By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In an event that brought together the crème de la crème of Cameroon’s media, legal, and literary spheres, veteran journalist Charlie Ndi Chia officially launched his first book, “Ink in My Blood”, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Buea. The memoir, described as a stirring testament to the power and peril of truth-telling in journalism, not only recounts Ndi Chia’s personal and professional odyssey but also set the stage for the announcement of a journalism prize in his honour.
The book, a 120-page literary capsule of Cameroon’s socio-political evolution through the lens of an unwavering truth-seeker, traverses Ndi Chia’s journey from birth in 1954 through a career that spanned over four decades. From early stints at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Cameroon Television (CTV), which later became CRTV, to founding the Rambler newspaper, Ndi Chia’s life has been etched with both triumph and tribulation.
At the launch event, which was marked by emotion, recollection, and praise, colleagues and admirers lauded the author for his commitment to truth, courage under fire, and unrelenting passion for the profession. Among the attendees were seasoned journalists like Victor Epie Ngome and Enow Chris Oben, who reviewed the memoir, as well as legal luminaries including Barristers Christopher Tambe Tiku, Nicole Hale, and Felix Agbor Nkongho.
Described as “an account of one man’s unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity in the face of adversity,” Ink in My Blood offers readers not only a chronicle of events but a deeper understanding of the risks that come with challenging authority and exposing inconvenient truths. The memoir recounts episodes of arrest, detention, and exile; all endured for the sake of telling stories that mattered.
“I have also seen the dark side of the media, its vulnerability to corruption, manipulation, and control,” Ndi Chia writes. “I want to share my story, not just as a personal memoir, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of journalism in Cameroon.”
recently launched book “Ink in my blood
It was during the event that Togho Lumumba Mukong took the opportunity to announce the establishment of the Charlie Ndi Chia Prize for Truth Journalism, an award designed to recognise and encourage fearless reporting in Cameroon. “He has done a lot for journalism in this country,” Mukong said. “The main thing about Charlie Ndi Chia is standing for the truth. That is something we must celebrate and sustain.”
The inaugural edition of the prize will be awarded later this year, with a particular focus on how journalists are adapting to the digital age and the ethical complexities of social media.
journalists after the launch of his book
Victor Epie Ngome, a close friend and fellow media professional, emphasised the legacy embedded in Ndi Chia’s publication. “There is no success without a successor,” Ngome remarked, describing the memoir as a treasure trove for young journalists. “Charlie was always courageous. He didn’t settle for half-measures and never took no for an answer. These are qualities young journalists should embrace.”
In his reflections at the launch, Ndi Chia issued a candid assessment of contemporary journalism. He likened the profession to a brutal boxing match: “If you know you can’t challenge Francis Ngannou in the ring, don’t enter the ring.” He lamented the growing dangers facing today’s journalists, who risk arrest or even death for simply doing their jobs.
Friend and mentor Eyambe Thomas, who encouraged Ndi Chia to put his experiences into writing, called the memoir a much-needed blueprint for aspiring media practitioners. “This book is not just a personal story; it is a blueprint for future generations.”
Beyond the memoir, Uncle Charlie’s influence in Cameroon’s media landscape is indisputable. A former member of the National Communication Council from 2004 to 2021, his work at Cameroon Times, The Post, CRTV, and The Rambler has left an indelible mark. With Ink in My Blood, he offers what he calls a “footprint” of his life’s work, one that champions positivism, courage, and the hope for a more informed and democratic Cameroon.
Ink in My Blood is currently available in major bookstores across the country and retails at France CFA 5,000. More than just a book, it is a living document of journalistic resistance and integrity, a timely reminder of the sacred duty of the press in any democratic society.
