The High Court of Sierra Leone on Monday, August 31, 2026, issued a fresh interim order permitting Osman Foday Yansaneh and Lansana Dumbuya to exercise limited executive functions within the All People’s Congress (APC).
The court reportedly authorized the two officials to facilitate specific ongoing party activities, including financial disbursements, payments to polling staff and matters directly connected to the conduct of internal party elections.
The limited authority is intended to ensure the completion of ongoing electoral activities and should not be interpreted as the permanent reinstatement of Yansaneh and Dumbuya as heads of the APC.
Other members of the party’s executive remain suspended from performing their functions pending the final determination of the substantive leadership dispute before the court.
Justice Adrian Fisher directed that all outstanding APC internal elections and related petitions must be concluded within 21 days, beginning Monday, August 31, 2026.
According to the order, party activities outside the ongoing elections, petitions and other matters specifically authorized by the court are not permitted during the interim period. The directive effectively restricts the officials’ authority to the completion of the processes already underway.
The court also warned all affected officials to comply strictly with its directives. Any violation could result in contempt-of-court proceedings and serious legal consequences, including possible imprisonment or the seizure of assets, subject to the court’s determination.
The latest ruling provides a temporary arrangement designed to prevent disruption to the APC’s ongoing internal elections while maintaining restrictions on the broader functions of its executive members.
The decision comes amid an ongoing legal dispute and leadership dispute within the main opposition party. The case has now been adjourned to October 19, 2026, when the court is expected to continue hearing the matter.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has conducted a four-day capacity-building workshop for Sierra Leonean civil aviation officials and airport personnel from August 24 to August 28, 2026 at the SLCAA in Lungi to strengthen the country’s ability to identify, assess and mitigate insider risks within the aviation sector.
Organized under the Aviation Security Improvement Project for Sierra Leone, the workshop was facilitated by ICAO’s Western and Central African Office (WACAF). It brought together aviation security officials, regulators and airport operational personnel responsible for safeguarding civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
The training focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of insider threats, identifying vulnerabilities within aviation operations and developing appropriate preventive measures.
Insider threats remain a major concern within the global aviation industry because employees, contractors and other trusted personnel may have legitimate access to restricted areas, sensitive information and critical security systems. Such access can be exploited, intentionally or unintentionally, in ways that compromise the safety and security of passengers, crew members and airport workers.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to practical methods for developing insider-threat scenarios and applying risk-management principles in line with the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in Annex 17 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The programme also introduced participants to relevant guidance contained in the ICAO Global Risk Context Statement, helping them assess threats, vulnerabilities, potential consequences and the likelihood of security incidents.
An ICAO facilitator, Rejoice Ndudinachi, said the workshop was designed to equip participants with the practical knowledge and skills required to identify and manage insider risks effectively within their respective aviation institutions.
A major component of the training focused on the preparation and management of national and airport-specific risk registers. Participants learned how to identify operational vulnerabilities, assess the likelihood and potential impact of threats, develop mitigation measures and maintain accurate and updated records.
The training also provided guidance on determining the appropriate level of security controls required to address specific risks within airport environments.
Participants described the workshop as an important intervention that had strengthened their understanding of insider risk management and provided practical tools they could apply in their workplaces.
One participant said the joint involvement of regulatory officials and airport operational personnel would promote coordination and create a common understanding of aviation security responsibilities.
Another participant noted that the risk-assessment methodology introduced during the training would help aviation personnel identify vulnerabilities at an early stage and implement appropriate measures before they develop into serious threats.
The workshop further emphasized the importance of establishing a strong and positive security culture across Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. Participants were reminded that effective aviation security depends not only on technology, surveillance equipment and physical controls but also on knowledgeable and vigilant personnel.
Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to ICAO for its continued technical support to Sierra Leone.
“Grateful to ICAO for the capacity-building workshop on Insider Risk Mitigation. The training strengthened participants’ capacity to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks and implement effective mitigation measures,” Madam Musayeroh Barrie stated in a post on her official X account.
Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership, the SLCAA has continued to prioritize proactive security measures, including the mitigation of insider threats, cyber risks and operational vulnerabilities. The Authority has also strengthened partnerships with international aviation organisations to improve staff capacity and align Sierra Leone’s aviation sector with global safety and security standards.
The five-day workshop reinforced the principle that stronger aviation security requires a combination of effective systems, appropriate technology, institutional cooperation and well-trained personnel capable of detecting vulnerabilities and responding before risks become serious threats.
Sierra Leonean journalist and youth advocate Foday Moriba Conteh has received two prestigious international recognitions for his contributions to peace advocacy, youth leadership, journalism and community development.
Conteh, a Staff Writer at The Calabash Newspaper and Executive Director of the Youth Alliance for Democracy and Accountability Sierra Leone (YADASL), was officially honoured as a Global Peace Ambassador for 2026 by the International Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA).
He was also named among the 100 Most Influential Youth Leaders in West Africa for 2026 and received the distinguished title of Most Influential Change Maker.
Presenting the awards, the Executive Director of Media Advocacy Network-SL, Ambassador Mohamed Tejan Barrie, commended Conteh for his sustained commitment to national, regional and global development.
Ambassador Barrie said the recognitions reflected Conteh’s dedication to promoting peace and using journalism and youth engagement as powerful instruments for positive change.
He expressed confidence that the honours would inspire the young journalist and advocate to intensify his contributions to Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Receiving the awards, Conteh recalled that his journey into advocacy began during his school years, when he actively participated in youth-focused organisations and community initiatives.
He explained that his long-standing involvement in advocacy has gradually merged with his youth leadership and journalism career, enabling him to use the media to amplify issues affecting young people, promote accountability and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Conteh described the awards as both an honour and a challenge to deepen his service to society.
“Once you receive an award, it means you are being challenged to continue doing more,” he stated, while expressing appreciation to everyone who has supported his professional and advocacy journey.
He said his appointment as a Global Peace Ambassador had further strengthened his determination to promote peaceful coexistence, support vulnerable communities and contribute to sustainable development in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Conteh particularly dedicated the awards to his boss and mentor, Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor and Publisher of The Calabash Newspaper, whom he credited with providing consistent guidance and support throughout his professional career.
He described Sesay’s mentorship and encouragement as instrumental to his growth as a journalist and youth advocate, stressing that the achievements would not have been possible without the opportunities and backing he received from him.
Conteh reaffirmed his commitment to using journalism and advocacy to advance the interests of young people, promote democratic accountability and contribute to peace and national development.
The latest recognitions add to Conteh’s growing profile as a promising Sierra Leonean journalist and advocate whose work cuts across media, youth empowerment, democratic accountability, peacebuilding and community development.
Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has celebrated the successful completion of its Next Gen Summer Camp 2026, an initiative designed to equip children with practical skills in coding, web development, 3D modelling and printing.
The certification ceremony, held at the Orange Digital Centre on Friday, August 28, 2026, brought together participants aged seven to 15, parents, trainers and invited guests. The occasion celebrated the achievements of dozens of young Sierra Leoneans who spent several weeks exploring technology, developing their creativity and transforming ideas into practical projects.
The programme commenced on August 4, 2026, as a summer learning initiative but quickly developed into an inspiring experience that transformed curious children into confident young innovators.
Beyond acquiring technical knowledge, participants were encouraged to develop leadership and communication skills, think creatively, solve problems, work collaboratively and develop the confidence needed to present their ideas publicly.
One of the programme’s major components was the coding class, during which participants learned to use Scratch, a programming language developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Working in teams, the children created interactive stories, animations and games that demonstrated their understanding of basic programming concepts. Among the projects presented was “Flying Carrots,” an interactive game that highlighted the participants’ creativity, teamwork and growing problem-solving abilities.
Participants in the web development class also impressed attendees with websites inspired by their individual interests and ambitions.
Their projects included a platform promoting Sierra Leonean fashion and culture, an e-commerce website, a football information portal, an educational flashcard platform and a website designed to help beginners learn coding.
Each project reflected the children’s interests and demonstrated how technology could be used to educate, connect people, promote culture and create opportunities.
The 3D modelling and printing class produced some of the programme’s most innovative projects. Participants demonstrated how technology could be applied to address everyday challenges within their communities.
Their creations included a rainwater filtration system and a self-watering flower vase. The projects reflected practical thinking and showed the young innovators’ determination to use technology to develop solutions capable of improving people’s lives.
Parents watched with pride as the children confidently presented their work. For many families, seeing their children demonstrate skills acquired within only a few weeks was both emotional and inspiring.
The presentations showcased not only technical knowledge but also improvements in confidence, communication, teamwork and public speaking. Participants demonstrated the courage to explain their ideas and respond to questions from guests.
The ceremony also featured performances by some of the children, adding excitement and entertainment to the celebration. Laughter and applause filled the Orange Digital Centre as families, trainers and guests celebrated the achievements of the young participants.
The success of the programme reflects Orange Foundation Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to promoting digital inclusion, education and youth empowerment.
By providing children with access to technology and practical learning opportunities, the Foundation is helping to prepare young people for an increasingly digital world while nurturing a new generation of innovators, creators and problem-solvers.
For the participants, receiving certificates represented more than recognition of their commitment and hard work. It marked the beginning of a new journey filled with opportunities to learn, create and explore careers in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Many participants completed the programme with greater confidence, bigger dreams and a stronger interest in using technology to develop solutions for their communities.
Through initiatives such as the Next Gen Summer Camp, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone continues to invest in the potential of children and young people. The programme demonstrates that when children are given access to knowledge, technology and supportive learning environments, they can become architects of a brighter and more digitally empowered future for Sierra Leone.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Abdul Moijue, Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety in the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), has been commended for his visible and proactive approach to managing road traffic and strengthening police presence at strategic locations across Freetown.
During a drive from Hill Station to central Freetown on Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026, police vehicles and traffic personnel were observed positioned at several strategic points along the route, demonstrating a heightened state of readiness to manage traffic flow and respond to emerging situations.
Particularly noteworthy was the physical presence of CP Abdul Moijue at G-Gate, Hill Cot Road, where he was seen on the ground working alongside traffic police personnel.
His decision to personally supervise operations rather than remain confined to his office demonstrates a hands-on leadership approach that deserves recognition. Effective traffic management in a rapidly expanding city like Freetown requires strong coordination, discipline, visibility and leadership from those entrusted with the responsibility.
The deployment of police vehicles at strategic locations, with emergency lights activated, also projected a sense of preparedness and professionalism comparable to traffic management practices seen in other jurisdictions.
CP Moijue’s visible presence sends an important message to personnel under his command that leadership must be demonstrated through action and direct engagement with operational challenges.
However, alongside the commendation, there remains a need for the Traffic Management and Road Safety Directorate to intensify efforts to address persistent public allegations of harassment and unofficial collection of money by some traffic police officers from motorists, commercial drivers, Okada riders and Kekeh operators.
Such allegations, where established, have the potential to undermine public confidence in the Traffic Directorate and overshadow the professionalism demonstrated by hardworking officers.
CP Moijue should therefore build on his current operational leadership by strengthening internal accountability, supervision and disciplinary measures to ensure that traffic officers perform their duties professionally, fairly and without exploiting road users.
Traffic management should not only be about controlling congestion and enforcing road regulations; it must also promote public confidence, road safety, discipline and respectful interaction between police personnel and citizens.
The visible leadership demonstrated by CP Abdul Moijue on the streets of Freetown is encouraging and worthy of commendation. Sustaining this momentum while confronting misconduct within the ranks could significantly improve the image and effectiveness of the Traffic Management and Road Safety Directorate.
Keep up the good work, CP Abdul Moijue. Sierra Leone needs public officials who are prepared to lead from the front and deliver results where they matter most — on the ground.
H.E. Zhao Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone
In December 2025, in Kangahun, a hamlet in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, villager Mohamed Foday beamed with joy as he held freshly threshed grains in his hands. “Thanks to the high quality rice seeds and technologies brought by our Chinese friends, this year’s rice yield has increased again.” When the Chinese agricultural expert team arrived here in 2023, the land lay largely barren. After over two years of cultivation, rice yield at the farm has risen from around 3 tonnes per hectare to the current 9 tonnes per hectare. Same story has unfolded at the Ogoo Farm on the outskirts of Freetown, where Chinese cultivation techniques has boosted maize production here from roughly 3 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes.
However, a vast population still faces food security and development challenges around the world. Meanwhile, challenges including climate change, the digital divide, food and energy crises keep emerging one after another. The deficits in peace, security, development and governance continue to expand. The international system established after World War II is under mounting strain. The world now stands at a new crossroads, where its global governance system has reached a point where change is no longer optional.
On 1 September 2025, at a pivotal historical juncture marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Global War Against Fascism and the founding of the UN, President Xi Jinping proposed a new initiative, i.e., the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The GGI is designed to foster a more just and equitable global governance system in which all countries, big or small, can participate in global affairs on an equal footing. It upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and embraces a global governance vision characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. It is built on five core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions.
The Initiative is not just about ideas; China has provided its answer through concrete actions.
First, China adheres to the path of peaceful development and contributes to lasting global peace and stability. China is the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, having dispatched 29 peacekeeping operations authorized by the UN Security Council. China actively promotes peace talks and facilitates negotiations for regional hotspot issues. China offers suggestions and solutions to tackle non-traditional security threats including climate change, food security, terrorism and telecom fraud.
Second, China has always pursued its own growth in the context of humanity’s shared development and provided solutions to the development deficit. China has established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, increased its total to 4 billion USD. More than 200 projects have been carried out in over 70 countries, benefiting more than 40 million people. Starting from May, 2026, China has officially extended zero-tariff policy to 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, granting African products easier access to the Chinese market. China has carried out 15,000 training programs for over 180 countries and organizations, training more than 500,000 professionals in total.
Third, China advocates and practices true multilateralism and supports the Global South in playing a greater role. China firmly upholds the international system with the UN at its core, safeguards the international order based on international law, and continuously works to build a more just and equitable global governance system. China took the lead in supporting the African Union’s membership in the G20, worked with relevant parties to advance the historic enlargement of BRICS, and consistently pushes for reforms such as the IMF quota and World Bank shareholding, so as to increase the representation and voice of developing countries and ensure that multilateral platforms better reflect the shared interests of developing countries.
Upon its introduction, the GGI swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The international community believes that the GGI offers a clear and feasible roadmap for improving global governance, bringing valuable stability and positive energy to a turbulent world.
Global governance is a common endeavor that bears on the wellbeing of all humanity. Both China and Sierra Leone are members of the Global South, share extensive common interests and similar positions on international affairs, and have contributed to reforming the global governance system. In recent years, China has also firmly supported Sierra Leone in playing an important role in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS. The two sides enhance coordination on hotspot issues to jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone and other countries across the world to implement the GGI, resolutely safeguarding the central role of the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just and equitable global governance system.
By H.E. Zhao Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone
The High Court of Sierra Leone has issued an interim injunction restraining senior officials of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) from exercising key executive functions, prompting the suspension of the party’s internal election complaint proceedings.
The order restrains Osman Foday Yansaneh and Lansana Dumbuya from presenting themselves as executive members of the APC or performing functions assigned to the party’s National Chairman and Leader and National Secretary General, respectively.
Honourable Justice Adrian Fisher reportedly issued the order following an ex parte application heard in the Judge’s Chambers on Thursday, 27 August 2026.
Under the terms of the injunction, the two officials are temporarily prohibited from convening or presiding over executive meetings, managing the affairs of the APC and undertaking duties connected to the day-to-day administration of the party pending hearing on Monday 31s August 2026.
They are also restrained from carrying out activities associated with the offices of National Chairman and Leader and National Secretary General until the application is heard and determined or the court issues another order.
The High Court warned that failure to comply with the injunction could constitute contempt of court. Anyone found to have breached the order could face sanctions, including imprisonment, a fine or the seizure of assets.
The interim ruling has already affected ongoing legal and electoral activities undertaken by other structures within the APC, including the Independent Elections Complaint Board (IECB).
In a public notice dated Friday, 28 August 2026, the IECB announced the immediate suspension of all its activities until further notice. The decision includes the postponement of hearings relating to Ward Rerun Election Petitions, which had been scheduled for Saturday, 29 August 2026, in Freetown.
The notice, signed by IECB Secretary, Osman Soura Kamara Esq., informed petitioners, party members and other interested parties that the suspension followed the ruling delivered by Justice Fisher.
“By reason of the ruling of the Honourable Justice A. Fisher dated 27th August 2026, the Board hereby informs all petitioners and the general membership that all activities relating to the APC Independent Elections Complaint Board are suspended until further notice,” the notice stated.
The Board did not provide detailed information about the substance of the legal dispute but confirmed that it would not continue with any election-related complaint proceedings while the court order remains in effect.
The IECB acknowledged that the sudden postponement could inconvenience petitioners and other interested parties, particularly those who had already made arrangements to travel to Freetown for the scheduled hearings.
It apologized to those affected and appealed for patience and cooperation while awaiting further instructions on how to proceed. No new date has been announced for the suspended Ward Rerun Election Petition hearings.
The development comes amid ongoing internal electoral activities and disputes within the APC. The IECB is responsible for considering grievances and petitions arising from the party’s internal election processes.
Reacting to the development, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Mohamed Pope Kamara confirmed that an interim injunctive order had been issued and said the matter remains before the court.
According to Mohamed Pope Kamara, the order temporarily restricts the National Chairman, National Secretary General and other affected party structures from performing certain functions pending the next stage of the proceedings on Monday 31s August 2026.
He urged APC members and supporters to remain calm, exercise restraint and respect the judicial process as the party awaits the outcome of the case.
“It is imperative to underscore that the same matter is before the court pending ruling,” Mohamed Pope Kamara said.
He expressed confidence that the dispute would be addressed in accordance with the APC Constitution and the rule of law, maintaining that the party had previously overcome similar internal challenges.
“All party loyalists and members are strongly advised to maintain utmost calm, restraint and decorum,” he added.
Mohamed Pope Kamara described the development as neither strange nor unprecedented in the history of the APC. He said the party remains confident that constitutional procedures would ultimately prevail over personal interests and internal disagreements.
The interim injunction does not represent a final determination of the substantive dispute. It is a temporary measure intended to preserve the existing situation until the court hears the parties and determines the application or issues further directions.
APC members, petitioners and other stakeholders are now awaiting clarification from the court and the party’s leadership regarding the future of the suspended IECB proceedings and other affected executive activities.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma
The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Edward Kparka and the Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, have warned against alleged collusion between some parents and school administrators to inflate school fees under the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Scheme.
The officials raised the concern on Friday 28 August, 2026 during the 5th Annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship ceremony at Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown, where 350 Sierra Leonean children received educational support for the 2026 academic year.
The alleged practice, according to the officials, involves parents and some school authorities providing misleading or inflated fee information in an attempt to obtain more money from the scholarship programme, a conduct they described as dishonest and unacceptable.
Hon. Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma condemned the alleged manipulation, stressing that scholarship resources are intended to support children from disadvantaged families and should not be exploited for personal gain.
He called for those involved such practices to be identified, investigated and prosecuted, warning that corruption must not be allowed to undermine initiatives designed to improve children’s access to education.
Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma said the country could not effectively fight poverty and improve the lives of its citizens without investing in education. He therefore urged parents and school authorities to protect educational opportunities intended for children rather than manipulate them for financial benefit.
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra, also expressed disappointment over the alleged involvement of some school leaders in the practice.
Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra said the Ministry had received information and evidence concerning the alleged conduct and assured the gathering that the matter would be subjected to due diligence.
He disclosed that he would request a comprehensive report from the scholarship awarding body to enable the Ministry to take appropriate action against any malpractice established.
The education official warned that school authorities have a responsibility to uphold integrity and set a good example for children, stressing that corruption within the education system could undermine public confidence and deprive deserving pupils of opportunities.
Regional Police Commander, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, joined the condemnation, describing the scholarship as an investment not only in individual children but also in the future of Sierra Leone.
He said education, coupled with good character, could help young people overcome poverty and become responsible citizens, while reducing some of the social conditions that could contribute to crime.
The Regional Commander urged parents and school authorities to reject dishonest practices and ensure that the scholarship benefits are used for their intended purpose.
The warnings came as the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship continues to expand. The initiative, which began with 62 children in 2022, has increased to 350 beneficiaries in 2026.
Each beneficiary received full school fees for the academic year, a school bag, exercise books, stationery, lunch box and water bottle, as well as NLe500 towards the purchase of a school uniform and shoes. The overall scholarship package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones.
The scale of the assistance has made transparency and accountability central to the administration of the scheme, with the officials urging parents, schools and beneficiaries to protect the integrity of the programme.
The concerns also highlight the importance of proper verification of school fees and beneficiary information to ensure that resources provided by the sponsors reach the children for whom they are intended.
The officials commended Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and the Indian Diaspora for investing in the education of Sierra Leonean children, while stressing that such generosity must not be undermined by fraudulent or dishonest practices.
Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Edward Kparka
Shri Gurudwara Sahib SL Ltd., Lumley Freetown, in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora, hosted the 5th annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship 2026, an initiative aimed at supporting needy and meritorious Sierra Leonean children with educational assistance. The event was hosted on Friday 28th August 2026 at Sierra Palms in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The scholarship programme, which began in 2022 with 62 beneficiaries, has expanded significantly over the years and is supporting 350 children in 2026. The beneficiaries, drawn from private schools in Freetown and other parts of Sierra Leone, received school fees, learning materials and other educational support.
The initiative is backed by the Indian community in Sierra Leone and seeks to reduce the financial barriers faced by families struggling to provide quality education for their children while promoting the values of service, discipline and responsibility.
Chairing the ceremony, Harwinder Kaur Khalsa, popularly known as Shina, urged the 350 beneficiaries to take responsibility for their education, work hard and develop good character. She said the scholarship is not simply about paying school fees but about recognizing the potential of young Sierra Leoneans and assuring them that their future mattered.
“Education is the light that removes darkness,” Harwinder Kaur Khalsa said, describing the scholarship as an effort to remove barriers that prevent talented children from reaching their potential. She urged the beneficiaries to treat the scholarship as a seed that must be nurtured through hard work, discipline and good character.
She reminded the students that although they attended different schools and wore different uniforms, they shared common aspirations and represented communities across Sierra Leone. She also commended parents for their sacrifices and encouraged other individuals and organisations to support the expansion of the programme, noting that thousands of children still require similar assistance.
Speaking at the event, the Mukh Sevadar of Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and Chief Executive Officer of Jeety Trading Company, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, popularly known as Pa Jeety, said the scholarship had grown from 62 beneficiaries in 2022 to 350 in 2026.
Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva said the programme was founded on the Sikh principles of sharing with others and promoting the welfare of all. He explained that the 2026 package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones and included full school fees for the academic year, school bags, exercise books, stationery and other learning materials.
Each beneficiary also received a lunch box and water bottle, while NLe500 was provided to assist with the purchase of a school uniform and shoes.
Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva described the initiative as an investment in the future of Sierra Leone, saying the support went beyond financial assistance to provide children with “hope, dignity, self-respect and an opportunity to improve their future.” He urged the beneficiaries to study seriously, respect their parents and teachers and after becoming successful, support other children in need.
He also acknowledged the contribution of members of the Indian business community to Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector, including Harish Agani of T. Choithram & Sons for supporting 1,648 free eye operations and Shahroz Ansari of Alhamd Groups for assisting with surgical bills for more than 100 Sierra Leoneans affected by chronic diseases.
Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India in Freetown, Neeraj Kumar Saini, on his remarks, described the ceremony as a celebration of compassion, equality and service to humanity. He commended the Gurudwara and Indian Diaspora for investing in the education of Sierra Leonean children.
Neeraj Kumar Saini reaffirmed capital development in Sierra Leone, highlighting the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship programme. He disclosed that 50 Sierra Leonean students received ICCR scholarships in 2026 to pursue higher education in India.
He also highlighted India’s wider development assistance to Sierra Leone, including the provision of 15 haemodialysis machines, 1,000 metric tonnes of rice for the school feeding programme and a US$990,000 grant for a project supporting persons with disabilities.
Neeraj Kumar Saini further announced that India is extending a US$32 million Line of Credit through the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for the construction of the University of Science and Technology in Koidu, Kono District. He expressed hope that some of the scholarship beneficiaries would eventually pursue higher technical education there.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, commended the Indian community, Sachdeva and the Gurudwara for their contributions to education and healthcare. He described the scholarship as an investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital and stressed that education is a major instrument for transforming individuals, families and communities.
“Education is the only instrument you can use to change your life and change the story of this generation,” Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma said, urging beneficiaries to work hard and make effective use of the opportunity.
The President of the Indian Business Council in Sierra Leone, Harkishin Balani, also urged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously, avoid bad company and remain focused on their goals. He said the expansion from 62 children to 350 beneficiaries demonstrated the commitment of the organizers to investing in Sierra Leone’s future.
Harkishin Balani encouraged the students to study hard, respect their parents and teachers and use the opportunity to overcome poverty. He expressed confidence that the beneficiaries could become successful and responsible citizens who would make their families and country proud.
Representing the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra, commended the scholarship programme for improving access to education. He traced its growth from 62 beneficiaries in 2022 to 130 in 2023, 127 in 2024, 200 in 2025 and 350 in 2026.
Edward Kpakra said the scholarship is helping to remove financial barriers to education and urged the beneficiaries to view the assistance as an opportunity to build their future and eventually give back to others.
He also thanked the Government of India for its support to Sierra Leone, particularly in education and the school feeding programme.
Head of Choithrams, Harish Agnani, commended the Indian Diaspora for sustaining the scholarship and described the provision of full scholarships to 350 children as a significant achievement.
Harish Agnani noted that the programme, which began with 62 beneficiaries, had grown considerably and expressed hope that it would expand further. He urged the beneficiaries to study hard, respect their teachers and parents and make good use of the opportunity.
Speaking also at the ceremony was the Director of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Josephine Fatima Kamara, who encouraged the beneficiaries to dream big and work towards becoming professionals in fields including medicine, law, engineering, journalism, aviation and business. Etc.
The SLBC DG emphasized that dreams could only be achieved through hard work, discipline, commitment and good character. She urged the children to “study hard, listen to your parents and teachers, and believe in yourself,” while reminding parents to encourage and nurture both the academic abilities and talents of their children.
She further encouraged the Indian community and the Gurudwara to continue supporting the initiative and appealed to beneficiaries to remember those who assisted them when they eventually become successful.
The Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester, M. N. Koroma, described the scholarship as an investment not only in the beneficiaries but also in the future of Sierra Leone.
N. Koroma said quality education combined with good character could help young people overcome poverty and avoid negative social behaviour. He urged the beneficiaries to study hard, respect their parents and teachers and use the school materials and other support provided to them responsibly.
The ceremony underscored the growing role of the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship in supporting access to private education for children from families facing financial difficulties. With the number of beneficiaries increasing to 350 and the educational package expanding to include school fees, learning materials, uniforms and other essentials, organizers expressed hope that the initiative would reach more children in the coming years.
Demand for dependable construction materials is rising across Sierra Leone as investment in residential housing, commercial properties and public infrastructure continues to grow.
Responding to the expanding market, FAWAZ Building Materials has increased the availability of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement for engineers, contractors, developers, masons and individuals undertaking construction projects nationwide.
Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM 42.5R is suitable for several building applications, including foundations, columns, beams, concrete floors, blocks and other structural works.
FAWAZ Building Materials says the product is designed to provide reliable performance and strong early development when properly mixed, applied and cured. Under suitable working conditions, its reported setting time of about 30 minutes could also help construction teams manage their schedules efficiently.
The company has stressed, however, that durable buildings cannot be achieved through cement quality alone. Safe construction requires approved structural designs, firm foundations, proper reinforcement, accurate measurements, clean sand, appropriate aggregates, skilled workers and qualified supervision.
The amount of water added during concrete preparation is particularly important. Excessive water may weaken the mixture, increase shrinkage and contribute to cracks. Incorrect quantities of cement, sand and aggregate can also reduce structural strength and shorten the useful life of a building.
Builders sometimes apply a mixture of one part cement, two parts sand and four parts aggregate for certain general concrete works. Lean concrete may use one part cement, three parts sand and six parts aggregate. These proportions are only general references and should not replace specifications provided by professional engineers for individual projects.
Proper curing is another major requirement for achieving strong concrete. Newly placed concrete must be kept sufficiently moist during its early stages to support strength development and minimise cracking. Poor curing can affect structural performance even when good-quality cement and other reliable materials are used.
FAWAZ Building Materials has also encouraged customers to observe correct storage procedures. Cement bags should be kept in dry, covered and properly ventilated spaces. They should be placed above floor level and protected from rainwater, leaking roofs, groundwater, damp walls and other sources of moisture.
Once a cement bag has been opened, any unused quantity should preferably be applied within seven days. Where immediate use is impossible, the remaining cement must be tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and air.
Safety measures are equally necessary when handling cement. Construction workers are advised to wear gloves and face masks to reduce contact with cement dust and prevent prolonged skin exposure. Safe lifting methods should also be used when moving the 50-kilogram bags, while cement products must be stored beyond the reach of children.
Concerns over reported building collapses in Sierra Leone have increased public calls for stronger enforcement of construction standards. Structural failures are commonly associated with poor foundations, defective designs, low-quality materials, weak workmanship and insufficient professional supervision.
Industry stakeholders have consequently urged the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other relevant authorities to intensify market inspections and regularly examine cement products imported and sold across the country.
Improved monitoring of importers, distributors and retailers could protect consumers, discourage the circulation of substandard materials and ensure that companies compete fairly within the construction market.
FAWAZ Building Materials says its expanded distribution of RANDCEM 42.5R reflects its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development through the supply of dependable construction products.
The country’s ability to build safer, stronger and longer-lasting structures will ultimately depend on a combination of quality materials, professional engineering, skilled workmanship, responsible building practices and effective regulatory oversight.
