MINISTER TUNIS LAUNCHES ONE NATION REGGAE FESTIVAL CREATIVE CLINIC REPORT

By Morlai Sesay

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis has on Friday 29^th May 2026 officially launched the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic Report at its Headquarters in Freetown. The report emerged from the One Nation Reggae Festival Creative Clinic held on 27 November 2025, which served as a strategic platform bringing together cultural custodians, creatives, policy makers, academics, youth leaders, and diaspora representatives to discuss ways of strengthening Sierra Leone’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors.

The Creative Clinic was facilitated by Betts Firm Consult. Speaking at the august gathering, the minister described the launch as a major milestone in promoting and developing Sierra Leone’s creative economy. Tunis said the Ministry’s focus on young people is rooted in sustainability and nation building. She noted that initiatives such as Tourism for All, the Year of Ecotourism, and the Year of Culture and Creativity are helping deepen national identity and strengthen tourism development ahead of next year’s International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism.

In her welcome address, Senior Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones emphasised the importance of the Creative Clinic in positioning culture and creativity as tools for tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and economic growth. She highlighted the success of the One Nation Reggae Festival as one of Sierra Leone’s growing internationally recognised cultural tourism platforms. Speaking at the launch, Facilitator of the Creative Clinic, Binta Akibo-Betts, commended the Ministry for the partnership and stressed that culture is not only about entertainment or heritage, but also an economic and development asset.

Francis Momoh also highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the creative sector, noting that with the right support and investment, the industry can become a major driver of national development and youth empowerment. The event also featured a tourism and culture quiz for pupils and climaxed with the presentation of cash prizes to winners of the Troupe Beat Competition by Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange, Mohamed Jalloh, and the Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones.