SLAJ South

Breaking News ‼️‼️ Breaking News ‼️‼️

The people's choice Diana Veronica Fille Blackie successfully participated in the debate for the regional Secretary General position for the Southern Region of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Slaj.
Organized by the Sierra Leone Reporters Union SLRU.
Diana Veronica Fili, also known as Mrs Blackie, who is the candidate Essa Juana Mbawah is leading the campaign for,
Diana started with the debate by a brief background about herself and Discuss on key points included:

Press Freedom: Emphasizing the need for a free and independent press.

Journalist Welfare and Safety: Highlighting measures to ensure the safety and well-being of journalists.

Gender Issues: Addressing gender equality within the profession.

Government and Stakeholders' Relationship: Strengthening collaboration with relevant bodies.

Countering Misinformation: Strategies to combat false information.

Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: Plans to improve the overall capacity of journalists in the Southern region.

Diana outlined her approach to work closely with the national executive and other stakeholders to achieve these goals and enhance the profession in the region.

Diana's Discuss on the role she plays in Achieving these key thematic Areas as Regional Secretary General

1. On Press Freedom: Diana said she will advocate for and ensure that the Southern region maintains a free and independent press. She will facilitate workshops and training sessions for journalists to reinforce the importance of ethical reporting and press freedom.

2. Journalist Welfare and Safety has been a normal challenge in the media landscape if elected as regional secretary general Diana said she will work to establish a support system for journalists in the Southern region, including safety protocols, mental health resources, and advocacy for fair treatment and rights.

3. As a Gender advocate when ask on Gender issues Diana said she is committed to promoting gender equity among SLAJ members by organizing mentorship programs, creating platforms for women to voice their concerns, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

4. You cannot run a successful SLAJ without Government and Stakeholders' Relationships: Diana promises to act as a bridge between the regional journalists and government bodies, fostering collaboration while maintaining journalistic independence.

5. On the said of Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: Diana said she will spearhead training initiatives, workshops, and partnerships to enhance the skills of journalists in the Southern region, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle modern challenges.
So vote Diana Veronica Fille Blackie for Functional secretarial.
She's the right choice, ready to serve,at the right time and the choice is clear.

With regards
# # #

*Break News‼️‼️‼️‼️
Mohamed Emmanuel Koroma Eloquently Engages at SLAJ 2025 Southern Regional Debate*

1st August 2025 | Bo City | In a highly anticipated debate organized by the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) South ahead of the SLAJ Southern Regional bye-elections slated for 9th August 2025, Emmanuel Precious Mohamed Koroma, vying for the position of Regional Secretary General, delivered a thoughtful and inspiring performance. The debate, held in Bo City, covered key areas of concern for journalists in the region.

During his personal introduction, Emmanuel reflected on his journey as a journalist, highlighting his over ten years of experience in both traditional and new media. He also shared his role as the current station manager of Wanjama 100.1 FM in Pujehun. He emphasized his dedication to leadership, ethics, and capacity building, underlining his passion for service within the association.

When addressing his motivation for seeking a second term, Emmanuel explained that his first tenure (2022–2025) has been a period of lessons and progress. He expressed his ambition to complete projects he initiated, particularly in areas of inclusiveness, innovation, and capacity building, aligning with both regional and national SLAJ development agendas.

On the question of Press Freedom, Emmanuel pledged to remain an uncompromising advocate for free and fair media practice. He proposed creating a monitoring desk to track violations and coordinate rapid responses to threats against journalists.

Speaking about the welfare, safety, and security of journalists, Emmanuel committed to strengthening emergency response mechanisms, ensuring prompt legal, health, and financial support whenever members face threats or attacks. He stressed the importance of advocating for insurance coverage for SLAJ members.

In his remarks on Gender, Mr. Koroma promised to expand opportunities for female journalists, ensuring gender-balanced representation, mentorship programs, and protection from harassment.

Touching on the relationship between SLAJ and government/stakeholders, he called for structured and regular engagements that foster mutual respect, access to information, and accountability while safeguarding the independence of the press.

Addressing countering disinformation, Prescious proposed building partnerships with community radio stations and offering regular fact-checking training to tackle misinformation and raise the credibility of regional journalism.

On institutional strengthening, Mohamed vowed to ensure a functional, open SLAJ office in the region, with digitized communication and administrative processes to prevent delays in relaying regional information to the national executive.

With regard to capacity building, he promised to introduce quarterly workshops and mentorship sessions targeting young journalists, helping them improve skills and professionalism.

Audience questions followed, including concerns from young journalists about mentorship. Emmanuel assured them that one of his key priorities is establishing mentorship structures across the region. Responding to a question about the frequent closure of the SLAJ office, he pledged to ensure the office remains open and accessible. He also explained strategies for timely communication between regional and national levels.

In view of the above, Emmanuel Precious Mohamed appealed to delegates for their votes, promising to use his experience, passion, and vision to work closely with the regional and national executives in making SLAJ Southern Region a hub of professionalism, incand growth.

*SIERRA LEONE ASSOCIATION OF JOURNALISTS – SOUTHERN REGION*

_PUBLIC NOTICE_

_Update on the Funeral Arrangements for Our Late Colleague, James H. B. Yambasu_

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Southern Region regrets to announce the funeral arrangements for our beloved brother, friend, and colleague, James H. B. Yambasu, who passed away on Friday, 3rd May 2025.

Burial Date: Saturday, 24th May 2025

Funeral Service: Higher Ground Ministry, Kendeyema, Bo
Time: 12:00 PM

Vigil:
Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Venue: The Funeral Home, 150 New Gerihun Road, by Torgboi Town Junction, Bo
Time: 8:00 PM

Interment: Bo City Cemetery

We kindly ask all members, colleagues, and friends to join the family and the SLAJ community in paying final respects to our dear departed.

For further inquiries, please contact: 076-505-270

May his soul rest in peace

Signed:
SLAJ secretariat South