Ntumfor Nico Halle insists media indispensable tool to democracy.

The revered legal mind, who is also member of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism, re-echoed the undeniable role the media has played in influencing people in position of power to take just decisions for the greater good of the masses Wednesday, May 17.  He was speaking during an award reception ceremony in Douala.

The ceremony came days after authorities of The Scoop Media Group had declared him the Most consistent Peace and Love Crusader in 2022. 

Speaking at the award restitution ceremony, Ntumfor Nico Halle, who has been acclaimed worldwide for his peace crusading, used the opportunity to shine light on the media in Cameroon.

The legal heavyweight said the media, through excruciating conditions, has maintained objectivity in denouncing social injustices.

"Going by the description of Thomas Jefferson on the role of the media as fourth estate, I am saying again that a free, objective and skilled media is an essential component of any democratic society. On the one hand, it provides the information which the polity require to make responsible and informed decisions. On the other hand, it performs a ‘checking function’ and ensuring that elected officials uphold their promises to society,” he insisted.

Ntumfor Nico Halle stated that: “The media in Cameroon has been doing so despite very harsh conditions. They have not failed in their duty. They may have sporadic cases of yellowish journalism but they are doing great".

The award by the Scoop Media Group, was the fourth from the same organisation and 169^th Ntumfor Nico Halle has received in total. 

Commenting on the consistency in recognition of his peace efforts and nation building, the CEO of The Scoop Media Group, Esong Larry Akang, said it was an encouragement to "a man who has dedicated his life to advocate the wellbeing of others".

Akang added that for over 30 years, Ntumfor Nico Halle has been engaged in his peace crusading course. 

He said Ntumfor Nico Halle has by so doing, added meaning to it by calling for mankind to live in love and in accordance with core moral values as instructed by the Bible.

"Many people do not love those who stand for peace, but Ntumfor Nico Halle has stood for peace despite the pitfalls. He has pushed through. When his name came in the category, it was a unanimous acceptance by the jury. We are not by this saying he has done too much, we are giving him a tap on the back for him to super scale in the task, his footprints are indelible," he noted.

Faithful to humility, Ntumfor Nico Halle, gave thanks to God for the numerous blessings upon his person. He dedicated the award to the media in Cameroon. 

In dedicating the prize, Ntumfor Nico Halle extended an open invitation to the entire media corps to do more in consolidating peace and living together in the country.

The clarion call, came at a time when there has been an upsurge in the propagation of hate speech, some by lawmakers! 

“Cameroonians are all brothers irrespective of where you come from. I have friends from all over the nation. I do not discriminate. I say anyone preaching xenophobia is not a lover of this nation. For peace to reign, there must be love. Without love, nothing works. Journalists should come onboard and crusade peace,” he concluded.