By Andrew Nsoseka
In a grandiose ceremony, one of Cameroon’s most distinguished legal minds and global advocates, Sir, Dr., Barrister Ntumfor Nico Halle, officially dedicated his Award Gallery to God on September 5, 2025. The event, held at the SHALOM building on Ancienne Route Bonassama in Bonaberi, was not merely an unveiling but a solemn act of worship, attended by clergy, friends family, press, and dignitaries from all walks of life.
The gallery itself described by many as unprecedented, housing a staggering collection of 202 national and international awards, certificates, distinctions, and medals that stand as a curated testament to a life of service that has now, officially, set a world record. As noted by Bishop Dr. Pius Inobuh Bah of Revive Christian Church International in his profile address, this number surpasses the 133 awards held by the late pop icon Michael Jackson, a fact that elicited thunderous, standing ovations from the audience.
Bishop Bah, tasked with the “impossible” job of profiling the honouree, described 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 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 within Cameroon, Ntumfor has been a pivotal figure in advocating for transparency and good governance. In this light, it was revealed that he 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, and as a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, where he consistently called for financial accountability and justice. Bishop Bah said Ntumfor’s His 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 said, “Man is too full of pride,” he began. “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 dedicated the gallery first and foremost to God Almighty, then to his wife, calling her his unwavering inspiration and pillar. “Without a wife like that, you cannot succeed,” he stated. His dedication extended to his children, siblings, and notably, the press, which he hailed as an essential pillar of society without which “the society will collapse.”
Reverend Mary Wose, Presbyterial Secretary for Mungo Presbytery, 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.
A Crusade that continues
For Barrister 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 for the peace that I have been crusading for over the years,” he asserted, renewing his vow to wage an “aggressive fight against corruption, graft, misappropriation, and embezzlement 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 around cap in hand, begging,” a stark reality his life’s work continues to challenge.
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.
The event was chaired by Professor Paul Mbangwana, who appreciated all who turned out to celebrate Ntumfor, whom he described as someone appointed and anointed by God to impact individuals, groups, Cameroon and the world at large.
