By Foday Moriba Conteh
A moment filled with emotion, gratitude and hope for the future unfolded as the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held its official Handing Over and Inauguration Ceremony on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel Hall. Held under the theme: “Celebrating Service, Honouring Partnership, Ushering in a New Era,” the event marked a significant turning point for the Association, featuring tributes to dedicated members, the formal transition of leadership and a strong reaffirmation of journalism’s vital role in national development.
Among the most stirring highlights of the day was the presentation of a prestigious award to renowned investigative journalist, Amin Kef Sesay, popularly known as Ranger, the Managing Editor and Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper. Honoured for his selfless, faithful and dedicated service to SLAJ from 2019 to 2025, Amin Kef Sesay was celebrated as a pillar of journalistic excellence and integrity. His consistent advocacy, institutional loyalty and behind-the-scenes leadership earned him widespread recognition from his peers. The thunderous applause that followed the announcement of his name underscored the deep respect and admiration he commands across the media fraternity.
In accepting the award, Amin Kef Sesay expressed heartfelt gratitude to SLAJ and reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to the Association. “It is with deep humility and heartfelt gratitude that I stand before you today to receive this award,” he said. “I thank the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists for this recognition; an honour I do not take lightly.” He took the opportunity to commend the outgoing Executive for their service and warmly welcomed the new team led by Alhaji Manika Kamara. Speaking with optimism, he added, “I am inspired by the vision of the new team, appropriately dubbed ‘ACTION,’ and I am fully committed to continuing my journey with you in the spirit of unity, progress and impact.” Amin Kef Sesay closed his remarks with a charge to the media community to keep the flame of ethical journalism burning bright.
The event began with engaging welcome remarks from MCs Phebean Swill and Victor Jones, who set a dignified and uplifting tone for the day’s proceedings. The Chairperson of the SLAJ Electoral Commission, Zainab Iyamide Joaque, officially certified the Association’s recent elections and commended members for ensuring a fair and transparent process.
A compelling documentary reflecting on the six-year presidency of outgoing President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla drew admiration from attendees. In his farewell address, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla thanked SLAJ members and partners for their support and expressed confidence in the new leadership to continue advancing the Association’s goals.
Alhaji Manika Kamara and his Executive were officially sworn in by the SLAJ Legal Team. In his inaugural address, Alhaji Manika Kamara committed to strengthening the Association’s institutional systems, defending press freedom and fostering greater unity among journalists. The symbolic transfer of SLAJ documents and a welcoming embrace from the Elders and Advisory Council signaled a smooth and respectful leadership transition.
Goodwill messages followed from the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and a representative of development partners, all pledging continued collaboration with SLAJ to support democratic governance and media development in Sierra Leone.
The evening concluded with the presentation of awards to institutional and corporate partners and a vote of thanks by National Publicity Secretary, Umu Hawa Bakarr. A lively networking session capped the occasion, uniting journalists, officials and stakeholders in a shared spirit of purpose.
The recognition of Amin Kef Sesay stood out not only as a personal milestone but as a powerful symbol of the values SLAJ upholds; service, dedication and integrity. His contribution over the past six years has helped shape the Association’s credibility and growth, making his award one of the most meaningful moments of the day.
