By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, has urged young people in Makeni city to believe in their ability to lead.
He was addressing hundreds of youths during the opening day of the Civic Day Series in Makeni on Monday, 15th September, 2025.
Deputy Minister Gibrilla encouraged young people to occupy their space, grab opportunities and inspire change in their respective communities.
“You are not too young to lead. As youths, you should have that belief and take responsibility,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister added that several young ministers are now key leaders in society, inspiring change through their work.
Mr Gibrilla also updated the gathering on what the ministry has been doing to promote young people and create more employment opportunities for them both locally and internationally.
He informed that government is now in advanced talks to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Bank, to provide credit access to young entrepreneurs at a single digit interest rate. Additionally, government is on the verge of procuring electric vehicles as part of its efforts to create jobs for young people.
“While in Makeni, we have just identified the space where we could set up an electric charging station for the cars we are bringing in. They will need to be recharged after every 200 Kilometers,” he said.
PC Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, welcomed the initiative and praised the ministry for holding the event across the country especially in his district. He urged young people to be more responsible and embrace the initiative to effect positive change in their communities.
SLPP National Chairman Pays Courtesy Visit to Sierra Leone High Commissioner in London
Following a highly successful engagement with members of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the party’s National Chairman, Mr. Jimmy Batilo Songa, today paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh at the Sierra Leone High Commission (SLHC) in London.
Their discussions focused on strengthening diaspora engagement and exploring ways to support the government of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in advancing Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
Mr. Songa praised the dedication of Sierra Leoneans in the United Kingdom, noting: “Our citizens abroad have shown remarkable allegiance to the ideals of national development. Their voices and contributions are vital to strengthening our nation and supporting the government’s drive for peace, democracy, and progress.”
Dr. Manyeh warmly welcomed the visit and underscored the importance of unity across the diaspora. “The work of the High Commission is national in character and transcends politics,” he affirmed. “The doors of the Sierra Leone High Commission remain open to all Sierra Leoneans, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or religious denomination. Only by working together as one nation can we achieve lasting peace and sustainable development.”
The meeting highlighted the High Commission’s continued dedication to working with all individuals and organizations committed to promoting unity, national development, and inclusive engagement for Sierra Leone and its diaspora communities.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London
