By Ragan M. Conteh

The deputy leader of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party in Parliament has made a nationalistic call in Parliament for Sierra Leone to emulate the development strides Burkina Faso is making.

“The youth of Sierra Leone need skills. As Youth Ministry, we can procure tractors to train our youths and in turn go out there and implement what they have learnt. I’m sure if we train our youths in various skills they can even construct roads just like what is happening in Burkina Faso now,” the lawmaker stated.

Hon. Aaron Aruna Koroma made the clarion call on Thursday 8th May, 2025 during the approval of the presidential nominees, including the Minister of Youths, Ibrahim Sannoh in the Chambers of Parliament.

In his defence of young people in the country, Hon. Koroma insisted  that the bike riders are not lawless, expressing dismay over their persistent harassment by the security forces.

According to him most of these youths are graduates and are engaged in this jobs for survival. “Harassing them means forcing them to engage in criminal activities including drugs intake and other lawless activities,” he added.

He added: “A lot of youths have died and some have engaged in activities like Kush intake because the police are chase them with sticks when riding bikes on the streets on a daily basis.”

The MP has also raised serious concern regarding the beggars on the streets most of whom, he said, are youths and are suffering because of lack of jobs and daily sustenance.

The deputy leader highlighted the need to empower women and youths, emphasizing on the need to ensure youths become resourceful individuals that contribute to national development.

The legislator urged the new minister to use problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking to come up with innovative solutions for youths empowerment.

Hon. Aaron stressed that youths are naturally creative and there is need to provide a strong foundation for developing their skills.

He spoke on the need to encouraging resourcefulness in youths which can help them develop a growth mindset, become more independent, and build confidence in their ability to solve hard problems.

He said by empowering young people, “we need to equip them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and find effective solutions. we should explore the importance of providing skills and activities to help them and develop their valuable characters.”

He said the Minister should foster a deep sense of motivation and self-belief that empowers youth to become active participants in their own lives and communities.