The Ministry of Youth Affairs has held the opening ceremony of the Youth Empowerment Program, a transformative initiative aimed at providing skills and opportunities for a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s youth.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Aberdeen, Freetown.

This program underscores the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by young people while equipping them with tools for meaningful contributions to national development.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, delivered a powerful speech, acknowledging the presence and support of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone. Referring to her as “the mother of all good people,” he expressed his gratitude for her unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and her active role in advancing initiatives that benefit young people. The Minister highlighted his personal commitment to addressing youth-related issues, detailing the Ministry’s achievements under his leadership.

Minister Bangura reflected on the transformation within the Ministry of Youth Affairs, which he said had evolved from being considered the “most corrupt ministry” to a more transparent, accountable, and productive institution.

He emphasized his acceptance of audits as a vital step toward improving transparency and ensuring public trust.

The Minister highlighted key initiatives such as the National Youth Service, which has positively impacted the lives of many young people across the country by providing valuable opportunities for skill-building and service to the nation.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to international development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and local stakeholders, for their collaborative efforts in driving youth empowerment projects. He shared specific examples of these achievements, such as the provision of boats, plowing machines, and other resources to support young entrepreneurs and improve their livelihoods. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced, particularly the low application rates for certain programs, and urged young people to actively participate in the opportunities being created for them.

Minister Bangura emphasized that Sierra Leone’s youth represent both the present and the future of the nation. He assured attendees that platforms designed to empower young people would be further expanded, enabling greater contributions to the country’s development. He also commended the unwavering support of President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Dr. Fatima Bio for youth-focused policies and programs, highlighting the significant impact their leadership has had on Sierra Leone’s progress. Concluding his address, he conveyed optimism for the country’s future, urging continued support and collective efforts to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s youth.

Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of nurturing young minds to create resilient and innovative communities. She emphasized the government’s commitment to youth development, particularly through initiatives like the Big Five Game Changers, which prioritize education, technology, and infrastructure. In her address, Dr. Bio encouraged young people, especially women, to overcome societal challenges, embrace leadership opportunities, and become agents of change in their communities. She stressed the need for collective action to combat gender-based violence, promote equality, and ensure that the youth take responsibility for shaping the future of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Abdoulie Janneh, Director General of the Africa Governance Initiative (AGI), praised Sierra Leone’s leadership for.