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Inside the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Cohort: What It Means for Sierra Leone, UBA, and Africa’s Entrepreneurial Future
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the iconic Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Africa witnessed more than just an announcement, we witnessed a reaffirmation of belief. A belief in African ingenuity, in youth-driven enterprise, and in a future engineered by opportunity rather than chance.At the center of it all stood Tony Elumelu, whose vision continues to reshape the continent’s economic trajectory through the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). The Process: Engineering Opportunity at ScaleThe 2026 cohort announcement marked the first of four cohorts that will empower 3,200 entrepreneurs across Africa this year. But behind the celebration lies a rigorous, multi-stage process designed not just to fund businesses: but to build them sustainably.…
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Noel C.G Newman: IOM Global Diaspora Ambassador 2025- Empowering Youths Through Under 30 CEOs Africa
Today we are shifting the focus from negativity and putting the spotlight on someone who has not only found the path to success but has also made a way for other young people to do the same in a place where rising unemployment and dwindling opportunities are prevalent, therefore, leadership rooted in lived experiences has never been as significant as it is today. For Noel C. G. Newman, youth empowerment advocate, social entrepreneur, and the IOM Global Diaspora Ambassador for 2025, this journey began with a story of resilience shaped by a single mother’s sacrifice and a young man’s desire to build a better future. A Purpose Born Out of…
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Empathy in Action: Evelyn Bockarie’s Leadership Journey with World Hope International
On a sunlit morning in Freetown, a knock at a humble door signals a quiet revolution. Evelyn Bockarie stands outside, greeted by shy smiles and hopeful eyes. As a Family Support Worker with World Hope International’s Enable the Children (ETC) program, Evelyn is not simply offering therapy. She is creating a path to dignity and belonging for some of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable children. In serving others, Evelyn is showing that values that transcend borders: deep empathy, unwavering respect, and the conviction that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to thrive. Her approach is rooted in the core principles of humanitarian action; humanity, impartiality, and inclusiveness. Recent UN…
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Faith Arnolda Ethel Coker: Leading With Heart, Healing With Courage, Inspiring Change
In Sierra Leone, a beautiful nation still bearing the scars of war, environmental disasters and socio-economic challenges, there rises a young leader with a vision more powerful than circumstances. Faith Arnolda Ethel Coker is not just a name; but a rising leader with the unshakable belief that even small acts of courage can create ripple effects of transformation. At just a young age, Faith has become a light bearer in spaces shrouded by silence. Her work in mental health advocacy and youth empowerment transcends projects and awards. It is the story of a girl who grew up watching pain go unnamed, who turned her scars into tools of leadership, and…
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Empowering Sierra Leone’s Future: Eunice Naffie Mustapha’s Scholarship Initiative as a Model for Sustainable Development
In 2024, Eunice Naffie Mustapha, a distinguished Legal Policy Expert and passionate storyteller from Sierra Leone, faced a crossroads that would transform not only her own journey but also the futures of many young women in her country. Originally, Eunice had planned to pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree at New York University (NYU), having secured a prestigious partial scholarship in International Business Regulation, Litigation, and Arbitration. However, despite her efforts, a significant funding gap remained: one she sought to bridge through a heartfelt GoFundMe campaign. From Personal Ambition to Collective Impact Eunice raised approximately $1,555 through her online fundraising campaign, a testament to the trust and goodwill of…
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FEMALE LEADERSHIP REIMAGINED: FREETOWN HOSTS NALAFEM SUMMIT 2025
1st–2nd July 2025 is now permanently etched into my professional and personal memory. The 4th NALAFEM Summit, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone under the bold theme “From Representation to Power: Women Leading in Crisis and Peace”, was not just an event, I can boldly attest that it was a movement in motion. Hosted at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown and convened by Nalafem Founder & President Aya Chebbi, hosted by The Mayor of Freetown – Yvonne Aki – Sawyerr; the summit broke away from the repetitive talk-shop format. Instead, it offered realistic frameworks, intergenerational dialogue, and strategy rooms for co-creation. As someone who has grown weary of performative gender…
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MAFEREH CONTEH: EXPLORING THE HEARTBEAT OF HUMANITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING IN THE SLUMS
”In the heart of a bustling city, amid towering structures and shopping streets, lies a world often forgotten—a world of narrow alleys, makeshift shelters, and incredibly resilient souls. This is the slum where I found myself, not as a tourist passing through, but as a relief response volunteer seeking to make a difference. The first time I stepped foot into this maze of humanity, I was struck by the stark contrast between its reality and the world I knew. The air was thick with the scent of hardship and struggle, yet amidst the chaos, there was a sense of community and strength that bound its residents together. ”As I navigated…
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If Your Life Was A Startup!
Over the last couple of years, I embarked on an unconventional journey, applying startup principles to my personal development. This was no simple experiment; it required dedication, a shift in mindset, and an openness to embrace both success and failure. Reflecting on this path, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact it can have on one’s life, making the effort truly worthwhile despite the challenges. Drawing from the startup world, I started with a fundamental question that might seem straightforward yet is deeply introspective: If my life were a startup, would it be profitable today? This wasn’t about financial gain but a richer, more nuanced form of profitability — personal fulfilment…
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SIERRA LEONE’S RISING STARS: 5 INSPIRING YOUNG FEMALE LEADERS TO WATCH IN 2024
As March unfolds, the world dons the vibrant hues of celebration and advocacy, marking International Women’s Month—a time dedicated to honouring, empowering, and recognizing the indomitable spirit of women around the globe. In the heart of West Africa, Sierra Leone, too, embraces this momentous occasion by spotlighting its trailblazing women who, like the month itself, embody strength, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of equality. Join us on a journey through the inspiring stories of Sierra Leone’s rising stars, as we celebrate the extraordinary female leaders to watch in 2024. 1. Mariatu Esther Kabba: A Champion for Women and GirlsMariatu Esther Kabba is a seasoned radio trainer and a fervent advocate…
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JOSEPH KAIFALA ESQ WINS THE INAUGURAL PROJECTS FOR PEACE ALUMNI AWARD
Press Release May 8, 2023 Joseph Kaifala, A Sierra Leonean Has Received the First Projects for Peace Alumni Award Joseph Kaifala (Sierra Leone) has received the inaugural Projects for Peace Alumni Award. The newly created award is given in support of the ongoing peace-building efforts of a past Projects for Peace recipient who demonstrates innovation and persistence in working for peace and transforming conflict. Joseph received a Projects for Peace Award in 2007 when he was a student at Skidmore College which he used to build a library in Sierra Leone. He is the Founder and Principal of the Center for Memory and Reparations – facilitating remembrance and collective…
