By Cyril Barnes
Freetown, Sierra Leone, January 6, 2025 – In a significant show of support, Information Attachés from various Embassies and High Commissions have donated a substantial NLe 100,000 to Unity Newspaper, the official news outlet of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). The donation ceremony took place at the party’s headquarters on Wallace Johnson Street, Freetown.
Handing over the donation on behalf of his colleagues, Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi, Information Attaché to the United Arab Emirates, stated that the gesture was made on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. The aim is to support and strengthen the capacity of the party’s newspaper.
Massaquoi expressed gratitude to the Party, especially the Leader H.E Julius Maada Bio, for making the party attractive and enabling it to win two consecutive elections amidst global challenges. He also pledged their unwavering loyalty and commitment to promoting the President and his Big 5 Agenda.
Receiving the donation, National Chairman of the SLPP, Dr. Prince Alex Harding, commended the Attachés for giving back to the party and appreciating the good work of His Excellency the President. He added that the support would further strengthen the work of the party’s mouthpiece, making it more efficient and effective in promoting the government and party’s development strides.
National Secretary General of the SLPP, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, emphasized the importance of Information Attachés from Sierra Leone’s missions abroad remembering the source of their appointments, which is the party. He assured that the donation would be put to good use.
State House Press Secretary, Yusuf Ketetoma Sandi, who also attended the event, noted that the Attachés have always supported the party in various ways and shown commitment to furthering the vision of the party Leader. He highlighted that the donation would help build the capacity of the newspaper, making it a vibrant and credible platform.
Responding on behalf of Unity Newspaper, Editor Juldeh Bah expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the party leadership and the Press Secretary for their timely support. He extended special appreciation to the Attachés for their continued support and dedication to the party, noting that the cash donation would aid the newspaper’s capacity-building efforts to communicate the developmental policies and programs of the Big Five (5) Agenda.
Over the years, the Information Attachés have undertaken various interventions to support the party’s growth, particularly during the last general elections. At their respective Embassies, they have also initiated various projects to promote the government’s developmental strides, including producing newsletters, magazines, and other communication products.