In a region where armed conflict and economic uncertainty have forced many businesses to shut down, survival itself has become a mark of distinction. For Edison Fru Ndi, Chief Executive Officer of Dreamland Holdings and North West Regional Delegate of the Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts, resilience has now earned national recognition.
Edison Fru Ndi was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Nation Builders in the Gold category during the 17th edition of the Lifetime Media Awards held at the Bamenda on Saturday 28 march 2026. The recognition places him among a select group of economic actors who have sustained operations and driven development despite a prolonged and difficult business climate.
The North West Region continues to grapple with instability linked to the ongoing armed conflict, disrupting supply chains, shrinking markets, and increasing operational risks. Many enterprises have either scaled down or collapsed entirely. Against this backdrop, Dreamland Holdings has remained operational across catering, hospitality, and construction, without shutting its doors, a reality that underscores the scale of the challenge and the weight of the recognition.
Beyond personal recognition, Edison Fru Ndi used the moment to highlight a broader concern, the fragility of the business ecosystem and the urgent need for economic operators to adapt, remain compliant, and seize emerging opportunities. His position at the Chamber has placed him at the centre of efforts to stabilise and guide businesses through policy shifts, particularly under the 2026 Finance Law.
At a recent seminar organised by the Chamber in Bamenda, he warned that ignorance of new fiscal and customs measures is exposing businesses to sanctions and missed incentives. According to him, compliance is no longer optional but central to survival and growth.
“In order to succeed in business and to succeed with the State, you have to be compliant,” he stressed, linking knowledge of the law to business continuity.
The seminar itself formed part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between policy and practice, equipping operators with practical understanding of reforms such as digital tax systems, new obligations, and targeted exemptions.
Edison Fru Ndi’s approach reflects a consistent pattern, combining private sector resilience with public advocacy for structured growth. Through initiatives like business training programmes and stakeholder engagements, he has pushed for an environment where enterprises can move from mere survival to strategic expansion.
In his acceptance remarks, he shifted focus away from individual achievement to collective endurance.
“Being recognised as a resilient economic operator is not just a personal achievement. It is a testament to the spirit of perseverance that defines our region,” he tod the Observer237
He dedicated the award to entrepreneurs, workers, and young people across the North West, describing them as the true drivers of the local economy.
“I dedicate this recognition to every entrepreneur, every worker, and every young dreamer who refuses to give up despite the odds. You are the true builders of our economy,” he added.
Looking ahead, the Dreamland holdings strongman framed the award as a renewed mandate. His vision centres on transforming the region’s resilience into structured economic recovery, where businesses are not only sustained but positioned to attract investment and drive development.
“This award is not a destination. It is a call to do more, to build more, to empower more,” he said, outlining a forward-looking agenda anchored on growth and opportunity.
The expected impact of this approach is a more informed and coordinated business community, capable of navigating regulatory demands while leveraging incentives embedded in national policy. For a region in recovery, such alignment between leadership, policy, and enterprise may prove decisive.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices web
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