By: Abu H. Kargbo
The second edition themed: “Celebrating Service, Inspiring Change, Building a Better Bombali” was launched on Saturday evening, September 26, 2026, at the Magbema Bombali District Council Hall along the Makeni-Freetown Highway.
James Simbo Thullah, Chairman of the Bombali District All Walks of Life Award, stated that the Save Our Youth Initiative Sierra Leone (SOYI-SL) is a community-based organization focused on youth empowerment, community development, leadership, and social responsibility.
“We encourage young people to become responsible leaders, active citizens, and positive contributors while also building platforms and partnerships that connect community needs with local action,” he added.
Thullah emphasized that the organization’s commitment to fostering development in Bombali District drives the award, which recognizes and celebrates influential changemakers and pioneers of sustainable progress.
“The award is based on evidence rather than popularity, which is why there is no room for voting,” he explained.
He reiterated that receiving the Bombali District All Walks of Life Award is strictly earned. The process involves an impartial body that leads a series of stages, including nomination, screening, verification, assessment, shortlisting, and recognition.
Describing the second edition, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026, Thullah noted that the event is more than just an award ceremony; it values service, celebrates leadership, encourages excellence, and recognises innovation.
“We document impact and inspire young people through the recipients,” he assured.
Thullah also affirmed SOYI-SL’s commitment to building on the successes of the inaugural Bombali District All Walks of Life Award by expanding this year’s event to twelve categories. He expressed readiness to address the challenges encountered previously.
“We are determined to turn last year’s challenges into opportunities for a more vibrant event this time,” he promised.
Guest speakers, including Musa Kondeh, Managing Director of LEAD Sierra Leone; Hassan Cecil Bangura, UBA’s Makeni Branch Manager; and Ibrahim Fatu Kamara, Director of AAD-SL, praised the Save Our Youth Initiative Sierra Leone for courageously celebrating diverse changemakers, including those working behind the scenes.
“Recognition is not just a certificate; it affirms the value that unites us all,” stressed Ibrahim Fatu Kamara.
The keynote speaker, Regional Commander of the Sierra Leone Police North-East, AIG Esther Mary Kaintor Dukuray, echoed similar sentiments and urged residents of the district to view the award as a personal challenge to improve Bombali, assuring them that their efforts would be honoured with a meritorious award.
“It’s a moment to build a Bombali that future generations will be proud to inherit,” she stated.
The Bombali District All Walks of Life Award by Save Our Youth Initiative Sierra Leone has not only been widely embraced but continues to attract sponsorship from esteemed institutions, including LEAD Sierra Leone, Bombali District Council, Living Gallery Studio, and Art Studio.
The award provides an opportunity for local changemakers and development pioneers to gain meaningful recognition for their contributions to national growth and global impact.