By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

Distinguished Sierra Leonean corporate leader and former Chief Executive Officer of NP Sierra Leone Limited, Ambassador Kobi Walker, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to corporate leadership, strategic management and institutional growth during the maiden edition of the 2026 West Africa Heroes Awards held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Freetown International Conference Centre (Bintumani Hotel) in Freetown.

Organized by Heroes Media Group under the theme, “Celebrating Leadership Excellence and African Innovation,” the regional awards ceremony brought together distinguished personalities from across West Africa to celebrate individuals and institutions whose leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence continue to contribute to national development, regional cooperation and continental transformation.

The prestigious event, hosted by renowned Nigerian media personality Anto Lecky, featured a Heroes Legacy Lecture delivered by Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, while entertainment performances were provided by celebrated Sierra Leonean musicians Wisher Baby and Pitwizzy.

Among the distinguished personalities recognized at the ceremony was Ambassador Kobi Walker, whose contribution to Sierra Leone’s corporate sector has remained significant over the years, particularly during his tenure as former Chief Executive Officer of NP Sierra Leone Limited.

According to information released by the organizers, Ambassador Kobi Walker was honoured in recognition of his remarkable leadership, strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to institutional development within Sierra Leone’s private sector. His leadership at NP Sierra Leone Limited reportedly spearheaded transformative expansion initiatives that strengthened the company’s operational capacity and positioned it among Sierra Leone’s leading indigenous petroleum institutions.

The organizers noted that Ambassador Kobi Walker’s role in advancing indigenous enterprise and promoting confidence in African-led corporate institutions has had far-reaching impacts not only within Sierra Leone but across the West African sub-region. His leadership, they emphasized, significantly contributed to job creation, private sector growth and increased competitiveness within regional markets.

“Through integrity, vision and disciplined execution, he has shaped a legacy of sustainable corporate governance,” the organizers stated, describing him as an influential figure in business leadership and economic transformation.

Ambassador Kobi Walker’s recognition has been widely viewed as a testament to the growing importance of visionary and transformational leadership in strengthening indigenous institutions and fostering sustainable economic growth. His achievements continue to inspire emerging entrepreneurs, business executives and young professionals across West Africa, particularly in areas relating to innovation, institutional management and economic empowerment.

The 2026 West Africa Heroes Awards recognized several notable personalities across various sectors, including governance, health, education, entrepreneurship, legal practice, agriculture, public service, humanitarian work, media, culinary arts and historical heritage.

Among those recognized were Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kaifala, for leadership in anti-corruption reforms; Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby; Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for judicial leadership; and Professor David Namwandi for his contributions to education. Host and media personality Anto Lecky also received recognition for her contributions to youth empowerment and public service.

In a post-event appreciation message, the Management of the 2026 West Africa Heroes Awards expressed profound gratitude to keynote speakers, awardees, supporters and partners for contributing to the success of what they described as a historic gathering.

The Management particularly thanked Ambassador Kobi Walker for his support and encouragement toward the initiative, while reiterating the broader mission of Heroes Media Group to celebrate African excellence and inspire future generations of leaders.

“Let us continue to believe in African youth and African excellence. Heroes Media Group is not about me; it is about you, our countries and our continent,” the organizers stated, emphasizing that skepticism about Africa’s future undermines the continent’s immense potential.

With the slogan, “Empowering Heroes, Elevating Africa,” the awards ceremony aimed to spotlight individuals whose outstanding contributions have left lasting impacts within their institutions, communities and countries.

Ambassador Kobi Walker’s recognition at the 2026 West Africa Heroes Awards therefore stands as a strong affirmation of the value of principled leadership, innovation and strategic corporate stewardship in driving economic progress and institutional excellence in Sierra Leone and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/kobi-walker-honoured-for-outstanding-corporate-leadership-at-2026-west-africa-heroes-awards/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Leader of the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has written an open letter to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressing grave concern over what he described as growing international reports linking Sierra Leone, its territorial waters, borders, ports and citizens to transnational narcotics trafficking and organized criminal networks.

The letter, dated Sunday, 10 May 2026, was addressed to President Julius Maada Bio and copied to several key state institutions and officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Transport and Aviation, the National Security Coordinator, the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner-General of the National Revenue Authority, the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, the Director-General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority, the Chief Immigration Officer, the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the Chairman of Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs.

In the letter titled, “An Open Letter to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on the Growing International Drug Trafficking Links to Sierra Leone,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated that he was compelled to write with what he described as “profound concern and a deep sense of patriotic duty” regarding repeated international allegations linking Sierra Leone to cocaine trafficking, organized criminal syndicates and transnational drug cartels.

According to the Opposition Leader, Sierra Leone has increasingly featured in international criminal investigations, law enforcement briefings, extradition proceedings and media reports concerning narcotics trafficking over the last two years. He warned that the frequency and seriousness of such reports now pose a threat to Sierra Leone’s diplomatic standing, internal security, international reputation and future economic prospects.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo particularly referenced the recent interception of the vessel MV Arconian by Spanish authorities. He noted reports indicating that the vessel, allegedly carrying more than 30 tonnes of cocaine and reportedly departing from Freetown en route to Libya, was intercepted off the coast of Western Sahara by the Spanish Guardia Civil following intelligence reportedly provided by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Dutch authorities.

He further alleged that the vessel, said to have departed the Port of Freetown on 22 April 2026, had previously operated under the name Nur Zeynep and flew Sierra Leone’s flag.

The Opposition Leader described as deeply troubling reports from Spain’s Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, indicating that authorities discovered an alleged hidden arsenal onboard the vessel, including automatic rifles, tactical pistols, ammunition and heavily armed security personnel reportedly assigned to guard the cocaine consignment.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo argued that the reported presence of sophisticated weaponry aboard a vessel allegedly departing from Sierra Leone raises serious concerns about weaknesses in the country’s maritime surveillance, port inspections, intelligence systems and border security architecture.

He further highlighted reports linking the operation to the Dutch-Moroccan criminal network commonly referred to as the “Mocro Mafia,” allegedly associated with internationally wanted drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos.” According to him, those revelations elevate the matter beyond ordinary narcotics trafficking and point to broader concerns surrounding organized transnational criminal activities with potential implications for Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and international image.

Beyond maritime trafficking, Hon. Abdul Kargbo said international law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and North America have increasingly referenced Sierra Leonean nationals, travel routes linked to Sierra Leone or persons travelling from Sierra Leone in drug-related investigations and interceptions.

He cited international reports by Reuters, Europol and Dutch prosecutors, which allegedly identify Sierra Leone as a location where fugitive cocaine trafficker Jos Leijdekkers reportedly evaded law enforcement while allegedly receiving protection. He also referenced allegations suggesting Sierra Leone has increasingly become a transshipment point for Latin American cocaine destined for European markets.

Additionally, the Opposition Leader referenced the widely reported incident involving a Sierra Leone Embassy vehicle intercepted in Guinea allegedly carrying seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine, which reportedly led to the recall of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Guinea for questioning.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo further expressed concern over reported drug interceptions involving passengers allegedly travelling from Sierra Leone or linked to Sierra Leonean routes in countries including Hong Kong, India and Sri Lanka.

He warned that repeated international references to Sierra Leone in narcotics investigations are increasingly creating the perception that the country is emerging as a logistical corridor within broader transnational drug supply chains linking Latin America, West Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The Opposition Leader also linked the international dimension of narcotics trafficking to Sierra Leone’s domestic drug crisis, particularly the growing spread of synthetic drugs such as “Kush,” which he described as devastating communities and destroying the future of many young people.

Sharing a personal experience, Hon. Abdul Kargbo disclosed that even his family had not been spared by drug abuse. He revealed that a nephew he had supported through university reportedly became involved in narcotics shortly after enrolling and eventually dropped out, now allegedly living under a bridge in Aberdeen among others battling addiction.

He argued that there is growing public concern that the proliferation of synthetic drugs within Sierra Leone may be linked to wider international trafficking networks operating within or through the country.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo criticized what he described as the Government’s limited public response and silence on the allegations, warning that continued inaction could strengthen international suspicions regarding possible institutional compromise or political protection of criminal networks.

He urged President Bio to respond decisively, warning that Sierra Leone risks being internationally categorized as a “narco-transit state” or even a “narco-state,” a development he cautioned could negatively affect foreign direct investment, international banking relations, security cooperation, visa policies, trade, tourism and diplomatic credibility.

“This matter transcends party politics. It concerns the future security, integrity and international standing of our beloved nation,” Hon. Abdul Kargbo stated, calling on the President to act immediately and transparently before irreversible damage is done to Sierra Leone’s image and future.

He concluded the letter by emphasizing that Sierra Leone had previously overcome the damaging legacy of blood diamonds and should not allow itself to be branded as a narcotics haven, stressing that citizens deserve answers, transparency and decisive leadership. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/opposition-leader-writes-president-bio-warns-of-sierra-leones-growing-drug-trafficking-reputation/

Members of the All ‘Works’ of Life Development Organization (AWOL) UK, in collaboration with AWOL Sierra Leone, on Sunday, 10th May 2026, donated assorted medical supplies to the Rokupa Government Hospital in the eastern part of Freetown as part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable communities and strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.

The donation ceremony brought together AWOL members, hospital management, healthcare workers, beneficiary patients and members of the community, highlighting the organization’s continued humanitarian commitment to improving lives and complementing Government efforts in nation-building.

Items donated to the hospital included wheelchairs, mattresses, blankets, Zimma frames, medical trolleys, baby packs and other essential medical supplies aimed at enhancing patient care and supporting the hospital’s operations.

Speaking during the presentation, Vice Chairman of AWOL UK, Mohamed Jalloh, who officially handed over the items on behalf of the organization’s UK Chapter, reaffirmed AWOL’s unwavering dedication to humanitarian service and support to vulnerable populations.

“AWOL has always been committed to giving back to society and supporting the less privileged. We are a charity organisation based in the United Kingdom, dedicated to helping those in need,” Mohamed Jalloh stated.

He described Rokupa Government Hospital as one of the key healthcare facilities serving communities in eastern Freetown, noting that the hospital handles a significant number of medical cases daily.

“The Rokupa Government Hospital is one of the most important hospitals serving the eastern part of Freetown, handling an overwhelming number of cases daily. This gesture means a great deal to us because of the appreciation shown by the hospital and the community. It motivates us to continue reaching out to our supporters to sustain this important work,” he added.

Also addressing the gathering, Chairman of AWOL Sierra Leone, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, commended the hospital management and staff for what he described as their resilience and dedication in delivering healthcare services despite existing challenges.

“We want to sincerely thank the management and staff of Rokupa Government Hospital for the remarkable work they continue to do under very difficult circumstances,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said.

He emphasized that AWOL strongly believes in selfless service and giving back to communities while complementing Government development efforts.

“AWOL believes strongly in giving back selflessly and complementing the efforts of Government in nation building,” he remarked.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla further highlighted some of the organization’s wider contributions to national development, noting that beyond humanitarian interventions, AWOL recognizes excellence through its National Achievement Awards while also supporting education and child welfare initiatives.

“Beyond our humanitarian interventions, AWOL also recognizes individuals and institutions through our National Achievement Awards for their outstanding contributions to the common good, while continuing to support education through our annual June 16 Day of the African Child activities,” he explained.

Receiving the donated items on behalf of the hospital, Senior Matron Fatmata Musa Kamara described the intervention as timely and impactful, expressing appreciation to AWOL UK and AWOL Sierra Leone for their longstanding support to the institution.

“This donation is both timely and important. We have already started distributing some of the items to beneficiaries,” she said.

Senior Matron Fatmata Musa Kamara disclosed that AWOL has maintained a longstanding relationship with Rokupa Government Hospital, providing assistance even before her tenure at the facility.

“AWOL has been supporting Rokupa Government Hospital even before my arrival here and they have remained one of the organisations that have consistently assisted us over the years. The items donated will greatly improve the services provided by the hospital,” she noted.

In recognition of the organization’s consistent support, particularly towards the construction of the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, she further revealed plans to name one of the hospital wards the “AWOL Ward.”

The event also witnessed an emotional moment as three women who had recently given birth at the hospital received baby items as symbolic gifts from the organisation. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for what they described as a timely intervention that would greatly support mothers and newborn babies.

AWOL, which stands for All ‘Works’ of Life Development Organization, is a national civic and development organisation dedicated to complementing Government efforts in nation-building through philanthropy, volunteerism, community outreach, awarding exemplary national service and capacity building initiatives aimed at promoting unity, service and national transformation across Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/awol-uk-donates-essential-medical-supplies-to-rokupa-government-hospital-to-boost-healthcare-delivery/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Deputy Leader of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, joined stakeholders in Port Loko District to officially open a modern community health center in Masimera Chiefdom, marking a significant milestone in efforts aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services in rural communities.

The opening of the health facility in Masimera Chiefdom represents a major boost to healthcare delivery in the district, particularly for residents in underserved communities who have long faced challenges in accessing adequate medical services. The new center is expected to provide essential healthcare services, improve maternal and child health outcomes and reduce the burden of travelling long distances for medical attention.

Speaking on the development, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the opening of the modern community health center as a major step toward expanding quality healthcare access for people living in rural communities.

“I had the privilege of joining Port Loko stakeholders in opening a modern community health center in Masimera Chiefdom, Port Loko District, a major step in expanding access to quality healthcare in rural communities,” the Vice President stated.

The commissioning of the facility underscores Government’s continued commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure nationwide, particularly in rural communities where medical facilities remain limited. The move aligns with broader efforts to improve public healthcare systems and ensure that citizens, regardless of location, can access essential health services.

The Vice President’s engagement in Port Loko followed another major political event over the weekend in Kenema District, where he joined President Julius Maada Bio for the turning of the sod ceremony marking the commencement of construction for the Sierra Leone People’s Party Eastern Regional Office at the Show Field in Kenema.

Describing the occasion as an important milestone, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh said the construction of the new regional office demonstrates the party’s resolve to strengthen coordination, engagement and institutional presence across the Eastern Region.

“Over the weekend, I joined His Excellency Julius Maada Bio in Kenema for the turning of the sod ceremony for the new SLPP Eastern Regional Office; an important step in strengthening the party’s presence, coordination and engagement across the Eastern Region,” he noted.

According to the Vice President, both engagements in Port Loko and Kenema reflect Government’s broader commitment to strengthening democratic institutions while also investing in services that directly improve the lives of citizens.

“These engagements reflect our commitment to strengthening both the institutions that sustain our democracy and the services that support our communities,” he emphasized.

The dual engagements further highlight the Government’s ongoing focus on balancing political institution-building with social development initiatives, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure and community empowerment. For residents of Masimera Chiefdom, the newly opened health center is expected to serve as a vital lifeline, offering improved healthcare access and renewed hope for better medical services in the chiefdom and surrounding communities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vp-commissions-modern-health-facility-to-improve-rural-healthcare-access-in-masimera-chiefdom/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, on Monday, May 11, 2026, presented the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest national honour, to Field Marshal Lord David Richards in recognition of his distinguished service and immense contribution to peace and stability in the country.

The prestigious honour was bestowed on Field Marshal Lord David Richards in acknowledgement of the pivotal role he played in leading the British military intervention during Sierra Leone’s civil war, a decisive effort that significantly contributed to restoring peace and democratic governance.

Speaking during the presentation, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh noted that the honour reflects the enduring gratitude of the people of Sierra Leone for Lord Richards’ leadership during one of the nation’s most defining moments.

“Today, on behalf of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, I had the honour of bestowing the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest national honour, on Field Marshal David Richards in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to peace in our country,” the Vice President stated.

Dr. Juldeh Jalloh emphasized that Field Marshal Lord David Richards played a critical role in leading the British military intervention during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil conflict, helping to restore security and stability at a time when the country was facing grave uncertainty.

The recognition, according to the Vice President, symbolizes Sierra Leone’s eternal appreciation for Lord Richards’ courageous leadership and commitment during a watershed moment in the country’s journey toward peace, reconciliation and national recovery.

Field Marshal Lord David Richards is widely regarded as the central figure behind Operation Palliser in 2000, when, as a Brigadier in the British Army, he commanded the military mission initially deployed to evacuate British nationals and other foreign citizens amid escalating insecurity in Sierra Leone.

Faced with worsening conditions, Lord Richards took decisive action to support the Government of former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and led military operations that helped defend Freetown against the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), contributing significantly to ending the conflict and laying the foundation for long-term peace.

As part of his engagements in Sierra Leone, Field Marshal Lord David Richards also met with the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, at Cockerill Barracks on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

The meeting offered an opportunity for discussions on leadership, security cooperation and emerging defence technologies, while reaffirming the longstanding military and diplomatic partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.

Officials noted that Lord Richards’ visit carries profound significance, serving as a moment to reflect on Sierra Leone’s progress since the civil war while reaffirming continued collaboration in promoting peace, stability and professional armed forces.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Lord Richards served across the Far East, Germany and Northern Ireland with the Royal Artillery, before commanding multinational forces in East Timor and Sierra Leone. He later held senior NATO roles, commanded the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and served as the United Kingdom’s Chief of Defence Staff in 2009.

In 2014, he became Baron Richards of Herstmonceux and joined the House of Lords as a crossbencher. In June 2025, he was elevated to the honorary rank of Field Marshal, further solidifying his legacy as one of Britain’s most respected military leaders.

The presentation of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel to Field Marshal David Richards stands as a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s appreciation for international solidarity and leadership that helped shape a critical chapter in the nation’s history and paved the way for enduring peace. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-honours-field-marshal-david-richards-with-grand-commander-of-the-order-of-the-rokel/

Richlyn Kainekay Turay, 2025 OSVP Tech Queen Winner

At a time when innovation continues to shape opportunities for young entrepreneurs, the 2025 Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) Tech Queen Winner, Richlyn Kainekay Turay, has shared her inspiring journey, describing the initiative as a transformative platform that empowered her to turn vision into meaningful impact.

Speaking on the theme: “When Innovation Meets Opportunity,” Richlyn Kainekay Turay explained how winning the OSVP Tech Queen 2025 title became a defining moment in her journey as an innovator, entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology.

Speaking from Freetown on Monday, 11 May 2026, Richlyn Kainekay Turay highlighted the role of the Orange Digital Center in fostering innovation, stressing that technology is not solely about digital solutions but also about empowering people and communities through opportunities that promote growth and progress.

Richlyn Kainekay Turay, who serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer of TechMinds SL Ltd., a Sierra Leone-based software and IT consultancy company, said the OSVP experience significantly strengthened her professional journey and expanded the impact of her flagship innovation, Smart College, a digital platform designed to modernize higher education management.

According to her, Smart College was developed to streamline institutional operations and improve learning experiences for students and educators across higher learning institutions in Sierra Leone.

“Being recognized as the OSVP Tech Queen 2025 was more than receiving an award,” Richlyn Kainekay Turay said. “It was a powerful vote of confidence; confidence in the problem we are solving, the potential of our solution and the impact women can create when given the right support.”

She explained that prior to OSVP, Smart College had shown promising signs of growth but remained largely at an early development stage. However, after benefiting from the support provided through the Orange Social Venture Prize, the platform evolved into a more refined and scalable digital solution.

Richlyn Kainekay Turay noted that through OSVP mentorship and guidance, Smart College experienced significant enhancements, including improved system performance, smarter workflows and stronger features tailored to address the real operational challenges facing academic institutions.

She further disclosed that the exposure created through Orange opened new opportunities for partnerships, industry engagement and collaboration, positioning the innovation for long-term sustainability within Sierra Leone’s growing education technology ecosystem.

“OSVP did not simply showcase our product,” she stated. “It connected us to people, networks and knowledge that strengthened our solution and positioned it for sustainable growth.”

Beyond technical development, Richlyn Kainekay Turay emphasized the critical role played by the Orange Digital Center in shaping her leadership journey.

She described the experience as one that provided much more than technical assistance, noting that mentorship and tailored support gave her renewed confidence, sharpened her leadership skills and helped refine TechMinds SL Ltd.’s long-term growth strategy.

According to Richlyn Kainekay Turay, the experience reinforced her belief that innovation achieves lasting success when people remain at the centre of technological advancement.

“For women in technology and entrepreneurship, this kind of intentional support matters deeply,” she noted, while praising Orange for promoting inclusion and diversity in innovation spaces.

She stressed that innovation becomes stronger when women are empowered to lead and contribute meaningfully to solving societal challenges.

Using her own experience as a testimony, Richlyn Kainekay Turay encouraged young women across Sierra Leone to apply for the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) 2026, emphasizing that uncertainty should never discourage innovators from pursuing meaningful ideas.

“To every young woman with an idea capable of solving a real challenge: OSVP is for you,” she encouraged. “If your solution is still evolving, apply. If you are unsure whether you are ready, take the step anyway.”

She described the Orange Social Venture Prize as more than an awards programme, explaining that it serves as a platform for nurturing innovation, encouraging responsible leadership and connecting entrepreneurs to mentorship, visibility and supportive networks.

Richlyn Kainekay Turay further revealed that OSVP has inspired her commitment to mentoring students and young entrepreneurs, especially women, as a way of multiplying opportunities and strengthening Sierra Leone’s innovation ecosystem.

“I continue to mentor students and young entrepreneurs because innovation grows stronger when knowledge is shared and opportunities are multiplied,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey, Richlyn Kainekay Turay described her success story as proof that innovation thrives when vision is supported by opportunity and guided by purpose.

Meanwhile, applications are now open for the 8th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) 2026. Entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone have been invited to submit their innovative projects between 26 March and 17 May 2026.

The competition offers attractive prizes, including SLE 200,000 for the National Winner in Sierra Leone, SLE 120,000 for the Tech Queen Women’s Category, international prizes ranging between €10,000 and €25,000, as well as a €20,000 International Women’s Prize.

Richlyn Kainekay Turay concluded by encouraging aspiring innovators not to underestimate their ideas, insisting that progress often begins with the courage to take the first step.

“OSVP changed my path,” she reflected. “It might just shape yours too.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/2025-osvp-tech-queen-urges-young-women-to-apply-for-orange-social-venture-prize-2026/

By Ibrahim Sesay 

Caritas Freetown has concluded a 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme aimed at strengthening psychosocial support services for young people in Sierra Leone, with 33 frontline workers receiving certification at a closing ceremony held on Friday May 8, 2026 at the St. Edwards Secondary School Compound in Kingtom.

The training was conducted under the Empowering Youth: Scaling and Integrating the Youth Readiness Intervention into Employment Promotion Programs and Schools to Enhance Coping Skills and Prevent Substance Use in Sierra Leone (ELEVATE Project), supported by Grand Challenges Canada.

Participants included Community Health Workers from the Ministry of Health, Social Workers from the Ministry of Social Welfare and Mental Health Nurses from the Kissy Psychiatric Teaching Hospital.

Speaking during the ceremony, Alimamy Rashid Kamara of Caritas Freetown, who also served as one of the trainers, said the project was designed to support young people struggling with emotional distress, poor interpersonal relationships, trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

He noted that many youths face difficulties in setting realistic goals, building community connectedness and managing emotional challenges due to painful experiences they have endured. “We’ve spent 10 successful days training participants on emotional regulation techniques and effective communication skills,” he said.

Alimamy Rashid Kamara explained that participants were introduced to coping strategies such as deep belly breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, stop-think-and-speak techniques and safe emotional regulation methods to help young people manage anxiety, anger and stress.

According to him, one of the major challenges in addressing mental health issues in Sierra Leone remains public misunderstanding and stigma. “A lot of people associate mental health with madness and that lack of understanding becomes a barrier to healing,” he stated, adding that cultural beliefs often lead to stigmatization and isolation of people facing mental health challenges.

He emphasized that mental health should be treated as a collective responsibility involving families, communities, institutions and society as a whole.

Deputy Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, Ismaila Kebbie, said Sierra Leone’s history of traumatic events, including the civil war, Ebola outbreak, mudslide disaster and COVID-19 pandemic, has had a significant impact on the mental wellbeing of many citizens, particularly young people.

“Many youths are silently struggling with stress, trauma, substance abuse, anxiety and other psychosocial challenges without adequate support systems,” Ismaila Kebbie said. He noted that many people facing mental health challenges often lack safe spaces to seek psychosocial support, which lead some to resort to harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse.

Ismaila Kebbie described the training as timely, saying it would help frontline workers identify early warning signs and provide basic psychosocial support within schools, communities and youth spaces. He further disclosed that the Ministry of Health is working to integrate mental health services into the country’s primary healthcare system to improve access to support services.

Director of Programmes at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, James B. Sandi, commended Caritas Freetown for what he described as transparency, accountability and inclusivity in implementing development initiatives.

He said many young people remain unprepared to take advantage of opportunities provided by Government and development partners due to various social and psychological challenges. “Mental health is the foundation for somebody to be prepared to embrace change,” he said.

James B. Sandi stressed that drug abuse remains a major concern in Sierra Leone and called for stronger collaboration among the Ministries of Health, Social Welfare and Youth Affairs to tackle the problem. He encouraged participants to use the knowledge and skills gained during the training to support vulnerable youths in their communities, describing them as “ambassadors of change.”

The Director of Programmes also revealed that the Ministry of Youth Affairs is working on a Youth Development Act and hopes to include the Youth Readiness Intervention as part of the Ministry’s core youth programmes.

Gbassay Kanu, Deputy Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at the Ministry of Social Welfare, said substance abuse and mental health challenges continue to affect many young people and families across the country.

“Unfortunately, stigma often prevents victims from seeking help. That is why trainings like this are critical in strengthening community-level support systems,” he said.

The Deputy Director underscored the importance of partnerships between Government institutions, Civil Society Organizations and development partners in addressing the growing mental health and social needs of young people.

Deputy Executive Director of Caritas Freetown, Rev. Fr. Joseph Bangura, urged participants to effectively apply the skills and knowledge gained during the training within their respective communities.

“We are hoping you will effect change within your communities,” he told participants. He added that the success of the first phase could create opportunities for further expansion of the programme to benefit more people across the country.

Participants also expressed appreciation for the training and its practical approach to addressing youth mental health challenges.

Sahid Conteh from the Ministry of Social Welfare said the programme taught participants that substance abuse is not a healthy solution to emotional stress.

“We were taught healthy coping mechanisms including deep-belly breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and safe imagining,” he said.

Sahid Conteh added that the training had prepared him to provide psychosocial support to young people struggling with or at risk of substance abuse. He, however, emphasized the need for adequate financial support to help participants effectively carry out community-based interventions.

Another participant, Elizabeth J. Kamara, described the training as transformative, saying it changed her understanding of mental health and youth support.

“Many young people are going through difficult situations silently and this program has empowered us to listen, support and refer them for help when necessary,” she said.

The ELEVATE Project seeks to scale psychosocial interventions that enhance coping skills and prevent substance abuse among Sierra Leonean youth by integrating mental health support into schools and employment programmes.

Being is an international mental health initiative envisioning a world where young people feel well and thrive, the initiative works with young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through research, innovation and ecosystem building, with a focus on prevention and promotion in 12 priority countries, including Sierra Leone. Being is hosted by Grand Challenges Canada, funded in part by the Government of Canada, in partnership with Fondation Botnar, Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen and United for Global Mental Health, alongside The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care using UK aid through the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/caritas-freetown-concludes-10-day-training-to-strengthen-youth-mental-health-support/