By Doh James Sonkey
Cameroonian born, Franklin Epape has won the Ottawa Order Distinction. He was among 15 residents who were decorated with the Ottawa Order last November 14, 2024 for the year 2024. Franklin Epape therefore becomes the first Cameroonian to receive the prestigious award created in 2012 by the Municipal Council. He was celebrated last November 15, 2024 during a VIP galla chaired by the Moroccan High Commissioner, the dean of diplomacy, Souriya Otmani, Ambassadors, the Mayor of Marc Sutcliffe, His Municipal Councilor, David Hill, MP Chandra Arya and Cameroon Ambassador to Canada, Ngole Philippe Ngwese.
The Ottawa Order is paying tribute to exceptional residents in Canada who have contributed on the professional plan of lives of other residents in several domains like the arts and culture, businesses, community services, education, entrepreneurial, public service, work, communication and the media, sciences, sports and entertainment etc.
Created in 2012 by the Municipal Councilors, recipients of this prestigious distinction are chosen by the Selection Jury trained by the Mayor, Police Head, Chief of Protocol, the direction general of the Ottawa Public Library etc.
Apart from Franklin Epape, the other 14 recipients of the Ottawa Order for the year 2024 are; Alexandra Badzak, Devinder Chaudhary, Ken Craig, Josephine Etowa, Tina Fedeski, Paul Fournier, Catherine Mensour, Robert Merkley, Leonard Potechin, Louisa Taylor, Christina Tessier, Andrew Waitman, Lisa Weagle and Jeffrey York.