AWE Media Sierra Leone

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Over Sight Committee on Sports Hon. Mariatu Rachael Pessima has described their roles in sports development as strategic and supportive.  "Our role is to serve as a bridge between Parliament and the NSA. We are not merely performing supervisory role, we are strategic, supportive and forward-looking. Oversight, when properly exercised, strengthens institutions, promotes accountability and enhances performance," she said.  The Hon. Member of Parliament said that her committee provides policy guidance and legislative support, and  where gaps exist in the legal and regulatory framework governing sports, they initiate amendments or propose new legislation that will empower the NSA to operate efficiently and independently, whilst maintaining high standards of governance. As a committee, we promotes institutional strengthening through engagements with the relevant stakeholders.  "Sport is not merely recreation; it is a tool for national ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Mikel Arteta says Arsenal FC have earned their place at the top of the table as they return to Premier League action away to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. Speaking during the press conference ahead of the match, Arteta confirmed Arsenal lead the league by four points and stressed that his confidence in a potential title push is based on the daily standards he sees from his squad. “My belief comes from what I see every day. The preparation, the attitude, and how much the players want it,” Arteta said. On team injury update, Arteta provided positive fitness news, confirming Riccardo Calafiori trained fully and is expected to be available.  Ben White’s substitution in the previous match was described as fatigue-related, with no serious injury concerns. Captain Martin Odegaard will miss the Wolves game but could return for the weekend, while Kai Havertz remains a possibility depending on late assessments. Arteta said squad availability will be key as Arsena...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson, Sierra Leone  Sierra Leone’s senior sports administrator and respected journalist, Unisa Deen Kargbo (UDK), has added another major milestone to his growing list of achievements with his latest appointment to the Finance Committee of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA). The famous sports enthusiasts from Sierra Leone historically joined the IBSA as the only African selected to serve on the four-man committee. As a long-time member of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), Kargbo’s journey has been defined by years of dedicated service to sports development, para-sports advocacy, and professional excellence both on and off the field.  His steady rise from sports journalism to national sports administration and now on the continental para-sports engagement has earned him widespread respect across Africa and beyond. Reacting to the appointment, in interview with Awoko Newspaper on Wednesday afternoon, Kargbo described the m...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Defending champions of the Leone Rock Premier League, East End Lions Football Club have completed the signing of experienced international forward Kwame Quee, as the club looks to reignite its 2025/26 league campaign. The 29-year-old arrives from Icelandic outfit Víkingur Ólafsvík, with vast experience that spans stints in Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Sierra Leone. East End Lions say Quee’s signing is aimed at strengthening their attacking options during a challenging second half of the season. Describing Kwame Quee, East End Lions officials say, "Quee is a proven professional whose international exposure and composure in big moments could be decisive as the champions attempt to climb the table. Quee who's international journey began early, and has since represented Sierra Leone across several youth levels before earning his senior national team debut just 14 years ago, is no stranger to the Sierra Leone Premier League, having previously fe...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  The President of SLAJ, Alhaji Manika Kamara, has announced the donation of 500 bags of rice to support fully paid-up members of the association as part of efforts to ease their burden during the Ramadan and Lent seasons. The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during the association’s maiden general meeting held at the Harry Yansaneh Multipurpose Hall at the SLAJ Secretariat in Freetown. The meeting was the first general gathering of members since the elective congress held six months ago. President Kamara disclosed that the association’s verified register shows about 499 fully paid members as of 2025, all of whom are eligible to benefit from the donation. He explained that the rice was provided by a Goodwill Ambassador and emphasized that the gesture is purely humanitarian, distancing it from any political motives. “This gift has nothing to do with politics,” he stated, noting that the initiative is meant to demonstrate solidarity with jo...

As the world marks World Radio Day 2026, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has issued a clear message to the global media community: Artificial Intelligence may enhance broadcasting, but it must never replace the human voice at the heart of journalism. In a statement signed by SLAJ National Secretary General Edward Marrah, the association joined international partners in observing this year’s theme, “Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a Tool, Not a Voice.” The message underscores both the promise of emerging technologies and the enduring power of radio as a trusted public service medium. For decades, radio has remained the most accessible and resilient form of communication in Sierra Leone, connecting city centers to the most remote villages. It has informed citizens, amplified marginalized voices, preserved local languages and cultures, and supported national development through public health campaigns, disaster response, civic education, and peacebuilding effo...

By: Azrat Umar Saidu Turay Sierra Leone has recorded another milestone on the continental stage as two of its match officials have been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate in the CAF Confederation Cup. Centre Referee Sulaiman Santio Kamara and Assistant Referee Mamoud Alie Conteh have been named for Match No. 125 between USM Alger of Algeria and OCS Olympique Club Safi of Morocco.  The encounter is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14th February 2026. The appointment highlights CAF’s growing trust in the competence and professionalism of Sierra Leonean referees and reflects the steady progress of match officiating standards in the country. Football stakeholders in Bombali District and across Sierra Leone have welcomed the news, describing it as a proud moment for the nation’s football fraternity.  The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), under the leadership of President Thomas Daddy Brima (Babadi) Kamara, continues to receive recogni...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed “Omodu” Kamara, popularly known as Jagaban and a flagbearer aspirant of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party, has extended support to Regent Road Baptist Primary and Secondary School in the central part of Freetown.   Jagaban donated NLe 500,000, ten computers for teachers, and provided free lunch for all pupils from Nursery 1 to JSS 3.   The pupils welcomed him with songs of appreciation, while the JSS Principal, Mrs. Naure Fewiy, commended him for honoring his promise. She described the gesture as a sincere commitment to the welfare of the children and the school community.   One JSS 3 pupil expressed her excitement: “I never believed he would come back after promising us. Today, he has shown us that leaders can care about children too.”   In his remarks, Jagaban thanked the school administration and pupils for their warm reception, noting that uplifting lives is central to his values.   Deli...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has demanded an immediate end to the harassment of athletes and sports journalists in Iran, calling for the release of detained sports figures and full disclosure of protest-related deaths. Amid nationwide demonstrations against the Iranian government, AIPS says multiple sources confirm that athletes are among those killed or imprisoned during the crackdown.  The global sports journalists body, on Tuesday condemned all violence against civilians and urged authorities to publish verified casualty lists. The condensation referenced that, Iran recently released an official registry naming 2,986 victims, but none of the athletes documented by human rights monitors appeared on the list. Other reports indicate that several sports personalities, including bodybuilders, boxers, footballers, and taekwondo champions, have been killed, while others face detention or possible execution.  Similarly, high-profi...

By: Alhaji A. Barrie  Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Timothy Musa Kabba, met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau in Washington, D.C., to strengthen bilateral ties at a critical moment in relations between the two nations.   The meeting took place against the backdrop of the recent U.S. travel restrictions imposed on Sierra Leonean citizens, adding urgency to discussions on migration and economic cooperation.  Both sides acknowledged the challenges posed by the ban and emphasized the importance of creating viable economic opportunities in Sierra Leone to reduce irregular migration, while also exploring ways to enhance border management.   Minister Kabba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving ties with the United States, stressing Sierra Leone’s readiness to attract U.S. investment in key sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure.  He emphasized that stronger economic cooperation would not only drive prosper...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Renowned Sierra Leonean musician, entrepreneur, and cultural leader Augustine Turay , better known by his stage name Augustine JayTee , has officially announced Pray Day as the date for a major entertainment festival marking his 15-year journey in the music industry . JayTee, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Jada Xul Entertainment and President of the Makeni Artists Union (MAU),  confirmed the development during an interview with Awoko Newspaper  ending weeks of speculation surrounding a possible Pray Day event. “I want to celebrate my 15 years in entertainment in a special way,” JayTee said. “When people support this celebration, they are giving back to the journey and motivating me to contribute even more to the industry.” According to the award-winning rapper, the event will go beyond a personal milestone. He revealed plans to premiere 10 brand-new songs live , while also spotlighting artists he has mentored through Jada Xul ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco  has rewritten the digital record books, emerging as the most viewed continental football tournament in history. According to accumulated records by the continent's football governing body, the competition generated an unprecedented 6 billion digital views, including 5.2 billion video views across social media platforms, marking a milestone that highlights the surging global appeal of African football and the deep passion of its fans. A key force behind this growth was the African diaspora, with millions of new viewers engaging with AFCON content from every corner of the world. Notably, match highlights, spectacular goals, dramatic turning points, behind-the-scenes footage and fan reactions spread rapidly across borders, languages and cultures, transforming the tournament into a truly global event. Fans were not just watching but ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The World Health Organization (WHO) has reacted with regret and concern to the United States’ notification of withdrawal from the global health body, warning that the move undermines not only America’s own safety but the security of the wider world. In a statement issued on Monday, January 26, WHO recalled that the United States is a founding member of the organization and has played a pivotal role in many of its most important successes. From the eradication of smallpox to sustained progress against polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria and other major public health threats, US support has long been central to WHO’s work. Against this history, WHO said the decision to withdraw represents a serious loss, and that the withdrawal notification by the US raises legal and procedural questions that will be reviewed by the WHO Executive Board at its meeting starting on 2 February, and later by the World Health Assembly at its annual session in May 2026. ...

By: Alhaji A Barrie The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Board has handed down some of the toughest sanctions in recent memory against the Federation Senegalese Football (FSF) and the Federation of Royale Maroccan Football (FRMF) following the chaotic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final.   Senegal’s Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has been suspended for five official CAF matches and fined USD 100,000 for unsporting conduct.  Players Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two matches for misconduct towards the referee. The FSF itself faces fines totalling USD 615,000, covering supporter misconduct, unsporting behaviour by players and staff, and multiple player cautions.   Morocco’s star defender Achraf Hakimi has been suspended for two matches, with one match suspended for a year. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari received a three-match ban and a USD 100,000 fine.  The FRMF was fined USD 315,000 for in...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  In the quiet aftermath of Morocco’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2025 CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Achraf Hakimi chose reflection over regret.  The Atlas Lions’ captain, leading the host nation through a historic tournament, took to Instagram, where he commands a global following of more than 22.7 million, to share a deeply personal message of gratitude, pride, and unwavering belief in Morocco’s future. After what he described as “very difficult days” spent absorbing the weight of the final loss, Hakimi said he felt compelled to speak “from the heart.” His message was not one of disappointment, but of appreciation, an emotional tribute to the people, institutions, and teammates who shaped Morocco’s AFCON journey. Hakimi began by acknowledging His Majesty King Mohammed VI, crediting his vision and support for making the 2025 AFCON “undoubtedly the best in history.” Hosting the tournament, he said, was not just an...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Technical Committee’s on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 released the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco team of the tournament. The all-star lineup is more than a list of standout names, it's a portrait of African football at its finest. It's dominated by the continent’s three most compelling sides, the All-Star XI features four players each from champions Senegal and hosts Morocco, alongside three from bronze medalists Nigeria.  Together, the recognition of the eleven players of the three nations explained why the AFCON remains one of world football’s most gripping spectacles. Set up in a 4-3-3 formation, the team is anchored by Morocco’s Yassine Bounou between the posts. The experienced goalkeeper was a model of composure throughout the tournament, producing reflex saves and commanding his area with authority as Morocco surged to the final on home soil. The defence blends elegance, power...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  The now-infamous “goalkeepers’ towel dramas," at the 2025 CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should have been just a footnote in football but has now became one of the most talked-about subplots of the continent's most prestigious hosted in Morocco.  Across the tournament’s most decisive nights, the semi-final and the grand final, a simple towel, used by goalkeepers to dry gloves and steady nerves, became a flashpoint for controversy, gamesmanship accusations, and debates about sportsmanship on Africa’s biggest football stage. The drama first erupted during the tense semi-final clash between hosts Morocco and Nigeria.  As the match stretched nerves to breaking point, Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali repeatedly found his towel placed behind the goalpost as part of his routine, removed or displaced. Television cameras caught moments of confusion as Nwabali turned to retrieve it, only to discover it missing again.  Nigerian pla...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Sierra Leone's Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Faiya Sellu, has described the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Brass Band as a lasting source of national pride, as the force unveiled its newly acquired regimental brass band instruments in Freetown. Speaking on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Police Kingdom Mess, while delivering the keynote address at a brief but symbolic unveiling ceremony, IGP Sellu described the moment as "a historic milestone in the development of the Sierra Leone Police." He said it was a personal honour to unveil the new instruments, noting that the Sierra Leone Police Brass Band had for many years operated with outdated and inadequate equipment.  The police boss went on to describe the investment in the brass band as a bold and strategic decision, particularly at a time when the police force faces competing demands and multiple development priorities. “Despite the many pressing needs confronting the institution, the d...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson   President Julius Maada Bio will on Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, deliver a nationwide presidential address to commemorate Sierra Leone’s National Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring victims and survivors of the country’s decade-long civil war. The address, scheduled for 7:00 AM in the morning marks the formal observance of the day historically proclaimed recently by President Bio in line with key recommendations of Sierra Leone’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report.  The TRC, established after the war ended in 2002, called for an annual National Remembrance Day as a way to acknowledge the suffering endured by thousands of civilians, promote national healing, and ensure that the horrors of the conflict are never forgotten. According to the TRC report, remembrance is central to reconciliation, the report recommend for state-led commemoration of war victims, public education on the causes and consequences of the con...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala has been appointed to officiate the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between tournament hosts Morocco and Senegal, scheduled for 19:00GMT on Sunday night in Rabat. Referee Ndala, who previously handled the tournament’s opening match between Morocco and Comoros, will be assisted by fellow Congolese officials Guylain Ngila and Mwanya Mbilizi.  Additionally, South Africa’s Abongile Tom will serve as fourth official, while Pierre Ghislain leads charge of Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) to be assisted by Leticia Viana and Stephane Eleazar Yiembe. The highly anticipated final will be played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, where Morocco aim to end a five-decade wait for continental glory against a formidable Senegal side seeking to further cement its status among Africa’s football elite. After a month of compelling action that highlighted the depth and quality of African football, the TotalEnergies AFCON 202...

By: Ishmael Bayoh I welcome you again to the second episode of the year. The highlight focuses on the first cabinet meeting held by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday 14th.  The President’s message to his Ministers is unequivocal: this must be a year of decisive action, one in which to not only accelerate the country’s progress but also implement meaningful steps that will significantly impact the lives of Sierra Leoneans. This Week with President Bio’s Development Agenda brings some developmental highlights from Friday 9th to Friday 16th January 2026.  ▪️Following President Bio’s New Year’s Day address, on Tuesday 13th, he held a strategic meeting with his Ministers and stakeholders to prioritize programs and activities for this year of action as his administration is committed to making progress that positively impacts all Sierra Leoneans. ▪️On Tuesday 13th at the Freetown International Conference Center, Sierra Leone signed a landmark Memorandum of Under...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Renowned lawyer, academic and businessman, Emanuel Saffa Abdulai (PhD) has confirmed the start of high-level political discussions with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Timothy Kabba, over their future leadership ambitions within the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). Lawyer Abdulai, who also serves as Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), disclosed that he personally visited the Foreign Affairs Minister at his tower hill office in Freetown, where they held talks centered on the eventual succession of President Julius Maada Bio, the strengthening of an Eastern Region political alliance, and the promotion of partnership built on diversity within the party. According to him, the discussions reflected a shared belief that the growing call from the Eastern Region for leadership within the SLPP represents a demand for justice, inclusion and fairness in the party’s future direction. Meanwhile, the emerging dialogue ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson  Following a long walk that started last month, the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, is climaxing on high as four of Africa's heavyweights footballing nations namely: Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and tournament hosts, Morocco are set to clash in the semi-finals later today. In tournament's anticipated semifinal races are the record seven-time champions Egypt, three-time winners Nigeria, reigning champions Senegal and host nation Morocco have emerged as the four last teams standing, setting up two mouth-watering encounters schedule for today's Wednesday, 14 January, 2026. After claiming their spot in the semi-final spot on Saturday night with a dramatic 3–2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, ending the Elephants’ title defence in a pulsating contest, the Pharaohs of Egypt will now take on Senegal in Tangier at 17:00 GMT. The Senegalese who were the first to reach the last four, edging Mali 1–0 on Friday with ...