By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The streets of Bo City came alive with color, music, and excitement as Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL), in collaboration with traditional leaders and community stakeholders, organized a vibrant float parade to raise awareness ahead of the 2026 Population and Housing Census.
The parade, which attracted massive participation from youth groups, women’s organizations, and local leaders, symbolized unity and community readiness for the upcoming national exercise. With banners, music, and messages promoting census participation, the procession moved through major streets of Bo, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic onlookers.
The Regent Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, Chief Boizy Lemon, led the event and urged citizens to take ownership of the process. He commended Stats SL for engaging traditional authorities early in the campaign, describing it as a clear step toward inclusiveness and effective community mobilization.
“As traditional leaders, we have pledged our full support to ensure the success of the 2026 Population and Housing Census,” Chief Lemon declared, encouraging residents to provide accurate information when approached by cartographers.
The Bo District Census Officer, Madam Etta Hindowa, emphasized the importance of the census for equitable development and informed national planning. She called on all residents to cooperate with mappers and to refrain from politicizing the process.
In his address, the Regional Police Commander South, AIG Andrew Mustapha Kamara, urged young people to stay away from drug abuse and contribute positively to national initiatives such as the census. He assured that the Sierra Leone Police would provide a safe and secure environment throughout the exercise.
The float parade was supervised by the Regional Publicity Officer South, Madam Fatmata Grace Okekearu, who explained that the activity formed part of ongoing public engagement efforts aimed at ensuring every citizen understands the purpose of the census and participates willingly.
At various stop points, traditional chiefs addressed the crowds in multiple local languages, reinforcing messages of unity, cooperation, and civic responsibility.
The event not only energized Bo City but also marked another milestone in Statistics Sierra Leone’s nationwide sensitization campaign a testament to the country’s collective commitment to ensuring a successful and inclusive 2026 Population and Housing Census.
