By Abu Bakarr Jalloh
Sallu Kamuskay, a prominent writer, public relations strategist and CEO of Salone Messenger, has been awarded a certificate by BBC Media Action, in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), after successfully completing a rigorous two-month fellowship program. This program, designed for journalists, bloggers and social media influencers, focused on tackling misinformation, disinformation and hate speech.
The fellowship, which included both in-person and online sessions, saw Sallu Kamuskay emerge as one of four standout fellows among 60 participants. The training was led by renowned investigative journalist Lazar Covs from BBC Media Action Serbia and former BBC journalist Marie Helly, equipping participants with advanced skills in content verification and responsible communication.
The certification ceremony took place at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown on November 8, 2024. During the event, Sallu Kamuskay expressed his gratitude, stating that he felt “humbled and honored” to receive the certification from BBC Media Action in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the critical role of media professionals in today’s information landscape: “We live in a world where information is power and anything we say or put out on the internet has the potential to change the course of history.”
Salone Messenger, under Kamuskay’s leadership, has become a trusted platform in Sierra Leone, recognized for sharing impactful stories about local change-makers. Sallu Kamuskay, who began his storytelling career during the 2014 Ebola epidemic, has since authored numerous articles on social issues and inspiring figures. Reflecting on his role as a content creator, he highlighted his commitment to accuracy: “It is our responsibility to ensure our stories are true before we click publish or post.”
Speaking at the event, Adbein Smith, Project Manager for BBC Media Action, described the training as essential for participants, likening it to a guiding principle akin to religious texts. “We certify them because we believe they are gatekeepers,” he said. “With the skills they have gained, they will be able to create quality content and communicate professionally.”
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), also addressed the fellowship graduates, offering his congratulations on behalf of SLAJ, UNDP and other partners. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla emphasized the importance of the training, calling it “a milestone that represents not just your dedication to your professions.” He highlighted the growing challenges facing journalists, including the prevalence of misinformation, fake news and hate speech, which he noted can “deprive, confuse and cause unrest” within the community.
He also voiced his confidence that through the fellowship, participants are now better equipped to uphold professional ethics and combat the pressing issues of misinformation and hate speech in their work, thereby strengthening the integrity of Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
