Who’s GEF?
GEF is short for George Esunge Fominyen.
I am currently Coordinator (Manager) of the Multi-Media Editorial Unit of the PANOS Institute West Africa (PIWA) in Dakar, Senegal. PIWA is a regional organization whose mission is to contribute to the construction of a democratic space of communication for change and social justice in Africa. Before joining PIWA, I was Press, Public Diplomacy and Political Officer at the British High Commission (Embassy) in Yaounde (2005-2008).
For nearly a decade, I worked as a broadcast journalist for the Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV). I started as a volunteer announcer, newscaster, reporter, programs producer at CRTV South West in Buea (1996-1998). I was recruited permanently in 1999and was part of the pioneer staff of CRTV Mount Cameroon FM, Buea, Cameroon. In 2002 I was appointed to the position of deputy chief of service of the Education news desk at the CRTV National Station in Yaounde, Cameroon. I concurrently managed my service, covered stories, presented the national radio news, produced an education news magazine, and hosted a show on CRTV Yaounde FM 94 (commercial radio). I also presented the TV magazine program Tam-Tam Weekend for two years and briefly anchored the 6pm TV news until my departure from CRTV in April 2005.
When I am not co-producing or producing independent radio or TV features, I write for newspapers like the Herald where I have a sports column. I have also occupied roles in public relations. My degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea, Cameroon may account for such versatility. Ultimately, it boils down to my passion for communication. Presently, my interest is in the role of journalists in communication for social change in Africa and schemes to provide regular training for African journalists on relevant themes of the day (governance, corruption, elections, climate change, diversity, globalization, etc).
My passion for communication can only be rivaled by attachment to sports, especially football. I can spend a year analyzing the game. Listening to music, movies, (arts and culture in general) are other subjects I like to reflect on. On this blog, I will put into perspective burning topics in these areas but we shall also engage in lively conversations on women’s empowerment, language and identity, leadership, international affairs and diplomacy, Cameroon politics and African development.
Welcome and be my (active) guest on board GEF’s Outlook.
This is commendable job you are doing and am a passionate reader of GEF Outlook.
Posted by: Etah Ewane | July 11, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Congrats GEF. I did not know you are gone this far. Keep the hard work. It is important that we as media men, contribute to the positive political, economic and socio cultural change in our beloved continent, Africa.
Aloysius Agendia, journalist/Editor, L'Effort camerounais, Cameroon.
Posted by: Agendia Aloysius | July 14, 2008 at 07:26 AM
Thank you Aloysius and also keep the flame burning at L'Effort Camerounais.
GEF
Posted by: GEF | July 15, 2008 at 02:26 AM
Congrats man! You are wonderful.I was just reading through articles via the net on The Post online and i stumbled on an article culled from GEF's OUTLOOK,i got into it and discovered your great work. "o boy , you too strong. Great support from me Batimu , you remember "man for terre"?
Posted by: Batimu, man for terre | July 16, 2008 at 09:24 AM
Things might be regarded as very minor or negligible to have a look at them whereas in the real sense, they are top in the scale of preference. Thank you brother for your analysis. I had a second thought after reading your article and I wish the authorities in power can have a look at this and other considered "worth not attendable issues" with a critical analysis as you have done. You have just brought to light a possible cause of an epidemic and the route of many problems in our world and in particular our supposedly beloved country. please keep it up.
Posted by: Etime Godwill Ajieh | July 19, 2008 at 09:00 AM
Many thanks to all of you who are participating on GEF's Outlook. Etah Ewane, Batimu and Etime Godwill. I appreciate your views and let's keep the conversations going.
GEF.
Posted by: GEF | July 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Way to go big bro!
Posted by: embele patience | August 03, 2008 at 11:55 AM
George, I lack words to express my pride to have been your classmate and friend and most of all to be able to identify with your great works. I saw this coming no doubt. You have always been a genius in the making and very passionate in everything you do. The sky cannot even limit you. Keep it up and we will continue to support and encourage you as you do the same to many aspiring journalists in Cameroon, Africa and the world over. Kudos from Irine!
Posted by: Irine Asanji | September 03, 2008 at 08:40 AM
A great writer I see in you. What the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC), University of Buea has done to Cameroon is immeasurable. You see, I'm writing a book and you are one of my characters - "Great People of My Time" will soon see the light of day. Kudos, my boy!Ernest Kanjo (Kindjem)
Posted by: Ernest Kanjo | September 04, 2008 at 06:27 AM
Hi Irine and Ernest,
Thanks for the kudos. Great to see how we all meet again.
Let's continue to use communication as our contribution to a better world!
GEF
Posted by: GEF | September 04, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Congrats George. I am proud to have you as a big in JMC.You inspire me everyday.
Posted by: Lesiga Derek Nyonka | October 06, 2008 at 08:29 AM
HEY GEF,
BIG SIS WILL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF YOU, WE LOG IN MORNING AND NIGHT TO SEE WHAT'S NEW, AND I LISTEN TO YOUR PODCAST EVEN WHILE COOKING. SUDDENLY I CAN NOW RELATE TO FOOTBALL IN A DIFFERENT WAY, THANKS TO YOUR COMMENTS.IT KEEPS YOU WITH US. WE LOVE THE OUTSTANDIG WORK AND ABOVE ALL WE LOVE YOU.
Posted by: KEN,GIS N KIDS | October 14, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Fllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavvvoouurrs!!!! Congratulations big bro'
Posted by: Harisson | May 08, 2009 at 06:56 AM
Great man.Wow,how fast seeing you climbing slowly.I was held hostage by surprise when i heard one of my professors taking us in Globalization and International Coorperation,quoting one of your articles.My classmates were delighted to learn from me that you are also from Cameroon.Keep it up
Ngome
Posted by: Ngome Edy | May 21, 2009 at 03:38 AM
Dear Ngome Edy,
Thank you for the kudos. We'll try to keep up. I would be happy to know which of the posts caught the attention of your professor.
Cheers,
GEF
Posted by: George Esunge Fominyen | May 28, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Harrison,
Good to see that you could transcribe what I used to do on air! I'm also honoured that you can still remember stuff I did about 9 years ago!!! (Doesn't make me any younger though)
Posted by: George Esunge Fominyen | May 28, 2009 at 10:56 AM
hmmmmmmm!Thanks for taking the bull by the horns. I am elated by the fact that "one of us" refused to be deterred by the "fear syndrome" and decided to take a bold step. I am proud of you GEF. It is often said that" from little things, the greatest often grow." I believe in you and i have your back.Go get them, boy!
O'bosso
Posted by: Bell Rose Ntube Ngole | June 08, 2009 at 09:42 PM