It was an evening of celebration and recognition at the La Falaise Hotel in Yaoundé on Friday, 21 February 2025, as Mayor Musa Shey Nfor of Nkambe was crowned The Guardian Post Mayor of the Year. The thunderous applause that filled the hall as his name was announced reflected the admiration and respect he has earned for his exceptional leadership and transformative governance.
The award, presented by The Guardian Post, Cameroon’s leading English-language daily, recognised Mayor Musa Shey Nfor for his rare transparency in council management, his commitment to transforming Nkambe into an eldorado, and his unmatched dedication to maintaining cleanliness in the municipality.
According to Richard Ndeh Lanjong, Chairperson of The Guardian Post Award jury, the decision to honour Mayor Musa Shey was based on his outstanding track record of development and leadership that has set a benchmark for local governance in Cameroon.
Publisher and Editor of The Guardian Post, Ngah Christian Mbibgo, highlighted the significance of the award, stating that it was initiated 21 years ago to celebrate and motivate individuals whose hard work and contributions are shaping the nation. He lauded Mayor Musa Shey’s achievements, describing them as a justification to what visionary leadership can achieve when accompanied by integrity, accountability, and a genuine desire to serve the people.
Since assuming office, Mayor Musa Shey Nfor has become synonymous with progress in Nkambe. Under his stewardship, the municipality has twice emerged as a national winner in the Clean City contest organised by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MINDUH), securing sixth and second positions in 2023 and 2024, respectively. His relentless efforts have turned Nkambe into a model town, attracting national attention and setting an example for other municipalities across the country.
One of his most remarkable achievements is the massive infrastructure development taking place in Nkambe. The construction of the Nkambe Multipurpose Youth Centre has provided young people with opportunities for skills development and empowerment. The modernisation of the Nkambe Motor Park has not only improved transportation but also enhanced business activities. The newly developed Nkambe Market stands as an indicator to his vision for economic growth and community development. Additionally, the Nkambe Portable Water Project has significantly improved access to clean drinking water, positively impacting public health.
The town’s electrification has also seen a boost with the solar electrification project, bringing sustainable energy solutions to communities. Mayor Musa Shey Nfor’s commitment to rural development is further reflected in the extensive road projects aimed at enhancing accessibility and connectivity within the subdivision.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Mayor Musa Shey Nfor has championed environmental sustainability and public hygiene, ensuring that cleanliness remains a top priority. His leadership has instilled a culture of civic responsibility, with residents actively participating in maintaining the town’s cleanliness and beauty.
His ability to mobilise resources, engage stakeholders, and implement policies that directly impact the lives of his people has earned him widespread admiration. His leadership is not just about development but also about empowering the people of Nkambe to take ownership of their municipality’s progress.
His work in Nkambe has not only redefined local governance but has also set a gold standard for municipal management in the country. As Nkambe continues to flourish under his leadership, his legacy as a transformative leader remains firmly cemented in the annals of history.
By Bakah Derick
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