From
Bakah Derick in Bamenda
Going by some of the messages read in Bamenda May 3 during a joined event by media structures in the region led by the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists CAMASEJ-NW there is need for collaboration, unity and professionalism to be improved upon in the Press.
 |
Cross Sections of Journalists and Media professionals at Bamenda WPFD
event
|
In a goodwill message directed to
CAMASEJ-NW and CAMASEJ National in which Ntumfor Nico Halle CAMASEJ NATIONAL
Patron described Journalism as a “very noble and indispensable profession,”
stated that “the media in all its facets represents an invaluable asset for a
people, community, society and Nation. It is even the barometer with which
progress and development of a people is measured.” the legal Icon notes that
both traditional and new media “are development tools if properly exploited” as
they especially social media have now become a major source of information,
education and entertainment and even used by men of God in sharing God’s word.
“CAMASEJ has been doing well in
avoiding “fake news” and “hate speech” for the most part and I want to
congratulate you all. Always verify, cross check, analyse your information
before you publish it. DO not rush to publish until you are quite sure of the
source. Avoid blackmail Journalism. Avoid placing yourself at the beck and call
of unscrupulous elite who use you to embellish their soiled images. Remain
professional as this builds your integrity which money cannot buy. Collaborate
with your colleagues and be each others’s keeper. Share love with one another
just like God loves you.” Ntumfor Nico Halle who is also member of NCPBMC said.
While encouraging the Press to
stand up for peace and justice for peace to return to the two restive
Anglophone regions due to the loss of many lives property, people living in
bushes, many becoming refugees, businesses paralysed, he exhorted “CAMASEJ to
continue to respect state institutions” and join him in his “most important
mission of Peace and Justice crusading.”
Nformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka
Director General of Strategic Humanitarian Services SHUMAS on his appreciated the
work done this far and encouraged the press “given the challenging moment in
the exercise of your profession.” While regretting the lacuna created by the
crisis between SHUMAS and the Press, the SHUMAS lead officer assured the media
men and women of their constant consumption of their works and prayers.
“As you all commemorate this
World Press Freedom Day, the entire SHUMAS family wish you a great
commemoration and better dasy as we look forward to greater collaboration. We
regret that most of our activities in the English speaking regions have greatly
been hampered by the ongoing crisis but we still continue to work in other
regions. However, we keep on pleading with our partner for patience, looking
forward to the end of this crisis so that we can continue our collaboration
with you. So ladies and gentlemen of the press don’t despair better days are
ahead.” Nformi Ndzerem Stephen N Said.
 |
Full Hall at World Press Freedom Day event
|
The lone politician to address a
message to the NW Media family was Elizabeth Regina Mundi Senator and Member,
CPDM Political Bureau who regretted our absence from the commemoration event.
“I congratulate you all for
realising that the press is the pillar democracy and as such have worked
tirelessly in these challenging times to keep the population informed and also
promoting public dialogue at different levels. In a democracy like hours, the
press has a vital role to play in championing the cause of the voiceless,
exposing corruption and abuses of office among other roles. You have realised
the power of the press to influence people, hence, I congratulate those of you
who see yourselves as servants of the people, informing and educating the
public on truths and facts thus making the press a very credible and trusted
partner in our development process.” She said. She expressed the wish for truly
free press which “at all times give the population true and reliable
information.” She encouraged the press not work for self but for country “and
your reward shall be in gold, an incorrigible metal.”
These messages it should be said
were read to the entire media family of the region made up of CAMASEJ NW
members, members of the Cameroon journalists’ Trade Union CJTU/SNJC, Cameroon
Community Media Network CCMN and the Cameroon Association of Sports Journalists
as well students of the University of Bamenda. Ambe Macmillian Awa has appreciated the message sender with a promise to work towards the call.
This year's event has been celebrated with the theme “Media for Democracy, Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.