By Foday Moriba Conteh
Lusine Kallon, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs has launched the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Council, Sierra Leone Chapter.
Launching the Sierra Leone Chapter, the Deputy Youth Minister said young people should come together and speak with a united voice to champion development. He said young people have been very pivotal in all developmental issues undertaken by the current Government, adding that because President Julius Maada Bio believes in young people he has involved them in national governance to collectively build the country.
He assured that the Ministry of Youth Affairs will support the ECOWAS Youth Council to succeed in championing development at regional level for the good of the youth in West Africa. He said the establishment of the Sierra Leone chapter shows commitment on the part of the New Direction administration to address the challenges of young people amidst difficulties. He said Sierra Leone is a member of ECOWAS and the Government is doing everything possible to ensuring the aims and objectives of the regional body (ECOWAS) are fully achieved.
The Deputy Youth Minister went on to say the launching was taken place at a very crucial moment in Sierra Leone’s history where citizens are worried of being unsafe over the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID 19) which has killed over one thousand innocent people across the globe from China where it started, to Italy, USA and parts of Africa. He called on every citizen not to panic but to continue to adhere to all precautionary measures being instituted by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation through the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“We have a very proactive President who values the lives of every citizen,” he said, and therefore added that, “the virus is deadly and real but our President is fighting to ensuring that we win the fight against COVID 19.” He said the citizens’ contribution to this fight is to be compliant.
Given an overview of the ECOWAS Youth Council, Hannah Kargbo, said the council was established in 2014 to address the challenges confronting young people in West Africa. She said the establishment of the chapter in Sierra Leone was timely and therefore should be a great opportunity for young people.
The Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Gilpin said the Bank is always ready to support young people to achieve their dreams and aspirations. He called on the current executive to continue the good work and strengthen ties with other Chapters and share knowledge.
