Gives FCFA 1 Million for Media Project
Dr. Taniform Peter, has held a mentoring and consultative session with journalists in the North West Region, encouraging them to develop practical solutions to the challenges affecting the media profession.
The session, held on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Bamenda I Municipal Council Hall, brought together journalists from print, online, radio and television media.
The meeting provided journalists an opportunity to openly discuss some of the difficulties they face in carrying out their work, particularly in the context of the ongoing crisis in the North West.
Among the concerns raised were poor remuneration, inadequate support, difficulties accessing information, disrespect from some officials and political actors, and the security risks journalists face while reporting.
Journalists also expressed frustration over what some described as a transactional relationship with political elites, where the press is heavily courted during election periods but often ignored once elections are over.
Dr. Taniform listened to the concerns and used the occasion to mentor the journalists on how to navigate the challenges confronting the profession.
He described the press as an important partner in development and peacebuilding and encouraged journalists to look beyond the difficulties and begin developing practical ideas that could improve their working conditions.
In a concrete demonstration of his commitment to the media community, Dr. Taniform gave FCFA 1 million to the journalists.
The money is intended to serve as a starting point for journalists to brainstorm and develop visible and achievable projects that can respond to some of the challenges confronting media professionals in the North West.
Rather than waiting for external assistance, the journalists are expected to come together, identify priority areas and determine how the funds can be used to initiate a project capable of benefiting the wider media community.
Dr. Taniform Peter also encouraged other elites and stakeholders to support the initiative so that the journalists can raise additional resources and eventually implement a project capable of making a lasting difference.
Support for Children of Deceased Journalists
He also extended his support to the children of deceased journalists, covering tuition fees and didactic materials.
The children received school bags and FCFA 50,000 per child to assist them with preparations for the new academic year.
The gesture was presented as recognition of the sacrifices made by journalists and the challenges faced by families who have lost colleagues in the profession.
The Road to the Future
Dr. Taniform called for a new relationship between journalists and political elites, based on mutual respect, fair treatment, dialogue and accountability.
He said the two sides must overcome suspicion and work together if Mezam and the wider North West Region are to achieve sustainable development.
“We have reached a level of understanding to forgive each other and get a concrete medium of accountability for our elites. We cannot build this Division if the elite and the press are working at cross-purposes,” he said.
The meeting ended with an understanding that communication between the press and political actors should remain open beyond election periods.
With the FCFA 1 million already handed over, attention now shifts to the journalists to transform their ideas into a practical project that can improve their working conditions and potentially serve as a model for similar initiatives across the North West.
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