NEW SLAJ CHAIRMAN INAUGURATED IN KENEMA

BY: ABDUL MARTINS FODAY AMARA

In a well-attended gathering at the newly constructed Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Headquarters at Maada Bio Street Kenema City, in the Eastern Region, the former chairlady of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists in the Eastern Region, Madam Victoria V Bernard, who served the Association for two terms together with her executive members have on Friday, 18th July 2025, handed over the Association's leadership to the newly elected chairman, Philip Koroma and the other Executive members. The erstwhile leader, Madam Victoria V Bernard, commonly called Madam 30% or the landlady, throughout her six years astutely leading Journalists in the Eastern Region set an indelible mark that is worth emulating. To many, her leadership has been an exemplary one which our national leadership should learn from.

Madam Victoria V Bernard whose name will ever remain in the history or legends of the fourth estate ushered Chairman elect, Philip Koroma and the new Executive with the following statements, "Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, Members of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Eastern Region, Ladies and Gentlemen, A warm and heartfelt good evening to you all. It is with a profound sense of fulfilment, gratitude, and pride that I stand before this esteemed gathering to deliver my farewell address and officially hand over the mantle of leadership as the Regional Chairperson of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Eastern Region. For the past six years, the membership of this noble association entrusted me with the responsibility to lead, and it has been an extraordinary journey, filled with lessons, challenges, and remarkable achievements. As a woman leading in a male-dominated profession in this part of our beloved country, I have had the privilege of steering this vibrant association alongside both men and women who share a passion for journalism and its role in shaping our society. This journey was both humbling and empowering, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. Leading this association has taught me resilience, collaboration, and the importance of unity in advancing our collective goals".

"First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every individual who has supported me during my tenure. To my dedicated executive, your love, passion, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision have been the cornerstone of our success. Your tireless efforts have ensured that SLAJ Eastern Region stands strong, and for that, I am eternally grateful".

"To the esteemed members of SLAJ East, your loyalty, prayers, words of encouragement, and commitment to my leadership will forever hold a special place in my heart. Your trust in me has been a source of strength, and I will carry the memories of your support wherever I go. I also wish to pay a special tribute to our fallen colleagues, Sallieu Porsborksy Bangura, Maada Fomba Kanneh, and Esther Kanny Kargbo who began this journey with us but are no longer here. Their contributions to SLAJ and the media landscape in the Eastern Region remain invaluable. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in eternal peace. Today, I formally handed over the leadership of SLAJ Eastern Region to the newly elected chairperson, Mr. Philip Koroma and his capable executive team. I have every confidence in their ability, experience, and dedication to build upon the foundation we have laid. I am excited to witness the continued growth, innovation, and success of our association under their stewardship.

As I step down, I want to assure the new executive that my support and guidance remain available whenever needed. It is my hope that they will uphold and elevate the standards we have worked so hard to establish. I also take this opportunity to commend the tradition of peaceful and transparent handovers within SLAJ, as exemplified by my predecessor, the late Bob Saffa of blessed memory, and his team. This culture of continuity and collaboration is a testament to the strength of our association.

"Today, I am proud to report that the SLAJ Eastern Region is in a robust state. Our partnerships, collaborations, and networks with various organizations and stakeholders across the region have grown significantly. These relationships have strengthened our capacity to advocate for press freedom, promote ethical journalism, and foster professional development among our members. I implore all members to protect and nurture this legacy for the continued growth of our association.

I am pleased to inform you that the association’s account with Zenith Bank in Kenema, under the account name Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Account Number: 6010203104, was inherited with a zero balance. Through prudent financial management and collective effort, my executive is leaving behind a balance of Fifteen Thousand five hundred seventy leones le 15,570. This amount reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. In terms of assets, I am proud to highlight the following. A significant achievement of my tenure, this building stands as a lasting legacy for the SLAJ Eastern Region, providing a dedicated space for our operations.

These will be collected and formally handed over to the incoming executive. Fifteen Rubber Chairs:  Donated by Women in the Media – East, these chairs are an asset for our meetings and events. As I conclude, I urge all members of SLAJ Eastern Region to remain united, support the new executive, and continue striving for excellence in journalism. Our work as journalists is vital to the development of our region and our nation. Let us continue to uphold the values of integrity, accountability, and professionalism that define SLAJ. To the incoming chairperson, Mr. Philip Koroma, and your executive team, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes. The future of SLAJ Eastern Region is bright, and I am confident that you will lead with vision, dedication, and inclusiveness. Welcome to this noble role and may you achieve even greater heights".

"Once again, thank you all for your trust, support, and camaraderie over the past six years. It was an honor to serve as your Regional Chairperson. Let us continue to work together to advance the cause of journalism and make a lasting impact on our communities. Thank you, and may God bless SLAJ, the Eastern Region, and our beloved Sierra Leone", Madam Victoria Vanday Bernard, outgoing Regional Chairperson, SLAJ Eastern Region concluded.

In his brief acceptance speech, the incoming chairman, Philip Koroma, lavished praises on his predecessor and her executive members for the tremendous job they have been doing for media practitioners, which can't be overlooked. He further thanked all journalists in the Eastern Region, whether they are SLAJ members or not, for choosing him to be at the helm of affairs for journalists in this part of the country. He bestowed confidence and he promised not to disappoint.

The incoming chairman used the occasion to call on all SLAJ, especially those who contested with him, to come together and work as a team and develop the enviable fraternity of SLAJ at both the Regional, National and International levels. "This is a special day for the journalism fraternity in this part of the country. Madam Victoria V Bernard, your handing over is a testament to the unbelievable leadership qualities you have manifested over the years. You taking the back seat does not mean you will enable you to guide my team in a way that we maintain or improve at the pace you have already set.

"Thank you for ushering us to occupy offices embedded into this historic ultra-modern edifice for the Association. May God moisten our path with His unmerited blessings and favor. I want to clearly state here that my leadership will not succeed without you being actively involved. My leadership is widely open for collaboration and positive inputs to develop the Association".

"To the membership of the fourth estate and the general public, this new executive is pleading for your undiluted support, without you guys, there will be no SLAJ. As it has always been, our door is always open to act when it is needed the most. Finally, we are now boastful owners of a mansion being named after our Association (SLAJ), for that we give God the glory for what He has done for us. Unfortunately, there is no sitting room for us. I want to amplify the voice of my members to ask for support from you all to complete and beautify the place to a befitting one".

As I conclude, all members should know that we are one big, united family and we all should work accordingly to maintain the respect accorded to us from the public. Thank you, madam, and your entire team for making it work", the Chairperson concluded. Statements of gratitude, prayers, and hope were delivered by various stakeholders present. The official handing over of all SLAJ documents and certification to deserving stakeholders and media personalities marks the apex of the ceremony.