By Amin Kef Sesay
During an induction training that was conducted on the 10th and 11th June, 2020 for Press Attaches, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in his address started by thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry Information and Communications for organising the training for the beneficiaries who were recently appointed by the Government of Sierra Leone to work in various diplomatic missions.
The SLAJ President informed the newly designated Press Attaches that they will begin a journey on a new path as they embark on the road to become Ambassadors of the country which, to him, is a national call to service.
He underscored their new positions is in similar line of duty to journalism but said is a very different profession.
The President intimated that in journalism the beneficiaries are taught to speak truth to power, to write bluntly and most times in an abrasive manner but highlighted that in their new profession they will be taught to write and talk differently.
“For me, today is a sad day. Sad because I will be losing all of you who are among the finest crop of journalists in the country,” he bemoaned but was quick to state that he is heartened that as the saying goes ‘once a journalist, always a journalist’ pinpointing how he knows most of them will not abandon the profession but, fondly said, they will be going on a sabbatical leave and will come back later.
He implored them that as they begin the journey to put Sierra Leone first in everything they do they should remember that they are servants of the people of Sierra Leone.
The SLAJ President cautioned that whenever the beneficiaries finally go to their different stations they must remember to deal kindly with all Sierra Leoneans.
“Today you have been appointed by the SLPP Government but ensure you treat every Sierra Leonean with dignity and respect regardless of their party affiliation, tribe, region and status,” he further admonished maintaining how they must always try to promote unity among people.
He said as journalists any and everything they do out there will reflect back home and implored them to be on their very best behaviour and make the country proud.
The prolific SLAJ First Gentleman pointed out that as the Press Attaches learn about diplomacy they must pay due attention to the protocols of how to greet, how to seat and how to dress saying some of those protocols have largely been flouted of late.
He concluded by urging these newly appointed Press Attaches to get a copy of Ambassador Soulay Daramy’s book as it teaches a lot of things within the context of ‘All Protocols Observed’.
