Story, Louvier Kindo Tombe
The dusty roads leading into Ekok carry more than just cross-border commerce; for years, they have borne the heavy weight of tension, crisis, and uncertainty. Positioned at the very edge of Cameroon’s western frontier with Nigeria, Ekok is a town where resilience isn’t just a virtue—it is a daily requirement. At the center of this frontier community stands a leader who refused to walk away when the storm blew hardest: His Royal Highness Ntufam Iyamba Ojang Eno Cyprian.
While many might have sought safety elsewhere during the peak of regional unrest, the traditional ruler of Ekok chose to stay firmly anchored in his palace. A law graduate from the University of Yaoundé and a regional councilor in the South West Regional Assembly, King Ntufam possesses the sharp mind of a modern statesman and the deep-rooted duty of an ancestral custodian. As President of the Eyumojock Traditional Rulers Association and the supreme Iyamba—the highest title in the revered Ejagham Mgbe traditional institution—his palace remained a sanctuary of hope, stability, and wise counsel for his people.
On a day filled with quiet triumph, the dignified atmosphere of the Ekok palace came alive. A high-level delegation from the Grass 2 Grace Humanitarian Organisation (G2G), led by the Vision Bearer of the tribute concept, HRH Thomas A. Fotang, a Goodwill Ambassador under the representative of CISRI-Cameroon, a United Nations Permanent Observatory Mission arrived at the royal grounds. They came bearing an international honor: the G2G Courageous Men’s Prize for Nation Building.
Surrounded by his subjects, traditional council members, and local collaborators, the monarch received the international tribute and humanitarian medal. The award was not given for grand speeches made from afar, but for the quiet, courageous work done on the ground every single day.
Throughout the years of hardship, King Ntufam has been the beating heart of Ekok’s survival. He stepped into the gap to guide restless young people, steering them away from violence and towards community development. He used the ancient traditions of Ejagham culture to mediate disputes and foster unity.
Knowing that Ekok is a vital commercial lifeline, he consistently advocated for legitimate cross-border trade between Cameroon and Nigeria, building bridges where others saw barriers. Above all, he worked hand-in-hand with administrative authorities to advocate for peace, security, and the return of normal life across Eyumojock’s 66 villages.
As HRH Thomas A. Fotang draped the honors upon the king, the message echoed far beyond the palace walls: true leadership is tested in the dark, and patriotism is proven through perseverance. By remaining a pillar of peace and courage at Cameroon’s western gateway, King Ntufam Iyamba Ojang Eno Cyprian proved that even in the toughest of times, a true king never abandons his post.
G2G: Celebrating those who make change happen.
