In a groundbreaking step toward strengthening youth empowerment and national development, the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) and the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility among Sierra Leone’s young people.
The signing ceremony, held at the Rotunda Hall, Defence Headquarters, Cockerill Barracks in Freetown, brought together senior officials and representatives from both ministries. The MoU was jointly endorsed by Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, and Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence marking a historic collaboration between the two institutions.
The partnership formalizes a coordinated framework for the ministries to work together on initiatives that build youth capacity through military-inspired discipline, training, and mentorship. The goal is to empower young people to play active roles in peacebuilding, nation-building, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, expressed profound optimism about the initiative, describing it as a “transformative partnership” that reinforces the Armed Forces’ commitment to national progress.
We are indeed grateful for this partnership. The young people of Sierra Leone are the bedrock of our future. Through this collaboration, we aim to instill a renewed sense of discipline, purpose, and patriotism that will guide them in shaping the destiny of our nation,”
said Lt. Gen. Bangura.
In his remarks, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence, emphasized that the MoU represents a patriotic alliance designed to strengthen unity and civic responsibility among young people. He noted that the collaboration will create new avenues for youth participation in national service and development programs, combining the discipline of the Armed Forces with the creativity and energy of Sierra Leone’s youth.
This partnership goes beyond institutional cooperation it is a call to action for our youth to take ownership of their country’s future. Together, we are fostering a culture of responsibility,
Delivering his keynote address, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, praised the professionalism and gallantry of the RSLAF, describing the partnership as a milestone in the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to equip young people with the skills, mindset, and discipline required to succeed in life.
This MoU marks a new dawn for Sierra Leone’s youth. Through this partnership, we are unlocking opportunities that will transform our young men and women into disciplined, skilled, and patriotic citizens. The military’s structure and values will serve as a model for our youth empowerment and national development agenda,
Minister Sannoh affirmed.
The collaboration is expected to support a wide range of initiatives, including youth leadership training, employability programs, civic education, and community service activities. Both ministries also plan to explore opportunities for vocational skills training and youth participation in national security awareness programs.
The ceremony concluded with photo sessions and a warm exchange of appreciation between officials of both ministries, symbolizing a shared commitment to implementing the MoU effectively.
Through this alliance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Defence/RSLAF reaffirm their dedication to nurturing a generation of responsible, empowered, and patriotic citizens a vital step toward ensuring peace, discipline, and sustainable national development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 7th Noverber 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
