By Yusufu S. Bangura
SLAJ President
Ahmed Sahid Nasrallah, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), delivered his New Year address to journalists, media practitioners, and partners, setting a tone of optimism and reflection for 2025.
In his speech, he announced that the next SLAJ elections will take place on June 7, 2025, in Freetown, with further details on the venue to be provided in due course. This marks Nasrallah’s final New Year message as SLAJ President.
“Let us take a moment to remember our colleagues who are in distress, sick, or have passed away. They remain in our thoughts and prayers,” Nasrallah said, emphasizing solidarity within the media community.
Nasrallah highlighted the resilience and commitment of Sierra Leone’s media throughout 2024, describing it as a year of significant milestones. “The past year has been a testament to our collective resilience and commitment to media development in Sierra Leone. Together, we have achieved significant milestones,” he noted, reiterating the importance of press freedom and the media’s role in democracy.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including the safety and security of journalists, financial sustainability of media houses, and the need for stronger ethical standards. “As an association, we remain committed to addressing these issues through dialogue, consultation, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders,” he said.
Identifying 2025 as a year of potential growth and innovation, Nasrallah outlined several initiatives to enhance media professionalism and sustainability which include engaging Policymakers and Development Partners: SLAJ plans to deepen collaboration to address critical issues facing the media.
He urged the government to fulfill its commitment to National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) which is set to launch its pilot phase in early 2025.
He said Iverify Platform initiative which has been promoting information integrity will continue with the support of fact-checkers and backing from UNDP and its partners.
Nasralla said SLAJ is working with parliamentary leadership and the gallery’s interim executive to ensure a democratically elected leadership is in place early in the year.
Nasrallah announced collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to bolster SLAJ’s capacity as a union, with a focus on defending media freedom and fostering growth. The EU-funded project will also promote SLAJ’s Gender Equality Policy as a national framework for media outlets.
Furthermore, SLAJ has adopted a new constitution to address operational and financial management gaps, following recommendations from the Anti-Corruption Commission’s review.
In his address, Nasrallah called for reflection on the media’s role in promoting development and unity in Sierra Leone. Expressing concern over political polarization, he urged journalists to prioritize fair, accurate reporting and the national interest over sectional loyalties. “Now more than ever, the media must redefine its role as a catalyst for constructive dialogue,” he stated.
Nasrallah encouraged the use of media platforms to promote peace and stability, urging journalists to amplify voices of reason and foster understanding among diverse groups.
Nasrallah announced the second public edition of the SLAJ National Media Awards, scheduled for April 11, 2025, at the Bintumani International Conference Foyer. The event is being organized in partnership with Africell, UNDP Sierra Leone, and United Bank for Africa (UBA).
He acknowledged the vital role of private sector contributions to the media, highlighting development partners such as Africell, Mercury International, Orange SL, UBA, and Sierra Leone Commercial Bank.
“We remain committed to collaboration and consultation as we seek innovative solutions to the challenges facing the media in Sierra Leone,” Nasrallah stated. His message emphasized unity, professionalism, and ethical standards as the media community steps into 2025.
