Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), has officially announced the date for the association’s upcoming elections. In his New Year message, Nasralla confirmed that the SLAJ elections will be held on Saturday, 7th June 2025, in Freetown. The three-day Triennial Elective Conference venue will be announced later.
In his address, Nasralla stated: “Finally, let me inform colleagues, partners, stakeholders, and the public that this is my final New Year message as SLAJ President, as I officially announce the next SLAJ elections will take place on Saturday 7th June 2025 in Freetown.”
Highlights from Nasralla’s New Year Message
Nasralla began by extending warm New Year greetings and paying tribute to colleagues in distress, those who are unwell, and those who have passed away. He lauded the collective resilience of the media community in 2024, highlighting significant achievements while acknowledging persistent challenges such as journalist safety, media house sustainability, and ethical standards.
The Key Initiatives for 2025:
- Media Financing and Public Interest Journalism: The government’s commitment to the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) will see its pilot phase launched in early 2025 with support from BBC Media Action Sierra Leone and IFPIM.
- Fact-Checking and Information Integrity: SLAJ will continue promoting factual reporting through the Iverify platform, funded by UNDP and partners.
- Parliamentary Press Gallery Elections: SLAJ is engaging with Parliament to ensure a democratically elected executive for the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (SLPPG) in early 2025.
- Constitutional Advocacy: Under an EU-funded project led by BBC Media Action, SLAJ will advocate for a standalone Chapter 12 on media and communication in the on-going constitutional review process. 5. Strengthening SLAJ’s Union Capacity: SLAJ, in partnership with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), will develop a strategic plan to enhance its growth and influence.
- Gender Equality Policy: SLAJ will promote its Gender Equality Policy as a national framework for adoption by all media houses in Sierra Leone.
The second public edition of the SLAJ National Media Awards is scheduled for Friday, 11th April 2025, at the Bintumani International Conference Foyer. Core partners include Africell, UNDP Sierra Leone, and United Bank for Africa.
Call for Ethical and Responsible Journalism: Nasralla urged journalists to prioritize professionalism and ethics, highlighting the growing political polarization in Sierra Leone and the media’s role in fostering national cohesion. “The media must redefine its role as a catalyst for constructive dialogue, promoting healthy debate, and setting a balanced agenda. Let us commit to using our platforms to promote peace, stability, and national cohesion. This is our responsibility, and it is a charge we must embrace with renewed vigor this year,” he said.
Acknowledgment of Partners: Nasralla thanked SLAJ’s donors, partners, and private sector supporters, including organizations such as Africell, Mercury International, Orange SL, SLCB, UBA, and others. As SLAJ prepares for a new leadership era, Nasralla’s final message as President emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the media’s responsibility in building a stronger Sierra Leone.
