By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a snap ceremony held on Thursday 20th March, 2025 at the Ministry of Youth Affairs Office on Scan Drive in Freetown, the Former Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, has officially handed over responsibilities to his Deputy, Patrick Gibrilla, who now serves as Acting Minister of Youth Affairs.

In his farewell address, Mohamed Orman Bangura expressed profound gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, whom he described as a father and mentor, for entrusting him with the opportunity to serve over the past seven years.

He highlighted several key achievements during his tenure, including the operationalization of the National Youth Service (NYS), which has trained and placed graduates in internships annually, adding that under his leadership, the Ministry of Youth Affairs transitioned from a high-risk entity to a consistently low-risk rating by development partners since 2019.

He informed the gathering that during his tenure the Ministry spearheaded the development of the National Youth Policy to address the aspirations of young people and successfully revived development partnerships while ensuring annual audits with no major financial irregularities.

Mohamed Orman Bangura also launched the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment Project, benefiting 8,000 youth-led businesses and played a crucial role in creating the National Youth Portal and initiating the first Status of Youth Report, furthering that his tenure saw the implementation of the READY-Salone project, which has empowered nearly 5,000 youth in tech. Additionally, he established employment initiatives such as Youth in Carwash, Fisheries, Agriculture and Commercial Transportation, including the procurement of 200 kekehs (motorized tricycles) to support young entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, he advanced the National Youth Empowerment Fund and facilitated the procurement of 100 electric vehicles to enhance employment opportunities for Sierra Leone’s youth.

Mohamed Orman Bangura commended the Acting Minister, Patrick Gibrilla for his role in the aforementioned initiatives and thanked the Ministry staff for their unwavering support. He also extended an apology to anyone he may have inadvertently offended while working towards the President’s vision.

"As I hand over today, my commitment to youth development remains unshakable. I will continue serving Sierra Leone in any capacity," the former Minister pledged. He encouraged Patrick Gibrilla to strengthen his networking and advocacy skills, calling them "essential for navigating the country's economic landscape."

Senior officials at the Ministry hailed Mohamed Orman Bangura’s tenure as transformative. Director of Livelihood Skills Project, Victor L.K. Muana, said Mohamed Orman Bangura’s policies would have a lasting impact.

Director of Programs, James B. Sandi, urged continuity in his reforms, while Director of Research and Planning, Marlon Bockarie-Konteh, praised Mohamed Orman Bangura for prioritizing results over politics.

Chief Director, Charles Moina recalled Mohamed Orman Bangura’s mantra: “Spare me the pain and deliver the baby” a call for accountability. Permanent Secretary Morrison B. Gboyor recognized Mohamed Orman Bangura’s leadership amid challenges.

In his remarks, Patrick Gibrilla Acting Minister of Youth Affairs expressed gratitude for Mohamed Orman Bangura’s mentorship and reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining key policies. He recounted his experience acting as Minister in cabinet meetings and pledged to uphold Mohamed Orman Bangura’s approach, including strategic breakfast meetings, working lunches and evening briefings.

Patrick Gibrilla also stated that he would continue seeking guidance from Mohamed Orman Bangura, noting that “his expertise remains invaluable to the Ministry.”

The ceremony marked the end of Mohamed Orman Bangura’s tenure and the beginning of a new phase under Patrick Gibrilla, signaling a continued commitment to youth empowerment and national development.