Dr MAL Forbi flanked by CENPA Patron, Sir Dr. Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle (left) and President of CENPA, Kristian Ngah Christian (right)
By Nformi Ngi Jones Tamfu
Expanding its reach beyond national borders, the Cameroon English Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA) celebrated international impact at its third annual awards ceremony, bestowing top honors on distinguished US-based Cameroonian surgeon Dr. Mathias Asongwe Lawrence popularly known as Dr MAL Forbi.
Dr. MAL Forbi was meticulously selected by the association following a thorough review of his career in medicine and his advocacy for national progress. Receiving his award, the veteran surgeon expressed deep appreciation for the homage paid by his home country.
Dr MAL Forbi addressing audience at CENPA’s Award Night
“I am very honored that they gave me an award,” Dr. Lawrence remarked. “I have traveled worldwide and received many academic and social awards, but for the first time, someone in the country where I was born is giving me national recognition. Even though I know it doesn’t meet up with some of what I have received, I will honor it and set the stage for other Cameroonians.”
Dr. MAL Forbi highlighted his decades of quiet contributions to the nation, including 20 years of funding university scholarships across Yaoundé, Buea, Dschang, and Douala, alongside assisting Cameroonian medical personnel establishing themselves in the United States.
Addressing the media directly, Dr. Lawrence urged journalists to press the government on key national issues, including resolving the decade-long Anglophone conflict through meaningful dialogue and creating better conditions for the African diaspora to invest locally.
“The men and women of the press can tell the Cameroon government that Cameroonians living in the diaspora can do what is happening in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kigali, and Nairobi,” he stated. “Three of my friends are buying plots in Ghana. If I come here, I can’t even buy a plot and if I buy it, it will be a stolen plot. They have to do something to encourage us to come back.”
He further urged the press to seek out diaspora leaders across political science, business, and law to help build the nation, noting that many investors are currently redirecting their capital to other African nations.
Dr MAL Forbi brandishes award
Prominent figures at the event resonated with his message. Legal icon and chairperson of the day, Sir Dr. Barrister Nico Halle, commended Dr. Lawrence and encouraged him to use his influential voice to articulate the needs of the country directly to the government, acknowledging the courage required for such a journey. Community leader Ntumfor also rallied support for Dr. Mal Forbi, speaking out against systemic corruption as a primary barrier to national prosperity and calling on media professionals to maintain unwavering journalistic integrity.
The gathering took a celebratory turn when Dr. Lawrence announced his milestone 80th birthday. Led by Sir Dr. Barrister Nico Halle, the hall spontaneously erupted into a heartfelt birthday chorus, bringing the ceremony to an uplifting event centered on unity, resilience, and hope for Cameroon’s future.
