By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has described Orange Sierra Leone as one of the most consistent and reliable corporate partners of the media, praising its long-standing support for journalism, professionalism and democratic development in the country.
He made these remarks at the Orange Sierra Leone Annual Media Engagement, held on Friday Feb. 6, 2026 at the Orange Digital Center, Hill Station, Freetown, under the theme: “Connecting with the Media, Sharing Our Story.” The event brought together over 100 journalists, editors, regulators and stakeholders to review the company’s 2025 performance and outline its priorities for the year ahead.
Addressing participants, Alhaji Manika Kamara said the relationship between SLAJ and Orange Sierra Leone has never been one of convenience but rather a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and a mutual understanding of the media’s central role in democracy and national development.
“This engagement is timely and significant,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said. “In an era shaped by information, connectivity and public trust, partnerships that inform, inspire and connect are essential to building a healthy society.”
The SLAJ President highlighted Orange’s sustained contributions to the growth and welfare of journalists, noting that the company has remained a dependable supporter of SLAJ’s Annual General Meetings, an intervention he said has strengthened internal governance, transparency and accountability within the Association.
He further commended Orange for being among the few corporate institutions that provided seed funding for the SLAJ Journalism Welfare Fund, describing the initiative as a clear recognition that journalists are not just bylines but human beings deserving dignity and care.
Alhaji Manika Kamara also acknowledged Orange’s advertising support to media houses, which he said has helped sustain newsrooms at a time when traditional media business models are under severe pressure. Of particular importance, he noted, Orange’s investment in human capital through scholarships for journalists pursuing postgraduate studies, as well as educational support for journalists’ children.
“These are not short-term gestures,” Alhaji Manika Kamara stressed. “They are strategic interventions that strengthen knowledge, professionalism and ethical standards across the media sector. We hope the new leadership at Orange will continue this vital investment in people.”
He also praised the company’s annual sponsorship of the SLAJ Media Awards, describing the initiative as a national platform that celebrates excellence, courage and ethical reporting, while raising standards across the profession.
Reflecting on institutional values, Alhaji Manika Kamara expressed appreciation for Orange’s gesture during the recent SLAJ leadership transition, when the company presented a large portrait sketch to the immediate past President and Ex-Officio member, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. He said the act symbolized respect for leadership, continuity and institutional memory.
“As President of SLAJ, I stand on the shoulders of those who served before me,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said. “My commitment is to deepen partnerships that strengthen journalism, protect journalists and serve the public interest.”
Looking ahead, he identified digital safety, media innovation, capacity building and the empowerment of young and female journalists as priority areas for collaboration with Orange Sierra Leone in an increasingly complex information environment.
The engagement also featured contributions from the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission, Khalil Kallon, who commended Orange for fostering dialogue among regulators, service providers, Government and the media, while calling for increased support to community radio stations in rural areas.
In her address, Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aicha Toure, reaffirmed the company’s respect for the media’s role in accountability and democracy, outlining her leadership priorities as network reliability, digital inclusion and trust with responsibility.
The Annual Media Engagement concluded with presentations on Orange’s corporate performance and social impact, followed by interactive discussions, reinforcing the central message articulated by Alhaji Manika Kamara: that strong, value-driven partnerships between the media and responsible corporate institutions remain vital to Sierra Leone’s democratic and development journey.
