By Nafisatu Olayinka Deen
Freetown, 19th May, 2026 – In a bid to equip young people with knowledge on media literacy and advocacy skills, the Lydia Network held its first Media and Advocacy conference at the Limkokwing University in Freetown under the theme: “Amplifying Voices: Media as a Tool for Social Change. The event brought together media owners, media professionals and students from different universities.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of LYDIA Network, Lydia Kadie Tucker, said that she believes in providing a platform for young people to learn, as she considers them changemakers. “A community becomes stronger when young people are informed, included and empowered to turn their ideas into meaningful social impact, stating that youth participation is not just about being present; it is about giving young people the platform to speak, lead, create, and shape the future. “When young people are empowered with knowledge, leadership, and opportunity, they become the driving force behind stronger communities and lasting development,” she said.
The keynote speaker, CEO of BBN, Ransford Wright, encouraged participants to use the media responsibly to create change. “Social change begins when someone chooses to speak with courage, share with purpose, and use their platform to demand better. We need to be responsible as young people and be ready to amplify unheard voices, whether yours and those of other people, so we can create change. Young people, it’s on us to amplify the voices that aren’t being heard”, he said, adding that media becomes powerful when ordinary people use their voices to speak for a cause, raise awareness, and push society towards meaningful change.
Wright noted that one can use their voice to ignite change without even having to be a media owner. “Media is powerful when you use your voice. You do not need to own a television station, a newspaper, or a radio platform to create change. Sometimes, all you need is your voice, your phone, and a clear purpose,” he said.
The Strategic Communications Adviser at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Mohamed Jaward Nyallay, commended the Media and Advocacy conference, citing that it is a platform that helps rebuild civic consciousness. He said, “Programs like this help build civic consciousness among young people. They remind us that media, communication, and digital platforms can be used for more than visibility. They can educate citizens, promote social good, amplify positive stories, and inspire responsible action within our communities.”
Jaward encouraged young people to make use of the media and create change. “As a generation, we already have a voice. We have platforms, networks, mobile devices, and influence. The question is no longer whether we can speak, but whether our voices will promote unity, educate communities, amplify good work, and help build the society we truly want to see. The microphone is no longer in the hands of journalists alone; it is now in the hands of millions of young people. The real challenge before us is not whether we have a voice, but what kind of society we want to build with the power of that voice,” he said.
Head of Communications Department, Limkokwing University, Hassan Kamara, noted that the amplification of marginalized voices could transform society in a positive way. “When marginalized voices are amplified with clarity, truth, and courage, they become instruments of reflection, progress, and positive transformation in society,” he said.
