By Ibrahim Sesay
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has called on Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad to uphold peace, unity and national cohesion, emphasizing that sustainable national development can only be achieved through collective effort, harmony and a shared commitment to the nation’s progress.
The Vice President made the appeal while serving as Guest of Honour at a special celebration organized by Yaadu Travel Services to commemorate the successful completion of Hajj 2026 for a second group of Sierra Leonean pilgrims from the United Kingdom and Europe who participated in the programme.
The event, held on June 20, 2026 at The Ark Hall in Camberwell, London, United Kingdom, attracted senior Government officials, diplomats, religious leaders, community representatives and family members of the pilgrims. Among those in attendance were Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh; Deputy High Commissioner, Yvonne King Odigboh; Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie; Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma Esq.; and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Alhaji Mohamed Haji Kella, who also serves on the Presidential Task Force for Hajj.
Addressing participants, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for facilitating the inclusion of Sierra Leoneans living abroad under the country’s Hajj quota. He noted that the President’s directive has enabled diaspora citizens to participate in the annual pilgrimage through a more organized, transparent and accessible system.
The Vice President highlighted a series of reforms introduced to strengthen Sierra Leone’s Hajj programme, noting that improvements in efficiency, accountability and service delivery have significantly enhanced the experience of pilgrims. He said the initiative has created a safer and more reliable pathway for Sierra Leoneans residing in the United States, the United Kingdom and across Europe to undertake the sacred journey to Mecca.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh expressed satisfaction that all Sierra Leonean pilgrims who participated in this year’s programme returned safely from Saudi Arabia. He assured participants that the Government remains committed to further improving the Hajj process to ensure greater convenience and accessibility for future pilgrims.
He also praised the collaboration between the Presidential Task Force for Hajj and Yaadu Travel Services, describing the partnership as an important step toward addressing challenges that previously affected diaspora pilgrims. According to him, the initiative was established following President Bio’s directive to expand Hajj opportunities for Sierra Leoneans abroad after reports of registration difficulties and tragic incidents involving some pilgrims who resorted to unsafe and irregular travel arrangements in previous years.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of certificates to pilgrims who successfully completed Hajj 2026. The Government of Sierra Leone and the Presidential Task Force for Hajj were also honoured in recognition of their efforts to expand access to the pilgrimage and improve the overall management of the programme.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Minister, Alhaji Mohamed Haji Kella and Chief Executive Officer of Yaadu Travel Services, Alhaji Mohammed Saadu Jalloh, applauded President Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their leadership and commitment to transforming Sierra Leone’s Hajj operations.
They disclosed that nearly 500 pilgrims from the United Kingdom and Europe benefited from this year’s programme, describing the initiative as a major achievement for Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora. Both speakers expressed gratitude to participants for their confidence, cooperation and continued support.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers and messages of thanksgiving. Participants described the programme as a landmark initiative that has strengthened engagement between the Government of Sierra Leone and its citizens living overseas while expanding opportunities for religious participation through a more inclusive and well-managed Hajj system.
Many attendees also praised the initiative as a model of effective collaboration between Government institutions and private sector partners, highlighting its positive impact on diaspora communities and its contribution to promoting national unity beyond Sierra Leone’s borders.
