By Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communication Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
Freetown, Sierra Leone, September 2025 – The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) has successfully concluded it’s Civic Day Series in Makeni, held on September 15–16 at the Fatima Hall, UNIMAK Campus. The initiative was designed to inspire civic responsibility, strengthen national cohesion, and amplify the voices of young people across Sierra Leone.
The two-day event brought together young leaders, students, community representatives, and government officials for dialogue, cultural showcases, and civic engagement activities. Discussions focused on youth-led civic responsibility, participatory governance, and active citizenship.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick Gibrilla, commended the energy and commitment of the young participants. He praised them for embracing civic duty and highlighted the leadership opportunities President Julius Maada Bio has extended to young Sierra Leoneans.
“The President has set a bold example by entrusting young people with leadership roles. Your active participation today shows that the future of Sierra Leone is in capable hands,” Gibrilla stated.
Building Civic Culture
The Civic Day Series is part of MoICE’s wider strategy to promote civic education, social accountability, and peace-building. Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, participants reflected on their role in shaping a society grounded in patriotism, mutual respect, and collective responsibility.
Senior government officials, opposition members, and community stakeholders served as speakers, directly engaging citizens on key governance issues including the Constitutional Review, National Census, Redistricting, Public Sector Reform, Feed Salone, Security, and Social Welfare Affairs.
Citizens raised questions, concerns, and recommendations, many of which were addressed by the relevant authorities, leaving the people of Makeni both informed and satisfied.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah emphasized that civic responsibility extends beyond political engagement.
“Civic duty is not only about voting. It is also about how we treat one another, how we protect public spaces, and how we contribute positively to our communities,” Bah said.
Voices from Makeni
Young participants expressed gratitude to MoICE for bringing the series to their city and pledged to champion civic values in their schools, neighborhoods, and youth organizations.
Local leaders, including Mayor Abubakarr Kamara, Members of Parliament from the opposition, and the Paramount Chief, commended the government for its efforts in peacebuilding, the release of political prisoners, and ensuring reliable electricity in Makeni.
However, they appealed for urgent road construction leading to the government hospital to save lives and requested President Bio’s intervention in resolving the issue concerning former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
Looking ahead
With the successful conclusion of the Makeni Civic Day Series, MoICE reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the program across Sierra Leone, ensuring every district has the opportunity to participate in civic learning and dialogue.
The Civic Day Series reflects MoICE’s broader vision of building an informed, responsible, and empowered citizenry that actively contributes to national unity, peace, and democratic governance.
