By: Audrey Raymonda John
Uplifting the youth, the Ministry of Youth Affairs has on Tuesday, 21st January 2025, launched the Youth Empowerment Program at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The initiative aims to equip Sierra Leone’s youth with skills and opportunities to build brighter futures, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing challenges facing young people and fostering their contributions to national development.
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, delivered a compelling address at the event, attended by key stakeholders, including Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone. Minister Bangura expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady, whom he referred to as “the mother of all good people,” for her unwavering support and active involvement in youth-focused initiatives. He also highlighted his dedication to resolving youth-related issues and outlined the Ministry’s achievements under his leadership.
Reflecting on the Ministry’s transformation, Minister Bangura stated that it had evolved from being perceived as “the most corrupt ministry” to one characterised by transparency, accountability, and productivity.
He emphasised the importance of audits as a tool for enhancing trust and improving governance. Among the Ministry’s accomplishments, he highlighted the National Youth Service, which has provided numerous young people with valuable skills and opportunities to serve the nation.
Minister Bangura acknowledged the vital role played by international development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union, as well as local stakeholders, in advancing youth empowerment projects. He noted several successes, such as the provision of boats, plowing machines, and other resources to support young entrepreneurs.
However, he also expressed concern about the low participation rates in some programs and encouraged young people to actively engage in the opportunities available to them.
“Youth represent both the present and future of Sierra Leone,” the Minister remarked, assuring attendees of the government’s continued efforts to expand platforms for youth empowerment. He praised President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio for their steadfast support of youth-centered policies, highlighting the significant progress made under their leadership.
Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, Director General of the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI), commended Sierra Leone’s leadership for its youth-focused policies. He highlighted the importance of empowering the country’s large youth population through programs like the Youth Empowerment Program, which equip young people with essential skills for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Dr. Janneh praised the collaboration between the government and its partners, emphasising that such partnerships are critical to the success of youth initiatives.
Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura also addressed the gathering, reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth development through the Big Five Agenda. He outlined the agenda’s focus on employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship as key pillars for ensuring youth participation in Sierra Leone’s transformation. The Minister stressed the importance of sustainability and collaboration, calling on all stakeholders to work together to maximise the potential of the country’s youth.
The Youth Empowerment Program launch marked another milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to uplift its youth, demonstrating the government’s dedication to building a future where young people are empowered to thrive and contribute to national progress.
