National Leadership Award Acceptance Speech

On Satrurday July 5th 2025, Omam Esther was honored with the National Leadership Award. upon reception of this award, Esther gave a heart warming speech expressing her gratitude.

Distinguished guests, fellow leaders, dear friends,

I stand before you this day with a heart overflowing with gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. Receiving the National Leadership Award at this moment in our nation’s history, and in the journey of the organization I lead, is more than an honor. It is a call a reminder that leadership is not about titles, applause, or comfort zones, but about rising to serve, especially when the winds are strongest and the storms are loudest. I dedicate this award:

– To the communities we serve across our beloved Cameroon, especially those standing tall in places where peace is constantly tested, yet who refuse to let go of hope. You remind us daily that resilience is not a word but a way of living.

– To the women who, in the silence of everyday life, are the uncelebrated architects of peace. You breathe peace into your families, your neighborhoods, and your communities, often without recognition. Your courage lights the narrow paths we walk, your wisdom guides the dialogues we facilitate, and your faith shapes the futures we dare to dream.

– To our dedicated staff who continue to give their all, showing up with commitment, skill, and hearts ready to serve. Even when uncertainties cloud the horizon, you choose courage over fear, service over comfort. You are the true face of leadership.

To our families, friends, allies, and partners, whose support has remained unwavering, who continue to hold up our arms when we are weary, who believe in the mission we carry even when challenges arise. You are the quiet warriors of this journey.

– To my family, whose sacrifices and steadfast prayers remain a pillar of strength. Your love grounds me and your belief propels me forward.

– And above all, to God, who continues to grant me favor and grace, even in moments when I feel weakest. It is by His grace that I stand here today, and it is in Him that I find the courage to keep standing.

As I receive this award, I am reminded that leadership is not about how high we rise but about how deeply we serve. It is about how we stand for truth, even when it is costly. It is about how we embody peace, even when tensions rise. It is about how we remain a voice for the voiceless, even when our own voices are under pressure.

Let this moment call each of us to reflect on what truly matters in our leadership:

– Are we building legacies that outlive us?

– Are we sowing seeds of peace where there is discord?

– Are we lifting others as we climb?

Today, I reaffirm my commitment to continue serving, to continue building, to continue advocating for peace and justice, and to continue standing with the communities who have entrusted us with their stories, struggles, and hopes.

May this award be a symbol, not of arrival, but of continued service.

Thank you, LEAD Missions International, for this recognition. Thank you all for believing that together, we can transform our communities and our nation, one act of servant-leadership at a time.

May God bless you all.

Omam Esther

Executive Director

Reach Out Cameroon

Eringo Cha Ekombo

Global Peace Champion