“Never Stop” — Equinox TV’s Babila Jonathan Visits the OD Center | Nchukie Divine

The Open Dreams Yaoundé Center had the honor of receiving Babila Jonathan, one of Equinox TV’s finest journalists, who came to meet our Country Director, Akaba James, after he won the prestigious International ACAC “Going the Extra Mile” Award. The journalist began his talk with a strong slogan: “Never stop.”

From there, he delivered a powerful message. He reminded everyone that no matter the environment you find yourself in, you can make it. He said clearly that just as Joseph succeeded even in prison, and others succeeded in places that were full of obstacles, we too can succeed right where we are. Whether in Cameroon or anywhere in Africa, even with all the obstructions and hurdles at every step, he believes strongly that we can still shine from here to the globe.

Mr. Babila emphasized that success demands individual commitment, sacrifice, determination, and above all, passion. He repeated that passion is key. “The passion. The passion.”

He said if someone is not passionate about what they do, they may succeed a little, but they will end up just like every other person. And that is not the objective. He shared personally that every day as a journalist, he works to make sure he is not just like every other journalist. Whenever he writes, he tries to get something different, something extra, something that pushes him ahead.

He reminded the audience that in an environment like ours, if you are not passionate, you will end up struggling only for bread, struggling just to survive, and to him, that is a failure. He encouraged everyone to aim higher, to do better, to help others thrive, to push people up. And all of that takes passion.

Mirroring his own surprise earlier that morning, he mentioned that he only discovered Mr. Akaba had received an award because he saw another journalist writing about it. “Wow, an award? I have to look for him,” he said, and that was exactly why he came.

The visit was not just a meeting. It was an inspiring reminder to everyone at the OD Center to remain passionate, remain focused, and never stop.

• Nchukie Divine'24 | Open Dreams