NW Journalists Trained to Support Public Independent Conciliator’s Mission
Journalists from audiovisual, print, and online media outlets in the North West Region have been sensitized about the mission and mandate of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the Region.
The training took place during a one-day information and education seminar held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Bamenda.
Chaired by the PIC for the North West, Tamfu Simon Fai, the seminar aimed to enhance journalists’ understanding of the role of the Public Independent Conciliator’s office, focusing on its mission, mandate, and the involvement of the population in local development and governance.
According to Tamfu Simon Fai, the seminar was designed to help media practitioners grasp the significance of the PIC in the political and administrative landscape of the North West Region. It also provided an opportunity to identify areas for collaboration between journalists and the PIC.
“We cannot succeed without your continued efforts in providing reliable, verifiable, and credible information to the public. The population is looking to you for guidance on the work of the PIC. Please serve them with integrity, and reach out to us whenever you need clarification,” Tamfu urged the journalists.
During the seminar, Dr. Alfred Wuku provided an in-depth explanation of the mission, functioning, and mandate of the PIC. Dr. Atia Tilarious then presented on how the population can better engage with the PIC’s office.
In his presentation, Dr. Atia emphasized the importance of strategic journalism in conveying the PIC’s message to the public in a constructive manner.
The journalists were also encouraged to collaborate closely with the PIC to promote decentralization, expose corruption, and enhance citizen participation in local development.
The Public Independent Conciliator’s office for the North West was established by presidential decree in 2019. Tamfu Simon Fai, appointed as the PIC in 2021, along with his team, works to improve local governance, protect citizens’ rights, combat discrimination, and resolve conflicts amicably between citizens and councils.