By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Residents of Gbado in Kandu Leppiama Chiefdom, Kenema District, were filled with excitement this week as the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, delivered on a key public promise by distributing 100 free National Identity Cards.
The exercise, carried out under the widely echoed slogan Tok En Do, meaning Talk and Do, highlighted a growing commitment to action driven leadership and service delivery. The Director General personally supervised the distribution process, reinforcing confidence among residents who gathered in large numbers to witness the event.
For many in this rural community, the gesture marked a turning point in their access to essential services. National Identity Cards play a critical role in enabling citizens to participate fully in national life, including access to banking services, legal identification, and travel documentation. By removing the financial barrier, the initiative has opened new opportunities for individuals who previously faced challenges in obtaining formal identification.
Community members described the visit as both symbolic and impactful. Beyond the issuance of the cards, residents saw the presence of the NCRA leadership as a sign that rural communities are being recognized and included in national development efforts. The atmosphere was one of celebration, with many expressing appreciation for what they described as a promise fulfilled.
Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi noted that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the national registration process. He emphasized that identity documentation is a fundamental right and a key component of national development.
He explained that access to proper identification strengthens governance, improves service delivery, and enhances national security. According to him, extending these services to rural areas remains a priority for the Authority.
The Director General further assured residents that the NCRA will continue to expand its outreach efforts, particularly in hard to reach communities. He stressed that bringing services closer to the people is essential in building trust and ensuring inclusiveness across the country.
Local leaders in Kandu Leppiama Chiefdom welcomed the initiative and commended the NCRA for its proactive approach. They noted that the provision of free identity cards will have a lasting impact on the community, especially for young people and traders who depend on identification for various transactions.
Observers say the exercise demonstrates a shift toward more responsive governance, where institutions actively engage communities and respond to their needs. The success of the Gbado distribution is expected to serve as a model for similar interventions in other parts of the country.
As the event concluded, residents expressed renewed confidence in public institutions and optimism about future engagements. For the people of Gbado, the distribution of free National Identity Cards represents more than a service. It stands as a clear example of leadership in action and a step toward greater inclusion in Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
