Key Staff

The Winning Team that keeps FR on the Air @ 100 FM!

Management:

When asked to define what they think of the role of the TFF Country Director is within FR, staff painted the context of running a complex project for nongovernmental organizations in rural areas of Cameroon: "The going can get really tough from time to time for anybody charged with overseeing the technical department of a state of the art digital radio station powered by an electricity supply system that is anything but stable and constant. It takes a wily, cool headed, patient and calculating trouble shooter to cope with such vexing quirks as frequent power outages, tripping meters, blowing fuses, scuttling UPS, transmitter hiccups, console malfunctions, "freezing" computers and other technical vagaries attributable to power fluctuations and human errors".

Stateson has proved himself capable of solving or engaging the right specialist to solve technical problems for FR, FM 100, during its first year of existence. More importantly, he has made sure that trouble shooting and problem solving are 'part and parcel' of the capacity-building program of technical broadcast and administrative staff. As Foundation Radio's No 1 listener and critic, and an ardent listener to the international radio broadcasting pace setter, BBC World Service, Stateson comes to every staff meeting with rich tips on how to improve or enrich FR broadcasts. 'Grand States' as he is fondly referred to is no stranger to radio or technical knowhow.

He is a graduate of the Government Technical High School Ombe, a holder of a diploma from the Higher School of Telecommunication in Yaounde, and a general engineering diploma from the City and Guilds of London. Stateson worked for five years with the Ministry of Telecommunications of Cameroon and another 10years as the chief of Telecommunication service of Cameroon Airlines in Donala, during which time he attended many refresher courses at Bulls and SITA ( Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeriene) in France, and on ALPHA III (Air Transportation Service) in Gabon. He is doing a superb job coordinating the activities of the activities of the technical department of the Foundation Radio, along with those of The Fomunyoh Foundation (www.tffcam.org) nation wide.

Mr. Stateson Awa, who served as the TFF Country Coordinator all these years, is a graduate of the Government Technical High School Ombe, a holder of a diploma from the Higher School of Telecommunication in Yaounde, and a general engineering diploma from the City and Guilds of London. Stateson worked for five years with the Ministry of Telecommunications of Cameroon and another 10years as the chief of Telecommunication service of Cameroon Airlines in Donala, during which time he attended many refresher courses at Bulls and SITA (Societe Internationale de Telecommunications Aeriene) in France, and on ALPHA III (Air Transportation Service) in Gabon. "Grand States" as he is fondly referred to, has played a remarkable role in FR and will be missed dearly.

Mr. Jespa Ajereboh, previously Project Adviser, has been appointed Country Coordinator in February 2009.

Jespa is a former student leader and a dynamic Human Rights and pro-democracy activist. Jespa has recently served as a High School Lecturer in the Extreme Northern Region of Cameroon.  He is a 2008 Summer Fellow in Public International Law at The Hague Academy of International Law at The Hague, The Netherlands, during which time he authored an article entitled "Peace Through Justice".

Jespa has served as a long-term international election observer during state and national elections in Nigeria in 2007, and played a similar role in Ghana during the parliamentary and presidential elections of December 2008.  These election-related missions were conducted under the auspices of the Washington-based National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) and the Atlanta-based The Carter Center, respectively.

Jespa holds a B.A. in Geography and a Bachelor's degree in Laws (LL.B) Universities of Yaounde I. He also holds post-doctoral degrees from Universities of Yaounde II, Post-Graduate Diploma (Maitrise) in Political Science and a Post-Graduate Diploma (Maitrise) in Law.

Christopher Forgwe, previously Station Manager, took up higher responsibilities as Senior Advisor for both FR and The Fomunyoh Foundation, in February 2009.

Chris cut his teeth in radio stations in Recife, Brazil; Senders Freis, Berlin; Radio Voice of Germany; The African Institute for Economic Development (INADES Formation); Kampala and Mbarara in Uganda; and the National Station of Radio Cameroon. In his over a decade career with Radio Cameroon (CRTV), Chris produced programs for the educational department, and headed the service for school broadcasts.

Chris graduated on the Dean’s list with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and Humanities from Hope College in Holland, Michigan (USA), and obtained a Diploma in manpower administration from the State of Michigan’s MTU. Fondly referred to as “Daddy Chris”, one of his ambitions is to continue to spur the team of highly talented staff to stay on the pinnacle of broadcasting within the Northwest Region of Cameroon. He spearheads programs on the arts and music, conducts interviews with dignitaries and VIPs, and moderates round table discussions with specialists, practitioners and grassroots activities on topics related to agriculture, health, rural development, the environment, and music across cultures.

Ms. Gladys Akwanka, formerly Chief of Programs, has been appointed Station Manager in February 2009.

Many listeners and colleagues refer to Gladys as the “anchor or bedrock” of the broadcast team. Gladys oversees the day-to-day running of radio programs and is an extensive contributor to the News and Production Desk. She is very committed, duty conscious, creative, outgoing and ingenious.

Gladys is a broad-spectrum journalist with a mastery of the French and English languages and over three years of professional experience. Prior to joining FR, Gladys worked as news presenter for Magic FM and Tchoubet Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) in Yaounde, and Abakwa FM radio and CNTV in Bamenda as radio and TV presenter. Gladys holds a Bachelors Degree (BA) in English from the University of Yaounde, and a Bachelor’s Degree (B.sc) in Mass Communication with Advertising as a specialty from the Advance school of Mass Communication (ASMAC) in Yaounde.

Winnie presently serves TFF/FR as the Administrator in charge of Personnel and Finance. As personnel manager, and one that pays particular attention to employee relations, her very accommodating and friendly attitude makes a huge positive impact on staff morale. As part of the management team, Winnie coordinates the interviewing and recruitment of new staff, salaries, and career development.

Winnie graduated from the higher teachers training college, ENS Bambili, where she conducted extensive research on “Poverty Alleviation in Cameroon” in collaboration with the United Savings and Agricultural Bank and obtained a Diploma in Education. Subsequently, Winnie studied at the University of Dschang and obtained a Bachelor of Science (B Sc) degree in Economics. She is currently pursuing courses on website design.

Fidelis is an administrative assistant who plays a wide range of important roles at FR. He is fondly referred to as the “landlord of the house” because he meticulously manages the property including the entire head office building.  He maintains a beautiful environment of flowers and ornamental shrubs around the Foundation premises and coordinates security and logistical support to FR staff and guests. He oversees the welcome desk and serves as the liaison between staff, FR customers, program participants or visitors. As the entry point into the Foundation, Fidelis is hard working and ambitious.

Fidelis holds the general certificate of Education, Advanced level and the Bac Technique Superieur (B.TS) in Management and is currently pursuing a corresponding program in Management by correspondence with an Institution in the United Kingdom.

Journalists:

A key journalist with the news and programs desks, Pascaline takes special interest in interactive and animation programs. She is very committed, trustworthy and willing to work long hours. Many listeners describe Pascaline as “a great broadcaster with a tender voice”. She has been very creative in handling the news and other programs in Pidgin English (a linga franca, practiced in Cameroon and most of West Africa).

Pascaline holds a Bachelors Degree (B.sc) in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea and has over two years of professional experience.

As a valuable member of the FR team of broadcast journalist, Afuh Percy says he “uses the media to demystify complex socio-economic and political challenges of Cameroon to the understanding of the grassroots population”. Percy heads the Sports and Culture desk. Prior to joining FR, Percy thought Computer Studies and Electrical Technology at Nacho Bilingual Comprehensive High School in Bamenda, and served as a Communication Officer for the nongovernmental organization, Light Africa Cameroon. Percy has the flair for new Information and Communication Technology, which he says makes his job “intriguing as well as opens the window for global interpretation of current developments”. He is a true team player and is open to guidance and constructive ideas on how to enhance quality programs for FR and the public at large.

Percy holds a B.Sc. in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea.

As the Broadcast Journalist and Outreach Assistant, Doris is part of the News Department and runs the kids’ and social programs. Her colleagues and FR listeners describe Doris as “very jovial, ready to learn and easy to work with’.

Doris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication with a specialty in Publishing from the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC), University of Yaounde.

Mbouou Anita is Female French broadcaster, fondly referred to as the Foundation’s “star from the East”.  She hails from Abong–Mbang, in the Eastern region of Cameroon.

Holder of the BEPC, she started with FR as a volunteer and quickly blossomed into a bilingual “animatrice” of the first order. Anita is described by colleagues as hard working, willing to learn and do the long hours required for a young and uprising radio station. She has a flare for “reaching out and touching her audiences” a characteristic which serves her well in interactive programs. She is also a ‘go-getter’ who can be counted upon for our most delicate of outreach missions.

Technicians:

A Telecommunications Technician by profession, Christian is one of FR’s principal Technicians in the Technical Department. He focuses on the production of programs, adverts, the installations of new equipment in radio or television broadcasting and telephone systems. Christian also brings expertise in the maintenance of electric, electronics, and computer hardware. Prior to joining FR, Christian served as a technician with Cameroon Telecommunications Company (CAMTEL) in Bamenda. Christian holds a Diploma in Telecommunications Systems (as an Assistant Telecommunications Technician) from the National Advanced School Of Posts and Telecommunications, Buea and the City & Guilds of London Certificate (level 2) in Telecommunications and Electronics Engineering. He is currently working on a Diploma program in Mobile Radio communications and Satellite systems (as a Telecommunications Technician) with the National Advanced School of Posts and Telecommunications, Yaounde.

Walters holds a diploma in communication from the school of Post and Telecommunication in Buea. He loves working long hours and never complains about late relieves from his shift. His energetic approach to work has earned for him the nickname of ‘Wally the tiger’. He is likeable and easy to get along with, a characteristic that serves him well on a small team that often works under pressure.