As we join the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) is recognizing its most outstanding physically challenged member, Saffa B. Moriba, aka 2-2-4-9, for his distinguished and dedicated service to the nation of Sierra Leone as a professional journalist.
Saffa started his journalism career as a newspaper vendor in the Eastern regional district headquarter town of Kenema and later developed interest and passion for reporting the news. Being a victim of polio since childhood did not discourage Saffa from pursuing his dream of becoming a journalist.
He soon started reporting on the courts in Kenema, later sports, and eventually became a mainstream reporter.
Saffa reported stories for the BBC from 1996 to 2006 on the civil war in Sierra Leone and worked for several media outlets in the country.
Saffa currently reports for Awoko newspaper and the national broadcaster SLBC Radio and TV.
“I love journalism. It gives me a sense of purpose to my community, my country, and my family. That is why I don’t believe in armchair journalism, but going out in the field and telling the stories of the people. And I am as able as I can be in doing this job I love so much,” said Saffa.
In 2021, marking the 50th anniversary of SLAJ, the Association’s President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, recognized Saffa with a golden jubilee award for his distinguished career in journalism.
Apart from practicing journalism, Saffa has also been a professional teacher since 2000. He was the proud recipient of the coveted and prestigious Presidential Best Teachers Award in 2023 for Kenema District.
Saffa M. Moriba is happily married to Hawa Suba Bockarie Moriba, and they have four children—two males and two females.
-SLAJ Secretariat
