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 journalists during the sacred periods of fasting and reflection.
The donation is expected to offer timely relief to members observing the holy seasons.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Isaac Sowa, alongside Northern Region Chairperson Fatmata Simbay and other regional representatives, urged the SLAJ leadership to formally launch the association’s maiden newsletter, a 50-page publication documenting SLAJ’s activities over time.
Responding, President Kamara confirmed that the newsletter will be produced on a quarterly basis, with National Secretary General Edward Marrah heading the editorial team.
The meeting also announced June 11, 12, and 13, 2026, as the proposed dates for the SLAJ Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in the northeastern city of Makeni.
Deliberations concluded with plans for SLAJ to intensify engagement with the Independent Media Commission and other stakeholders to help stabilize annual media fees and advertorial rates.
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 journalists during the sacred periods of fasting and reflection.
The donation is expected to offer timely relief to members observing the holy seasons.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Isaac Sowa, alongside Northern Region Chairperson Fatmata Simbay and other regional representatives, urged the SLAJ leadership to formally launch the association’s maiden newsletter, a 50-page publication documenting SLAJ’s activities over time.
Responding, President Kamara confirmed that the newsletter will be produced on a quarterly basis, with National Secretary General Edward Marrah heading the editorial team.
The meeting also announced June 11, 12, and 13, 2026, as the proposed dates for the SLAJ Annual General Meeting, which is scheduled to take place in the northeastern city of Makeni.
Deliberations concluded with plans for SLAJ to intensify engagement with the Independent Media Commission and other stakeholders to help stabilize annual media fees and advertorial rates.
Comments
Post a Comment