Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence chairing the Budget Orientation Debate
The Bafut Council has laid out an ambitious roadmap for development in 2026 following a successful budget orientation session held on November 29, 2025. The meeting brought together councilors, traditional authorities, development partners, and community leaders, all united by a shared commitment to rebuilding and revitalizing the municipality after years of socio-political turbulence.
Presiding over the session, Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence underscored the importance of collective leadership, transparency, and a renewed focus on community-centered development. He described the gathering as not just a statutory duty, but “a powerful demonstration of our shared resolve to serve the people of Bafut with diligence, transparency, and vision.”
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence to return Bafut council to base in 2026
One of the most significant outcomes of the session was the recommendation for the Bafut Council to return to its base after years of operating outside the municipality due to the Anglophone crisis. The proposal received firm support from the Division Officer for Bafut Subdivision, representing the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam. The move is expected to strengthen coordination, rebuild trust, and restore administrative normalcy in the municipality.
Despite persistent security and socio-economic difficulties, the Mayor reported an 86.87% execution rate for ongoing 2025 Public Investment Budget (BIP) projects. He praised councilors and community development committees for selecting priority projects that directly address local needs.
Progress was highlighted in several key areas such as; Community development and basic infrastructure, Support to education and vulnerable families, Youth participation and women’s empowerment
and Social cohesion and peace-building initiatives. "These achievements, though modest, remind us that collective effort produces collective progress,” Mayor Ngwakongoh said, encouraging councilors to engage in honest review, critical analysis, and strategic planning for 2026.
In a major gesture of solidarity with grassroots structures, the council distributed construction materials to all 58 villages in the municipality. The initiative aims to boost local development efforts and reinforce participatory governance and to keep Bafut Clean.
The Mayor further noted that all projects launched since 2020 under his mandate have been fully executed. These include paved roads, bridges, youth empowerment centers, school infrastructure, health facilities, and other community investments.
During the session, the people of Njibujang Village expressed gratitude for development efforts in their community. In a symbolic show of appreciation, they dressed the Mayor in traditional regalia and urged him to continue supporting their development aspirations.
In line with efforts to promote hygiene and environmental management, the Mayor announced that results of the Clean Village Competition, initiated earlier in the year with the authorization of the council, were presented during the session. A total of 54 villages participated, vying for recognition and prizes meant to encourage healthy, sustainable community practices.
The 2026 budget orientation session also carried emotional significance, as it marked what is likely the final such gathering for the current councilors. Mayor Ngwakongoh took time to acknowledge the 35 councilors who “stood the test of time” and demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing development in Bafut despite difficult circumstances.
Looking to the future, the Mayor reaffirmed his commitment to: Promoting peace and unity, Defending the interests of all communities, Ensuring efficient and transparent use of public resources and Strengthening participatory governance. "The future of Bafut lies not in words alone, but in decisions backed by action,” he told the assembly, urging debate that is “rich, respectful, and solution-driven.”
The session closed with the official declaration of the 2026 Budget Orientation Session open, setting the stage for a new phase of development, resilience, and renewed hope for the people of Bafut.
By
Neba Jerome Ambe
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