Africazine:
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Jabbie Bio, has initiated a significant project for journalists in the Southern Region. The sod-turning ceremony for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Southern Region Secretariat Building took place in Bo, marking a pivotal moment for media practitioners.
This event, held on April 26, 2026, was attended by numerous dignitaries and highlighted the importance of media infrastructure in Sierra Leone. The First Lady pledged to donate 1,000 bags of cement to support the project, emphasizing the need for a stable and dignified workspace for journalists.
First Lady’s Commitment to Journalists in Sierra Leone
The sod-turning ceremony was a moment of pride for the SLAJ Southern Region Executive and its members. The First Lady’s presence underscored the government’s support for media development. She articulated the importance of providing journalists with a secure environment to enhance their work.
Dr. Bio, who is also a trained journalist, called for professionalism and ethics in journalism. Her remarks resonated with the audience, reinforcing the role of the media in promoting responsible reporting.
Sierra Leone: Key figures on the Secretariat Building Project
- 1,000 bags of cement pledged by the First Lady
- 500 bags of cement donated by Joseph Maada Kpulum
Community Support and Acknowledgments
The ceremony also recognized various stakeholders who have contributed to the media’s growth in the Southern Region. The SLAJ President expressed gratitude for the support received, viewing the event as a milestone in infrastructural development.
Senior personalities, including local chiefs and media commission officials, participated in the sod-turning, symbolizing community involvement in the project. The event concluded with traditional blessings, emphasizing the communal pride in this significant development.
Next Steps for the Secretariat Building Project
- Arrange a meeting between the First Lady and SLAJ Southern Region Executive
- Mobilize support from leaders across Sierra Leone
This initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing the working conditions for journalists in Sierra Leone.
