By: Audrey Raymonda John
Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu formally presented Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Zainab Mbalu Gbla, recipient of the prestigious United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, to Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in a ceremony at the Vice President’s Office.
As Chairman of the Police Council, Vice President Jalloh hailed CSP Gbla’s achievement as “a proud moment for her family, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and the nation.” Drawing on his own UN experience, he stated: “International policing poses enormous challenges – particularly in building community trust. For the UN Secretary-General to commend your work so highly speaks volumes about your service.”
The Vice President specifically praised Gbla’s initiatives introducing school programs in underserved areas and establishing new community crime reporting channels. He also commended IGP Sellu for advancing gender representation and institutional reform, citing Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hilary Sao Kanu’s current role with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) as further evidence of progress. Jalloh reaffirmed government commitment to increasing women’s roles in security and confirmed CSP Gbla would be presented to President Bio upon his return.
Key attendees included Gender and Children’s Affairs Minister Dr. Isata Mahoi and UN Resident Coordinator’s Office Advocacy Officer Osman Benk Sankoh. Dr. Mahoi described Gbla as a “source of national pride” whose work elevates Sierra Leone’s global peacekeeping standing, urging the IGP to continue promoting exemplary female officers.
IGP Sellu outlined CSP Gbla’s distinguished career – from top-performing recruit to successive command positions highlighting her consistent excellence. Mr. Sankoh read excerpts from the UN Secretary-General’s citation, presented at UN Headquarters in New York, which commended Gbla’s peacekeeping contributions and community engagement.
The ceremony underscored Sierra Leone’s growing global peacekeeping reputation and the SLP’s strides toward inclusive leadership.