By Nelson Adebayo Johnson
Sierra Leone’s progress has always depended on leadership that puts country first. Two voices shaping that vision today are former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma and Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Leader of the DIB Movement and APC Flagbearer Aspirant. Both are calling for competence, unity, and nation-first action.
ERNEST BAI KOROMA: A LEGACY OF MERIT AND ONENESS
During his decade in office, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma governed on the principle that Sierra Leone requires every qualified citizen, regardless of tribe, region, religion, or party. His administration appointed APC, PMDC and SLPP members to executive roles and urged MDAs to recruit on competence, not party card.
“President Koroma believed Sierra Leone belongs to all of us and that progress depends on placing competent people where they can serve,” said Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray.
The APC has affirmed it has no intention of removing Sierra Leoneans from public service because of party affiliation. The focus, it says, is oneness, collaboration, and building the country together.
DR. IBRAHIM BANGURA: HEAL, UNITE, BUILD. BRIDGES NOT WALLS
Dr. Ibrahim Bangura is pushing the same spirit into action. Leading hundreds of Sierra Leoneans on the Environmental Awareness Walk 2026 from Regent Car Park to Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, he called for a new politics of inclusion.
“We must heal, unite and build. We must build bridges, not walls,” Dr. Bangura told the crowd. “Our strength is in our togetherness. No Sierra Leonean should be left behind because of party, tribe or region.”
“When we destroy our forests, we destroy our shield against floods. When we pollute our rivers, we poison our children’s future. Protecting nature is not a choice. It is our duty,” he said.
Linking environment to health, Dr. Bangura added, “Every tree planted today is a hospital bed saved tomorrow. A clean environment means less malaria, less cholera, and less respiratory illness.”
Under the World Environment Day 2026 theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” he outlined three pillars: protect forests and wetlands, act to keep warming below 1.5°C, and make sustainable choices for the next generation.
“A degraded environment means poor harvests, water shortages, and higher health costs. A restored environment means food security, clean water, and economic growth. Let us work together in building a greener and more climate-resilient nation,” he concluded.
ONE NATION, ONE FUTURE
From Koroma’s legacy of merit and inclusiveness, to DIB’s call to heal, unite, build, and protect the environment, the message is one: Sierra Leone moves forward when we choose competence over division, and bridges over walls.
Build With Merit. Unite As One. Heal, Unite, Build. | Plant Trees. Protect Nature. Secure Our Future.
