Recognition: CRP Interim President Bags 2025 Leadership Excellence Prize

The Interim President of the Cameroon Reformation Party, CRP, Nazarius Fukah Chia, has been honoured with the 2025 Award for Excellence in Leadership and Reforms by the Collective of Investigative Journalists, CIJ.
The award was handed to him in the presence of bureau members of the party and representatives of the Yaounde-based media association, which says the distinction followed a rigorous selection process.
Speaking shortly after receiving the honour, Chia described the recognition as one of the most memorable moments of his political career.
“Today is one of my best days as a politician. The award came as a surprise. I wasn’t expecting such recognition from the Collective Investigative Journalists who came all the way from Yaounde. I am thankful to them. I am equally thankful to the executives of the Cameroon Reformation Party. They are the brain behind this success,” he said.
The CRP Interim President reiterated his commitment to reforms and inclusive governance, pledging to work harder to meet the expectations of Cameroonians.
Less than 48 hours after the celebration of the 60th National Youth Day, Chia used the occasion to make a strong call for greater participation of women and youths in politics.
“My dream for Cameroon is to see women and youths in politics. Youths in particular. It is true that politics in Cameroon is not practised on fair grounds, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from getting into politics,” he stated.
On the criteria that led to his emergence as laureate, the Secretary General of the Collective of Investigative Journalists, Yombi Ignace, disclosed that the process was thorough and uncompromising.
“Seventeen candidates were shortlisted for this award. After our investigations, 14 were eliminated — that is our principle. We were left with three candidates, after which he emerged as the best of the best,” Yombi said.
He further explained that beyond political credentials, the association examined the personal integrity of nominees.
“Apart from his political background, we equally looked at how he treats his family members in order to be sure of the person we are presenting to society,” the CIJ Secretary General added.
The Collective of Investigative Journalists says the award is aimed at promoting professionalism in journalism while recognising personalities who distinguish themselves in leadership, reforms and societal impact.
For the CRP Interim President, the honour now comes with renewed responsibility as he continues to champion political engagement, particularly among young people, at a time when calls for inclusive governance remain topical in the country.