By: Audrey Raymonda John
In a landmark ceremony held in Mongo Town, Bendugu Chiefdom, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally officially inaugurated the Falaba District Cooperative Society, a multipurpose cooperative designed to empower women economically and bridge longstanding tribal, regional, and political divides.
The event, attended by numerous stakeholders from across the country, showcased Tarawally’s commitment to alleviating persistent poverty among Sierra Leonean women. In his keynote address, Honourable Tarawally lamented the enduring economic challenges faced by women and criticised politicians who exploit societal divisions for personal gain. He outlined a clear vision: to harness the district’s vast arable land through agricultural initiatives that not only generate income but also foster self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.
Highlighting the cooperative’s proven success in regions such as Kenema, Bo, the Western Area, and Kono, Tarawally urged citizens to pursue business ventures as a viable pathway to national development. “While the government cannot provide employment for everyone, our cooperative model will create opportunities for sustainable income and contribute to community growth through taxation,” he asserted.
Councillor Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, who chaired the event, commended the initiative as a novel approach to local development, emphasising that a member-driven structure ensures that the cooperative’s affairs remain in the hands of those it serves. The initiative also received warm endorsements from traditional leaders. Paramount Chief Mohamed Lamin Marrah III of Mongo Bendugu Chiefdom welcomed the effort, stressing that direct engagement is key to addressing community challenges.
Adding to the discourse on regional development, Paramount Chief Thor Thor Sheku Marah III outlined critical infrastructural needs, including improved roads, water supply, healthcare, schools, and scholarships. He underscored the importance of the proposed road linking Kabala to Mongo, noting that neglected infrastructure hampers economic progress and could drive residents to seek opportunities elsewhere, particularly given the district’s proximity to Guinea.
Addressing the people of Kabala at the District Council Hall on February 20, 2025, Tarawally, a native of Falaba District, reiterated his unwavering dedication to eradicating poverty. In a bold move to jumpstart the cooperative’s operations, he announced a personal contribution of NLE 500 million to the society’s bank account. He also highlighted his previous collaborative efforts in constructing mosques nationwide, underscoring his broader commitment to community development.
Hon. PC Ali Balansama Marah III of Sengbeh Chiefdom pledged his support for the cooperative’s success, while Councilor Kalie Thoronka encouraged beneficiaries to seize this opportunity to transcend poverty. Balla Sesay, representing the Council of Principles in Koinadugu District, made an impassioned appeal for additional scholarships to bolster children’s education, stressing that while free quality education has been transformative, further support remains critical.
With a comprehensive strategy aimed at uniting diverse communities and fostering economic empowerment, the Falaba District Cooperative Society stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the region.
