The Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) today held a dynamic mentorship and training session for its newly appointed editors as part of the agency’s ongoing newsroom transformation and professional development drive.
The session featured two distinguished facilitators — Madam Marian Samu, Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD) and former Acting Director of Information at the Ministry of Information and Communications, and Dr. Francis Sowa, Esq., media scholar, lawyer, and Chair of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG).
Madam Samu shared her vast experience on the rudiments of journalism, the role of an editor, and the ethical responsibilities tied to public information management. She underscored that editors are not just gatekeepers but custodians of credibility, shaping narratives that uphold truth, accuracy, and national values.
Dr. Sowa complemented the session with an in-depth discussion on news values, balancing national importance with public interest, and editorial judgment in story selection and prioritization. He highlighted that an editor’s decision can influence how citizens perceive governance, democracy, and social progress.
Speaking at the close of the session, SLENA Managing Director, Madam Lolo Yeama Thompson-Oguamah, reaffirmed her commitment to nurturing a new generation of media professionals capable of driving SLENA’s mission forward.
“We are rebuilding SLENA into a credible and vibrant national news agency that reflects professionalism, ethical standards, and editorial independence. Training and mentorship are at the heart of that transformation,” — Madam Lolo Yeama Thompson-Oguamah, Managing Director, SLENA.
SLENA expresses profound appreciation to Madam Samu and Dr. Sowa for sharing their insights and supporting the agency’s vision of excellence in public information service.
