By: Mohamed Sahr
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has committed to boost Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) with an increment in subvention from 1.5 million New Leones to 2.5 million New Leones for 2025. He made this statement during the Presidential Media Cocktail on Tuesday 10th December 2024, at Country Lodge in Freetown.
Making his keynote address, President Bio said over the past six years, he had fulfilled his promise not only on the annual subvention to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) but have also significantly increased this support.
He mentioned that in 2020, his government allocated Le 200 million old Leones, which was raised to Le 500 million old Leones in 2021 and further to Le 700 million old Leones in 2022. Adding that for 2023 and 2024, his administration provided SLAJ with a total of 1.5 billion old Leones in subventions. “Therefore, in line with my commitment from the 2023 Manifesto to sustain support for SLAJ, I am pleased to announce that for the financial year 2025, the annual SLAJ subvention will increase to Le 2.5 billion old Leones,” President Bio said.
He averred that a robust media landscape cannot be built in isolation. Emphasizing that the shared goal requires a concerted and collaborative effort among all stakeholders, including the Government, Media Professionals, Civil Society Organizations, and the General Public.
President Bio underscored the continuous effort to fostering constructive partnerships with the media landscape especially looking at the invaluable insights and perspectives. He urged media practitioners to forge networks of collaboration, fostering synergies that will strengthen the profession. Stating that by standing together, supporting each other, and promoting responsible journalism, the media can collectively navigate the challenges the government continue to face in this age of information overload and misinformation.
“In this digital era, where information is abundant and often misleading, your role as a journalist in verifying and disseminating accurate information is more important than ever. As you navigate these complexities, several guiding principles should steer you as professional journalists,” President Bio said.
He affirmed that journalists must be responsible stewards of public trust, where ethical conduct must be an important element. President Bio said upholding integrity, fairness, and respect in reporting will ensure the media remains a respected voice in society.
Alluding that continuous professional development must remain a priority as well recognizing Independent investigative journalism as a crucial tool to uncovering truths that may be inconvenient for some but necessary for the public good.
President Bio assured that his government will work to create an environment that protects investigative journalists and ensures they can conduct their work without fear of retaliation.
He applauded the incredible contributions of all journalist who have dedicated their lives to the noble profession of journalism including the reporters who have covered critical issues, the editors who painstakingly ensure quality journalism, and the broadcasters who convey the pulse of the nation.
President Bio committed to strengthening press freedom as a shared goal, understanding that a free press is not only a privilege but also a responsibility which everyone holds at high esteem. He furthered that press freedom is not merely a destination; it is an ongoing journey. It demands our constant attention, reflection, and commitment.
