Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
As spokesperson and legal adviser to the Fons of the North West region, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle did not hesitate to honour the Fons with the prestigious award.
“I am dedicating this award specially to all the Fons of the North West region in particular, and then to all the people in the crisis zones,” Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle told News Upfront.
By dedicating the award to the traditional rulers, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, is sending across a strong message to them, especially at this moment of crisis in the region.
“Let the Fons continue to play their role as custodians of tradition, and let them continue to stand up to the expectations of their people,” he said.
“The Fons should avoid playing in the hands of some elites who will use them in their parochial interest and dump them.”
Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle strongly believes that the traditional rulers can constructively contribute to bring back peace in the region.
“I think the Fons have become more matured ready to challenge any obstacle,” he added.
The transformative humanitarian and peace advocate is however of the opinion that “for peace to exist, there must be justice, there must be transparency”.
“That is what we should be working towards.”
Why Nico Halle
The 2022 transformative humanitarian and peace advocate award is the 168th award received by Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle.
The renowned advocate of human rights and liberties, good governance and democracy was rewarded for decades – long commitment in improving lives of Cameroonians, reducing sufferings and recognizing human dignity as well as courage and conviction to make the world a better place, helping people worldwide to advance freedom, justice and equality.
“I am taking this award in good faith, in thankfulness, and in acknowledging God’s love for me,” Ntumfor revealed to this reporter.
“It is humbling, motivational and it’s also committing.”
Organized by The Herald Tribune newspaper, the award is part of its mission to contribute to nations building.
“The Herald Tribune Excellence Award is meant to encourage Cameroonians to work harder in their respective domains,” says Richard Nde Lajong, publisher of The Herald Tribune and promoter of the award.
The selection process of the nominees and winners was even more rigourous this year. Candidate are initially nominated by readers of The Herald Tribune newspaper. The nominees are then forwarded to a special jury which has the task of deciding who is the winner based on laid down criteria.
“Actually they were three of them nominated in that category and Ntumfor emerged winner. He was selected by an independent jury,” Richard Nde Lajong said.
“It’s always a surprise when you receive an awards,” Ntumfor said, adding that “it is a call for more humanitarian actions”.
The Herald Tribune Excellence Award held Saturday April 29, 2023 at Club 58, Bamenda and saw some institutions and persons of different walks of life awarded at various levels for their contributions to the growth of the community.
