VIIMMA 2025: HRM Kwami Beckley wins Young Development Traditional Ruler of The Year

The Chief of Monde village in Muea court area, Buea Subdivision, HRM Kwami Beckley Nangoh, has received the award of the Young Development Traditional Ruler of Year at the 2025 edition of the Victoria International Media Merit Award (VIIMMA). The ceremony held on Friday, December 12, 2025, in Limbe, Fako Division.

This award is a testament of dedicication to modernize traditional governance and promoting community development in Monde Village, Buea Subdivision.

According to the chairperson of media category, Sir Kiven Frank VIIMMA began as a whole idea to encourage, recognise and celebrate excellence in journalism.

He said this year they received a total of 98 nominees, 34 made it to the voting round in 15 categories. The voting and professional work were both 50% each.

“This year, the most competitive awards were; Elad Geofred print reporter of the year, best male and female sports journalist of the year, TV presenter of the year, photo journalist of the he year and Anye Ndeh Nsoh top blogger of the year award” Sir Kiven Frank said.

In his intervention, CAMP National President, Solomon Agborem appreciated and to saluted the solidarity that has come from journalists themselves across the board, across the national territory to participate in this year's edition of the Victoria International Media Merit Award.

“We feel that we should be able to come to a point where we should acknowledge what journalists do What they sacrifice day in day out to give information to Cameroonians," Solomon Agborem said.

Reacting shortly after receiving the award, HRM Kwami Beckley could not hide his feelings. To him the award is a dream come true.

"I’m so elated to receive this international award. Over 6 years since I was enthroned as Chief of Monde village, I never knew people are observing the good works I’m doing to develop the village”. HRM Kwami Beckley said.

A four man jury headed by ace journalist and human rights expert, Franklin Kiven, was put in place to evaluate nominees in the media category after submission of their best two articles and reports.

The Chief Kwami Beckley is one of those persons that have the community at heart. It should be noted that the Chief and his people have been organising cultural festival aimed at bringing the people together to promote the culture and tradition of the area.

The community according to the traditional ruler is one of those communities that were almost getting to extinction. HRM Kwami Beckley is pleading with the powers to help speed development in the village.

Monde Chiefdom shares boundary with Ekona Mbenge, Wonya-Mocuba, Elimbi village which Monde is parent community, Muyuka Subdivision and Tiko Subdivision.

BY SIMON KALLA

The Chief of Monde village, HRM Kwami Beckley receiving his award