By Alie Badara In Bo
Sunday, 26 April 2026, will remain etched in the memories of media practitioners in Sierra Leone’s Southern Region as the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Jabbie Bio Mrs., performed the turning of the sod for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Southern Region Secretariat Building Project at the SLAJ Southern Region Secretariat Building Project site in Bo.
“I am also a journalist, trained at the London School of Communication,” the First Lady disclosed to colleagues.
The occasion was a moment of fulfillment for the SLAJ Southern Region Executive and its membership—an opportunity to receive the nation’s mother in a symbolic and deeply meaningful ceremony.
In a motherly gesture, the First Lady described the act of providing a secure and permanent shelter for journalists as a care that extends to the future of the profession: a place where media workers can operate with stability, dignity, and effectiveness.
A Milestone Marked by Dignitaries and State Actors
The sod-turning ceremony attracted hundreds of dignitaries and state actors, including members of the entourage of Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio, reflecting the national importance attached to the media and the growth of institutional infrastructure in Sierra Leone.
As the event unfolded, it further strengthened the media’s historical record in the South—highlighting that beyond advocacy and reporting, the media landscape also benefits from development and structured support.
First Lady Highlights Media Freedom and Journalistic Responsibility
Delivering remarks at the event, the First Lady underlined the freedom media practitioners are enjoying unhindered, describing it as an opportunity for responsible and credible journalism.
She also emphasized the role and responsibilities of a trained and qualified journalist, calling for professionalism, ethics, and competence in the discharge of media duties.
In doing so, she shared her own background, noting that she is also a journalist, having been trained at the London School of Communication.
Because of her tight schedule, the First Lady indicated she was in transit to another programme at the Bo Coronation Field with the “EBEMA—GBI, Women and Ladies” engagement.
However, she used the moment to make a supportive pledge to the building project.
In her pledge, she committed to provide–One Thousand Bags of Cement (1,000 bags of cement) to support the ongoing Secretariat Building Project.
Hopeful Commitment to Strengthen the Project
In her concluding statement, the First Lady expressed optimism and reaffirmed that she is prepared to arrange a fruitful meeting with the SLAJ Southern Region Executive.
She stressed that such discussions could mobilize support from across Sierra Leone—engaging leaders and personalities whose contribution could help advance the building project to completion.
SLAJ President Expresses Gratitude and Pride in Development
Responding to the historic event, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady and her entourage for gracing the ceremony.
He described the moment as special, saying he views himself as both “a mother or a father,” always pleased when his “children” achieve significant milestones—particularly when those achievements reflect infrastructural development, such as the provision of a proper office for the SLAJ Southern Region.
Philanthropy and Support from Stakeholders
In recognition of stakeholders who have contributed to strengthening the media space in the South, the event also acknowledged individuals whose support demonstrates commitment to Sierra Leone’s media growth.
Among them was Joseph Maada Kpulum, a former Regional Chairman for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Southern Region, who donated (500 bags of cement) prior to the turning of the sod ceremony at the Bo Government Reservation Office site.
Senior Personalities Perform the Turning of the Sod
For the records, the practical exercise of the sod turning was carried out by very senior personalities, including:
The Regent Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, Bo District, Chief Boizy Lemoh
The Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Khalil Kallon
The Regional Chairman of SLAJ—Eastern Region, Philip Koroma and other dignitaries and stakeholders present at the ceremony Libations, Blessings, and a Colorful Celebration.
The ceremony was climaxed with the pouring of libations to the assessors traditionally, seeking safety, protection, and blessings for the project.
The event brought together people from across the region, blending culture, faith, and communal pride to witness a ground-breaking milestone as the Secretariat building project begins its journey toward completion.