By Foday Moriba Conteh
In celebration of Sierra Leone’s Independence, Twisco, a brand under Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd and agent of Promasidor, one of Africa’s leading food giants, successfully concluded the maiden edition of its Annual Twisco Independence Day Series. The event, which aims to empower young people for a viable future, was held under the theme: “Relevance of Independence for the Youth of Today.”
The engaging and thought-provoking event took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall on the Fourah Bay College (FBC) campus in Freetown. It brought together students from various tertiary institutions across the capital, including Fourah Bay College, Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and Milton Margai Technical University, among others.
The forum created a platform for meaningful dialogue on the role of youth in nation-building, the legacy of independence and the importance of civic responsibility. Various speakers addressed a range of topics, including entrepreneurship and employment, media, law and justice.
Speaking at the event, Kenneth Konuah, Country Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, emphasized the urgent need for Sierra Leonean youth to reflect on the real meaning of independence and to position themselves for national development through hard work, innovation and civic responsibility.
“We must get ready for tomorrow,” Kenneth Konuah told the youthful audience. “It’s not just about acquiring degrees; it’s about building strong foundations and becoming valuable contributors to society.”
He raised concern about the growing mismatch between education and employment opportunities in the country, noting that many graduates leave university to face a job market saturated with “non-existent or unsustainable opportunities.”
“As an employer myself, I often meet graduates who struggle to identify what they want to do or what value they can offer. Independence should mean more than freedom it should mean self-sufficiency, critical thinking and a drive to create value,” he stressed.
Kenneth Konuah encouraged youth to look beyond the traditional dream of office jobs and consider the broader landscape of opportunities, including entrepreneurship, media and digital innovation.
“Today, people are earning real income through digital platforms. While many use data for social media entertainment, others are monetizing it. We must liberate ourselves from the mindset that success only lies within office walls,” he added.
He lauded the Twisco Independence Day Series as a crucial platform that bridges the gap between academia, industry and policy-making, offering young people practical tools and motivation to build leadership, self-efficacy and purpose-driven careers.
“This event is more than a celebration; it is a call to action for young people to prepare themselves as future leaders our nation can be proud of,” Kenneth Konuah stated, vowing that the Twisco Independence Series will continue annually and grow to become a leading youth-focused event in the country.
“Twisco, a nutritious chocolate drink fortified with ENERFORT a blend of 10 essential micronutrients is proudly produced using locally sourced ingredients. As a brand, Twisco continues to position itself not only as a tasty beverage but as a supporter of youth development and nation-building” he concluded.
Dr. Francis Sowa Esq., Dean of the Faculty of Communications, Media and Information Studies at Fourah Bay College, called for a national reflection on youth empowerment and media responsibility in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.
“If you don’t believe in this country or its progress, you’re not alone,” Dr. Francis Sowa Esq. declared. “But ask yourself: are you part of the solution or just another spectator?”
He lamented Sierra Leone’s persistent challenges with basic infrastructure, including electricity and water, despite 64 years of independence. These failures, he argued, are symptomatic of deeper systemic issues, including the underperformance of sectors such as the media, which are tasked with holding institutions accountable.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s pioneering role in West Africa’s media history with the first newspaper launched in 1801 and a radio station operational by 1934, Dr. Francis Sowa, said the country has since lost its way. “We were once the beacon of media development in British West Africa, but today we lag far behind nations like Ghana and Nigeria,” he said.
He noted that the rise of social media has further complicated the landscape. “Traditional gatekeepers have failed, but so too have we as citizens. With Web 2.0 and access to new media platforms, every individual now has the power to produce and disseminate content yet many use this power irresponsibly,” he stated.
Dr. Francis Sowa decried the rampant misuse of social media in Sierra Leone, particularly the spread of indecent content and the online harassment of women. “Just this morning, I saw a blog advertising the nude photos of a woman. Do we even understand the legal and moral implications of such actions?” he asked.
The Dean reminded attendees that the role of the media is enshrined in Sierra Leone’s Constitution. Quoting Section 11, he said: “The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Constitution and highlight the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.”
He encouraged the youth to shift from sharing sensational or harmful content to using media platforms as tools for advocacy, transparency and social development. “Instead of posting about scandals and negativity, why not question governance failures or highlight development challenges in your communities?” he urged.
In a powerful closing statement, Dr. Francis Sowa criticized the culture of blind political loyalty. “It’s disappointing that when it comes to demanding accountability, it is often the most deprived and vulnerable who defend the very systems that fail them.”
He emphasized that in the age of digital media, there are no more excuses for inaction. “You now have the media in your hands. What are you doing with it?”
Commenting on entrepreneurship and employment, Prof. Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh, Dean of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, urged young people to rethink the meaning of independence and take a more active role in national development. He praised the emerging excellence of non-traditional schools and challenged alumni of older institutions to keep pace.
He criticized the performative nature of some school and alumni activities, stating that “real impact is not in what we showcase, but in how we transfer knowledge and skills that drive national development.” He emphasized that Sierra Leone’s progress depends on collective educational empowerment, not individual academic achievements.
Prof. Duramany-Lakkoh also commended youth-led initiatives such as student conferences and forums focused on educational reform and policy engagement. “You, the young people, are the registered stakeholders of national development,” he said, recognizing their growing role in shaping the future.
However, he expressed concern over the prioritization of social events over intellectual development. “University clubs spend billions on social activities, but how many receive even 500 million to host developmental programs?” he asked, calling for a shift in priorities.
The event featured interactive question-and-answer sessions based on the topics discussed, during which participants who answered correctly were awarded prizes such as electric irons, rice cookers, fans and cartons of Twisco products.
