Lungi, 24th February 2026- The Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, paid a solidarity visit to Galaxy Radio Station in Lungi, which was reduced to ashes following a devastating fire outbreak.
Opening the gathering, Mariama Bah expressed sorrow over the tragedy, noting that such meetings are usually moments of celebration, not grief. “We are saddened by what has happened. This is not the kind of gathering we wish for. We should be meeting under better circumstances,” she said, underscoring SiLBA’s empathy and shared concern for the station’s management and staff.
Welcoming the delegation, Chief Pa Alimamy Kargbo of Yongoro Section, Lungi, described the incident as the will of Allah but expressed gratitude for SiLBA’s show of solidarity. “Whatever happens is the will of Allah. But we are pleased and grateful that SiLBA has come to sympathize with us,” he remarked.
SiLBA President Stanley Bangura Jr. explained that the association was deeply disturbed when it received news of the fire on 17 February. He revealed that Galaxy Radio is the third station destroyed by fire in less than two months, with two of the incidents, including one in Kambia, reportedly caused by bush fires. He described the trend as alarming and a wake-up call for stronger fire prevention measures nationwide.
Bangura stressed the vital role radio stations play in provincial communities as primary sources of information and engagement. He appealed to government, international partners, and supportive organizations to assist in restoring the affected stations. “We are not here just to visit; we are here to sympathize and to call for support. These stations are the only means of communication for many communities,” he emphasized.
He encouraged Galaxy Radio staff to remain courageous despite the temporary loss of employment, assuring them that SiLBA would mobilize equipment support from its members. The association also presented a modest financial contribution toward rebuilding efforts.
Station Manager Dauda Chernor Jalloh, speaking on behalf of Galaxy Radio, thanked SiLBA for its timely intervention. Though saddened, he echoed the Chief’s sentiment that the incident was the will of Allah and expressed appreciation for the unity demonstrated. He disclosed that efforts are already underway to revive the station with support from community stakeholders.
The visit concluded with a tour of the burnt premises, where the full extent of the destruction was witnessed firsthand, reinforcing urgent calls for preventive measures and collective support to restore broadcasting in Lungi.
