By: Zacharia Jalloh, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education convened its weekly press briefing to update citizens on major national developments across the civic, health, tourism, and security sectors. The briefing featured key updates from several Ministries and Agencies, highlighting progress on national events, public health achievements, drug enforcement efforts, and major tourism initiatives. The following are the key highlights:
♦ Upcoming National Civic Festival
Minister Chernor Bah announced that from 11–13 December 2025, Sierra Leone will host its largest-ever civic festival. The event will bring together all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to showcase national progress through panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, film screenings, quizzes, debates, and the Civic Concert. International speakers and local civic champions will participate. Minister Bah assured that the Ministry and Entertainment Ambassador Kao Denero will collaborate to ensure a successful Civic Concert on December 13.
♦ Clarification on Alleged Cocaine Container Case
Minister Bah addressed allegations regarding drugs found in a container in Nigeria. He explained that the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority conducted a thorough investigation, which confirmed that the container left Sierra Leone empty, according to Grimaldi Lines, the Shipping Company that shipped the container out of Sierra Leone. The container reportedly arrived in Nigeria eight days before officials announced the alleged cocaine discovery. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal drugs.
♦ Global Cervical Cancer Action Day & National Response
Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, highlighted that November 17, 2025, marked the world’s first-ever global action day for the elimination of cervical cancer. She explained that cervical cancer, caused by the Human PapillomaVirus (HPV), that is mainly contracted through sexual intercourse, affects over 500 women annually in Sierra Leone, with a fatality rate of 70%.
Dr. Jalikatu detailed national efforts since the launch of the Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy in 2023. Over 500,000 girls have been vaccinated, and the Ministry has integrated cervical cancer “Maklate” into routine services. On November 17, 2025, the Ministry launched a campaign to administer one million vaccines to girls aged 11–18, noting the vaccine’s 90% efficacy before exposure.
♦ Cervical Cancer Screening Services Nationwide
Deputy Minister Jalikatu also disclosed that between January and November 2025, 24 screening sites were established across the Western Area and all district government hospitals. Specific facilities offering free cervical cancer screening include PCMH Hospital, Kingharman Road Hospital, Ross Road CHC, Murray Town CHC, Jui Hospital, Regent CHC, and Lakka Ogu Farm CHC.
♦ One Nation Reggae Festival 2025
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, announced the One Nation Reggae Festival slated for 25–30 November 2025. The festival celebrates the shared cultural heritage of Sierra Leone, Jamaica, and the Caribbean.
Activities include:
25 Nov: Official launch by President Julius Maada Bio at Bintumani Conference Center
26 Nov: Freedom Tour to national heritage sites
27 Nov: Creative Clinic and VIP Showcase
28 Nov: Grand Reggae Concert at Radisson Blu (Tickets: NLe 200–1,500)
29–30 Nov: Reggae Freestyle & Bonfire at ZUZAZ, Ferry Junction, and All-White Heritage Celebration on Bunce Island
Minister Tunis announced that 50% of proceeds will support the establishment of the Creative Village, and confirmed the World Bank–funded Leicester Peak project will be completed next year.
♦ Festival Float Parade Announcement
Foday Jalloh, Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation, announced a major float parade on 22 November 2025 from Waterloo to Lumley Beach as a prelude to the Reggae Festival.
He also clarified allegations regarding funds for renovating the Fourah Bay College monument at Cline Town. The $45,000 in question was provided to the World Heritage Fund for structural restoration, work that is currently in progress.
