By: Yusufu S. Bangura
On Saturday, October 5th, 2024, the BASE Development Organisation officially inaugurated its newly elected chairman, Mohamed Lontho Kamara, during a ceremony held at Big Obasai Ojeh on Fredrick Street in Freetown.
The event celebrated the organization’s legacy of community service and youth development while outlining future initiatives aimed at furthering these goals.
Providing a brief history, Mohamed Sankoh of the Elder’s Council explained that BASE Development Organisation was founded on October 25th, 1892, by a group of young people committed to supporting underprivileged communities.
For over 40 years, the organization has played a pivotal role in youth development by offering employment opportunities, scholarships, and community improvement projects, particularly in the central parts of Freetown.
Sankoh stressed that the organization’s success lays in its unity, love, and shared values, which have prevented internal conflicts over power and financial issues. He urged members to continue working together to push the organization forward, especially as BASE is renowned throughout Sierra Leone for its annual outings and social programs.
Outgoing Chairman Mohamed Kamara congratulated the newly elected leader and reflected on the organization’s achievements over the years. Kamara noted that previous leadership teams have made significant contributions, including providing over 500 scholarships to students and creating numerous job opportunities for young men and women. He also highlighted the organization’s involvement in local infrastructure projects, such as road construction in central Freetown.
Kamara called on all members to support the new chairman, emphasizing that BASE’s unity and dedication have made it a cornerstone of community development in the region. He proudly remarked that many people in Freetown aspire to join the organization due to its positive impact.
In his inaugural address, Mohamed Lontho Kamara expressed deep gratitude and commitment to serving the organization. He outlined his vision for an inclusive, transparent, and progressive future, with a focus on accountability and human development.
With over 25 years of experience as a BASE member, Kamara pledged to uphold the organization’s constitution, defend the rights and welfare of its members, and foster collaboration among the group.
Among his key initiatives, Kamara announced plans to increase the loan limit for members from NLe 200 to NLe 500 while reducing the interest rate from 5% to 0.1%. He also committed to expanding the scholarship program for vulnerable students, increasing the number of beneficiaries from 150 to 200.
Kamara also addressed the issue of substance abuse, particularly the rise in “Kush” consumption, which has devastated many communities across Sierra Leone. He pledged that BASE would engage in public awareness campaigns and work with donor partners to establish rehabilitation programs for victims, offering them hope and a path to recovery.
“I humbly ask for your trust and support, as together we can achieve much more,” Kamara concluded.
In his keynote address, Abubakarr Turay, popularly known as Kabaka, praised the organization’s long-standing commitment to community service. He recounted how his personal connection to BASE, dating back to his childhood, had shaped his continued support for the group.
Turay emphasized that discipline and mutual respect are essential to the growth and development of any organization. He urged BASE members to maintain their unity and uphold the values that have made the organization a model for others in Sierra Leone.
