By Yoni Mamankara
The National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) bid farewell to its outgoing Deputy Commissioner, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, in a symbolic ceremony held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Freetown on November 21, 2025. The event marked the end of an era, with Sir Jimmy handing over administrative authority to his successor, Dr. Susan Robert, in the presence of board members, the Commissioner, senior staff, partners, well-wishers, and friends of the Commission.
Appointed in 2021, Sir Jimmy’s tenure was marked by significant institutional reforms and improvements. When he took office, NaCSA was perceived as rigid and underperforming. However, under his leadership and partnership with the Commissioner, the Commission evolved into a vibrant, results-oriented, and strategically innovative institution. Sir Jimmy provided oversight to critical pillars, including Procurement, the Inter-Agency Forum, Project Management Units (PMU), Internal Audit, Compliance, Monitoring, and Quality Assurance.
During his stewardship, Sir Jimmy introduced new systems, strengthened institutional integrity, and accelerated the performance of several flagship social protection programs benefiting communities nationwide. His leadership was characterized by high accountability standards, improved service delivery, and a reputation for timely execution of donor and government-funded initiatives. Today, NaCSA stands among the most respected public institutions in Sierra Leone, a testament to Sir Jimmy’s professionalism, temperance, and forward-looking administrative character.
Sir Jimmy’s departure from NaCSA comes as he takes on a new role as National Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). In his farewell remarks, he expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for trusting him with responsibility and providing an enabling environment to serve. He praised the Commissioner’s exemplary leadership and support for teamwork and called on staff to extend the same cooperation, respect, and loyalty to the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Susan Robert.
Dr. Susan Robert, the incoming Deputy Commissioner, takes office with strong institutional affirmation, solid administrative support, and a rich legacy to build upon. As Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa moves onward to his new position, he leaves NaCSA with a distinguished administrative footprint and a reputation for consistency, leadership maturity, and transformational impact. NaCSA now turns a new page, built on the solid foundation he helped lay.
