By Ibrahim Sesay

Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally has received a significant political boost after delegates from Moyamba District declared overwhelming support for his bid to become the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) flagbearer ahead of the 2028 general elections.

According to supporters of the former Minister and presidential aspirant, representatives from all six constituencies in Moyamba District have endorsed his candidacy, strengthening his position within the party's emerging leadership contest.

The endorsement reportedly took place on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Hon. Musa Tarawally's residence in Freetown, where 22 out of the district's 24 delegates gathered to publicly pledge their support for his presidential ambition. His supporters described the development as a clear demonstration of the confidence many party delegates have in his leadership vision.

Political observers say the latest endorsement could have a significant impact on the evolving dynamics of the SLPP flagbearer race, with reports suggesting that some delegates from other political camps are also expressing interest in aligning with the Musa Tarawally movement.

Supporters further believe that the growing momentum behind his campaign reflects a desire among delegates for experienced leadership as the party prepares for its internal elections and the 2028 national polls.

Speaking on his ambition, Hon. Alhaji Musa Tarawally emphasized the importance of respecting the democratic process within the party and appealed directly to the delegates who will ultimately determine the next SLPP flagbearer.

"Whilst other aspirants are boasting of President Bio's favor to become the next flagbearer of the SLPP, I am appealing to and assuring the delegates, who have the constitutional right to vote, to support me as the next flagbearer of the great SLPP," he said.

With political activities steadily intensifying, many analysts believe that support from influential districts such as Moyamba could prove decisive in the SLPP's internal flagbearer race, potentially shaping the direction of the party ahead of the 2028 general elections. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/moyamba-delegates-declare-overwhelming-support-for-musa-tarawallys-2028-flagbearer-bid/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh continues to attract commendation from supporters and political observers who describe him as one of the most loyal and dedicated leaders in President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s administration.

Many of his supporters regard the Vice President as a humble public servant whose leadership style is defined by discipline, commitment and a strong sense of duty. Since taking office, they believe he has remained firmly committed to supporting the President’s vision for national transformation and inclusive development.

Throughout the tenure of the current administration, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has played a visible role in promoting Government policies and programmes aimed at improving the lives of Sierra Leoneans. His involvement in initiatives relating to economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development and youth empowerment has earned him recognition from many within the ruling party and beyond.

Political analysts and supporters often cite his unwavering support for President Bio as one of his strongest attributes. They note that during both challenging and successful periods of the administration, the Vice President has consistently defended Government policies and encouraged national unity.

Supporters also point to his modest approach to leadership, describing him as a public official who prioritizes service over personal recognition. Whether representing Sierra Leone at international forums, monitoring development projects or engaging with local communities, they say he has maintained a reputation for accessibility and respect for ordinary citizens.

Many believe that his cooperative style of leadership and willingness to work behind the scenes have contributed significantly to the implementation of key Government programmes. Development stakeholders and party loyalists have also praised his patient and results-oriented approach to governance.

Across different parts of the country, supporters continue to acknowledge the Vice President's steadfast partnership with President Bio, viewing it as a reflection of his confidence in the administration's agenda and its efforts to deliver sustainable national progress.

Discussions surrounding Sierra Leone's future leadership and development priorities continue to highlight the role of key political figures. Many of Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh's supporters believe that his humility, dedication and unwavering loyalty have enhanced his reputation in public service and further solidified his place in the country's political landscape. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vp-juldeh-jalloh-wins-praise-for-quiet-leadership-and-unflinching-loyalty/

The Director General of the National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT), Mohamed Fuaad Daboh, has called for stronger institutional collaboration between NASSIT and the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Sierra Leone to expand social security coverage to the country's vast informal sector.

Mohamed Fuaad Daboh made the appeal during a meeting with the Egyptian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman, at the Egyptian Embassy in Freetown on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The engagement comes as NASSIT intensifies efforts to introduce a legislative framework for an Informal Sector Policy aimed at bringing thousands of workers outside the formal economy into the national social security system.

Addressing the meeting, Mohamed Fuaad Daboh noted that nearly 90 percent of Sierra Leone's active labour force operates within the informal sector, leaving many market traders, artisans, commercial drivers, farmers and other self-employed workers without retirement or invalidity benefits.

He described social security as a fundamental human right and stressed that the country's long-term economic stability and social development would depend largely on extending social protection to workers who have traditionally been excluded from formal schemes.

The Director General disclosed that the proposed Informal Sector Policy has already received Cabinet approval and that the draft legislation is currently before the Law Officers' Department for legal review before its submission to Parliament. He added that NASSIT has been engaging international partners to strengthen the implementation framework for the initiative.

Mohamed Fuaad Daboh said the institution believes that with the support of the Egyptian Embassy, Sierra Leone can adopt modern and effective social protection models that are tailored to local realities and capable of addressing the needs of the informal workforce.

Responding to the proposal, Her Excellency Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Sierra Leone. She said her country stands ready to support technical exchanges, capacity building and the development of comprehensive social protection systems that align with Sierra Leone's national development priorities.

Her Excellency Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman explained that Egypt's development partnerships are driven by the specific needs of partner countries and assured NASSIT of the Embassy's willingness to share its experience and expertise in support of Sierra Leone's social security ambitions.

The Ambassador emphasized that practical knowledge sharing and professional collaboration are essential to achieving meaningful results. She added that Egypt is prepared to support vocational cooperation, capacity development for social security professionals and technical advisory services to help Sierra Leone establish a successful informal sector pension scheme that could serve as a model for the region.

The meeting also highlighted the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and Egypt in areas of social and economic development and the shared commitment of both countries to improving the welfare of their citizens through inclusive policies.

The Director General was accompanied by the Deputy Director General in charge of Operations, who also serves as Chairman of the Informal Sector Technical Committee, as well as Victor Immanuel Samai, Executive Assistant to the Director General and a member of the Informal Sector Secretariat.

The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation between NASSIT and the Egyptian Government as Sierra Leone continues its efforts to expand social security protection and provide a sustainable safety net for workers in the informal economy. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/nassit-dg-pushes-for-strategic-alliance-with-egyptian-embassy-to-boost-informal-sector-protection/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Five Government-owned buses operating on provincial routes have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at the Kissy Bus Depot in Freetown, prompting an investigation by the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) and the Sierra Leone Fire Force.

According to an official public notice issued by the Management of SLPTA, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, 5th June 2026. The Authority disclosed that the fire consumed five buses assigned to serve various parts of the country, dealing a setback to public transportation services.

SLPTA, however, reassured the public that none of its Waka Fine buses were affected by the blaze. The Authority noted that the buses damaged in the incident were Government-owned vehicles used for provincial operations, while the Waka Fine fleet remained safe and fully operational.

The Sierra Leone Fire Force was commended for its swift intervention, which helped to contain the fire before it could spread to other buses and critical facilities within the depot. Emergency responders worked quickly to bring the situation under control, preventing what could have been a far more devastating incident.

Authorities also confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the fire, a development that has been welcomed by many members of the public and transport sector stakeholders.

The destruction of the buses is expected to have an impact on provincial transport services, as the affected vehicles play an important role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods across different parts of the country. Public transport remains a critical component of Sierra Leone's socio-economic activities, particularly for citizens who depend on Government-operated services for affordable travel.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Fire Force, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority, has commenced investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire. Officials say all possible factors will be examined as part of efforts to determine how the incident occurred and to recommend measures that could prevent similar occurrences in the future.

SLPTA has assured the public that it remains committed to transparency and accountability and that the findings of the investigation will be made public once the process is completed. The Authority further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the continued provision of safe and reliable public transportation services across the country.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strengthening fire safety measures and emergency preparedness at key public transport facilities, as authorities work to safeguard vital national assets and maintain uninterrupted transport services for the people of Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slpta-confirms-five-government-owned-buses-destroyed-by-fire/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026, Orange Sierra Leone, in partnership with Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, on Friday, June 5, 2026, undertook a major tree-planting exercise at the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, planting 5,000 trees across six acres of degraded forest within the Western Area Peninsula National Park.

The initiative brought together Government officials, environmental advocates and more than 180 Orange Sierra Leone employees in a collective effort to promote reforestation, combat climate change and protect Sierra Leone's fragile ecosystem.

Speaking at the event, Orange Sierra Leone's Sales Director, Alpha Bundu, underscored the importance of environmental protection and called for collective action to safeguard nature.

He described World Environment Day as a global occasion that highlights the value of nature and its role in sustaining human life. According to him, Orange Sierra Leone's responsibility extends beyond telecommunications to include protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development.

"As a company, we believe our responsibility goes beyond connecting people through telecommunications. We also have a duty to contribute to environmental protection and sustainability," Alpha Bundu said.

He noted that environmental conservation requires collaboration among stakeholders and commended Tacugama's Founder and Director, Bala Amarasekaran, for his longstanding commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental protection.

Alpha Bundu stressed that Orange Sierra Leone's commitment goes beyond planting trees. He said the company hopes to inspire other institutions to undertake similar initiatives and work together to preserve the environment for future generations.

He highlighted the participation of more than 150 staff members, including senior Management and Directors, as evidence of the company's dedication to environmental stewardship.

According to him, Orange Sierra Leone has previously planted more than 1,000 trees in the Tacugama area, many of which are now thriving. The company has also undertaken beach-cleaning exercises and other environmental activities under its "Engage for Change" campaign.

"The need to protect the environment goes beyond today's activity. It is something we must do every day. We all have a responsibility to keep our environment safe," he emphasized.

Alpha Bundu also expressed concern over increasing construction and human activities around protected areas, warning that such developments threaten biodiversity and critical water sources that supply much of Freetown. He called for stronger public-private partnerships to address environmental challenges and ensure the sustainable management of Sierra Leone's natural resources.

Also speaking at the event, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary Founder and Director, Bala Amarasekaran, raised alarm over the rapid destruction of forest cover within the Western Area National Park, warning that continued encroachment threatens water security, biodiversity and the future of Freetown.

He explained that the area where the tree-planting exercise took place was once covered by dense forest but has been significantly degraded over the past three years due to encroachment.

"We are standing within the National Park. In fact, we should not even be planting here because there was already a forest in this area. Unfortunately, most of the destruction you see has happened within the last three years," he said.

Bala Amarasekaran warned that increasing construction activities within and around protected areas pose serious risks to water catchment systems that serve hundreds of thousands of residents in Freetown. He noted that poor waste management and sanitation practices could contaminate underground water sources and worsen environmental degradation.

He commended Orange Sierra Leone for supporting the initiative, describing the partnership as an important step toward restoring degraded ecosystems.

"For 32 years, Tacugama has worked to protect this environment. Today we are planting 5,000 trees, but this is only the beginning," he said.

According to him, the long-term objective is not simply to plant trees but to restore degraded landscapes and reclaim protected areas for future generations.

Bala Amarasekaran attributed the growing deforestation problem to weak enforcement of existing environmental laws. While noting that Sierra Leone possesses strong wildlife and forestry legislation, he argued that authorities must do more to enforce those laws and prevent illegal encroachment.

"If people are encroaching on protected areas, the answer cannot simply be to describe it as lawlessness. The laws exist and must be enforced," he stated.

He further warned that continued destruction of forest cover could increase the risk of landslides and other environmental disasters. Referring to the devastating 2017 mudslide, he stressed the importance of preventive action rather than reacting after disasters occur.

"I am not interested in simply planting 5,000 trees and walking away. The priority is to maintain and protect them and ensure that this area remains preserved," he added.

Bala Amarasekaran called for greater political commitment to environmental protection, urging leaders to place environmental issues at the center of national development discussions.

Representing the Government of Sierra Leone, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, commended Orange Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary for demonstrating leadership in environmental conservation.

She described the initiative as an investment in the future, emphasizing the critical role trees play in sustaining life and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

"I want to say a big thank you to Orange Sierra Leone for taking this bold step. This is exactly the direction we need to move as a country because the future of our children, our nation and the world depends on how well we protect our environment today," she said.

According to the Deputy Minister, tree planting is essential because trees provide oxygen, improve air quality, and help combat climate change.

"What has been done today is highly symbolic. Planting trees is like giving life to future generations," she noted.

Responding to concerns about increasing encroachment on protected lands, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens disclosed that the Government is working toward establishing a specialized Environmental Court to handle environmental violations more effectively.

"We are working towards setting up an Environmental Court that will specifically handle environmental cases. This court will ensure that environmental violations are addressed more effectively and promptly," she revealed.

She added that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is collaborating with the judiciary, the Ministry of Lands and other stakeholders to tackle environmental challenges and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

The Deputy Minister assured Sierra Leoneans of the Government's commitment to protecting forests, biodiversity and natural resources, while calling on citizens and institutions to support environmental conservation efforts.

Meanwhile, Orange Sierra Leone's Chief Climate Officer, Danetta Younge, reaffirmed the company's commitment to sustainability and climate action.

She disclosed that more than 180 Orange Sierra Leone employees volunteered for the initiative, demonstrating the company's dedication to restoring nature and creating a greener future.

"On this World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet through sustainable actions and collective responsibility. Today, over 180 employees volunteered to plant 5,000 trees, symbolizing our dedication to restoring nature, combating climate change and building a greener future for generations to come," she said.

The event concluded with participants planting thousands of trees across degraded sections of the national park, reinforcing calls for stronger environmental protection, sustainable land management and collective action to preserve Sierra Leone's natural heritage for future generations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/orange-tacugama-plant-5000-trees-at-national-park-to-mark-world-environment-day-2026/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Zion Praise Tabernacle, in collaboration with the Victorious School of Empowerment, has successfully graduated forty-five young women during the maiden Skills Training Graduation Ceremony held on Saturday, 6th June 2026, at Zion Praise Tabernacle, Bottom Mango, Hill Station.

The event, which was held under the theme: "From Skills To Sustainable Businesses," brought together religious leaders, education stakeholders, parents, guardians, church members and well-wishers to celebrate the achievements of the graduates, who successfully completed training in Cake Baking, Makeup Artistry, Fashion and Design, Event Planning, Decoration and Hairdressing.

The colourful ceremony was chaired by the Public Relations Officer of the National Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NPRA), Koma Nancy Yeawa Gandy-Williams, who commended the organizers for investing in the future of young women and helping to build a more self-reliant society.

Present at the ceremony were the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura, Pastor Mrs. Esther Bangura, the Proprietors of the Victorious School of Empowerment, Col. and Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra, parents, guardians and supporters who turned out in large numbers to witness what many described as a significant step towards women empowerment and self-reliance.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, Amin Kef Sesay, congratulated the graduates on reaching an important milestone in their lives, describing the ceremony as not merely the end of a training programme but the beginning of a journey towards economic independence and community transformation.

He noted that the theme of the ceremony was timely because acquiring a skill alone is not enough unless it is transformed into a sustainable business capable of creating wealth and employment opportunities.

Amin Kef reminded the graduates that the practical skills they have acquired in Cake Baking, Makeup Artistry, Fashion and Design, Event Planning, Decoration and Hairdressing are valuable assets that could positively change their lives if applied with creativity, discipline and commitment.

He encouraged them to embrace the opportunities offered by modern technology, particularly social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, stressing that digital platforms had become powerful business tools for marketing products and services, building brands and reaching wider audiences.

The investigative journalist also underscored the importance of financial discipline, advising the graduates to separate personal and business finances, maintain proper records, cultivate a savings culture and continuously reinvest profits into their enterprises. According to him, many businesses fail not because of a lack of customers but because of poor financial management.

He further emphasized the value of networking and collaboration, urging the graduates to build strong relationships with mentors, customers, suppliers and fellow entrepreneurs, adding that partnerships and professional connections often open doors to new opportunities and long-term success.

Amin Kef also encouraged the graduates to remain honest, professional and committed to quality service, pointing out that integrity and reliability are essential ingredients for building successful and sustainable businesses.

He concluded by telling the graduates that their certificates represented more than proof of completion, describing them as symbols of opportunity, responsibility and potential. He urged them to use their newly acquired skills to create jobs, support their families, transform their communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Addressing the gathering, the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, Pastor James Bangura, heartily congratulated all the graduates and disclosed that when the training programme commenced three months ago, there were seventy-four students enrolled, but only forty-five successfully completed the course.

He told the graduates that the ball is now in their court, adding that there is a popular saying that if one succeeds or fails, it is one's own responsibility. Pastor James Bangura stressed that the knowledge and practical skills they had received during the three months of training should make the organizers proud and should be used to benefit their families, communities and the nation as a whole.

The General Overseer emphasized that with the skills they had acquired, they should no longer become liabilities or burdens to anyone. He disclosed that God had given him a mission to empower young people and explained that the substantial amount of money invested in the programme was intentional and motivated by a desire to serve humanity.

He further stated that in contemporary society it is not easy for a man to give a woman money freely and therefore admonished the graduates to become self-reliant and never sell their bodies for survival. Pastor James Bangura also encouraged them to remain God-fearing, resist temptations and be prayerful, adding that they should serve as responsible and productive citizens in their communities.

He commended the sacrifices made by the instructors, revealing that some of them travelled long distances to ensure that the participants received quality practical education. Congratulating the graduates on behalf of the Church and his family, Pastor James Bangura described them as the first batch of what he hopes will become a long-standing programme and expressed optimism that the initiative would continue for as long as Jesus lives. He also expressed the hope that other ministries would emulate the initiative of empowering young people with practical skills.

A representative of the Victorious School of Empowerment gave a brief background of the organization, explaining that its primary mission is to empower young people through practical skills development and personal transformation. The representative disclosed that the institution has been actively involved in outreach programmes targeting school children and vulnerable groups, including young people battling drug addiction, with the objective of helping them rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.

Speaking on the future vision of the institution, Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra stated that the Victorious School of Empowerment intends to expand its training programmes to reach more communities across the country. She highlighted plans to introduce additional vocational courses, strengthen mentorship opportunities and establish stronger partnerships that would support graduates in starting their own businesses.

Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra reminded the graduates that the various courses they had completed would have cost them huge sums of money had they enrolled in certain institutions, but they were fortunate to have received the training completely free of charge because it was part of a church empowerment programme.

She told the graduates that they were leaving the institution with their future in their own hands and urged them to take the skills they had acquired seriously, noting that a great deal of resources had been invested in their training and development.

According to her, the graduates should not only focus on their physical lives but should also pay equal attention to their spiritual growth, adding that true success comes from balancing both aspects of life. She encouraged them to be confident, believe in themselves and never allow anyone to look down on them because of their background or circumstances.

Mrs. Boima Nepor Gogra also praised the dedication and professionalism of the teachers, noting that their selfless service and determination had been instrumental in the success of the maiden graduation ceremony. She expressed appreciation to parents and guardians for supporting the participants throughout the training period and encouraged the graduates to use their skills to become successful entrepreneurs and role models.

The ceremony was marked by joy and celebration as the graduates proudly received their certificates amidst cheers from family members and friends. Many attendees described the initiative as a practical response to youth unemployment and a meaningful contribution towards building a generation of self-reliant and enterprising young Sierra Leonean women.

The successful hosting of the maiden Skills Training Graduation Ceremony by Zion Praise Tabernacle in collaboration with the Victorious School of Empowerment has been widely viewed as a significant investment in human capital development and a demonstration of the important role faith-based and community organizations can play in promoting sustainable livelihoods and national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/as-over-40-participants-earn-certificates-zion-praise-tabernacle-victorious-school-of-empowerment-host-maiden-skills-graduation-ceremony/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Saturday, June 6, 2026, visited Kasongha and Lokomasama communities in Port Loko District to inspect the progress of ongoing classroom construction projects aimed at improving access to quality education and enhancing learning outcomes for pupils.

The projects, which are being funded by Marampa Mines Limited as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, followed successful engagement and advocacy efforts by the Vice President to address educational infrastructure challenges in the two communities.

According to project details, the school in Kasongha is set to receive nine additional classrooms, while six new classrooms are being constructed at the school in Lokomasama. The new facilities will complement the existing structures and help address overcrowding and inadequate learning space in both schools.

Upon completion, the classroom blocks are expected to provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and improve educational opportunities within the beneficiary communities.

The Vice President has over the years supported these schools through the provision of learning materials and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of teachers, demonstrating his commitment to strengthening education in underserved communities.

During the inspection tour, Vice President revealed that the classroom construction projects form part of broader efforts to complement the human capital development agenda of President Julius Maada Bio, with education remaining a key pillar of the Government's national development strategy.

He reaffirmed the Government's commitment to expanding educational infrastructure across the country and ensuring that children have access to safe and conducive learning facilities.

Vice President noted that investing in education remains critical to national development and reiterated the Government's determination to improve educational opportunities for all Sierra Leonean children, particularly those in rural and underserved communities.

He commended Marampa Mines Limited for constructing the additional classrooms in the schools as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

Community members and school authorities expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing the additional classrooms as a significant boost to education in the two communities.

The projects are expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe, providing hundreds of pupils with improved learning spaces and supporting efforts to strengthen the quality of education in Port Loko District. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-inspects-ongoing-additional-classroom-construction-projects-in-port-loko-district/