By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a powerful demonstration of leadership rooted in service and community development, the former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and current Member of Parliament for Pujehun District, Rt. Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, has announced a landmark investment of $300,000 (approximately Le 7.2 billion) in youth empowerment initiatives across the district.
The pledge was made during the official launch of United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL), a grassroots initiative designed to unite and empower young people in Pujehun District through skills development, innovation, and community participation.
Hon. Tunis, who cancelled a series of international engagements to attend the ceremony, commended the organizers for their dedication to mobilizing the district’s youth around a shared vision of progress and unity. He said the efforts of U Team SL reflected the enduring spirit of solidarity that has long defined the people of Pujehun.
“True development begins when communities choose unity over division,” Hon. Tunis declared to a crowd of cheering youth. “This initiative is proof that when we work together, we can overcome challenges and build a stronger future for our district and our country.”
The lawmaker emphasized that his financial commitment was not a donation but an investment in human potential, one aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for young people to thrive. He noted that the strategic six-year plan presented by U Team SL aligned closely with his vision for inclusive growth, youth leadership, and innovation-driven development in Sierra Leone.
Hon. Tunis reaffirmed his belief that the nation’s progress depends on the energy, creativity, and determination of its youth. He underscored the importance of channeling that potential into productive ventures that promote education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
“As leaders, it is our duty to invest in the dreams of our young people,” he said. “When we empower them with skills, resources, and confidence, we are securing the future of Sierra Leone.”
The U Team SL program is expected to focus on key areas such as vocational training, entrepreneurship, agricultural innovation, and digital literacy. Organizers say the initiative aims to equip young people with the tools and mindset to become self-reliant, while fostering peace and unity across communities in Pujehun.
Local leaders and youth representatives expressed gratitude to Hon. Tunis for his continued commitment to the district. Many described his gesture as a “turning point” for young people seeking opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Tunis has long been recognized for his dedication to education, youth empowerment, and community service. His latest intervention, stakeholders say, further cements his legacy as a leader deeply invested in the growth and transformation of Sierra Leone’s next generation.
