By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Thursday December 12, 2024 wrapped up its most inclusive and interactive civic platform yet, with a successful final day that featured a series of panel discussions, exhibitions, film screenings and a grand Peace and Unity Concert. Citizens from all walks of life gathered to celebrate Sierra Leone’s rich history, culture and the achievements of the Government, while also fostering vital dialogue between the people and the Government.
The event was inaugurated by the esteemed Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who delivered an inspiring keynote address highlighting the significant progress made under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio since 2018. The Vice President underscored key initiatives such as the introduction of Free Quality Education, aimed at advancing human capital development. He also touched on major infrastructural developments, including road construction and the establishment of a new airport.
VP Juldeh Jalloh further commended the Government for repealing the libel law, abolishing the death penalty and enacting the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (GEWE) Act, which has led to greater representation of women in Cabinet, Parliament and other Government offices. He also spoke of the Government’s ambitious Feed Salone Project, aimed at creating 500,000 jobs for Sierra Leoneans and other industrial developments designed to stimulate job growth.
A central theme in the Vice President’s address was the Government’s commitment to improving access to electricity for all Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized the importance of the $480 million MCC Compact, which focuses on enhancing the country’s transmission system. Additionally, he revealed that the first tranche of $292 million from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has been allocated for the construction of over 145 megawatts of power plants at Kissy to meet the electricity needs of the Western Area and beyond.
Following the Vice President’s address, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, moderated the first panel discussion on the Feed Salone Project and its impact on the economy. The session featured key figures such as Minister of Agriculture Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Financial Secretary Matthew Dingie and President of the Farmers’ Association Yatta Sama, who shared their insights on the economy and the future of agricultural development.
Another key discussion focused on Human Capital Development, moderated by Imran Silla, Media Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. Panelists included Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Conrad Sackey, CFN President Philipa Cride-Dole and Civil Society activist Alphonso Manley. The panel examined developments in education and healthcare.
Two simultaneous panels covered topics on Technology, Innovation and Infrastructure, as well as the Safe Motherhood Bill. The sessions, moderated by Outreach Officer Mohamed Jaward Nyallay and Kaata Minah, respectively, brought together experts to discuss advancements in ICT and healthcare.
The final panel session of the day, moderated by Josephine Kamara, Director General of SLBC, focused on Youth Employment. The session featured discussions with Minister of Youth Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security Mohamed Rahman Swaray, UNDP Resident Coordinator Frederick Ampiah, and other notable figures such as President of Keke Riders Ibrahim Sorry and Daniella Boima Garrick, PRO SLUDI. Citizens were encouraged to ask questions and share suggestions to support nation-building.
In the evening, attendees were treated to a film screening featuring short documentaries by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation. The documentaries showcased Sierra Leone as a prime tourist destination and highlighted the country’s technological advancements.
The event concluded with a grand award ceremony and a spectacular Peace and Unity Concert. The award ceremony recognized the outstanding contributions of ordinary citizens to the nation’s development. Distinguished guests included former Minister of Information Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Secretary to the President Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, ACC Commissioner Francis Ben Keifala Esq., and Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay.
The concert, which featured performances from Sierra Leone’s biggest artists, was the grand finale of the Civic Festival, uniting citizens in celebration of the country’s progress. The Peace and Unity Concert underscored the Government’s commitment to fostering national unity under the theme SALONE BIG PASS WI ALL.
Many attendees hailed the event as historic and unprecedented, with calls for the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to continue fostering such platforms to strengthen the connection between the government and the people.
