matter. Team spirit is key as well.

Please take some time off to listen to some of my latest productions  on Women and genders issues and let me know what comments you have . Feel free to indicate how I can improve on the work.

A celebration of mothers and motherhood by Mabi Azefor  Fominyen

https://audiomack.com/song/wadr/07-fifty-fifty-celebrating-mothers-motherhood-mabi-may15-2019

Discussing sexual and gender-based violence in West Africa by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

https://audiomack.com/song/wadr/06-fifty-fifty-sexual-and-gender-based-violence-24-april-2019

Women's interest in politics in West Africa by Mabi  Azefor Fominyen

 Mabi Azefor Fominyen Speaks to a gender specialist Ms Irene Chinje on progress made to empower women in Africa and women's advancement 

What is this Social Media One minute of Fame ? Have we become that insensitive to the pain of others?

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen,

Lately, I have been asking myself so many questions in relation to  the content that people put on social media platforms !

Bloody!
Painful!
Crazy occurrences!
Corpses!
Accidents!
Altercation!
Abuse!
Extreme acts of violence!
..................................................the list can go on!

Seriously! I just can't understand the motives behind such!
Perhaps that is why I am very concerned about the impact this could have on other people and on the world at large.

Several  years back while I studied  Journalism and Mass Communication, our lecturers often reminded us of the role that the media and media men and women ought to play in society! They cautioned us about  staying factual in spite of the quest to give a scoop or breaking news!  They enjoined us to stay away from sensational journalism. They reminded us of how content mattered to the target audience or target public. Above all, they preached responsible journalism and the strict respect of the norms and ethics of the profession, irrespective of personal interest; "for as media men and women you all would contribute towards either building or destroying a society as a result of  how you gather, handle and dissemination  information". They often reminded us about ACCURACY!
God knows as a Journalism  and Mass communication student back then in the 90's,  I  went through some of the finest and dedicated lecturers in the likes of  Professor Enoh  Tanjong, Dr. George Ngwa, Mr. Asonglefack Nkemleke, Dr Henry Muluh, Mrs. Ndoh Bertha, Dr: Che Tita  and many others who were keen on  teaching the younger ones, training  and sharing their vast knowledge and experiences hitherto acquired in the field of Journalism  and Mass Communication.

Fast forward to today's  world where  the  internet  and social media  platforms have become a part of our daily reality.

I am somewhat lost when I come across some videos and pictures; posted, shared and liked on social media. I am even so appalled at the thought that, because of  the strong urge that  some people have these days, to take pictures and videos some have become insensitive to the pain and hurts of others.
No norms......... , no ethical considerations, no human feelings...., no concern in relation to probable consequences and the implications of such pictures/videos once posted on social media platforms....... all of these seemingly do not matter these days.
 And so it is common place to come across a video posted on Facebook in which two elderly ladies are fighting in the village over a slight misunderstanding yet the person filming is laughing out loudly as the camera rolls.
A teacher beating up a nursery school kid and someone is standing by , watching and  filming then clicks and shares on Facebook a few minutes afterward , worse still,  at the expense of a baby who has just been physically abused.
A student who is stabbed  in school by a fellow school mate , rushed to the hospital for immediate medical care and a hospital staff pulls out a phone and starts to film a helpless student as he gradually dies from the injuries sustained when he was stabbed.

What has  happened that human beings have suddenly become so insensitive to  the pain and suffering of others?
Is it the constant quest for one minute of fame or just the world in which we live in today ?

Somebody help!

Another Feather on my cap!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Oh My Gosh!
It has been a while since I last posted an article on this blog. I am even tempted to think that I might have forgotten the basics when it comes to blogging ! Let's see how this goes once more.

When 2014 drew closer to its end, I was so taken by my school work . I had to put in so much time and energy in to completing my research work and submitting my dissertation on time, in order to complete my Masters course and thus graduate on time.
Gladly, I did!

This however meant I had to either forgo or completely put aside many other things, including blogging ( oh yes I did). I was obliged to put in all the much needed time, energy and effort to be able to finish as expected.

I  then went on to attend the Viva Voce, where I had a  chance to present and defend my research. Thank God, it went  really well. With lots of positive feedback from the Jury members and comments on how schools could benefit from such a study thus improving their marketing strategies and ensuring survival. I could finally heave a huge sigh or relief. School was somehow over! With such enthusiasm , I so looked forward to graduation day. It was thus time to get things set for my Big Day!

Decor for graduation party at home

 Helas! It all came together on October 31, 2015 when I stood there at the ceremonial ground at Nkumba University-Uganda. It was  graduation day. A feeling of achievement filled my mind. I followed the ceremony keenly and when my name was read out, I whispered to myself ' Thank you Lord, it is done, another feather on my cap'.

As I walked across the ceremonial ground I couldn't help but quietly say to myself, 'So this is it!'
I could feel a sense of pride running through my spine, I thought of the love and support I had received through out from my husband, my kids, family members and friends . I flashed back to the many hours spent listening to lectures over the past two years, sharing knowledge with my classmates, time spent doing assignments, course work, exams and above all working on my dissertation. I felt grateful for the lessons learnt  as well as the guidance and support from my lecturers and my supervisor.

There was every reason to celebrate. I had finished in style. I had  earned good grades and completed the course in record time.
Once back home, it was time to party.
Family members and friends were attendance.

Family and friends on graduation day

A cross-section of guests at the party

I had so looked forward to this day that I felt like crying when everything came together. Friends and family members  expressed really kind words on my behalf.

George F. and Mr  Yankuba

Word from Classmate- Mr. Charles Mwaka

Word from Cameroonian community courtesy of Mrs. Christine Besong

It was a day to remember indeed. I remain grateful to God, my entire family, beloved ones, friends and neighbours for their love, support and kindness.

I had promised myself , I wanted a Masters Degree. For reasons beyond my control, and prior to this, I wasn't able to find the exact time nor the funds to enroll for one. How much more happier could I have been on that Day! The joy was enough to wipe away the stressful moments leading to the final lap of the journey.Thanks darling for everything!

Dance moves with hubby.

Word from Mrs. Catherine Fominyen-on behalf of the family

Christiane Amanpour, named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression.

Renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour has been named   UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression.

Follow the link below to read more.
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50727#.VUhjjG76jbU

Stop Violence: Moving Forward - International Women's Day!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Women the world over on March 8, this year came out to mark what some people have now described as a 'yearly rendez-vous' . It was the International Women's Day.

Talks, march pasts, demonstrations, debates, conferences: are but a few of those activities organised on that day. They seek to heighten awareness and draw attention to the plight of the women the world over.

 Over the years, women in Cameroon,  are known to celebrate this day in a rather colourful and unique style. The special "Kaba" attire, the head-gears, the accessories, the march past - a forum to showcase women while denouncing acts of gender-based violence, discrimination, social ills and other acts carried out against them.  Fanfare is a typical characteristic of Women's day celebration in Cameroon .

 Follow the link to get bits and pieces of how women in some parts of Africa and the world spent March 8 2014.  http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/women-demonstrate-worldwide-calling-end-violence-abuse-n47951

Moving forward , how will the decisions and commitments which have been made in the course of this year's celebration be translated into concrete action rather than mere rhetoric? The challenges remain enormous.....
Please revisit an article I wrote on my blog titled :

 Stop Violence! Real Men Don't Abuse Women/Girls!

(simply click on this link for more)

Let the discussion continue as we look ahead with the hope of "inspiring change" -incidentally the 2014 theme !

Save lives: Stepping Up Water, Sanitation and Hygiene is Vital and Urgent!

Written by Mabi Azefor Fominyen

 Millions of people continue to live without toilets. Thousands defecate in the open. Girls continue to stay away from school during menstruation due to lack of toilets in schools .As a result, their education is affected. Even more disturbing is the fact that issues related to menstruation are still considered as taboos,  in some households and  communities. Thus, hardly are any appropriate measures taken to address the hygiene and sanitation needs of girls and women under such conditions.  Women continue to trek many kilometers to fetch water for their household, at times from doubtful sources. In many communities, animals and humans continue to consume water from the same source. Thousands of children and adults each day suffer from water related illness such as diarrhea, dysentery and other diseases. Needless to say, this is and added burden to those who live in extreme poverty.

Despite commitments and promises made by some governments to increase access to water  and improve on the sanitation of  people in their respective countries, efforts this far have been falling short of the required investments. Consequently,  people are affected in many ways.

“ On a given day , more than 800 million women between the ages of 15 and  49 are menstruating. Adequate and appropriate sanitation facilities can provide a comfortable space for women to manage their menstrual cycles with privacy and dignity”.  This is according to a recent UN report on sanitation and hygiene for women and girls.

Over 40 Journalists meeting in Cotonou -Benin, on the request of the WSSCC, have been discussing efforts put in this far by Governments and  the  role  media  professionals ought to play, in order to enhance reporting  and heighten awareness on water, hygiene and sanitation issues.

 The Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC), is an international  coordinating body that works to enhance collaboration in the water supply , sanitation and hygiene sectors, in order to attain universal coverage for poor people around the  world so as to save lives and improve livelihoods.

 Less than a year to the deadline of the Millennium Development Goals, the challenges in the water, hygiene and sanitation sectors, are many.  At a time when people the world over are talking about the post 2015, Amanda Marlin of WSSCC , pointed out that water and sanitation issues can no longer be ignored.  She also elaborated on the post 2015 WASH targets and indicators.

In the forgoing, WSSCC believes “ in developing  countries, media practitioners and civil society actors have a key role to play in the current debate. It is important for such actors to mobilize in order to convince states and governments to include sanitation and hygiene as matters of priority on their agenda”.

Hence the raison d’etre  of the Cotonou-Benin  Workshop.

It was a forum to deepen participants’ understanding  of water, sanitation and hygiene –WASH commitments,  X-ray some challenges and reporting  taboos in the sector,  share experiences , examine ways to access  such information,  strengthen the capacity of journalists to boost media coverage and information dissemination  of  water, hygiene and sanitation related matters.

Amongst other things, these journalists were drilled and urged to create/ use blogs and  to also explore various social media tools and online facilities when reporting , in addition to radio stations, televisions, newspapers and other traditional channels of communication.

Session on using blogs and social media to talk WASH

In his speech during the opening of the Budapest Water Summit in October 2013, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon,  stated that “ sanitation is one of the three areas critical to sustainable development where more cooperation is needed”.

 More so, as 2013, drew to its close, studies showed that 2.5 billion people or over one third of the world’s population lived without access to adequate sanitation.

 What then can governments/you do to lessen this burden in your community and the world over?

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DISTRICT 102 PTO - 2013 STUDENT AWARDS- Our own 'son' and nephew on the spotlight! Time to celebrate with Ndallah!

NB: This article was originally published here:

 DISTRICT 102 PTO - 2013 STUDENT AWARDS

"Welcome to tonight’s award presentation. The students that are here
with us have earned recognition from the PTO and their teachers for
their hard work in District 102.

Each year, two students, one boy and one girl, are selected by the 8th
grade teachers for their commitment to service, community
involvement and leadership. Often times, these are students who do
well academically, as well as help out with school, community or PTO
events."

Ndallah N. Njongmeta 

"The next award is the Douglas Parks award. This award is presented each year to one outstanding 8th grade student who the teachers feel exemplify our Universal Values of Integrity. They are: Loyalty, Pursuit of Excellence, Citizenship, Caring, Respect, Trustworthiness, Fairness,

Honesty and Accountability. Dr. Parks hoped that the students of District 102 would consistently model these values. The recipient of the Douglas Parks award receives a $100. We are honored to announce Ndallah Njongmeta as this year’s recipient.

He is a diligent, responsible student who always has a smile on his face and is very considerate of others. Teachers state that Ndallah is a class leader who works well with others and takes initiative in class, demonstrating a level of maturity and integrity that should be commended. One of the most polite students in his class, Ndallah treats students and staff with the utmost respect. This year, Ndallah participated as a member of the band, chorus, and Aptakisic Business
Corporation. As a member the track and cross-country teams, it was
common to see and hear Ndallah offering encouragement to his
teammates, and providing assistance to struggling runners. AJHS is
fortunate to have such an outstanding student who models our District
102 Universal Values of Integrity in such caring, conscientious ways!
Congratulations to Ndallah for receiving this award!"............

Click on links to read more http://www.d102.org/schools/aptakisic.html

http://www.d102.org/attachments/576_2013studentPTO.pdf

P/S
Ndallah Ntunibu Njongmeta is my elder sister's( Nenge Lynda Azefor Njongmeta) first son, named after our late father ! I am sooo proud of you and may you continue to shine! From aunty Mabi!

The Njongmetas -Ndallah, Lynda, Leo, Moema

Happy mother's day cards from my kids!

Words can't express how I felt receiving these nicely worded cards and love from my children!
Thank you Ngwi.
Thank you Georgie Jnr.
Thanks hubby for your love.
Thank above all, the Lord for the gift of motherhood.

Adieu Moise Bangteke of CRTV, FM 105 Swelaba!

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

Moise Bangteke and Mabi  -CRTV  Littoral 2005.

This picture was taken at CRTV Littoral on March 8, 2005, during the Women's Day celebration, with Moise  Bangteke and I acting as MCs ( Impresarios). I still remember him jokingly saying to me " Attend je vais prendre une photo avec ma petite soeur, avec mes lunette noire .....!" Excuse my french!

According to his colleagues whom I joined on phone, Moise died yesterday( May 10, 2013),as he was being taken to the hospital, after collapsing during on a morning routine  walking exercise. Sad!

He had been on air the previous day and was expected to present his regular radio show from 10;am to 12noon, on Friday at FM 105 Douala, when news of his sudden death broke.

He was full of positive energy, life and vigour. Great qualities he wanted the younger generation of radio broadcasters to develop as they embarked on the FM radio entertainment business.

He was an exemplary and a devoted broadcaster, with an incredible youthful spirit that came across whenever he was on air!

You will be missed by many.

   

RIP Moise!

In Uganda: New year, New location!

I have only been in Kampala, Uganda for a couple of days now and  for some reason it reminds me so much of home:Cameroon!

The weather, the fresh air and breathe-taking-nature, beautiful hills and valleys: just awesome! The foodstuff(plantains, bananas, cocoyams,  etc), fruits and vegetables all sold at the markets and along the streets, are very fresh and  quite affordable. The warm and welcoming people, to name but these .....!

Perhaps it will take a little while to understand that unlike home vehicle owners here all drive on the right-hand side .

I also couldn't help noticing the white uniforms worn by policemen and policewomen !

Of course the ' boda bodas' (commercial motorbikes), are present and serve as a good means of transportation for many:  just like back in Cameroon(where they are known as bend-skin) and in Senegal where I have lived for over 4 years !

 It might be too soon to say so but I seem to like Uganda!

An Ode to Whitney Houston.

By Mabi Azefor Fominyen

In the early days of my life as  a broadcaster, working at CRTV's Mount Cameroon FM (South-West Cameroon), I produced and presented some musical programmes in addition to everyday journalistic work.
Whitney Houston was one of my favourite artists. Her voice , the lyrics, the melody in fact everything that came from her repertoire was good stuff for radio. In addition to that women her kind were rare at the time.  She rose to fame quite young , her music cut across the world and touched on everyday reality. Name it: love,  deceit, heartbreaks...

Then came her tumultuous years, when she experienced a bad marriage, drug problems and related issues but her music remained great!

Whitney began drifting away from the spotlight. I longed to watch her on stage again. I was wishing I could hear her tell her fans what she was up to.

Finally there was this exclusive on the Oprah Winfrey Show (click and watch part 2).

 I was so happy to see Whitney on TV again. I listened to her talk about her life's journey and the many challenges she had been through. Far from judging her actions and choices, I could only wish her the best.

Whitney had promised she would be there for her daughter all the way, like her mother had been for her, especially through her most difficult moments.

Too sad she had to die at a tender age of 48.

Whitney, your story, your voice and music will forever resonate in our ears and our hearts even as you go to the world beyond. Adieu Whitney! We will always love you too!