Colbert Gwain @The Colbert Factor
In a splendid ceremony at the magnificent Shalom building that hosts the renowned Nico Halle Law Firm in Douala, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle was last Friday, February 7, 2024, conferred with the highest honors by the British American Open University of California in recognition of his outstanding contributions to societal peace and development. The renowned human rights lawyer and peace advocate was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree and a Global Peace Ambassador award, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious peace advocacy career.
Professor Peace F. Udosen, a Nigerian-born academic, was on hand to confer the Honorary Doctorate degree on Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle. As Chancellor of the Peace International Interdisciplinary Research Institute (PIIRI) and African Representative of the British American Open University of California (BAOUC), Prof. Udosen expressed his excitement to be part of the "quintessential and history-making event." He praised Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle's accomplishments, highlighting his remarkable contributions to peace and development in Africa.
Prof. Udosen praised Ntumfor for his expertise in elections supervision and observation across Africa and acknowledged the significance of free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in promoting peace and stability. He viewed this honorary doctorate degree as a testament to Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle's tireless efforts.
Recalling Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle's acceptance speech for the Pan-American Peace Prize and Royal Recognition Awards in Douala on April 19, 2024, Prof. Udosen noted that Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle had pledged to uphold core moral values such as justice, equity, love, truth, integrity, dignity, honor, transparency, and accountability. Prof. Udosen's research confirmed that Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle has consistently demonstrated these values throughout his 36-year career.
Prof. Udosen expressed optimism that this noble recognition would motivate Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle to continue making significant contributions to humanity, the African continent, and the world at large.
As the audience erupted in applause, Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle made his way to the stage, his eyes shining with humility and gratitude. The occasion marked a testament to his unwavering dedication to the promotion of peace, justice, and human rights.
Born and raised in Awing in Santa Subdivision in the Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc)'s passion for justice and human rights was ignited at a young age. Growing up in a region ravaged by conflict and inequality, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of violence and injustice on individuals and communities. This experience sparked a fire within him, driving him to pursue a career in law, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace, justice, and human rights.
It is worth noting that the title "Sir" was bestowed upon Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle by Rev. Father Tatah Mbuy last year, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to humanity. The title "Sir" is a mark of respect and dignity, typically conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and service to society. In this context, the title "Sir" serves as a testament to Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc)'s continuous efforts to promote peace, justice, and human rights, and his dedication to inspiring future generations of leaders and change-makers.
Through his work as a human rights lawyer, he has advocated ceaselessly for the rights of marginalized communities, challenging unjust systems and promoting accountability in and out of season. His commitment to peace and justice has taken him to various parts of Cameroon and beyond, where he has worked with governments, international organizations, traditional rulers, the church, and civil society groups to promote conflict resolution, reconciliation, and sustainable development.
Since the outbreak of the senseless conflict in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions in 2017, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle has worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to propose solutions for the peaceful resolution of the conflict. Although the conflict continues to persist, it is clear that Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle has done his utmost, demonstrating that one can only give what one has.
The Honorary Doctorate degree and Global Peace Ambassador award conferred on Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc) by the British American Open University of California is a testament to his outstanding contributions to the pursuit of peace and justice. The university, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility, recognized Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc)'s determined efforts and dedication to inspiring future generations of leaders and change-makers.
This latest recognition brings the total number of awards and recognitions received by Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc) to 193 (having rejected some 12 for want of credibility), setting a new world record. According to available statistics and records, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc) has surpassed the previous record holder, who had received 127 awards and recognitions.
Comparatively, renowned global figures such as Nelson Mandela (127+ awards), Martin Luther King Jr. (20), Michael Jackson (133+), Alfred Nobel (20+, founder of the Nobel Peace Prize), George Solti (33+), Sarkodie (120+), Davido (77), Miriam Makeba (33), John Williams (25), Wizkid (156+), Angelique Kidjo (118), Bryan Adams (20), Desmond Tutu (20+), and Malala Yousafzai (50+) have received significantly fewer awards and recognitions. Notably, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle sets a record, surpassing these prominent figures, as most individuals with over 100 awards and recognitions hail from the music and entertainment industries (except former South African President, Nelson Mandela). In contrast, advocates and civil rights leaders typically receive fewer than 100 awards and honors throughout their lifetimes.
In his acceptance speech, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc) expressed his deep gratitude to the British American Open University of California and the global community for recognizing his work. He dedicated the award to his family, colleagues, and the countless individuals and communities he has worked with over the years. He also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of peace, justice, and human rights, and to call on global leaders to prioritize these values in their pursuit of development and progress, even as he wished the conflict in the two English Speaking regions of Cameroon came to an end sooner than later.
In yet another remarkable recognition of his efforts, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle received another award, this time from the Vanguard Media Group, on the sidelines of the event where he was conferred with the highest honors by the British American University of California. The Vanguard Media Group awarded him as a superscale legal luminary and peace crusader for over 36 years, a testament to his unwavering dedication to promoting peace, justice, and human rights. This award holds special significance, as it dispels the biblical notion that "a prophet is never known in his hometown." The recognition by the Vanguard Media Group underscores the impact of Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle's work not just globally but also within his own community.
As Dame Justin Halle presented a bouquet to her husband, she drew inspiration from Napoleon Bonaparte's famous quote, "Men are led by toys." Reflecting on Napoleon's original meaning, Dame Justin Halle noted that people are often motivated by superficial or frivolous things, such as vanity, pride, or desires, rather than by noble or realistic reasons. She expressed gratitude to God that her husband, Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, was guided by noble and altruistic principles. Dame Justin Halle then offered a heartfelt prayer, asking God to continue to strengthen and empower her husband to serve humanity.
The ceremony was chaired by Dr. Willibroad Ndz Ngwa, a professor of Political History (and Founding President of the Heritage Institute of Peace and Development Studies, Yaounde), who was also the lone Anglophone member of a 7-man team set up by the French and Cameroon governments to investigate and present findings on the role of France in atrocities committed against individuals fighting for libertarian and independence of Cameroon in the 1950s.
Other distinguished guests at the ceremony included Bishop Emmanuel Bushu, emeritus of Buea diocese, the Fon of Awing, Dr. Nick Ngwanyam (the disruptive thinker), and Ba Nkom Raymond Gwanyalla (former Director General of Cameroon Customs). The presence of these esteemed individuals and others underscored the significance of the event and the respect with which Sir Dr. Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle (Dhc) is held.
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