By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Mamadu Bobor Barrie, co-founder of the “Say No To Drugs and Violence” campaign, alongside his partner Abu Bakar Sillah, also known as Capay Ivorian Sillas, has reaffirmed their dedication to promoting a drug-free lifestyle among school pupils, emphasizing the importance of health and wellbeing for the future.
On May 16, 2025, the campaign team donated a significant amount of football equipment to 15 primary schools at St. Edwards Secondary School in Kingtom. This initiative aims to foster a positive educational environment while advocating for a future free from drugs and violence.
The symbolic presentation, which included schools such as Holy Trinity, St. Philips, Amaria, SLMB, and Ahmadiya Muslim primary schools from the east end, as well as Cathedral, St. Edwards, Samaria, Regent Square Municipal, and Bathurst primary schools in the central area, was attended by notable national football legends. The west end schools represented included St. Anthony, Tower Hill Municipal, Murray Town, Police, and Kroo Bay Municipal primary schools.
Among the football legends present were Alhaji Abdulai Sesay (De-Cox) from Port Authority FC, former captains Amadu Rappell Kamara and Joseph Pally Toby, John Ajina Sesay, Brima Tombo-Jews, Augustus Lawson (Papaylor), and Abu Kanu (Gbana-Loko).
During the event, Barrie highlighted their pioneering role in addressing the tragic loss of 32 youths due to drug-related issues, which called for urgent government action. He stressed that their efforts are self-funded, aimed solely at safeguarding the lives of future generations.
“We are witnessing a decrease in drug use, but we must continue our campaign, especially among school children. By educating the youth now, we hope to prevent the next generation from facing the same struggles,” he stated.
Barrie expressed gratitude to the teachers for their commitment to the presentation and encouraged them to promote the “Say No To Drugs” message within their schools. He also acknowledged the participation of football legends in this important initiative.
John Ajina Sesay urged students to avoid drugs, warning that involvement with substances leads to failure. He shared his own experiences, noting that many of them remain active and healthy well into their sixties and seventies because they abstained from drugs during their playing careers.
Edward T. Saffa, a representative from Murray Town primary school, expressed appreciation on behalf of all the schools for the generous donation and pledged to serve as ambassadors for the “Say No To Drugs and Violence” campaign within their communities.