The Ministry of Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), conducted a strategic engagement with Leone Rock Metal Group, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, alongside National Youth Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai, Director of Livelihood Skills Victor Muana, Director of Programs Momodu Wudie, and other senior officials. They were warmly received by Leone Rock’s Deputy General Manager, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting youth-focused initiatives.
Discussions focused on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities for young workers, emphasizing certification through the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards. The dialogue also highlighted the Obasanjo Skills Training initiative as a platform for scaling practical training in solar technology, mining equipment operation, and crushing technology to improve youth employability within the sector.
The Ministry emphasized that the Leone Rock engagement will serve as a pilot initiative and a springboard for similar partnerships with other mining companies nationwide, aimed at broadening skills development and creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people across Sierra Leone’s extractive industry. Both the Ministry and Leone Rock expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for his continued commitment to youth empowerment and the national job creation agenda.
Concluding the visit, Minister Sannoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to translating youth employment initiatives into tangible outcomes, stressing that young people must be equipped with certified, industry-relevant skills to ensure long-term employability and sustainability. The delegation also toured the mining site to gain firsthand insight into operational practices and training opportunities.