By Janet A. Sesay
One of the leading flagbearer aspirants of the All People’s Congress (APC), Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed “Omodu” Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban, has reportedly unveiled an ambitious development agenda aimed at creating jobs, empowering entrepreneurs and women, strengthening agriculture and improving public transportation in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on AYV Television’s State of the Nation programme hosted recently by journalist Umaru Fofanah, Kamara, he outlined a series of initiatives which, he said are intended to provide practical economic opportunities for ordinary Sierra Leoneans and contribute to the country’s long-term development.
One of the major initiatives highlighted during the interview was the arrival of 25 customized buses, reportedly valued at US$4 million, which Kamara said are intended to contribute to the transformation of Sierra Leone’s public transportation sector.
According to him, the buses are not only intended to improve transportation but also to create employment opportunities for young people and others who will benefit from their operation.
“These buses are not just a mode of transport; they represent job opportunities for many,” Kamara said, stressing that the initiative forms part of his broader commitment to stimulating economic activity and creating opportunities for citizens.
He also spoke about his proposed 500,000-motorcycle project, which he said is designed to support young entrepreneurs and strengthen the informal sector.
Kamara noted that motorcycles remain an important means of transportation and livelihood for many Sierra Leoneans, particularly young people.
He said the initiative would provide opportunities for beneficiaries to establish or expand their businesses while contributing to employment creation.
The proposed project, he explained, would also include the establishment of assembly facilities, with the aim of developing local skills, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for local participation in the motorcycle industry.
Women’s economic empowerment also featured prominently in Kamara’s development agenda.
He said he is supporting women through non-interest loan schemes designed to enable them to establish or expand businesses without the additional burden associated with interest payments.
“Empowering women is crucial for our nation’s development,” he said, maintaining that increased support for female entrepreneurs could unlock significant economic opportunities and strengthen household incomes.
Beyond his economic initiatives, Kamara also highlighted his efforts to strengthen the organisational structure of the APC.
He said investment in party infrastructure, including the construction of party offices across the country, is important for improving grassroots engagement, strengthening mobilisation and maintaining closer links between the party and communities.
According to him, a strong grassroots structure is essential not only for political mobilisation but also for communicating development priorities and responding to the concerns of citizens.
Kamara said agriculture was another major component of his vision.
Recognising the agriculture sector as a key pillar of Sierra Leone’s economy and food security, Kamara said greater investment should be directed towards farmers and agricultural production.
“We need to invest in our farmers and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive,” he said.
He outlined the importance of agricultural training, modern farming techniques and improved access to resources, saying such measures could help increase productivity, strengthen food security and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Throughout the interview, Kamara presented himself as a leader focused on combining immediate economic interventions with longer-term development strategies.
His proposed initiatives span transportation, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, agriculture and political organisation.
He also emphasised the importance of national unity and inclusive development, saying his ultimate objective is to build a Sierra Leone in which citizens have greater opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
“Together, we can create a prosperous future for our nation, where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he declared.
With political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2028 elections, Kamara’s development agenda is likely to remain a key part of his campaign for the APC flagbearer ticket.
His emphasis on job creation, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, agriculture and infrastructure places economic development at the centre of his political message.
As the race for the APC flagbearer position unfolds, attention will increasingly focus on how the various aspirants present their policies, programmes and plans for addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.