When Humility Meets Greatness: Esther Omam Pays Courtesy Visit to Nico Halle

 

 

Renowned peace advocate and Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon, Esther Omam, has described her recent visit to Sir Dr. Ntumfor Nico Halle as a powerful reminder that humility remains one of the strongest pillars of authentic leadership.
In a reflective note following the encounter, the Global Peace Champion recounted being received with “warmth, simplicity and quiet dignity,” an atmosphere she said conveyed peace without the need for words. According to her, the welcoming smiles of collaborators and the calm environment surrounding the respected elder statesman spoke volumes about a leadership style anchored in humility and human connection.
“Sometimes, peace is not announced. It is felt,” Omam noted.

A Simple Phone Call, A Powerful Gesture

The visit, she revealed, was inspired by what she described as a simple yet profound gesture. One evening, she received a call from an unfamiliar number. On the other end was Ntumfor Nico Halle, who introduced himself and explained that he had been following her reflections and grassroots peace efforts, as well as the recent traditional recognition bestowed upon her. He had called merely to congratulate and encourage her.
“That phone call made a difference,” Omam wrote, emphasizing that quiet acts of encouragement often build stronger bridges than formal platforms.
She said the gesture reshaped her understanding of what understated leadership can look like — leadership that listens, observes, and reaches out without fanfare.

Dialogue, Justice and Responsibility

During their meeting, both peace actors exchanged experiences drawn from years of engagement in mediation, public service and nation-building. Central to their discussion was the inseparable link between justice, peace and reconciliation.
“They are like ingredients that give meaning and flavour to a shared meal. Without them, the outcome is incomplete,” Omam reflected.
The two also underscored the need for dialogue to begin among leaders before it can effectively take root within families and communities. For dialogue to be meaningful, they agreed, it must be stripped of political colouring and guided by sincerity, courage and a shared love for country.
Omam stressed that leadership rooted in proximity — not distance — creates room for trust and healing, particularly in societies facing complex challenges.

A Legacy of Service

A significant highlight of the visit was Omam’s tour of what she described as a “legacy room,” housing over 200 awards and recognitions earned by Ntumfor Nico Halle over decades of service.
To her, the honours were not mere trophies but symbols of sacrifice, consistency and responsibility.
“Recognition, when earned through years of commitment, becomes less about applause and more about responsibility,” she stated.
Ntumfor Nico Halle, a respected mediator and advocate for peaceful dialogue in Cameroon, has long been associated with initiatives aimed at fostering reconciliation and national cohesion.

Renewed Hope for Cameroon

In her concluding reflections, Omam reiterated her conviction that Cameroon’s path to peace, though demanding, remains worth pursuing. She acknowledged moments when commitment is tested and love for country challenged by hardship, yet maintained that dialogue, forgiveness and justice remain the nation’s strongest tools.
“Cameroon, often described as Africa in miniature, needs the collective efforts of its sons and daughters, working together with sincerity, courage and patience,” she affirmed.
Omam left the meeting, she said, “encouraged, humbled and deeply grateful,” expressing hope for continued conversations and collaborative efforts toward sustainable peace.