Dibussi Tande
As I surfed the web for Cameroon-related news this morning, I came across an article from the Korea-based OhmyNews International with the ominous title "Remembering Our Cameroon Citizen Reporter". What followed was a heart-wrenching obituary for OhmyNews’ Cameroon and Africa citizen reporter, 28-year old Emmanuel Njela Nfor. The newspaper’s editor was full of praise for Njela’s talents and dedication:
From the moment he registered in early July 2005 to cover his native Cameroon -- and pan-African news and international sport -- I could tell he was going to make an important contribution to citizen journalism. He was the kind of citizen reporter who never refused an assignment. I had no idea how busy he actually was -- he never complained -- but for every suggested story there would be a finished article waiting for publication in less than 24 hours. His command of English and his overall journalism style was so good that I rarely had to touch them up. Like I said, an editor's dream.”
…
Though very well educated -- he had a Masters degree in linguistics from the University of Buea -- he could only pick up odd jobs. For a time he was a receptionist at a cyber cafe -- a job he took just for fun -- and he also sold publishing advertisements in the commercial sector. A part time mobile phone salesman, he quit that job when he started sending regular dispatches to us in Seoul.
This is one of those stories that make you lament about the waste of Africa’s rich human potential due to a shameful inability or unwillingness to use these resources as a foundation of its development. We educate them and then cast them off. I can only wistfully think of what could have been…
Njela’s was definitely an embodiment of his generation; a generation with immense talents and creativity, determination to succeed against all odds, and a love for country. Unfortunately, all over Africa, the dreams and aspirations of Njela’s generation are being curbed by stifling conformity, the lack of opportunity, a disregard for talent and merit, and by policies of exclusion. Njela, in life as in death, was a reflection of this paradox: In spite of all his talent, drive and education, he never got a break in his native Cameroon – until hope beckoned from the Korean peninsular of all places! And we learned of his death not from the Cameroonian media but from heartbroken colleagues in far away Asia. Truly, a prophet is never recognized in his home!
His dreams were to be a great reporter and to always give accurate and relevant information to the people of the world. He also wanted to have a respectful, honest, understanding and open-hearted wife. Giving good education to his future children.
According to a friend, Njela wanted to dedicate himself to improving journalism in Cameroon.
Njela stayed in Cameroon to brave the odds and make his dreams come true rather than embark on that treacherous journey across the Sahara in search of greener pastures in Europe. Alas! He died in his prime, with all the dreams for himself and his country largely unfulfilled.
The tragedy here is that there are thousands of Njelas roaming the streets of Cameroon; highly talented, educated and dedicated individuals who are either undervalued or simply exploited by the system. The story of his generation is that of stolen innocence and of dreams deferred; of lights that do not indicate the end of the tunnel but rather, an endless journey towards a mirage.
Farewell brother – we barely knew you but you will be sorely missed.
I did not know this boy, but I wept when I read this story. This is the true wasted generation.
Posted by: Ma Mary | February 15, 2006 at 10:01 AM
Dibussi: keep them coming.
Posted by: Ma Mary | February 15, 2006 at 10:02 AM
Dibussi:
A hearty thank you for the "naked" true shared via this forum. Your efforts are appreciated.
Posted by: Rebecca | April 22, 2006 at 10:16 PM
i just want to say that i accidentally came across your site andam glad i did. I was born in Bamenda while my dad was a district engineer there, his name is Angelito Palma. for amore than thirty yearshe worked in the Cameroon and i believe contributed his talents and energy to the country. He eventuallymoved to Victoria and worked with Tamajong Ndumu. In 1984 he was asked to head the civil works division of CDC until his retirement in 1993. The cameroons has a special place in my heart andI hope to visit again one day with my family. I just wanted to share this and thank you for your site. How's Limbe? Dad built those houses by the shore behind the CDC head office. Keep writing and more power.
Posted by: joseph | September 21, 2007 at 12:23 AM