Alhaji Jalloh (Justice) newly elected SLPP UK & I Chairman
By Abdulai Braima
In the ever-stirring forest of Sierra Leone’s political topography, one tree stands tall- firm, and unbowed by the exigencies of time or the tempests of fate: the Palm Tree!
This towering nature’s marvel of the wooden aspect is a living symbol of collective resilience, of undying hope, and unsinkable unity. Its leafy tale is a living emblem of peace, and strength, imbued with a touch of the divine.
The Palm tree possesses sturdy trunks that can be used to create bridges and fronds to weave fishing nets.
With the capacity for longevity, and its manifold uses, including shelter and sustenance, medicine and craft—it is no surprise that the founders of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) chose this towering totem as their party’s emblem.
Like the palm tree, the SLPP has weathered many storms and continues to strive and thrive—particularly in its most vibrant diaspora branch: the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The SLPPUK&I Region has long been more than just an overseas extension. It is a potent pillar of personnel and an angle of financial support, advocacy, and strategy development for the national body back home. From the days of Sir Milton Margai and Sir Albert Margai—both of whom studied in the UK before becoming Sierra Leone’s first and second Prime Ministers—this region has served as a cradle of political thought and engagement. A beacon of hope, flaming with national faith and fervour.
Figures like Ambrose Ganda, the fearless journalist and activist, and Alhajie Khalil Mustapha, a popular community leader, further cemented the diaspora’s role in shaping the SLPP’s philosophy and outreach.
In more recent years, the chairmanship of the formidable region has passed through the capable hands of charismatic leaders including Amb. Tamba Lamina, Mr. Jimmy Songa, Amb. Mohamed Yongawo, and Mr. Ahmed Tejan-Sie. These are men who have boldly moved the torch forward, shaping ideals and linking the diaspora to national development and party progress. Their shared success has involved helping to conjure solutions out of challenges, and to keep the SLPP flame alight!
Now, in a remarkable moment of renewal, the region has turned another positive page.
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, after a prolonged hiatus, due to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of SLPP members gathered at Walworth Road in Camberwell. The line of voters snaked far outside the church complex, a testament to the passion and patience of a committed membership. From 9am to 2am the next morning, votes were cast in what many participants described as “one of the most transparent and peaceful elections in the branch’s history”.
Emerging in the forefront of this commendable democratic exercise is the new regional chairman: Alhajie Mohamed Jalloh, a disciplined, soft-spoken professional banker who previously served as Financial Secretary in the Ahmed Tejan-Sie administration. With humility and a clear sense of purpose, Jalloh has pledged to “consolidate the gains of the past, further unite and strengthen the region, and position it to play a pivotal part in an SLPP win come the next national elections.”
Jalloh’s leadership marks the dawn of a shiny new era in the SLPPUK&I— fresh and unbroken! An era rooted in tradition but reaching boldly toward the future. His new executive team reflects both continuity and innovation:
- Deputy Chair: Theresa Boima
- Secretary General: Teresa Dizo Kamara
- Women’s Leader: Jennifer Mamie Yatta Tengbeh
- Financial Secretary: Victor Agbough Coker
- Organising Secretary: Mohamed Augustus Kanu
- Young Generation Leader: Ishmael Bash Kamara
- Treasurer: Mariama Mary Fangawa
- Public Relations Officer: Mohamed Hassan Sannoh
- Trustees: Binta Jalloh and Ishmael Kallon
Together, they form a team poised to carry forward the legacy of the palm tree—steadfast, resourceful, and resilient.
With Alhajie Mohamed Jalloh at the helm, the SLPPUK&I branch has planted fresh roots for a stronger, united future—one that will echo far beyond Centre London, back to the heart of Freetown, and across every corner of Sierra Leone.
The tree stands tall. The forest grows greener.
A new season begins that promises to help usher in a bountiful harvest of unity and success in a region that promises to stand strong for the SLPP and for Sierra Leone, as it has always done!
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 7th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
