The Drum Newspaper fetes 12th Anniversary with 12 disciples Awards

The Drum Newspaper is 12years old. Celebrations to mark the 12^th Anniversary of the Bali-Mezam Division headquartered newspaper 12years of existence took please in Bamenda Saturday April 21 exactly the same day the paper saw the light of day in 2006. 

“It was on the 21^st of April 2006 that is press organ hit the newsstands. The prevailing circumstances that led to its creation, is a tale of its own. History will vividly remember that at one moment, Bali Sub division in Mezam Division was locally, nationally and internationally recognized as the hub of social unrest.” Akam Eric The Drum publisher told his anniversary guests. 

 

Lucas Ngu Afong at The Drum 12th Ann Award

According to the publisher despite the presence of different media houses at the time “this newspaper came up to equate the quality of news that left the community to the outside world” and consequently trough their write Akam adds they had “to make reason prevail over ignorance.” 

As to what the newspaper is celebrating at 12 the publisher explained “we can hit our chest and crow proudly that, if there is peace in Bali, Mezam and Cameroon as a whole, we can be counted amongst.” 

Looking back in his community of origin, Akam Eric notes that “The Drum has made great strides to promote the culture of peace rekindle development amongst our peers, encouraged reading culture.” Statistics he added “reveal that villagers with little or no formal education read newspapers, listen to the radio and even watch TV with wrap attention.” 

Addressing the anniversary event on behalf of the laureates, Senior Councilor Lucas Ngu Afong who is member of the Bamenda City board member and Councilor of the Bamenda III Council expressed satisfaction with the distinction given them as laureates. Awarded Most Dedicated and People Oriented Councilor of the Year, Lucas Ngu said like him, he hopes that the awards will be a strong motivation to do more for the people. According to the Councilor and SDF District Chairman for Bamenda III electoral district, he received the recognition because of the great support from his Mbessi Constituency where he is credited for helping over 20 couples seal their marriages, installation of street lights, lobbying for roads amongst others. 

Hilltop Voices Chief Servant receive award

Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle international peace crusader and and member of the National Commission for the promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism who was represented at the event, Mbah Achah Rose Supreme State audit Minister and others featured amongst the laureates. 

Admitting that the road has not been easy with several challenges faced, Eric expressed the hope for better days ahead appealing for more support from the readers and trust from more advertisers for the growth of the paper so as to give rooms for more celebrations.