By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a gesture of generosity and commitment to the welfare of workers at the Freetown International Airport, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has on Friday March 14, 2025 donated food items to Muslim workers observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, who participated in the Jumah prayer at the Airport Mosque, took the opportunity to reflect on her 12-year journey in the aviation industry. She expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving at a national level and emphasized the importance of giving back.
“I had the privilege of praying Jumah at the FNA Mosque, reflecting on my 12-year journey in the industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to those who keep the airport running smoothly. Ramadan is a time of self-reflection charity, and strengthening our bond with Allah,” she posted on X.
During the event, Madam Musayeroh Barrie also met with community stakeholders, including the Paramount Chief, Chiefdom Elders and representatives from various mosques, underscoring the significance of community engagement during this sacred period.
She further expressed appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for appointing her as the first female Director General of Civil Aviation in Sierra Leone’s history. Madam Musayeroh Barrie noted that her appointment places her among only ten women worldwide to hold such a distinguished position. Additionally, she highlighted the President’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that she is currently the youngest Director General of Civil Aviation in the world.
“This appointment is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the opportunities given to young people under President Bio’s leadership. Commitment to service delivery, a love for the industry and most importantly, Allah’s prescribed destiny have all contributed to where I am today,” she stated.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s history of charitable giving dates back to her tenure as Head of Westminster Security at the Freetown International Airport, where she consistently supported workers. Her current donation aims to motivate airport staff to remain diligent in their duties while observing Ramadan.
This charitable act follows her recent visit to Kabala Town, Koinadugu District, where she reconnected with her family’s roots. On March 9, 2025, she visited her grandfather’s home for the first time, contributing to a mosque built in his honor and participating in prayers with children receiving free Islamic lessons. Reflecting on the visit, she shared, “There’s no greater feeling than giving back.”
It must be noted that her dedication to service was further recognized on March 6, 2025, when she received the prestigious Bai Bureh Service Delivery Award for her contributions to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in fostering youth-led initiatives in Port Loko District.
Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership, the SLCAA has made remarkable strides in aviation safety compliance, capacity building and international collaboration. A key achievement has been the development of a strategic plan to remove Sierra Leone from the European Union’s aviation safety list by early 2025. Through engagements with the European Union Safety Commission, the SLCAA has demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting international standards. This anticipated removal is expected to enhance airline confidence and improve air travel accessibility.
Additionally, the SLCAA recently processed Sierra Leone’s first-ever Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application, marking a significant step in the country’s aviation sector development. This milestone is expected to support the growth of domestic carriers and strengthen national aviation infrastructure.
Further solidifying Sierra Leone’s presence in global aviation, Madam Musayeroh Barrie signed a management service agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in August 2024. This agreement includes the establishment of an ICAO-recognized training school, which aligns with her vision of building a skilled workforce for the country’s aviation sector.
Demonstrating her commitment to global aviation discourse, Madam Musayeroh Barrie also participated in the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on February 11, 2025. The event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gathered aviation leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss sustainability, training, and workforce development in the aviation sector.
According to her, “These achievements are a testament to the dedication of SLCAA staff and the collaborative efforts of our partners. In just one year, we have laid a foundation that will propel Sierra Leone’s aviation sector to new heights.”
Through her leadership, humanitarian initiatives and strategic vision, Madam Musayeroh Barrie continues to strengthen Sierra Leone’s aviation industry while fostering community development and youth empowerment.
