MEET THE TEN MOST OUTSTANDING SIERRA LEONEANS OF 2018
| 1. | Abdul FATORMA |  For nearly two decades, Abdul M Fatoma has been one of Sierra Leone’s foremost defenders of human rights and anti-corruption campaigner. Abdul has been actively working in the field of human rights protection and social injustice activism He started working as human rights activist with United Nations Peace keeping mission in Sierra Leone and later as a court monitor for the U.N. backed Special Court for Sierra Leone set up to try those who bore the greatest responsibility during Sierra Leone’s 11 years civil war. Abdul’s work regularly exposes him to the dissatisfaction of politicians. Between 2017 and 2018, he paid the cost when he was arrested and detained, following the release of a report which accused the Sierra Leonean Parliament of lack of accountability. Abdul wants the world to know that women and youths are the greatest assets we have towards making this world a better place. He want to see bright smiles on the faces of as many women and youths as he possibly can. |
|
| 2. | Asmaa JAMES |  As the Station Manager of Radio Democracy, Asma has made sure that timely and important news are regularly relayed to the public. The station’s “Good Morning Salone” program caters to the information needs of all categories of Sierra Leoneans. This platform has significantly contributed to bridging the gap of information in Sierra Leone. Her radio’s influential role in the 2018 elections is also well documented. Asma aslos engages in advocacy and humanitarian work through her recently founded Asmaa James Foundation which engages in advocacy to raise awareness about rape and sexual violence. The Black Tuesday campaign is widely acclaimed for turning the spotlight on the evils of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. |
|
| 3. | Emerson BOCKARIE |  As a musician. Emerson’s songs have always sought to provoke social change. His clever lyrics routinely speak against corruption and tribalism. Between 2017 and 2018, Emerson’s songs were very influential in shaping voters perceptions ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections. His consistency and non-political alignment make him the darling of many Sierra Leoneans. |
|
| 4. | Francis MAMBU |  Pastor Mambu is a faith leader in Sierra Leone who has continued to influence lives through his work as a Pastor. He organizes one of the largest crusades in the country annually bringing hope to the sick and underprivileged. He is the only clergy on this year’s Ten Most Outstanding Sierra Leonean list. |
|
| 5. | Francis Ben KAIFALA |  As a very young man with no previous experience in government, he has, in a matter of months in his position as ACC Commissioner, recovered billions of Leones previously misappropriated or stolen by former ministers and other government workers. This is the first time in the history of the commission that this much state loot has been recovered. Mr Kaifala also has to his credit tremendous feats in academia, having multiple degrees from both Sierra Leone and renowned overseas universities. He is also a very successful lawyer. |
|
| 6. | Ishmael Alfred CHARLES |  Ishmael is a humanitarian and development specialist with keen interest in fundraising for children with severe health conditions. Social Work. In just one year he helped to successfully raise funds for over seven kids. Baby Mustapha, Baby Marian and Baby Mariama are some of the most popular ones. |
|
| 7. | Mohamed N’fa-Alie CONTEH |  The current Chief Electoral Commissioner of the National Electoral Commission was at the helm of affairs in the 2018 election and stood his ground to deliver elections that were internationally acclaimed as free, fair and transparent. |
|
| 8. | Umaru FOFANA |  His contribution in providing independent, reliable and authentic news to the public especially in an era of fake news is worth a special attention. Umaru is a towering figure in the Sierra Leonean media landscape and is looked up to as a mentor and role model by many young Sierra Leoneans both within and without journalism circles. |
|
| 9. | Yvonne AKI-SAWYERR |  The Mayor of Freetown who has been demonstrating remarkable leadership in giving Freetown a facelift. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr is particularly interested in community sanitation and hygiene. In 2018, Yvonne defied all odds to win the mayoral seat in the capital city Freetown, even though the All People’s Congress, the political party under which she ran lost the presidential election. The Mayor of Freetown is a symbol of exemplary woman leadership. |
|
| 10. | Zainab SHERIFF |  Zainab Sheriff is a female musician and model who has represented her country locally and internationally. She is famous for her contributions in modelling and has played an integral role in showcasing young people’s talent and the rich culture Sierra Leone possessed. Zainab Sheriff has contributed enormously in the entertainment industry, prominent among them was her recent “Big Sister” show which sparkled massive public attention not only Sierra Leone, but within the West African sub-region. This outstanding feat was not just a program to showcase talent, but to alleviate women from the subordination of men, and lack of empowerment, leading to various inequalities ranging from gender, economic to wealth inequality. Several thousands of women today emulate Zainab Sheriff as a mentor and role model to society. |
ABOUT THE TEN MOST OUTSTANDING SIERRA LEONEANS AWARDS
Every year since 2017, Chozen Generation Sierra Leone [3]recognizes the men and women who performed extraordinary feats. The 10 MOST OUTSTANDING SIERRA LEONEANS award seeks to identify and recognize exemplary leaders in business politics, sport, academia, entertainment, technology/innovation, advocacy etcetera. The award prides itself in transparency and meritocracy. The team at CGSL believes that in an era when Sierra Leone is experiencing a dearth in quality leaders, mentors and role models, it is important that a credible recognition scheme be devised to award the hardworking Sierra Leoneans who consistently demonstrate excellence and leadership in their various fields.
[1] Awardees were selected from a 30-man shortlist after a week of public nomination. The review and decision was made by a five-person award committee chaired by Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah (Esq), Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone and Chairman Renaissance Movement. The Awards Committee also included Madam Patricia Ganda, Former Commissioner Independent Media Commission and current General Manager Star TV and Radio; Mr. Alhassan Jalloh, Editor Unique News Newspaper; Jayne Flynn-Sankoh (Esq.) and Miss Juliet Rogers, a writer and social commentator. [2]Disclaimer: Details about the nominees were provided by those who nominated them[3] To learn more about Chozen Generation Sierra Leone, visit https://chozengenerationsl.org
For enquiries/sponsorships, email us admin@chozengenerationsl.org or call us +23299116213, +23276250501
NOMINATION ANALYSES
Total number of nominations = 388
Number of individuals nominated= 80