By Abu Bakarr Jalloh
Sallu Kamuskay, the CEO of Salone Messenger, has been bestowed with the prestigious 2023 Lead Patriotic Blogger Award during a gala event held at the Radisson Blu Hotel. This honor, organized by Thelia Production and Sierra Tech awards, celebrates individuals and organizations employing mobile, digital, and technological platforms for impactful services in Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Technology Awards serve as a beacon, annually recognizing and celebrating efforts that bridge the digital gap between Sierra Leone and more advanced economies through technology-driven initiatives. Kamuskay’s dedication to amplifying the voices of young people in Sierra Leone, especially during challenging times, was underscored as he received the coveted award.
Reflecting on the journey that led to this recognition, Kamuskay shared, “I began this endeavor in 2014 amid the Ebola pandemic when negative narratives overshadowed Sierra Leone. I committed myself to spotlighting the stories of resilient youth making a positive difference in our country.”
The gala also honored other remarkable individuals and institutions including Dr. David Moininah Sengeh, awarded the Sierra Leone Digital Game Changer 2023 for his significant contributions to the Government’s flagship agenda. Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin received the Digitalization of Banking Technology 2023 Award for pioneering digital services at Rokel Commercial Bank, among others recognized for their innovative strides.
Kamuskay’s journey from a childhood marred by the horrors of Sierra Leone’s civil war to becoming an influential figure in the country’s communications landscape was highlighted. His activism commenced at just 15 years old, eventually leading to leadership roles in organizations like the Young Leaders Organization and the National Youth Council.
As the co-founder and Executive Director of Salone Messenger, Kamuskay’s commitment to diverse developmental issues—from poverty and climate change to human and child rights—has been integral. His work has gained recognition nationally and internationally, amplifying critical narratives often overlooked by mainstream media.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Kamuskay actively collaborates with initiatives like Techfrica, advising on projects like Supfrica, a messaging app facilitating communication in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Furthermore, his involvement with organizations like Waves for Change underscores his dedication to providing safe spaces for young people, contributing to mental health, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
Kamuskay’s impact extends beyond Sierra Leone’s borders, as evidenced by his involvement with global platforms such as the Digital Communication Network (DCN) Global and World Learning.
Notably, his storytelling prowess played a pivotal role during the Ebola outbreak, where his social media narratives helped secure essential medication for misdiagnosed patients and provided support for vulnerable individuals, demonstrating the power of his advocacy.
Currently, Kamuskay serves as the face of Africa’s Faces Social media platform, fostering global connections and emphasizing inclusion for underrepresented continents like Africa.
His dedication and contributions have seen him collaborate with esteemed organizations such as the United Nations, ECOWAS, European Union, and the Commonwealth Africa Initiatives, underscoring his commitment to global youth empowerment.
The Lead Patriotic Blogger Award serves as a testament to Sallu Kamuskay’s unwavering dedication to storytelling, advocacy, and leveraging technology to drive positive change within Sierra Leone and beyond.
