By Idriss Balogun Tejan
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, the “hypersonic” candidate for the APC’s 2028 flag bearer, exemplifies the powerful combination of the extraordinary teacher-leader. His dynamic approach to leadership embodies the qualities of those rare visionaries who not only impart knowledge but also inspire transformation.
I am reminded of my mother, a long-time teacher and my personal hero in leadership. She did more than nurture her three sons with warmth and resilience. Beyond the laughter, the late-night talks, and the aroma of home-cooked meals, she taught us lessons drawn from a classroom of sacrifice.
More than a teacher, she was a pillar, a quiet force whose patience and unwavering resolve shaped the futures of her students. The very walls of her classroom attested to lessons in perseverance, dignity, and sacrifice.
Every morning, she rose before dawn not only to prepare for her own children but also to inspire countless others who looked to her as a guiding light. Her hardened hands, worn by years of chalk and ink, nurtured the dreams of countless students, ensuring that no potential slipped through the cracks.
Her long nights spent on lesson notes and reviewing classwork were never solely about grades; they were about affirming that every child was seen, valued, and capable of greatness.
Even when life’s burdens weighed heavily upon her, when financial struggles constrained her, and sleepless nights stifled personal dreams, she never wavered. Resource scarcity or exhaustion did not stop her from investing every ounce of her being into shaping young minds.
Her quiet sacrifices were not heralded with fanfare, yet they resonated in every lesson delivered and every word of encouragement offered. She forgoes personal comfort in favour of investing in knowledge, compassion, and the unwavering belief that education is the gateway to a better world.
In doing so, she embodied the very essence of leadership—leading not with grandiose speeches or lofty titles but through genuine care and an unyielding conviction in the power of transformation.
Her legacy is not etched in plaques or inscribed in textbooks; it lives on in the lives she transformed. True leadership is born from sacrifice, and the greatest teachers lead not only with knowledge but with a boundless heart.
Drawing from these cherished memories of my mother, I see a kindred spirit in Dr. Ibrahim Bangura. I first witnessed his leadership when he addressed an audience during the launch of the Friends of Dr. Ibrahim Bangura at Fourah Bay Field. In that moment, he was more than an orator; he was an inspiring leader who guided, transformed, and empowered every listener with a vision that surpassed conventional academic boundaries.
I also had the privilege of encountering him last year in Senegal during a CODESRIA-organized workshop on research methodology for students. His presentation was marked by clarity and vision—nurturing curiosity, fostering critical thinking, and instilling resilience in all who attended.
Dr. Bangura understands the unique challenges faced by West Africa’s youthful population and recognizes the inherent strengths they must harness to unlock the region’s full potential. His infectious enthusiasm for the future of Sierra Leone and West Africa ignites a passionate commitment to patriotism and national pride. If entrusted with leading the APC and, ultimately, governing Sierra Leone, he will lead by example.
His governance will reflect fairness, honesty, transparency, and responsibility. He is the leader capable of restoring the public’s confidence in politics—a confidence that has waned under the poor performance of past leaders.
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura stands as a pillar and a bridge—an incredible teacher-leader whose vision illuminates the path forward and guides the youth toward achieving their full potential. His leadership is not merely about ideas; it’s about transforming the future with conviction and relentless dedication to “Heal, Unite, and Build.”
