The Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) has warmly welcomed the launch of The Peter Essoka Prize for Excellence in Journalism, describing the initiative as a bold and timely step towards promoting professionalism and quality broadcasting in Cameroon.
The prize, launched by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth, H.E. Felix Mbayu, forms part of activities marking Commonwealth Day 2026. Cameroon will join the 56-member Commonwealth family on Monday, 9 March 2026, to commemorate the annual event under the theme, “Unlocking Opportunities Together for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
In a statement announcing the initiative, the Minister revealed that the Peter Essoka Prize has been created to recognise outstanding achievement in newscasting and animation on radio and television in the English language. The award honours veteran journalist Peter Essoka and seeks to celebrate dedication, integrity and excellence in the profession.
Four winners will be recognised each year: the best male and female newscasters and the best male and female programme animators. Particular emphasis will be placed on diction, articulation, delivery, accuracy and professionalism. Each laureate will receive a cash prize of 500,000 CFA francs, sponsored by the Ministry of External Relations in partnership with Merdolf Sarl.
The nomination process will be conducted through radio phone-ins and messages during the annual Commonwealth Radio Quiz on Luncheon Date and The Mid-Morning Show on CRTV, from 2 to 9 March 2026. A jury chaired by Mr Peter Essoka will subsequently select the winners.
Reacting to the announcement, CAMASEJ, in a statement signed by its National President, Jude Viban, praised the initiative and commended Minister Felix Mbayu, who was recently inducted as Patron of the association during its Award Night in Limbe on 31 January 2026.
“The creation of The Peter Essoka Prize for Excellence in Journalism is a strong and inspiring sign of his continued commitment to the promotion of quality journalism in Cameroon,” the statement read.
CAMASEJ noted that by honouring a trailblazing veteran such as Peter Essoka, the initiative reinforces the values of professionalism, courage and service that underpin both the association and the journalism profession at large.
The association also highlighted the involvement of Mr Che Lindolf Ndongnyam, Chief Executive Officer of Merdolf Sarl, describing it as a meaningful demonstration of how the business community can support media development and reward merit.
“This shows how the business community can stand side by side with the media to promote excellence,” CAMASEJ stated, expressing appreciation for Mr Che’s longstanding support to the association.
The association further recalled Minister Mbayu’s recent sponsorship of the Monica Chunji Mbayu Prize, created in honour of his late mother during the North West Media Forum organised by CAMASEJ’s Bamenda Chapter, as further evidence of his belief in the power of journalism to shape society.
CAMASEJ has called on its members nationwide to participate fully in its maiden edition.
“By doing so, we honour our heroes, strengthen our profession and inspire the next generation of journalists,” Jude Viban said.
