By Komba Fillie
Orange Sierra Leone (OSL) reaffirmed its commitment to a strategic partnership with the nation’s media at its annual media engagement on Friday, 6th February 2026. Held under the theme “Connecting with the Media, Sharing Our Story,” the event took place at the Orange Sierra Leone Digital Center on Hill Station, Freetown, uniting key stakeholders from media, government, and regulatory institutions.
The gathering featured dignitaries including Orange Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Madam Aicha Toure; the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah; the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Mr. Alhaji Manika Kamara; and the Executive Secretary of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Mr. Khalili Kallon.
Speaking on behalf of media partners, Mr. Alhaji Dauda Bangura, Proprietor of The Owl Newspaper and former IMC Commissioner, expressed profound gratitude for OSL’s unwavering support. He highlighted the company’s continuous investment in capacity-building, digital skills training, and improving journalists’ access to information and technology. Mr. Bangura described the partnership as mutually beneficial, noting that while OSL provides sponsorships, equipment, and training, the media reciprocates through strategic communication and responsible reporting. He further commended OSL’s corporate social responsibility efforts, including the expansion of affordable telecommunications and Orange Money services nationwide.
SLAJ President, Mr. Alhaji Manika Kamara, praised Orange Sierra Leone for consistently recognizing the media as a strategic development partner. He highlighted OSL’s sustained support to media institutions, sponsorship of SLAJ activities, and critical contributions to the SLAJ Welfare Fund. Mr. Kamara particularly lauded OSL’s investment in the future of journalism through scholarships for advanced degrees and support for the SLAJ Media Awards. He reaffirmed SLAJ’s commitment to the partnership, urging journalists to uphold ethical standards and calling on OSL to continue prioritizing the safety and empowerment of female journalists.
IMC Executive Secretary, Mr. Khalili Kallon, commended OSL for fostering dialogue and collaboration. He emphasized the company’s critical role in connecting the nation and called for increased inclusive support to media institutions, especially community-based outlets, through advertising, infrastructure solutions, and structured career development for young journalists. Mr. Kallon reminded journalists of their responsibility as storytellers to uphold balanced and ethical reporting to strengthen public trust.
In her welcome address, Orange Sierra Leone CEO Madam Aicha Toure acknowledged the media’s vital role in promoting accountability and informed citizenship. She praised the foundation laid by her predecessor and reaffirmed OSL’s commitment to expanding network coverage, improving service quality, and ensuring technology delivers measurable value to all Sierra Leoneans, with customer satisfaction remaining central.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, commended OSL for its sustainable partnership with the government and people. He highlighted the transformative impact of Orange Money in advancing financial inclusion, particularly in remote and island communities. Minister Bah emphasized the essential, reciprocal relationship between the media, private sector, and government for national development, stating, “No serious institution can succeed without the media, just as the media cannot thrive in isolation.”
The engagement concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to deepen collaboration in telling Sierra Leone’s story, promoting responsible communication, and leveraging technology for inclusive national growth.
