Minister Bangura Highlights Progress in Youth Empowerment Initiatives

By Abdul Rahman Bah

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs inaugurated the Youth Empowerment Program at the Bintumani Conference Hall, Aberdeen, Freetown. This landmark initiative aims to equip Sierra Leone’s youth with the skills and opportunities necessary to drive national development, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing youth challenges and unlocking their potential.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, opened the ceremony with a compelling speech, in the presence of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone. Referring to Dr. Bio as “the mother of all good people,” the Minister expressed gratitude for her unwavering support of youth-focused initiatives. He recounted the Ministry’s transformation under his leadership, moving from a reputation as “the most corrupt ministry” to becoming a model of transparency and productivity. He underscored the importance of audits as a tool for accountability and public trust.

Minister Bangura highlighted key achievements, including the National Youth Service, which has provided countless young people with essential skills and opportunities to serve the nation. He commended the collaborative efforts of international development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and local stakeholders. Specific successes, such as distributing boats, plowing machines, and resources to empower young entrepreneurs, were cited as examples of tangible impact. While celebrating these accomplishments, the Minister called on Sierra Leone’s youth to take full advantage of available programs, emphasizing that their participation is vital for success.

Minister Bangura also stressed that the youth represent the present and future of Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed his commitment to expanding platforms that enable young people to contribute meaningfully to national development. Applauding the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio, he emphasized the importance of continued support for youth-focused policies and programs, expressing optimism for Sierra Leone’s future.

In her keynote address, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio emphasized nurturing young minds to create resilient and innovative communities. She reiterated the government’s dedication to youth development through initiatives like the Big Five Game Changers, which focus on education, technology, and infrastructure. Encouraging youth, particularly women, to embrace leadership roles and challenge societal barriers, Dr. Bio called for collective efforts to combat gender-based violence, promote equality, and foster responsibility among young people to shape the nation’s future.

Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, Director General of the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI), praised Sierra Leone’s leadership for its focus on empowering the country’s large youth population. He highlighted the Youth Empowerment Program as a vital tool for equipping young people with the skills necessary for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Big Five Agenda’s focus on youth employment, skills development, and entrepreneurship as pillars for sustainable national transformation. He called on stakeholders to collaborate in harnessing the potential of Sierra Leone’s youth.

The event served as a powerful testament to the government’s dedication to creating an inclusive and prosperous Sierra Leone, driven by the energy and innovation of its youth. It was a resounding call for collective action to support the vision of a transformed nation.