Civic Festival to Be Co-Chaired by Hon. I.B Kargbo and Julius Spencer

In what has been hailed as a masterstroke, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Honourable Chernor Bah, has appointed two former Information Ministers to co-chair the upcoming Civic Festival, set for December 11 and 12, 2024.

Minister Bah, known for bridging divides and rising above party politics, has carefully chosen Dr. Julius Spencer and Mr. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo to lead the festival. Mr. Kargbo, a respected figure in Sierra Leone’s media landscape and former president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, is a key member of the opposition All Peoples Congress. He served as Minister of Information and Communications under former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Dr. Spencer, a distinguished media practitioner and retired lecturer, also served as Minister of Information during the presidency of Ahmad Tejan Kabbah. He has long been dedicated to building the capacity of future media professionals in Sierra Leone.

The selection of these two prominent figures has been widely praised across the political spectrum. Many have described it as a strategic move by Minister Bah to transcend political boundaries and unify the nation. At a time when Sierra Leone is on the brink of launching a long-overdue Civic Education program, the choice of these chairs reflects Minister Bah’s commitment to inclusivity, as well as his embodiment of the “Salone Big Pas We All” mantra.

In an era of political tension, Bah’s actions have been seen as an effort to detoxify the country’s political climate, fostering a healthier atmosphere for future generations to engage in politics without the animosity that often accompanies it. As a former activist and advocate for human rights, Minister Bah is quickly becoming a symbol of hope, stability, and the values that President Bio advocates for.

As a gesture of respect, Minister Bah recently led a team from the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on a special visit to Dr. Julius Spencer. Breaking tradition, he visited his chosen chairman rather than inviting him to the office, demonstrating his humility and dedication to his work.