*Communication Unit-MCC*
*15/7/2025*
A prestigious and momentous ceremony took place today, July 15th, 2025, at the Makeni City Council Hall. The event was graced by members of the general public, Honorable Members of Parliament, community stakeholders, and dignitaries from across various sectors, all gathered to witness the official awarding of His Worship Mayor Abubakarr Kamara, fondly known as Lamtales.
Mayor Kamara received the distinguished honor of “Best Mayor in West Africa for 2025,” an award presented by the renowned Africa Arise Organization. This recognition was not only a celebration of Mayor Kamara’s leadership but also a symbolic endorsement of the city’s progress and the commitment of its people.
The Africa Arise Organization is a continent-wide, youth-led platform dedicated to safeguarding the aspirations of Africa’s young population. With the goal of representing fifty million African youths by 2050, the organization works to improve the living conditions of marginalized communities through humanitarian initiatives and leadership recognition.
The award ceremony was a significant milestone for the Makeni municipality. The Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council, Mr. Daniel Boima Kpukumu, played an active role in the proceedings. A series of speeches from various representatives and stakeholders elevated the atmosphere. These included Peter Yamba Koroma, who spoke on behalf of the Members of Parliament; a military representative; the Deputy Mayor; city councilors; community leaders; and members of political parties and the general public. Many of them commended the Mayor’s achievements in waste management and city beautification, efforts that predated his official mayoral term.
Before the award was formally presented, Mr. Peter Conteh, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Arise, gave a compelling background on the organization. He emphasized that the award was merit-based, not influenced by money or politics. According to him, Africa Arise had been operating since 2020 and is committed to honoring transformative individuals across the continent.
Mr. Conteh revealed that the award was based on five key thematic areas: health, education, youth development, agriculture, and security. To ensure fairness and credibility, the organization conducted extensive surveys involving market women, bike riders, youth groups, and grassroots organizations in Sierra Leone. Their feedback, coupled with visible evidence of Mayor Kamara’s work, led to the unanimous decision to bestow this distinguished award upon him.
The atmosphere in the hall reached a crescendo as the award was handed over in the presence of his wife, council staff, community stakeholders, and an enthusiastic public. The hall erupted in applause, reflecting the collective pride and gratitude of the people.
Speech by His Worship Abubakarr Lamtales Kamara
*“I stand before you today deeply humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award as Mayor of the Year 2025 in West Africa, presented by the Africa Arise Organization. This moment is not merely about me, but about the collective resilience, vision, and efforts of the people of Makeni City and the youth of Sierra Leone at large.*
*I extend my sincere gratitude to the Africa Arise Organization, a body that not only recognizes excellence but actively drives youth empowerment and African development. Your commitment to shaping the next generation of African leadership is bold, timely, and inspiring.*
*To be acknowledged among fifty million youths across Africa is no small feat. It reflects the spirit of progress, the hunger for change, and the silent sacrifices made daily in our communities.*
*This award belongs to every market woman in Makeni who wakes up at dawn, every student striving for knowledge, every youth resisting hopelessness, and every city official committed to integrity and service.*
*As Mayor, I have always believed leadership is not about position, it’s about purpose. We have committed ourselves to inclusive development, transparent governance, and investing in youth capacity because we know the future of Africa lies not in promises, but in action.*
*To the young people listening today: this honor is a message to you, that your dreams are valid, your voices matter, and your service to Africa can and will be recognized.*
*To my fellow mayors, public servants, and partners across Sierra Leone and West Africa: let this be a call to continue working collaboratively across political lines and national boundaries—to shape a continent that works for all its people.*
*Lastly, I dedicate this award to my city, Makeni and to every African youth daring to dream. We will not stop. We will not retreat. The Africa we want is not a myth. It is within reach, and together, we will build it.*
*Thank you, and may God bless Sierra Leone, West Africa, and our beloved continent.”*
Following his remarks, the Mayor delivered a heartfelt note of appreciation, expressing joy and gratitude. He applauded the Africa Arise Organization for their visionary work in promoting leadership and excellence across Africa. He extended special thanks to the former president, political comrades, stakeholders, his wife, the Chief Administrator, Deputy Mayor, campaign team members, and the people of Makeni for their steadfast support.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Mayor’s wife, closing a truly inspiring day in the history of Makeni City.
*Edward Kpukumu, Information, Education and communication Officer-MCC*