In their maiden Annual General Meeting held at De Wizard Complex in Bo , Fullahs from across Sierra Leone and the diaspora gathered in solidarity. The first Annual General Meeting of Fullahs was held on the 15th October 2022.
At a jam-packed hall, the chairman of the occasion, Haja Mariama Bah Fofanah declared the AGM opened.
It was a show of unity, culture and transformation in the lives of the Fullah tribe in Sierra Leone. Back in the 18th century, cattle herding was their sole main occupation.
They settled in the north of Sierra Leone originally but due to their foray into business they have been spreading their presence in other parts of the country especially where there are thriving business activities.
They are conservative, humble and focused people.
And in recent times have realized the importance of education so a good number of them have become academics.
They have of recent also featured prominently in national politics as we saw the two major political parties, SLPP and APC choosing Fullahs to be running mates to presidential candidates in the 2018 elections.
There were delegates from all districts in Sierra Leone, western area and the diaspora. Haja Mariama Bah Fofanah who chaired the occasion entreated her tribesmen and tribes women to “continue with the unity they are renowned for.
The theme of the AGM was “The Role of Fullahs in Enhancing Peaceful Co- existence For National Development”.
On his part, the Fullah chief in Freetown, Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Jalloh told the gathering that they have pleaded with government to ” draft legislation so that there can be stability and security in the cattle herding business.” Chief Mohamed Sarjoh Jalloh also cautioned that there should be no confusion between the powers of the chiefs and executives of the Fullah Progressive Union.
It should be clearly defined to know who does what.
The PRO, western area, Chernor Potter Bah he said he was pleased with the outcome of the AGM.
And called on all Fullahs to be “respectful and law- abiding”.
And said that as Fullahs they should exercise their rights within the laws of the country.
In his program report, the president, Fullah Progressive Union, Alhaji Umaru Sanu Barrie said that since taking over the affairs of Fullahs in 2019 so much have been achieved which includes, ” complementing government’s free quality education program, amendment of cattle herding legislation, ensuring peace and unity among members, etc”.
President Barrie also told the gathering that his leadership is about “transparency, hard work and fear of God almighty”. And conspicuous by their absences were, VP Juldeh Jalloh and Hon. Chericoco of the APC.
The deliberations continued after gifts and presents were given. And there were appeals for donations to help keep Fullah students in universities. The occasion was climaxed by the national anthem of Sierra Leone being sung in Fullah to wide acclaim.
