By Sulaima Jalloh
The Western Area Fullah Youth Association (WAFYA) has, on Thursday, 8th August, 2024, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Mornoma Bah, at her Youyi Building offices in Freetown.
Members of WAFYA expressed thanks and appreciation to the minister for what they considered as a warm and sincere welcome.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, the President, Mohammed Bah said that one of core values of WAFYA is to revive the Fulani culture and support government’s development agenda, stressing that it is good to take responsibility as a citizen. He furthered that since its inception in 2013, WAFYA has worked with governments to foster national development, adding that the Association participated in the Ebola sensitization during the outbreak of the Ebola Viral Disease (EVD) in 2014. He disclosed that the Association is, anytime soon, going to start engagement with the Fulla Community to sensitize them on the recent passage of the prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, stressing that it was the main reason of the visit. The President of WAFYA heaped showered praises on the minister for being very supportive and dedicated to advancing the country’s development and youth empowerment. Mohamed Bah also mentioned the National Fullah Cultural Festival (NFCF), which according to many quarters, has arguably been the best Fullah event in the subregion that attracts interests nationally and internationally. He therefore called on Madam Salima Mornoma Bah to serve as the Chief Launcher of this year’s NFCF.
Minister Monorma Bah gladly accepted the honour to be this year’s chief launcher and described how the event has been an amazing event with lots of beautiful cultural performances. “As Fulani people, we have integrated ourselves so well and as young people I will encourage you to do more and focus on the aspirations of the Association as visibility remains key,” the minister said, adding that the annual event plays crucial role in reviving the Fulani culture across the region.
According to Minister Bah, the sensitisation of the Child Marriage Act, 2024, is very important, pointing out that there is a need to raise awareness about the new law, especially to those residing in the rural areas. She called on more women to be involved in the process, adding that mentorship and empowerment would help women while promising her support towards the campaign, adding that everyone has a part to play in the process.
On his part, Public Relations Officer of WAFYA, Hassan Barrie, explained their sensitisation campaign strategies, adding that they will visit all the sixteen districts across the country. He disclosed that they are going to use the leadership structure of the Chieftaincy and engage the local media in those various districts.