BY ATIA TILARIOUS AZOHNWI
Mimi Mefo Takambou, phenomenal TV and radio journalist is the 2017 best female TV news presenter. She is the lone Anglophone who featured among those recognised during the March 16 crowning ceremony organised by the initiators of the award, la foundation camerounaise des consommateurs (FECACO).
With over seven years of uninterrupted journalism practice to her credit, Mimi Mefo left HiTV in Buea for Equinoxe TV and Radio in 2012. Her love for political reporting, human interest and gender issues earned her an award in 2016 – best investigative TV report. The competition was organised by AFRICAphonie in partnership with the British High Commission.
In a rare social media outing after the award, Mimi Mefo wrote: “I am earnestly humbled by this act of love from everyone who believed in me; the only pledge I can make is, I WILL NEVER RELENT. I humbly accepted the award of Best female TV News Presenter 2017.”
She dedicated the award to all those who voted for her, and to those who have stood by her all along.
Her Facebook post read in part: “Immense thanks to the entire management of Equinoxe Television for giving me the opportunity to practice this noble profession. I thank my colleagues at Equinoxe and beyond for your daily remarks, observations and critics have been instrumental to my growth. Thank you, FOCACO for nominating me alongside several powerful ladies.”
Apparently in tears, Mimi said her award is dedicated to all those who have been forced out of their homes and villages in the Anglophone Regions of Cameroon, to all the despairing refugees in Nigeria.
“The late Henry Anatole Grunwald, Editor of the Time Magazine once said, journalism is not silence: it is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. You hurt many when you tell the truth and leave many disappointed when you tell lies. Therefore, I stand for the truth but in respect of ethics and deontology of this noble profession. All praises to our God Almighty, whose blessings, favour, love and grace I see daily in my life. May He bless you all!” she said.