By Seedy Jobe
The Chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has been honored with an international award after being named Champion for Sustainable Community Development and Local Governance in Africa 2026 at the Papyrus Global Magazine Mayors Awards.
The ceremony was held at the Palms Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria, and brought together mayors and local government leaders from across the continent. Chairman Darboe was among seven recipients recognized for their contributions to local governance and community development. The other awardees included three mayors from Namibia and one each from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Uganda.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Chairman Darboe expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a significant milestone. He noted that the award reflects not only his efforts but also the collective work of his administration and the people he serves.
He dedicated the honor to the residents of the West Coast Region, while also acknowledging the support of his council staff and elected officials. He further expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and for the collective commitment that contributed to the achievement.
Following the award ceremony, Chairman Darboe highlighted the shared challenges facing local leaders across Africa, noting that the conference provided an opportunity to engage with counterparts confronting similar obstacles, including political pressures, insecurity, and limited resources.
He observed that despite these constraints, many mayors are making notable progress in delivering development outcomes for their communities. He cited examples of colleagues operating under difficult circumstances, including leaders working with restricted authority or in regions affected by insecurity, yet continuing to pursue development initiatives.
Drawing parallels to his own experience, Chairman Darboe acknowledged the challenges he faces in his role, including legal and administrative hurdles, but emphasized his continued commitment to serving his constituents.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of solidarity among African leaders and reaffirmed the shared responsibility to advance development across the continent.
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