The Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA) has honoured businessman and entrepreneur Edison Fru Ndi as the “North West Development Pillar” for his contribution to economic development in the crisis-hit North West Region.
The Bamenda-based business mogul, CEO of Dreamland Connect Plc and North West Regional Delegate of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts, was particularly recognised for his efforts in the realisation of Mutan Market, an investment which, according to CENPA, has created hundreds of jobs for young Cameroonians while contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
Edison Fru Ndi was among more than 50 Cameroonian movers and shakers across governance, media, business, industry and energy recognised during the third edition of the CENPA Awards for their outstanding contributions to national development.
Unable to personally attend the ceremony in Douala, Fru Ndi was represented by the General Manager of Dreamland Connect, Mao Pascal, who received the award on behalf of the Dreamland Connect CEO.
The CENPA Awards Night, held at the GeCAM André Siaka Hall in Bonanjo, was chaired by legal luminary and acclaimed peace advocate, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, who praised the integrity of the award process and CENPA’s choice of recipients.
“This is not one of those events that you encourage those that have looted and pilfered from Cameroonians,” Nico Halle said during the ceremony.
He said CENPA was made up of people committed to integrity and that the selection process had been thorough.
“CENPA is made up of people of integrity and they’re not here to flatter anybody. The selection was thorough and proper. You went for people of integrity,” the chairman of the CENPA Awards 2026 said.
He also highlighted the association’s charitable activities, describing CENPA as more than a professional organisation.
“CENPA is not just an association but a charitable organisation. They help the destitute, children of the poor,” he said.
Speaking during the ceremony, CENPA President Kristian Ngah Christian, Publisher of The Guardian Post daily newspaper, said the association had also been working to strengthen the capacity of journalists and sustain the print media.
He said CENPA had organised five training programmes, including sessions on sustaining the print media and responsible media coverage of elections.
The association is also preparing another programme focused on elections reporting and the role of the media.
Kristian Ngah Christian said the awards were intended to recognise individuals and institutions whose work is making an impact on society.
“We are here to recognise some Cameroonians and institutions that have been impacting society. We recognise what you have been doing for society and it should continue. We are doing it as those who monitor the society,” Kristian Ngah Christian said.
The recognition of Edison Fru Ndi comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts to promote economic activity and create employment opportunities in the North West Region, which has been affected by a decade-long crisis.
Following the completion of Mutan Market, Edison Fru Ndi and Dreamland Connect also completed the renovation of GBHS Bamenda Campus C in less than the allocated timeframe.
Through his business activities and role as Regional Delegate of the Chamber of Commerce, Edison Fru Ndi continues to be involved in efforts aimed at promoting economic activity and development in the North West Region that has been affected by a decade-long crisis.
This report was first published in NewsWatch Newspaper No. 239 of Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
