By Godson Azu
It was a great privilege and honour to be invited by the Sierra Leone High Commission in London to attend the inaugural Sierra Leone Civic Day in London, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen engagement between the Government of Sierra Leone, its diplomatic representatives, the Sierra Leonean diaspora community, and friends of Sierra Leone resident in the United Kingdom.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, with the support of the Sierra Leone High Commission in London, provided a unique platform for constructive dialogue, civic participation, transparency, and national engagement. It underscored the Government’s recognition of the critical role played by the diaspora in nation-building and the advancement of Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
The high-powered government delegation was led by the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, whose presence reflected the importance attached by the Government to maintaining meaningful connections with Sierra Leoneans abroad.
Other distinguished members of the delegation included the Honourable Minister of Information and Civic Education, who also served as the Chief Host and moderator of the Civic Day; the Minister of Trade and Industry; the Deputy Minister of Finance; the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion; alongside senior government officials and public servants representing various sectors of national development.
In his welcome remarks, the Sierra Leone High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as the host of the event, warmly received participants and emphasised the significance of the Sierra Leonean community in the United Kingdom as valued partners in the country’s progress. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to actively engage with the High Commission, reaffirming that the Mission remains a home for all Sierra Leoneans abroad.
He assured attendees that the doors of the High Commission remain open to foster cordial relationships, mutual respect, and productive collaboration aimed at promoting the welfare of the diaspora community and contributing to the greater good of Sierra Leone’s national development.
Delivering the keynote address, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh provided an overview of the Government’s priorities, achievements, and ongoing reforms across critical sectors of the economy. He highlighted developments and investments in agriculture, energy, mining and solid minerals, infrastructure, security, governance, and institutional strengthening.
The Vice President spoke passionately about the Government’s commitment to improving service delivery, promoting economic growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that would improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans both at home and abroad. He further encouraged members of the diaspora to contribute their expertise, resources, and networks towards the country’s development aspirations.
One of the major highlights of the Civic Day was the panel discussion featuring ministers and senior government officials. The sessions provided detailed insights into policy implementation, achievements, ongoing programmes, and future priorities within their respective ministries and agencies.
The discussions addressed a broad range of issues, including trade and investment opportunities, economic management and fiscal reforms, healthcare initiatives, peacebuilding efforts, civic education, and strategies aimed at enhancing good governance and national cohesion.
The interactive Questions and Answers Session that followed demonstrated the essence of civic engagement. Members of the audience raised thoughtful and sometimes probing questions on virtually all the issues highlighted by the Vice President and the panelists. Participants sought clarification on government policies, accountability mechanisms, investment prospects, social development programmes, and the practical impact of reforms on ordinary citizens.
In a commendable display of openness and democratic engagement, the Vice President responded comprehensively to the concerns raised, supported by the ministers and senior officials present. The exchanges reflected the Government’s willingness to listen, explain its policies, and engage directly with its citizens and stakeholders abroad.
The entire session was expertly moderated by the Honourable Minister of Information and Civic Education, whose professionalism, composure, and effective coordination ensured a lively, respectful, and productive dialogue throughout the event.
Beyond the formal proceedings, Sierra Leone Civic Day in London also served as an invaluable networking platform, bringing together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, professionals, community stakeholders, and friends of Sierra Leone united by a common interest in the country’s future.
I was particularly delighted to attend the event alongside my esteemed partners, Chief Ambassador Uzo Owunne of INGO UK, facilitators of the forthcoming Africa Pavilion Glasgow 2026; Mr. Omar Hussain and Mr. Mohsin Hussain of ILMORA Holdings Ltd UK; and Hon. Barrister Comrade Ememobong Ini, Esq., Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was also at the event as one of the invited guests.
The inaugural Sierra Leone Civic Day in London represents a significant milestone in strengthening trust, transparency, and collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone and its diaspora community. It demonstrated that meaningful dialogue, active listening, and inclusive participation remain indispensable tools for nation-building.
As Sierra Leone continues its journey towards sustainable development and prosperity, initiatives such as Civic Day provide an important bridge between government and citizens abroad, creating opportunities for shared responsibility, mutual understanding, and collective action in pursuit of a stronger and more united Sierra Leone.
Godson. Azu is the CEO of CaterandMerger Consult UK, the Convener of the Annual London Political Summit and Awards, and Co-Partners of the Africa Pavilion in Glasgow 2026.
