In a tense and highly anticipated ceremony in Maroua, the municipality of Ayos achieved a historic triumph by winning 1st place in the 2026 National Clean Cities Competition.
Presided over by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtes, the event brought together municipal leaders and urban development partners from across the country to celebrate outstanding achievements in civic sanitation and community involvement.
Led by Mayor Paul Ndongo Biko’o, affectionately known among locals as the “Mayor of God”, Ayos surged from a 6th-place finish last year to top the national podium. Representing the Centre region, the municipality outperformed nine formidable competitors through a proactive strategy focused on modernized waste management, rigorous public maintenance, improved sanitation infrastructure, and deep community engagement across schools, markets, and local businesses.
The atmosphere inside the venue reached a fever pitch as results were announced. The tension mounted when the UN-Habitat representative revealed a tied second-place ranking before naming both Garoua 2nd and Meyomessala. Moments later, the room erupted in applause as Ayos was announced as the national winner.
“Ayos has won!” exclaimed journalist Gustave Bana during the live coverage, capturing the jubilation of the delegation. For Mayor Ndongo Biko’o, the victory represents the culmination of a patient, hands-on municipal strategy centered on field presence, citizen dialogue, and continuous public service improvements.
The national jury cited operational excellence as a decisive factor in Ayos’s victory. The municipality deployed a network of regular neighborhood collection points with scheduled pickups, backed by municipal patrols and deterrent penalties to curb illegal dumping. Dedicated recycling bins were installed at high-traffic hubs like bus stations and markets, alongside daily road maintenance and seasonal gutter clearing.
To protect public health and mitigate epidemic risks, Ayos upgraded public latrines, improved drinking water points, and established designated washing areas, while complementary investments in street lighting and directional signage created a cleaner, safer urban environment.
Beyond the main podium, Minister Célestine Ketcha Courtes presented special distinctions to recognize exceptional municipal initiatives. Special Urban renewal Award went to the Maroua City Council, accompanied by a grant of 10 million CFA francs.
Special Award for encouragement and local development was presented to the municipality of Bangou.
Official Ranking: 2026 National Clean Cities Competition
Municipality of Ayos (1st Place — Winner)
Municipality of Meyomessala (Tied 2nd Place)
Municipality of Garoua 2nd (Tied 2nd Place)
Municipality of Kambe (3rd Place)
Municipality of Mokolo (4th Place)
Municipality of Douala 3rd (6th Place)
Municipality of Tiko (7th Place)
Municipality of Bankim (8th Place)
Municipality of Bertoua 1st (9th Place)
