By Ngunyi Sonita Nwohtazie
LIMBE, PAV – The Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) has successfully concluded its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Awards Ceremony in Limbe, South West Region, after three days of deliberations focused on unity, professionalism, and the future of journalism.
Held from Thursday, January 29, to Saturday, January 31, under the theme “United in Purpose: Shaping Tomorrow’s Journalism Today,” the gathering brought together hundreds of journalists from across Cameroon, in what observers have described as a defining moment for the association.
The event was chaired by Achu Rosette, Regional Delegate of Communication for the South West Region and representative of the Minister of Communication, alongside several dignitaries and stakeholders in the media sector.
Welcoming participants at the opening ceremony, the President of CAMASEJ Limbe, Zita Aliah, expressed gratitude to members for their strong turnout, noting that their presence demonstrated commitment to the growth of the profession.
In his keynote address, National President Viban Jude underscored the importance of unity within the association, reminding members that “solidarity is not optional; it is foundational.” He stressed that a strong and cohesive membership is essential to safeguarding journalism in an era marked by rapid transformation.
A major highlight of the AGM was the presentation of reports from various chapters nationwide, an exercise Jude said reflects the health of the association at the grassroots level.
“We listened to reports from the various chapters because we believe that when our chapters are working strongly, then CAMASEJ as an association is doing well,” he noted.
The meeting also approved plans to expand the association with the creation of new chapters in Bafoussam and Bangem, a move expected to improve representation and participation.
Delegates further resolved to review CAMASEJ’s constitution to ensure it aligns with contemporary realities in journalism, particularly the rise of digital media and the impact of artificial intelligence. “When our constitution was drawn up, there was no digital journalism, yet it is very active now. We need to consider artificial intelligence, amongst other things. So we have to tweak our constitution to reflect today’s challenges and the future,” Jude explained.
According to the National President, the reforms are intended to realign and refocus the association so it can effectively respond to emerging shifts within the profession.
Reaffirming CAMASEJ’s mission, Jude emphasised that safeguarding journalism requires an unwavering commitment to professionalism and ethics. “We believe that we have a common purpose, and that purpose is safeguarding journalism. If we do not work hard today, we will not be counted on in the future. Working hard today is all about professionalism; it is all about ethics,” he said.
To reinforce these values, the association announced plans to strengthen its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee while revisiting its awards scheme to recognise journalists making meaningful contributions to society.
“We want to spotlight those journalists who are making a difference so they become mentors. They themselves are encouraged to do better, and colleagues can have people amongst us to look up to,” he added, noting that the reforms are geared toward preparing the association for the future.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communication, Achu Rosette urged journalists to uphold the ethics and deontology of their profession, highlighting the media’s critical role as the fourth estate in ensuring that the country’s communication landscape functions effectively.
She reassured media practitioners of the government’s readiness to support the profession, stating that authorities remain prepared to satisfy journalists “professionally and otherwise.”
Rosette expressed optimism about the future of journalism in Cameroon, citing the impressive mobilisation of professionals from across the country. “I feel like a professional also. I feel satisfied. The future is bright when I see this hall full of journalists from all around the country. Together, we can build a strong professional platform just by respecting ethics and deontology,” she remarked.
She also paid tribute to journalists operating in the crisis-hit North West and South West Regions, commending their resilience and dedication despite persistent challenges.
“I want to appreciate the journalists of my region, the South West Region, and those of the North West who have been going through these crises but are not keeping their pens and papers down. They are still working,” she said.
Rosette particularly lauded media professionals in the South West for fostering stability through responsible reporting. “They have used their professionalism to make the South West Region a place habitable despite the crisis. I really thank the journalists for their professionalism,” she added.
In a spirited display of fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie, the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) faced off against Limbe Boys and Girls in an exciting football encounter at the Limbe Community Field.
The opening half was fiercely contested, ending in a goalless draw as both sides created promising chances but lacked the finishing touch. However, the tempo shifted after the break, with CAMASEJ returning to the pitch with renewed energy and clear determination. Their early second-half goal set the tone for what became a commanding performance.
Driven by momentum and an unrelenting attacking drive, CAMASEJ added two more well-earned goals, sealing an emphatic 3–0 victory and capping off the match with style and authority.
