By Amin Kef (Ranger)
At the formal opening of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Triennial General Meeting and Elections held at the Bintumani Hotel on Friday, June 13, 2025 in Freetown, newly elected Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors, Thomas Josephus Dixon, delivered a rousing and forward-looking address that echoed the resilience and responsibilities of the media in Sierra Leone.
Addressing SLAJ members, media stakeholders and invited guests, Thomas Josephus Dixon began his statement with humility and gratitude. “It is with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the newly elected Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors,” he stated. “I extend sincere appreciation to all members of the Guild for the confidence reposed in me. I do not take this trust lightly.”
Thomas Josephus Dixon emphasized that the gathering was more than a routine general meeting; it was a reflection of collective commitment to journalism, democracy and national progress. Amid rising global challenges such as misinformation, declining revenue models and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in newsrooms, he underscored the importance of unity, resolve and integrity.
“As editors, we do not simply manage content; we shape national conversations. We set standards. We frame realities. And yes, we bear the enormous responsibility of ensuring that the truth, in all its complexity, is neither silenced nor distorted,” Thomas Josephus Dixon stated passionately.
He reiterated his vision for the Guild as a transformative force in the media landscape. “The Guild of Newspaper Editors is not just a professional body. It must remain a vanguard for excellence, accountability and innovation in print journalism. That is why I have chosen to serve, not to rule or command, but to serve.”
Thomas Josephus Dixon pledged to lead a Guild that is:
- Great: Reinvigorating the founding vision of a robust institution that drives national development through credible journalism.
- United: Embracing diversity of thought as a strength rather than a cause for division.
- Inclusive: Championing equal opportunity, ensuring that no journalist is held back by gender, background, or ability.
- Transparent: Promoting leadership rooted in credibility, fairness and accountability.
- Development-Oriented: Equipping members through capacity-building, innovation, digitization and modern newsroom practices.
He extended appreciation to both the outgoing and incoming SLAJ leadership for their unwavering stewardship of the profession and reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to defending press freedom, safeguarding media practitioners and fostering a resilient industry.
“To the SLAJ leadership, outgoing and incoming, thank you for your stewardship of our noble profession. We at the Guild pledge our full cooperation as we continue to defend press freedom, protect our colleagues and build a resilient media,” he affirmed.
Concluding with a rallying call to all journalists, Thomas Josephus Dixon declared, “Colleagues, the Guild of Editors is awake and together, we will ensure it rises; not just as a sleeping giant, but as a guiding light. Let us continue to inform, to inspire and to insist on truth, because our country deserves nothing less.”
Long live the Guild. Long live SLAJ. Long live journalism in Sierra Leone.
