Minister Sannoh Unveils Bold Youth Empowerment Agenda at Weekly Government Briefing
By Abdul Rahman Bah
At the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, held at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building in Freetown, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh outlined a transformative agenda aimed at reshaping youth development across Sierra Leone. Speaking passionately, Minister Sannoh introduced a new three-year national vision titled Youth Electric Munition, set to run from June 2025 to June 2028. The initiative is anchored on four major pillars, with agriculture leading the charge as a tool for empowerment and economic independence.
The Minister stressed the need to move beyond traditional classroom learning by creating platforms where young people can apply knowledge through hands-on experiences, particularly in farming and agribusiness. He acknowledged existing gaps in enforcement and legal frameworks, noting that national enforcement laws remain inadequate or poorly implemented. Addressing documentation challenges, he called for inclusive participation, emphasizing a collaborative approach—“for all of us to do it.”
He revealed ongoing efforts to support youth in greenhouse farming projects, including buy-back schemes and training in digital marketing and security, especially targeting non-college-educated individuals. Minister Sannoh underlined the importance of providing viable career paths for all young people, regardless of educational background. The session featured an engaging question-and-answer segment, where participants, including two consultants, offered feedback and reinforced the need for practical, grassroots-driven solutions.
