North West elite and Bamendankwe son, Dr. Peter Taniform, has called for greater professionalism, unity, and stronger standards among journalists in the region.
The Engineer and Development Expert, with the World Bank made the call on Monday, August 31, during a press breakfast he organized for journalists at the Bamenda I Council Hall.
More than 70 journalists attended the meeting, bringing together senior professionals, mid-career journalists, and younger members of the profession.
The encounter came a day after Dr. Taniform attended the seventh edition of the Bamenda I Peace and Unity Tournament, which he initiated and continues to patronize.
The tournament, launched in 2015 as the Peace Crusade, was later renamed the Peace and Unity Tournament and expanded to promote peace, reconciliation, social cohesion, and youth development.
During Monday’s meeting, Dr. Taniform thanked journalists for continuing to inform the public despite the difficult conditions under which the media operates in the North West.
The Lead Transport Specialist and Infrastructure Programme leader said journalists in the region have accumulated valuable professional experience through their coverage of events before, during, and after the conflict.
According to him, this experience should be recognized and used to strengthen the quality and credibility of journalism in the region.
Dr. Taniform urged journalists to build a stronger professional corps capable of commanding public confidence and respect.
He also stressed the media’s role in shaping how the North West is perceived, both within Cameroon and beyond.
He called for accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting, noting that the way journalists cover the region can influence how the outside world understands it.
The meeting also gave journalists a chance to raise challenges affecting the profession and discuss possible solutions.
One of the proposals was the creation of a CAMASEJ think tank to develop practical initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism and professional standards in the region.
Dr. Taniform supported the proposal with a seed contribution of 1 million FCFA to facilitate the initiative.
Support for journalists’ families
The engagement also included assistance to families of deceased journalists. Ten children of departed media professionals each received 50,000 FCFA for a school bag and books.
A visually impaired journalist working in Bamenda also received financial assistance from Dr. Peter Taniform.
The support, according to the organizers, was intended to demonstrate solidarity with journalists and their families.
Dr. Taniform’s engagement with the press came as part of his broader involvement in community initiatives in the North West, including the Bamenda I Peace and Unity Tournament.
Journalists at the meeting were encouraged to continue working together, improve professional standards, and use their collective experience to contribute to the region’s recovery and development.
@Laarry Times
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