“I am with the people, and the people are with me.” That declaration by Ayuni Austin Sakah, Divisional Officer for Bamenda III Subdivision, captures the philosophy that has earned him The Life Media Group Lifetime Achievement Award as a resilient civil administrator building a resilient community.
Honoured in Bamenda on Saturday, Ayuni Austin’s recognition comes at a time when civil administration in conflict-affected areas continues to face deep mistrust, security pressures and weakened public confidence. In many such settings, administrators are often perceived as distant authority figures, struggling to connect with communities navigating both economic hardship and instability.
It is this gap between administration and the population that Ayuni Austin has sought to close since taking office in 2022. His approach has been rooted in building trust through proximity, collaboration and consistent engagement with local actors.
“This is eloquent proof that I am with the people, and the people are with me, and that we have been working together,” he said, attributing the recognition to a shared effort between his office and the community.
The challenge in Bamenda III has not only been administrative but also social, with the need to rebuild cohesion in a context marked by uncertainty. The DO’s response has been to prioritise partnerships, notably with the Mayor of Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, and the Fon of Nkwen, HRH Fon Azehfor III. This collaboration, often described as a “development trinity,” has driven joint actions in infrastructure, community outreach and cultural engagement.
Beyond institutional collaboration, he has invested heavily in youth engagement as a pathway to stability. Through the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Football Tournament, he has consistently mobilised young people around messages of peace, responsibility and self-reliance. From 2022 to 2025, the initiative has served not only as a sporting event but as a platform for social cohesion, redirecting youth energy towards constructive participation.
His interventions have also extended to economic orientation, where he has encouraged young people to look beyond civil service aspirations towards entrepreneurship and agriculture. This shift, he argues, is essential for long-term resilience in a context where public sector opportunities remain limited.
Ayuni Austin’s leadership style further addresses the perception problem often associated with public administration. Known for his accessibility, he is frequently seen engaging directly with traders, farmers and community groups, reinforcing a presence that contrasts with traditional notions of distant authority. His engagement with religious institutions and community networks has also strengthened his connection with diverse segments of the population.
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The impact of this approach has been a gradual restoration of confidence in civil administration within the subdivision. By aligning leadership with community expectations and promoting inclusive participation, Ayuni Austine Sakah has contributed to stabilising relationships between the state and citizens while advancing the broader goal of peacebuilding.
Reflecting on the recognition, he dedicated the award to those affected by recent tragedy in the subdivision.
“I want to dedicate this award to the victims of the disaster that struck us at the Mile 2 bridge… to the departed, the wounded and the families affected,” he said, grounding the honour in the lived realities of the community he serves.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of The Life Media Group, Tim Finnian, the award reflects a deliberate effort to recognise administrators who continue to deliver under difficult conditions. He noted that such honours are reserved for individuals “doing their best in areas where this crisis has really destroyed,” highlighting the significance of leadership that prioritises peace and stability.
For many in Bamenda III, Ayuni Austin’s recognition will certainly reflects a governance model that places people at the centre of administration, demonstrating that even in challenging contexts, trust, collaboration and steady leadership can lay the foundation for resilient communities.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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