Sierra Leonean journalist and media personality Bai Bai Sesay, Managing Editor of the Independent Observer newspaper, was honoured on Friday August 7, 2026 at the Scholar Media Africa Awards during the 2nd Annual Scholar Media Africa Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
The award was presented by Professor Dr PLO Lumumba, who served as Special Guest Speaker at both the conference and awards ceremony. The recognition celebrates Bai Bai Sesay’s contribution to journalism and media development in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
Expressing appreciation for the honour, Bai Bai Sesay described the recognition as a humbling moment in his professional career.
“I am deeply humbled and incredibly happy to receive this recognition,” Bai Bai Sesay said. “It is a great honour to receive such a wonderful award from a continental icon like Professor Dr PLO Lumumba.”
Bai Bai Sesay dedicated the award to the media fraternity in Sierra Leone, particularly the management and staff of the Independent Observer newspaper, whose commitment and sacrifices he said had contributed significantly to the achievement.
“I dedicate this award to the entire media fraternity in Sierra Leone. This belongs to the hardworking staff of the Independent Observer newspaper,” Bai Bai Sesay stated. “Your commitment, sacrifice and belief in truth-telling made this possible. I share this moment with every reporter, editor and media worker back home who continues to serve the people with integrity.”
Bai Bai Sesay said the honour goes beyond his personal achievement, describing it as recognition of the contribution and potential of Sierra Leonean journalists on the African continent.
“This is not just about me. It is about Sierra Leone. It is about showing that our journalists can compete and be celebrated on the continental stage,” Bai Bai Sesay added.
The honour has been regarded as a proud moment for Sierra Leone’s media industry and a demonstration that the work of the country’s journalists continues to attract recognition beyond its borders.
The 2nd Annual Scholar Media Africa Conference and SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards 2026 were held from 5 to 7 August 2026 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
The three-day gathering brought together scholars, university leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, media practitioners, diplomats, development partners, youth leaders and other professionals from across Africa and beyond.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, the conference provided a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, research dissemination, networking, innovation and the establishment of strategic partnerships.
Participants discussed several issues affecting Africa’s development, including higher education, research, leadership, governance, media, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, youth empowerment and sustainable development. Discussions also examined Africa’s position and contribution to the global knowledge economy.
One of the major highlights of the conference was the SMEGAfrica Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, where Professor Dr PLO Lumumba delivered the keynote address and presented awards to individuals and institutions whose work has made significant contributions to education, research, leadership, media, entrepreneurship, health and community development across Africa.
The conference further strengthened Scholar Media Africa’s growing reputation as a continental platform for intellectual engagement, professional recognition, knowledge exchange and collaboration among African institutions and professionals.
