Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) hoste the first-ever National Independence Symposium at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square, Wilberforce Barracks, on Sunday, April 27, Sierra Leone’s Independence Da.
The event brought together traditional leaders, religious figures, government officials, youth and women’s groups, civil society, students, and diplomats. The aim was to bring people together to remember the country’s past and celebrate its culture.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, spoke at the opening. He called on everyone to come together under the message “Salone Big Pass Wi All.” He reminded the crowd about Bai Bureh’s resistance on April 27, 1898, and how it later inspired the 1961 Independence movement.
Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr also spoke. She talked about the country’s early economic progress after Independence, the hard times that followed, and the long civil war. She said Sierra Leone is now known for peace and encouraged teamwork between government offices and private investors to grow the economy.
A key part of the program was a history session with Professor Joe A.D. Alie, Commissioner Joseph Keifala, and Madame Isatu Thorlu Bangura, daughter of Independence hero Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass. They shared stories about the fight for freedom and how people across the country worked together to break away from colonial rule in 1961.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh closed the event. He said Independence was just the beginning, and now it was up to the people to help build the country. He mentioned the creation of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion as one way the government is trying to bring people together.
The day ended with cultural and musical shows, with songs that reminded everyone about unity and love for Sierra Leone.
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