At Local Youth Corner Cameroon (LOYOC), the work of building peace, empowering young people, and driving community transformation does not happen by accident. It happens because of the people behind it: dedicated, passionate professionals who show up every day with purpose. On Friday, 25 April 2026, LOYOC paused to celebrate exactly that, bringing staff together for the inaugural Colleague of the Year 2025 award ceremony, a moment that was as much about gratitude as it was about inspiration.

The event, held at LOYOC’s Yaoundé head office, brought together staff from across the organisation’s various programmes and locations for an afternoon of recognition, laughter, and well-deserved celebration. Certificates were presented to the winners, and the office came alive with a party that reflected the warmth and community spirit that define LOYOC’s internal culture.

A Recognition Rooted in Values

The Colleague of the Year award is part of LOYOC’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, one that extends inward. Recognising that sustainable impact begins with a thriving team, the organisation made a deliberate choice to honour the individuals who embody its values not just in title, but in practice. Four remarkable colleagues were nominated this year, each representing a different dimension of LOYOC’s work and mission.

The Nominees

From LOYOC’s Far North Regional Office, Zouhairatou Yaya, Project Assistant, was nominated in recognition of her six years of experience in the humanitarian sector. A professional with a strong background in project coordination and communication, Zouhairatou has consistently demonstrated adaptability, calm under pressure, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations in one of Cameroon’s most complex humanitarian contexts.

From the Yaoundé head office, three colleagues were recognised. Agese Louneta, DMEL Manager, was nominated for her transformative contributions to how LOYOC designs, monitors, and learns from its programmes. With over six years of experience and a portfolio spanning multi-sectoral programmes funded by the EU, WFP, GIZ, and others, Agese has built LOYOC’s data systems into genuine tools for accountability and impact. She has also trained over eight young professionals in MEAL, more than 60% of whom are now working with national and international organisations.

Mansuru Usmanu Mohmukwe, Project Manager, was also nominated from headquarters. A PhD candidate at the University of Yaoundé I, Mansuru joined LOYOC through its fellowship programme and has since grown into one of the organisation’s most indispensable team members. He has served as Executive Assistant, Manager of the Youth, Peace and Security Resource Center, and now leads coordination of the Na We We Sports Jamboree, LOYOC’s flagship peacebuilding initiative through sports, successfully delivering its last three editions including the 4th Edition in Bertoua in 2025. His work spans project management, community consultations, field research, and the publication of policy briefs and field guides.

Finally, Nehsuh Forkum Kelly, Finance Officer, was recognised for her steady, expert management of LOYOC’s financial operations. A holder of a BSc in Banking and Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration, Kelly ensures that every project is financially sound, every budget accurate, and every report clear. Her role touches procurement, logistics, financial forecasting, and administrative coordination, and she brings to all of it a commitment to precision and impact.

The Winners

After a vote that reflected the genuine respect colleagues have for one another, the Colleague of the Year 2025 award was jointly presented to Mansuru Usmanu Mohmukwe and Nehsuh Forkum Kelly.

Mansuru’s recognition speaks to a career defined by quiet, consistent excellence. From the field to the boardroom, he has been a connector of people, communities, and purpose. His work on the Na We We Sports Jamboree alone has touched thousands of lives, and his broader contributions to LOYOC’s research and peacebuilding work make him an irreplaceable part of the team.

Kelly’s award reflects a truth that is easy to overlook: that behind every successful programme is sound financial stewardship. Her expertise, attention to detail, and calm management of complex financial realities have made LOYOC a more effective, more accountable, and more credible organisation. She is, in the truest sense, a pillar of the institution.

Both winners received certificates of recognition and were celebrated by their colleagues in a party that filled the office with the kind of joy that only genuine community can produce.

Looking Ahead

LOYOC’s decision to institutionalise this kind of internal recognition is a statement of values. An organisation that invests in its people, celebrates their excellence, and creates space for joy is one that is built to last. As LOYOC continues to grow its impact across Cameroon, the Colleague of the Year award is a reminder that the greatest asset in this work is, and always will be, its people.

Congratulations to Mansuru and Kelly, and to all four nominees who make LOYOC what it is every single day.