The Belabo Council has been officially recognized as the best-performing council among Plan International Cameroon’s partner municipalities in the East Region.
This prestigious distinction was marked by a symbolic cash award of 2,000,000 FCFA presented during a vibrant ceremony that brought together administrative, traditional, and religious authorities, sectoral partners, youth representatives, and community members. The award celebrates the municipality’s exceptional dedication to local development and transparent governance.
Expressing his gratitude for the achievement, the Mayor of Belabo, Emmanuel Apande, emphasized the collective effort behind the recognition. He noted that the honor rewards a shared commitment driven by dedication, responsibility, transparency, and solidarity across the municipality.
The award reflects the hard work of both local leadership and residents who have consistently collaborated to drive meaningful progress within their communities.
For Plan International Cameroon represented by its Country Director, Ibrahim Bah, the award highlights Belabo’s effective management of community-driven projects and its ongoing commitment to improving the well-being of children and families. The organization emphasized that true development relies on local ownership, where communities take the lead in identifying their own priorities and steering initiatives.
Belabo’s success stands as a strong model of how local leadership can deliver tangible, positive outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Beyond recognizing individual council excellence, Plan International aims to use this benchmark to inspire broader regional progress. Plan International Cameroon’s Country Director explained that the initiative is designed to foster healthy competition among councils, motivating each municipality to maximize its efforts for its residents and elevate local governance standards across the region. By setting high standards, the organization seeks to transform the overall narrative around decentralized community development.
The event underscored that empowering local communities creates the foundation for sustainable change. Belabo’s achievements serve as a compelling testament that when local authorities and citizens are trusted with leadership, long-lasting transformation becomes achievable.
The award not only honors past accomplishments but also sets a strong precedent for future community-led development across Cameroon.
