Sierra Leone Independence 2024 Celebration in Port Loko Agenda Unveiled

By: Abubakarr Kargbo

On 8 April 2024, MASK TOTEH in collaboration with Think Port Loko officially launched the 2024 Sierra Leone Independence Concept Note titled "Peace and Reconciliation." The ceremony which took place at Bakeh Loko Native Court Barray, Port Loko City attracted dozens of stakeholders of Port Loko City including Mayor of Port Loko City, Chiefdom speaker of Bakeh Loko chiefdom five Head of mask devil ordelain and Local Unit Commander of Port Loko Police Division. The stakeholders say the Launching of the Peace and Reconciliation celebration of independence, reflects the desire of celebrating Port Loko sixty years and breaking political barriers of political parties, promoting socio-economic activities and creating significant milestones to restore the Black Man's London. In his address at the launching, Mr. Azick Mustapha Conteh, the Chief Executive Officer of MASK TOTEH, said: "this year's celebration is deferring from the various years. Mr. Conteh further explained that 2024 April starts 24 and ends 27 April with a couple of activities." Furthermore, Mr Azick Mustapha Conteh pointed out that this independence celebration is not political but inclusive of all individuals. He called on the natives of Port Loko City to contribute to building and strengthening unity and progress. On his part, Mr. Hakim Mohamed Sesay, Coordinator of THINK PORT LOKO like the other stakeholders expressed his delight over the collaboration of activities. Mr. Sesay says that Port Loko independence celebration is bigger than everybody. He underscores the reason for not celebrating over the years was due to the holy month of Ramadan. Mr. Sesay went on to outline some key activities they will undertake for the April 27, 2024 Sierra Leone Independence celebration in Port Loko, that will include a football competition, live bank, Marathon, cultural competition, Mr. and Miss Independent and mask devil parade. He urges all to contribute to these activities and encourages our brothers and sisters from the diaspora to use this agenda as a working document. The Mayor of Port Loko City, Alie Badara Tarawulie described the launching as meaningful and significant, he said that this is socio-cultural and rebranding Port Loko of enabling people to champion their development. Mayor Tarawulie said that development should not tag politics. He called on the executive of MASK TOTEH and THINK PORT LOKO to include everybody in the activities. Local Unit Commander of Port Loko Police Division Ishmael Koroma emphasized on the importance of the day to all and sundry. He stated April 27 independent celebration is a popular event that attracted everybody in Sierra Leone and diaspora. He went on to say that the independent celebration will bring together most diasporas to Port Loko as the center of melting point to meet old friends and make new ones re-echoed that Port Loko city is everyone's city, and ended his remarks soliciting for the full Cooperation of the five orlain groups, and assured that the security will fully be enforced.