The Inspector General of Police, Mr William Fayia Sellu, has formally presented Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Zainab Mbalu Gbla—recipient of the prestigious United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award—to the Honourable Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Police Council, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
The brief but symbolic ceremony was held at the Office of the Vice President in Freetown. In his remarks, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh congratulated CSP Gbla on her outstanding achievement, describing it as a proud moment not only for her family but also for the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the nation.
“As a former UN employee, I understand the enormous challenges involved in international policing—especially building community trust and promoting local engagement,” said Dr Jalloh. “To hear the UN Secretary-General commend your work in such glowing terms speaks volumes about your service. Your initiative to introduce school programs in underserved areas and establish new community crime reporting channels is remarkable. You have brought pride to Sierra Leone.”
The Vice President further commended IGP Sellu for his commitment to gender representation and institutional reform within the police. He referenced the leadership of AIG Hilary Sao Kanu, currently serving as the police Chief with the African Union and Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as another sign of progress. Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the security sector and promised that, upon President Julius Maada Bio’s return, CSP Gbla would be presented to him for potential future engagements.
Also present at the event were the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, and Mr. Osman Benk Sankoh, Programme Communication and Advocacy Officer in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.
In her remarks, Dr. Mahoi described CSP Gbla as a source of national pride, whose work has significantly elevated Sierra Leone’s reputation in the international peacekeeping arena. “Her achievements will inspire other women in the security sector,” she said, calling on the IGP to continue promoting such outstanding female officers.
In his presentation, IGP Sellu traced CSP Gbla’s journey within the Sierra Leone Police—from her enlistment and early academic success to her steady rise through various command positions. He highlighted her consistent excellence, noting that she had been the best female recruit in her intake.
Mr. Osman Benk Sankoh read excerpts from the citation issued by the UN Secretary-General during the award ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, praising CSP Gbla’s impactful contributions to international peacekeeping and community engagement.
The ceremony underscored Sierra Leone’s growing recognition in global peacekeeping and the strides being made towards inclusive leadership within the SLP.
Credit: SLP Media Team
