The sea-side city of the South West region of Cameroon, Limbe, played host to the 2025 Annual General Meeting – AGM of the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ that took place from Thursday, January 29 to Saturday, January 30.

The three-day event, that brought together over 358 Journalists from the eight chapters of the association nationwide, took place at the Limbe Council under the theme “United in Purpose: Shaping Tomorrow’s Journalism Today.

The opening was chaired by the representative of the Minister of Communication, Achu Rosette, who also doubles as the Regional Delegate of Communication for the South West Region, alongside other dignitaries. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Communication, the representative called on journalists to uphold the ethics and deontology of the profession, emphasizing the media’s critical role as the fourth estate.

In her opening speech, the President of CAMASEJ Limbe, Zita Aliah expressed gratitude towards the choice of Limbe as host and thanked participants for their presence in the city. Alongside her, CAMASEJ National President Jude Viban in his opening sddress highlighted the importance of solidarity among members, stressing that “solidarity is not optional; it is foundational.”

The main aim of the meeting was to review the constitution of the association for adoption. For over 5 hours, the Limbe council hall was heated by the debates and worries that was raised coupled with the heat that characterized the entire hall. All the points raised by noted by the national secretary who immediately made amendments.

The AGM gave chapter executives the opportunity to present their various reports on their activities as well as financial statements for the year 2025. Key highlights from the reports included growth in membership; capacity-building trainings aimed at improving members’ skills; engagement with student journalists and journalism clubs; and monthly meetings to interact and discuss professional issues.

It equally highlighted collaboration with authorities and partners to strengthen professional ties, as well as donations and assistance to vulnerable persons, including children of deceased colleagues. CAMASEJ chapters also reported the production and distribution of press cards and jackets to members to enhance identification and facilitate professional practice.

Some major challenges were identified, including limited collaboration among colleagues, particularly with state media counterparts, difficulties accessing certain areas and communities due to insecurity, and inadequate financial resources.

To end the yearly gathering in grand style, a city Caravan tour was organized wherein they wore t-shirts – branded by their main sponsor CAMTEL- and made their prescence felt with chants as they move through Half mile to the community field. There, they played a football match against Limbe Boys and Girls Association – LIBGA where they emerged victorious trashing the 3 goals to nothing, a bitter pill to swallow for the Limbe denizens. From the pitch, all roads led to the Seme Beach where the participants enjoyed the seashore, played, relaxed and share a common meal before heading to Maxim De Paris Hall for the award ceremony.

Meritorious Journalists received awards for outstanding performance in various sectors. Amongst the awardees were Beng Emmanuel, Cynthia Ebot, Nsoseka Andrew Acramu and Shuimo Trust Dohyee who were amongst the winners of the CAMASEJ – OSJ pitching competition that took place on July 30. Others like Yaounde Chapter President, CAMASEJ National Secretary General Amindeh Blaise Atabong, Karine Kubong, received awards for their service and dedication toward the growth of the association. Veteran Journalists like Publisher Yerima Kini Nsom and otherswere rewarded for their presence and encouragement towards the younger ones in the profession.

The 2025 CAMASEJ AGM was an opportunity for decisions to be made, relationships created and friendship renewed. The event was graced by the official partner, CAMTEL, as well as other partners including UNESCO, Boissons du Cameroun, the Open Society Foundation, the Limbe City Council, and others.