At launch of book: Journalists, lawyers, civil society actors celebrate author, Charlie Ndi Chia.

The launching ceremony took place Saturday, May 17, 2025 in Buea. The book, partitioned into four parts, paints a full unadulterated picture of Charlie Ndi Chia’s early Life, education, family and initiation into journalism.

The book also details the challenges of journalism in Cameroon; building, rebuilding and reflections and lessons learned throughout his decades-long dedication to the journalism profession and his unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth. 

It projects the personal account of a journalist in Cameroon who navigated the profession at a time of serious censorship, growing liberalization after the 1990 freedom laws.

It blends the overt censorship that characterised the period before the 1990 laws and the covert censorship that characterises the media now. 

In the 112-page book, Ndi Chia shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs, offering a unique perspective on the state of journalism in the before and after the liberalization of the media landscape in the country.

It highlights the author’s resilience, commitment and determination with the goal of inspiring readers to stand up for press freedom and to speak truth to power.

The book is framed in the form of a dialogue in a question-and-answer format. The format takes the classic journalism interview format with the grandson depicting a young person dabbling into the profession. 

The questions allow the author to narrate his professional journey. Charlie Ndi Chia narrates bitter experiences with the administrative and security leaders because of his avid decision to hold power to account, which often landed him in serious trouble with constant harassment and detention in sordid environments. 

Despite the threats, he stayed resolute in his professionalism. The book has garnered almost universal appeal from people who know Charlie Ndi Chia who all attested to the veracity of the facts in the book. 

Praises galore

Francis Nyamjoh, a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, said the book paints a picture of one who spent his life speaking truth to power.

On his part, writer and policy advocate, George Ngwane, noted that: “And finally the genie has been let out of the bottle. The much-awaited literary travelogue of Uncle Charlie beginning from his childhood curiosity, through his juvenile mischief to his adult epiphany is now in the hands of the reader. Filled with wry humour, graphic details and frank talk, this epistolary autobiography amplifies the voices of journalists especially those who fearlessly spill their ink at the expense”.

Veteran journalists, Enoh Chris Oben and Victor Epie Ngome, both former colleagues and friends of the author, reviewed the book. 

Enoh Chris Oben said the book was a powerful and thought-provoking foray into the life and professional practice of the author.

He said the title was a symbol of the author’s professional journey and is a cornerstone of public discourse that should inspire the new breed of Journalists. 

In this light, he encouraged media professionals, student journalists, media historians, civil society activists and free press advocates to read the book to enrich their knowledge. 

On his part, Victor Epie Ngome, said the book was a compelling read on the power of journalism to shape society. In this light, he said it was a necessary watch movie for all stakeholders.

Speaking to the press after the launch of the book, the author said his motivation to write the book was due to his desire to inspire others.

"I want to inspire the next generation of journalists to uphold the highest standards of the profession, to speak truth to power and to never give up on the fight for press freedom," he said.

Charlie Ndi Chia’s book is a timely reminder of the critical role that journalists play in holding those in power accountable.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3456 of Monday May 26, 2025