Some Mayors of the North West Region have been recognized for their resilience, devotedness and ability to work for peace and development.
The Mayors were recognized at The Vanguard Media Group International Icon Award at TalOtel in Bafoussam, Saturday April 19th 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Publisher of The Vanguard Newspaper praised the development strides and commitment of the Municipal administrators for being the fundamental reason for the return to peace in their Municipalities.
To others, Chifu Edward appreciated their dynamism in the execution of projects despite the very difficult climate.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence of Bafut
Mayor Mbigha Felix of Bamenda I
Mayors recognized included the Mayor of Bamenda I, Mbigha Njah Felix, Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence of Bafut, Mayor Acha Kennedy Ngu of Batibo, Mayor Wirngo Bouba of Jakiri, Dr Nchanji Ndi Germanus of Nkor and Mayor Gwei Philip Chia of Fonfuka.
While Mayor Mbigha Felix was praised for bringing back the much needed peace and serenity in Bamenda I, the organizers also congratulated him for the opening of new roads linking the various quarters and the participatory development approach that the council has embraced.
In response, Mayor Mbigha Felix thanked his mentors for bringing him this far, stating that "when it comes to development, the interest of the people is my interest." He said.
Mayor Mbigha Felix also used the occasion to salute the General Manager of the Hydrocarbons Price Stabilisation Fund, CSPH- Okie Johnson for bringing the Bamenda gas plant to Bamenda I Council area. He enumerated the opportunities such a giant project can create for the youths stating that, "it is a lifetime gift."
His counterpart of Bafut, Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence was awarded for the peaceful initiatives he has engaged in Bafut especially in lower Bafut, ensuring clean drinking water and passable roads. One of the projects highlighted is the construction of a bridge over the river Mezam linking Tingoh to Nchoho and Okwala that is ongoing.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence receiving award
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence saluted President Paul Biya for giving the olive branch to pro separatist fighters who dropped their weapons to join the DDR Centres. This to the Mayor has facilitated the gradual return to normalcy in Bafut subdivision hitherto a hot zone for Amba activities.
Mayor Acha Kennedy Ngu of Batibo
The same resilience award was given to Mayors Acha Kennedy Ngu of Batibo and Wirngo Bouba of Jakiri who have spent sleepless nights fighting for the development of their areas in the midst of serious gunshots and kidnapping.
The activities of the Amba fighters promoted the Mayors to execute council projects in a low key, with fear of vandalisation by the fighters. They praised the collaboration of the government who have stood by the council for the realization of projects like the extension of electricity, opening of roads and the construction of bridges.
To Mayor Gwei Philip Chia of Fonfuka, the people of his council area will no longer transport corpses to mortuaries in Nkambe as a mortuary bloc was recently completed at the Fonfuka medicalized health center. The Mayor received his fair share of congratulations for the construction of two bridges over rivers Nguma and Mbuk as cars can conveniently move from the subdivision headquarters to Saff.
Dr Nchanji Ndi Germanus of Nkor
Dr Nchanji Ndi Germanus of Nkor was handed an award for his exceptional performance in waste management and transformation.
Chaired by the Inspector General of Services at the West Governor's office, the various Mayors appreciated the organizers for the International Icon Award and promised their constituents of better quality services, youth employment and the betterment of lives to all.
They used the occasion of the award to call on separatist fighters still lingering in the bushes to drop their arms for holistic and meaningful development in their council areas.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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