By Andrew Chokpeleh
Freetown- 5th September, 2026 – Young people in Sierra Leone have been urged to redefine leadership by moving beyond politics, tribalism and personal ambition to become agents of national transformation.
The call was made on 3rd September during the launch of the Sierra Leone Chapter of The Fort Institute at the Miatta Civic Centre under the theme: “Formed for This Moment,” where government officials, youth leaders and development practitioners challenged the country’s young population to embrace integrity, innovation and service as the true hallmarks of leadership.
The launch, which was accompanied by a leadership conference, brought together young professionals, students, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders from across Sierra Leone to discuss the role of youth in shaping the country’s future. The Fort Institute seeks to equip young people with leadership skills, mentorship and practical knowledge to enable them to make meaningful contributions to their communities and professions.
Daizy Abdulai, country director of The Fort Institute Sierra Leone, said the establishment of the Institute’s Sierra Leone Chapter was inspired by her own leadership journey after completing training with the Organization’s Headquarters in Nigeria. She explained that while many young Sierra Leoneans aspire to become leaders, few have access to structured mentorship and leadership development programmes that prepare them for the responsibilities of leadership. She said the institute intends to bridge that gap by providing mentorship, leadership training and networking opportunities for young people across the country.
She noted that the organization deliberately invited participants from the provinces to ensure that the initiative benefits young people nationwide rather than those living only in Freetown.
She stressed that leadership should never be viewed as a pathway to personal gain but as an opportunity to serve others, adding that the knowledge and mentorship she received through the Institute would now be passed on to the next generation of leaders.
She also disclosed that the Institute has begun building partnerships with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the National Youth Commission and other institutions committed to youth development.
Director of Government Information Services at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Madam Francess Kaifala, challenged young people to channel their energy into nation-building rather than constant criticism of the country’s challenges. She said meaningful leadership is demonstrated through peacebuilding, entrepreneurship, innovation and community service rather than political affiliation alone.
According to her, students, volunteers, professionals and entrepreneurs could all become leaders by positively influencing their communities. She urged young people to rise above tribal, regional, political and religious divisions, describing Sierra Leone’s diversity as a national strength that should unite rather than divide its citizens.
Kaifala further encouraged young people to use social media responsibly by raising awareness about community issues and encouraging timely action from authorities instead of spreading conflict and misinformation.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Dr. Philip Kargbo, described the conference theme, “Formed for This Moment,” as a declaration of purpose for a generation entrusted with shaping Sierra Leone’s future. He reminded participants that every generation inherits unfinished work and bears the responsibility of building upon the sacrifices of those who came before. While acknowledging that Sierra Leone continues to recover from the scars of civil war, he said the country’s resilience should inspire young people to become solution providers rather than spectators.
Dr. Kargbo warned that young people cannot demand national transformation while refusing to transform themselves. He observed that many aspire to public recognition without first developing the character, discipline and resilience required of effective leaders. He noted disappointment, rejection, failure and serving without recognition are often part of the leadership journey, shaping individuals for greater responsibilities. He encouraged young people to view such experiences as opportunities for growth rather than reasons to abandon their aspirations.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasized that leadership is not defined by political office or public recognition but by a willingness to serve others.
He urged young people to reject being used as instruments of political confrontation and violence, stressing that democracy extends beyond election periods to include everyday civic engagement, integrity, respect for human dignity and service to vulnerable communities. While differences in political opinion are inevitable, he said they should never destroy mutual respect or national unity.
As the Sierra Leone Chapter of The Fort Institute begins operations, participants expressed optimism that the initiative will nurture a new generation of ethical and visionary leaders capable of addressing the Sierra Leone’s social and economic challenges.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for young Sierra Leoneans to embrace leadership rooted in service, innovation and accountability, rather than power, division and self-interest.
