Residents of Imperri Chiefdom in Bonthe District have expressed appreciation to Member of Parliament, Fatmata Bintu Bockarie, following a series of empowerment and humanitarian activities carried out during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The lawmaker visited communities across Imperri Chiefdom where she engaged women leaders, youth groups and members of the Muslim community, combining spiritual solidarity with practical support aimed at strengthening grassroots development.
During a meeting with chairladies from different sections of the chiefdom, Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie donated cash support to chairladies intended to serve as start-up capital for small businesses. The initiative, she said, was aimed at empowering women and recognizing their vital role in community development.
The event was marked by celebrations as community members welcomed the gesture with singing, dancing and expressions of appreciation.
As part of the outreach, the Member of Parliament also donated bags of rice to several mosques in Imperri Chiefdom to support Muslim worshippers observing the fasting period.
In addition, youth groups received mobile phones to assist with administrative and communication activities, while two motorbikes were presented to the longest-serving section chairpersons of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the chiefdom in recognition of their dedication and years of service.
Speaking during the programme, Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie said the initiative was meant to empower communities while promoting unity and compassion during the holy month.
“This is about giving women and young people the means to stand on their own feet. Ramadan is not only a time of devotion but also a time for sharing and supporting one another,” she said.
She also used the occasion of International Women’s Day to highlight the importance of supporting women leaders and grassroots groups. According to her, providing financial support to women will help them start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie also encouraged political party members to demonstrate patience and loyalty in service to their communities. She explained that the donation of motorbikes to the longest-serving section chairpersons was meant to recognize dedication and commitment.
Her gesture also extended to Muslim residents across the chiefdom, with the distribution of both food and non-food items to households to ease the burden of fasting during Ramadan.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative and praised the Member of Parliament for supporting residents during the sacred period.
The Chiefdom Imam of Imperri, Alhaji Abubakarr, expressed gratitude for the support provided to the Muslim community.
“The Honourable gave us food and non-food items. We appreciate her efforts and encourage others to emulate her. Ramadan teaches us to share, care and stand together,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Thomas Ganda, a Section Chairperson of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in the chiefdom, expressed appreciation for the support.
“I am very happy for the gesture. I received a bike, rice and cash support. I appreciate the Honourable for remembering us,” he said.
Women leaders in the constituency also welcomed the initiative, noting that the support would help many of them start small businesses and improve their economic independence.
The Constituency Women’s Leader for Constituency 092, Haja Adama Senise, described the support as timely and impactful.
“We are very happy for her gesture as we celebrate International Women’s Day. She provided us with start-up support to begin businesses and we are grateful,” she said.
Residents across Imperri Chiefdom described the outreach as a demonstration of compassion and leadership that blends the values of Ramadan with practical efforts to empower women and youth.
Many community members noted that such initiatives help strengthen unity and social progress while addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.
Hon. Fatmata Bintu Bockarie’s activities in Imperri Chiefdom, they said, reflect a commitment to both community development and humanitarian service, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and solidarity that defines the Holy Month of Ramadan.
