Dr. Omam Esther Njomo, Executive Director of Reach Out Cameroon, has been honoured as a “Champion of Social Cohesion and Resilience” for her continued commitment to peacebuilding, humanitarian service, and support for vulnerable communities.
The recognition was presented on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Tiko Council Hall in Fako Division, South West Region, during the Na We We Sports Jamboree, organized by Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC), and the United Nations.
Receiving the honour, Dr. Omam Esther described it as a moment of gratitude, emotion, and renewed responsibility. She said the recognition was not an indication that peace and social cohesion had already been achieved but a reminder that much more work remains to be done.
“Awards do not mean that we have achieved peace, unity, or social cohesion,” she said. “Rather, they remind us of the work that remains and encourage us to continue building bridges.”
She dedicated the award to millions of Cameroonians who continue to hope for peace, as well as women, young people, displaced families, and vulnerable communities who remain in need of protection, support, and opportunities.
She also paid tribute to the staff of Reach Out Cameroon, describing them as a strong and dedicated team whose courage and sacrifice made the organization's work possible.
Many of those she worked with, she noted, are young people and women who represent the future of Cameroon.
The award was also dedicated to her family, which she said had carried much of the unseen burden of her humanitarian commitment. According to Dr. Omam Esther, the demands of peacebuilding and humanitarian work have sometimes affected her family's peace, welfare, and mental well-being. Yet, she said, they have continued to stand by her and provide the strength needed to carry on.
She further acknowledged individuals and organizations that have continued to support Reach Out Cameroon during a difficult period, particularly while the organization's doors remain closed and the communities it previously served continue to wait.
To those who called, encouraged the organization, defended the truth, and offered solidarity, Dr. Njomo said their support had helped her remain standing.
The recognition also gave her an opportunity to reflect on her own journey. “I acknowledge the woman who has endured, who has sometimes cried in silence, but who has continued to rise through uncertainty, disappointment, and countless challenges,” she said.
For Dr. Omam Esther, resilience does not mean being untouched by hardship. “Standing tall does not mean that one has not been wounded. It means refusing to allow those wounds to destroy one’s purpose,” she said.
She said the award has renewed her hope that fairness, dialogue, and understanding will prevail and that the doors of service will open again.
She received the recognition not as an end point, but as a renewed commitment to continue working for peace, healing, and social cohesion. “I remain committed to healing divisions, strengthening resilience, building bridges, and serving humanity with courage and compassion,” she said.
She ended by urging Cameroonians to keep hope alive, insisting that even in difficult times, service must continue and peace must remain possible.
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