By Bampia James Bundu
In the dynamic world of journalism, where passion and perseverance collide to create narratives that shape societies, one name is swiftly rising to prominence—Mackie Muctarr Jalloh.His journey is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for aspiring journalists across Africa.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Mackie is set to cover the *7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit* in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 18th and 19th, 2025. This prestigious event, graced by over *sixteen African First Ladies* and thousands of participants, will be a melting pot of discussions, innovations, and commitments aimed at transforming lives through advocacy and sustainable impact. To be invited to document such a monumental gathering is a testament to Mackie’s excellence, resilience, and unwavering dedication to his craft.
But every great story has its heroes, and for Mackie, one name stands out—*Ishmael Sallieu Koroma.* Ishmael, the first Sierra Leonean journalist to be invited by Merck Foundation to cover its *9th Edition of the Africa-Asia Luminary Conference* in Dubai, not only paved the way but also saw the untapped potential in Mackie. He encouraged him, instilled belief, and urged him to take the leap. This spark of motivation led Mackie to apply for the *Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards “More Than A Mother” 2024* West Africa print category—where he defied expectations and clinched the *Second Position* in a highly competitive field.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Mackie followed up his success with another towering victory, being crowned the *Young Creative Journalist of the Year* at the *National Heroes Award 2025.* His ability to blend creativity with investigative journalism has earned him a seat among Sierra Leone’s finest media personalities.
Now, as he steps onto the global stage, Mackie stands as a *visionary journalist who is rewriting narratives and amplifying voices that matter.* His presence at the *MFFLI Summit* is not merely a journalistic assignment—it is a triumph for Sierra Leonean media, a statement that excellence knows no boundaries, and a declaration that *dreams, when pursued with conviction, do come true.*
Through his lens and storytelling, Mackie is not just covering an event—he is leaving an imprint on history. And as he soars higher, one truth remains undeniable: *this is only the beginning.*
What a journey, what a legacy, what a triumph!
