At award gallery dedication: Bishop Pius Bah says Ntumfor Nico Halle living legend.

It was to celebrate the towering achievements with profound humility of one of Cameroon’s most celebrated lawyers, Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle.

The event, chaired by Prof Paul Mbangwana, saw the official dedication of Ntumfor Nico Halle’s Lifetime Award Gallery to God.

The gathering, held at his imposing and magnificent Bonaberi Shalom Building, was not merely an unveiling but a solemn act of worship, attended by clergy, friends, family, the press, and dignitaries from all walks of life.

The gallery, described by many as unprecedented, is housing a staggering collection of 202 national and international awards, certificates, distinctions, and medals that stand as a curated testament to a selfless service that has set a world record. 

As noted by Bishop Dr Pius Inobuh Bah of Revive Christian Church International in his address, the number surpasses the 133 awards held by the late pop icon, Michael Jackson, a feat that elicited thunderous applause and standing ovation by the audience.

Bishop Bah, tasked with the "impossible" job of profiling the honouree, described Sir Ntumfor Dr Barrister Halle as “a compendium of unending impacts”, “a walking library”, and “a living legend”. 

He detailed a career of unparalleled breadth and depth, articulating a journey of profound service.

He described Ntumfor Nico Halle as first and foremost a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Cameroon and a former President of the Cameroon Bar Association, roles in which he championed the moral integrity of the legal profession and illuminated the law as a true avenue for justice and equity. 

"His influence extends far beyond national borders as an international legal consultant; his expertise was instrumental in shaping foundational documents such as the Constitution of the All Africa Conference of Churches in Nairobi," he revealed.

He said in Cameroon, Ntumfor has been a pivotal figure in advocating transparency and good governance. 

Sir Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle speaking to reporters at close of ceremony

In this light, it was revealed that Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle served as a member of the National Elections Observatory, NEO, where he worked to ensure the electoral process was managed by individuals of unquestionable character.

Ntumfor Nico Halle, the Man of God said, served as a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, PCC, where he consistently called for financial accountability and justice. 

Bishop Bah said Ntumfor Nico Halle's exemplary service has been recognised with the highest honours, including two Doctorate Honoris Causa degrees, as well a Knighthood conferring the title of Sir.

Yet, amidst this glittering array of titles, Bishop Bah revealed the core of the man: when asked which accolade meant the most, Barrister Halle’s response was, “My greatest title is Christian”.

Speaking to the press in front of his Award Gallery, Ntumfor Nico Halle said, “man is too full of pride”.

 “You cannot be blessed by people all over the world and take that for granted...how can small Nico Halle mobilise...to have that number of awards? It can only be God’s doing,” he said with visible gratitude.

The African Union expert said he was dedicating the gallery, first and foremost, to God Almighty, then to his wife, calling her his unwavering inspiration and pillar. 

“Without a wife like her, I wouldn’t have succeeded,” he stated. 

His dedication extended to his children, siblings, and notably, the press, which he hailed as an essential pillar of society without which he said "the society would collapse".

The Presbyterial Secretary for Mungo Presbytery, Reverend Mary Wose, who spoke at the event, framed the dedication Biblically. 

“Everything we have is from God. So, whatever we have acquired in life, the first person we should think of giving it back to is God,” she said. 

She envisioned the Award Gallery space as a “Place of learning” that would inspire visitors to serve humanity with humility.

Inspired to do more…

For Barrister Nico Halle, the dedication was not a retirement party but a recommitment. He declared that the awards themselves are meaningless unless used for God’s glory. 

“They should make me more determined to continue to crusade the peace that I have been crusading over the years,” he asserted, renewing his vow to wage an “aggressive fight against corruption…in all its forms,” for as long as he breathes.

He concluded with a poignant reflection on Africa’s paradox, lamenting that a continent “so blessed with resources” still “goes begging cap in hand”.

The Sir Dr Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle Award Gallery is now open to the public, serving as a permanent sanctuary of inspiration- a mirror reflecting not just one man's achievements, but the power of a life dedicated to faith, service, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3560 of Wednesday September 10, 2025