The Ministry of Information and Civic Education held its regular weekly press briefing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, highlighting major national developments around civic engagement, youth empowerment, and climate resilience. Key government officials, including Minister Chernor Bah, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh, and senior representatives from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Meteorological Agency, delivered updates on ongoing and upcoming initiatives.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, announced two landmark civic initiatives aimed at strengthening citizen participation in governance,Civic Day Series: Scheduled for May 26–27, 2025, in Moyamba District, this initiative seeks to bring government closer to the people by promoting awareness of civic rights and responsibilities.
Presidential Town Hall in Kenema, the second edition of this interactive forum is set for June 17, 2025, where President Julius Maada Bio will engage directly with citizens, address public concerns, and provide updates on national priorities. Full details will be shared through the Ministry’s digital platforms.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, unveiled a bold new three-year strategy, titled Youth in Entrepreneurship, targeting the period June 2025 to 2028. The initiative aims to position young people at the forefront of national development, focusing on, Agricu ltureClimate change adaptation, Digital literacy, Skills development
To support youths lacking formal qualifications, the Ministry will roll out short-term certified training programs through both existing and newly established technical institutions, with certification provided by the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA). Minister Sannoh encouraged young people to embrace these opportunities to build sustainable careers and livelihoods.
Dr. Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi, Executive Director of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), provided insights into Sierra Leone’s climate change mitigation efforts, He explained the difference between weather (short-term atmospheric changes) and climate (long-term patterns) and emphasized EPA’s role in tracking key risks such as flooding, windstorms, and sea level rise.
A major highlight was the announcement of a $28.6 million grant from the Green Climate Fund to support 75 coastal communities, helping to prevent the displacement of over 300,000 people. Dr. Massaquoi stressed the urgency of community-level resilience and adaptation, especially in vulnerable areas.
Gabriel Kpaka, Deputy Director-General of the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, shared updated seasonal forecasts based on climate data spanning 1994 to 2024. May to July 2025: Districts such as Koinadugu, Falaba, Kerene, Bombali, and Tonkolili are likely to receive below-average rainfall, in contrast, Western Area, Bo, Moyamba, Kenema, and Kailahun are expected to see above-average rainfall. For the July to September (JAS) period, above-average rainfall is forecasted nationwide, with Freetown facing heightened flood risks due to poor drainage systems and unregulated construction on wetlands. He also warned of early thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds expected in September, and reassured the public that advanced forecasting models are being used to ensure timely and reliable updates.
Esther Yealie Kamara, Executive Director of the Youth Initiative for Climate Change, welcomed the youth ministry’s focus on green job creation as part of its broader empowerment agenda. he called for Greater climate literacy among young people, Inclusive access to green job opportunities, and Active youth involvement in environmental advocacy.
Kamara urged young Sierra Leoneans to take ownership of climate action, emphasizing that protecting the environment is not just the government’s job it is a collective national responsibility.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 23th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
