WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 3RD MAY 2025 GOOD WILL MESSAGE TO MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN CAMEROUN BY SIR DR NTUMFOR BARRISTER NICO HALLE

WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 3RD MAY 2025 GOOD WILL MESSAGE TO MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN CAMEROUN BY SIR DR NTUMFOR BARRISTER NICO HALLE 

The celebration of an anniversary affords us the opportunity to express gratitude to our awesome Father for bringing us thus far. It gives us the platform to congratulate members of the public and private press for the milestone covered so far. The press, be it public or private, is surely an indispensable stake for the sociocultural, economic, and political evolution of any nation. Permit me sincerely record my congratulations to the entire press family for the path they have trod so far. It is an indisputable truth that you have faced challenges over time but have remained resilient. Nothing good comes easy, it is said. Yet, it is time for each member 

of the press family to take stock of their performance in consolidating and righting the wrong. 

Access to credible information is cardinal in the execution of your daunting but vital mission. Access to information should not be seen as access to all information given that classified, secret, top secret, confidential information exists as per the law. Media practitioners should always press on their right to unclassified information. As you celebrate your anniversary guard against misinformation and disinformation. The former constitutes recklessly publishing news without thorough investigating its veracity, whereas the latter consists in deliberately concocting and fabricating news for propaganda or to please or hurt someone. For the purpose of self caution, we can edify ourselves with Sections 310, 311, and 103 of our Penal Code. Avoid playing into the hands of unscrupulous people who would exploit you and dump you sooner. This year being an electoral moment watch out not to play into the net of some unscrupulous stakeholders whose game plan might be to want to misslead you with false promises. Your integrity should never for any reason compromised with thirty pieces of silver. Report the truth  the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Remember that the Rwanda conflict in April 1994 erupted from reckless reporting by a journalist. Only the truth will set us free. You all will be covered with the blood of our master and Saviour Jesus Christ. Pray with Psalm 23.

We have over the years been pressing for adequate subvention for the press. This is because without resources the press would not be able to educate, inform, create debate and entertain properly and thoroughly. 

It is time for me to sincerely congratulate the press for standing up to the canons of the profession for the most part. Kudos to you all as I invoke the Holy Spirit to continue to lead, direct, guide, accompany and protect you all as you navigate God's vineyard in service to your nation and to God's glory and honour. HAPPY WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION TO ALL MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN CAMEROUN. 

BY SIR DR. BARRISTER NICO HALLE 

DOUALA.