With elegance, Atem Noella, Miss Southwest 2025 and Third Runner-Up at this year’s Miss Cameroon national competition, is rewriting what it means to wear a crown in Cameroon today.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, the proud daughter of Lebialem and Ndian in the Southwest Region, reflected on her journey from Buea to Yaounde, where she was recently crowned as the Third Runner-Up of Miss Cameroon. Evidently, she has carved a path of purpose, sacrifice, and unwavering regional pride.
“Representing my region wasn’t just about beauty,” she said, “It was about purpose, resilience, and showcasing the strength of the Southwest spirit.”
Crowned Miss Southwest earlier this year, Miss Atem’s path to the national stage was anything but easy.
Behind the glamour and elegance, there are months of extensive training, community service, and personal development. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion, but also of clarity and gratitude.
She said she realised how “many young girls saw themselves in me. Their encouragement reminded me that I wasn’t just chasing a crown; I was carrying their hopes.”
For Miss Atem, wearing the EYASU sash, the official cultural fabric for Southwesterners, was a cultural statement. It meant standing tall for a region known for its deep-rooted history of hospitality, diversity, and resilience.
“Wearing EYASU on the national stage meant more than just a sash, it was a way of saying, ‘We are here, we matter, and we shine.’”
Her performance at the Miss Cameroon finals captivated both the crowd and judges, ultimately earning her the title of Third Runner-Up, a feat celebrated across the Southwest.
But Atem isn’t stopping at pageantry. She is now focused on launching her advocacy platform FEMME+, a project aimed at empowering women, especially those living with sickle cell disease in Cameroon.
The initiative will focus on awareness campaigns, vocational training, and financial literacy programmes.
“I believe no woman should be limited by her condition or her circumstances,” she said. “Through FEMME+, we want to give them the tools to thrive.”
Her message to the youth, especially young girls from towns like Buea, is clear: “Your dreams are valid. You don’t need to come from a big city to make a big impact. What matters is your belief in yourself, your willingness to work hard, and your ability to rise even when life tries to pull you down.”
She thanked her supporters, mentors, family, and sponsors for the road she has covered so far.
“To the Southwest Region, to all who supported me, thank you! We shared this victory together. And to Access Bank Cameroon and my top management, thank you for believing in me,” she said.
As her star continues to rise, Miss Atem Noella remains rooted in the community that raised her and she is committed to making her crown a symbol of service.
“This journey has just begun,” she smiled. “And I promise to continue representing you with pride, purpose, and integrity.”
By Ethel Muring (UB Journalism Student on Internship)