By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Parliament on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 officially approved the appointment of Joseph Maada Lahai as the new Commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM), marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to youth development and empowerment.
Lahai’s confirmation comes at a time when the country is working to expand opportunities for its growing youth population. The approval by Parliament signals a strong endorsement of his leadership and aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s broader agenda to invest in youth as a pillar of national progress.
As Commissioner, Joseph Maada Lahai will now take the lead in shaping and overseeing NAYCOM’s strategic direction, with a focus on empowering young people, enhancing their participation in national development, and promoting programs that foster skills development, employment, and civic engagement.
In a statement following the approval, government officials and youth advocates alike praised the appointment as timely and promising. Lahai brings to the role a track record of public service and a clear passion for youth development. Many believe he is well-positioned to reinvigorate the commission and advance meaningful policies and programs for young people across Sierra Leone.
“This appointment represents a strong step forward for youth governance in Sierra Leone,” said Mariatu Kamara, a youth activist based in Freetown. “Young people face many challenges—from unemployment to limited access to skills training—and we need leaders like Commissioner Lahai who understand the urgency of addressing these issues.”
NAYCOM, established to coordinate and implement national youth policies, plays a vital role in Sierra Leone’s development landscape. With Lahai at the helm, expectations are high that the institution will take on a more dynamic and responsive approach to youth concerns.
Sources within the commission noted that Lahai is expected to prioritize a range of initiatives, including expanding youth entrepreneurship programs, enhancing vocational and technical training access, and deepening youth participation in decision-making processes at both local and national levels.
“The energy, ideas, and talents of our youth are among our most valuable national assets,” Lahai reportedly said after his confirmation. “As Commissioner, I will ensure that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of young people across every region. We will not leave any young person behind.”
The appointment is also being seen as a continuation of President Bio’s promise to elevate youth issues within government structures. Since taking office, the President has emphasized the importance of youth inclusion in governance and development planning, often highlighting the role of young people in building a stable, prosperous Sierra Leone.
A statement from the commission reads: “NAYCOM looks forward to working with Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai as he embarks on this critical mission. We congratulate him on his appointment and pledge our full support as he assumes his new responsibilities.”
As Lahai prepares to take office, many across the country—especially within the youth sector—are hopeful that his leadership will bring fresh vision, innovation, and accountability to the commission’s work.
With Sierra Leone’s youth making up a majority of the population, this appointment could prove pivotal in shaping the nation’s future. All eyes will now be on Commissioner Lahai as he begins the challenging but vital task of leading Sierra Leone’s youth into a new era of opportunity and inclusion.
