Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, last Friday delivered a goodwill message at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) handover ceremony, where she also warmly congratulated the newly elected executive, led by President Alhaji Manika Kamara.
Addressing an audience that included journalists, development partners, former, outgoing and incoming SLAJ Presidents, and key institutional representatives, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr commended the Association’s proud legacy of defending press freedom, promoting journalistic integrity, and championing public interest reporting.
She highlighted the strong partnership between SLAJ and the Freetown City Council (FCC) under the leadership of former President Ahmed Nasralla, particularly collaborating on strengthening climate communication through climate reporting training initiative in partnership with C40 Cities. She also expressed pride in SLAJ’s invaluable support during FCC’s recent advocacy against the proposed administrative division of Freetown by the government. These joint efforts, she said, underscored the vital role the media plays in fostering civic dialogue, holding institutions accountable, and providing accurate, timely information to the public a role the FCC deeply values.
As the new executive embarks on this chapter, she encouraged them to continue advancing professionalism and embrace a renewed sense of purpose, encouraging them to recognise that their work also strengthens our democratic space. She said she was optimistic about the continued partnership between FCC and SLAJ in promoting decentralisation, climate resilience, civic engagement, and inclusive development.