By Sheku Putka Kamara
The Leadership of the Freetown International Airport (FIA) has presented Ramadan gifts to the Kaffu Bullom Muslim Community as a way to support worshipers’ Iftar/ Sunakati for the blessed month of Ramadan. The event which attracted numerous stakeholders of the chiefdom was held at the Court Barry of the Paramount Chief at Rotifunk in Lungi on Sunday 16th March, 2025.
Ag. Chiefdom Speaker, Pa Alimamy Samba Dumbuya welcomed all attendees and expressed delight; something he did just after the opening prayer had been delivered by Alhaji Sheikh Alieya Sesay. One of the FIA personnel, Mohamed Jim Kamara introduced the event’s chairperson, Abdul Akim Kamara, who started by establishing that the event was something that is done yearly, noting that it was a gesture that has the propensity to boost the corporate image of the Freetown International Airport. He said that the FIA management was cognisant of the fact that it was of essence to be giving back to the community, noting that the wave could not have come at a better time, more so when Muslims were observing the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Mr. Jim Kamara went on to introduce a cross section of the FIA management present during the ceremony and Chief Pa Alimamy Kapen Kargbo did a succinct presentation of the Kaffu Bullom stakeholders, present.
Giving the keynote address, Country Director of the FIA, Mr. Ibrahim Sheriff said that the leadership of the institution always makes a judicious usage of the blessed month of Ramadan to give back to the Lungi Muslim community. He said that the Kaffu Bullom chiefdom is a pivotal gateway and that, FIA is pleased to be a part of the community. He emphasized the need for strategic communication and engagements in making sure that management and the people of Lungi will continue to work hand-in-hand.
Several statements were made by several other speakers, including, the Chairman, Council of Imams, Port Loko District, Alhaji Noah Sesay, Chairman, Airport Land Owners’ Association, Aruna Rashid Kamara, Chairman, Council of Section Chiefs, Kaffu Bullom, Chief Pa Alimamy Kapen Kargbo. They all made pivotal contributions whiles thanking the FIA leadership for what they described as some ‘welcoming and wonderful’ Ramadan Gifts.
One of the Hon. Members of Parliament of Port Loko District, Kaffu Bullom Chiefdom Lungi, representing the main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, Hon. Ibrahim Aziz Bangura remarked that the FIA presentation came at the right time, considering the current economic condition of the country, noting that, he was appreciative of the Ramadan gifts on behalf of his constituents.
The other Member of Parliament, representing the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in Port Loko, Lungi, Sheikh Alhaji Santigie Kargbo appreciated FIA and spoke on how the donation has the proclivity to strengthen the relationship between the community and the airport. He added that it was however important for the leadership of FIA and the Sierra Leone Airport Authority (SLAA) to work as a team and as one, to see that, that what which rightfully belongs to the people of Kaffu Bullom is given and distributed accordingly.
The official handing over of the items was done by the General Manager of FIA and same was received by the Hon. Paramount Chief, PCMP, Bai Shebora Sheba Gbereh 111 who used the opportunity to thank the FIA leadership for the gesticulation. He however admonished all present to closely work with the office of the PC and see that issues are channelled and addressed in a manner that will benefit all and sundry.
It is worth noting that speaker after speaker did thank the FIA. The stakeholders however promised to further engage right channels to see that the FIA, SLAA and the Government of Sierra Leone by extension will hang heads and see that pivotal community and other related matters are addressed in time and accordingly.
The FIA Ramadan Gifts to the Kaffu Bullom Muslim Community included; One Hundred Bags (100) of 50kg rice, 25 (half bata) of cooking oil, loads of bags of sugar plus cash donations among others.
