By Juliana E. Kabba
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) conducted a four-day induction ceremony from September 9th to 12th, officially welcoming its newest members across the country. The event, which took place in Freetown (Western Area), the Northern, Southern, and Eastern regions, marked a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
Prominent figures from the journalism sector, civil society, and government attended the ceremony, underscoring the importance of ethical journalism in the current socio-political climate. The event served not only as a welcome to new members but also as a platform to reaffirm the principles of integrity and professionalism within the field.
During the ceremony, SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of the press in upholding accountability, transparency, and democracy. “As journalists, our primary responsibility is to report truthfully and fairly, and to stand as the voice of the voiceless,” Nasralla stated. He added, “Today, you are not just becoming members of SLAJ, but defenders of free speech and democracy.”
The induction ceremony is a formal event where new members pledge to uphold SLAJ’s ethical standards and principles of journalism. Attendees included key figures from the media industry, government, and civil society, who reiterated the essential role of journalism in promoting media freedom and addressing the challenges faced by journalists in the country.
Various speakers at the ceremony highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in promoting good governance. They stressed the need to inform and educate the public on critical issues, reinforcing the media’s role in shaping a well-informed society.
The newly inducted members expressed their enthusiasm for joining SLAJ, recognizing the significance of being part of an organization that advocates for journalists’ rights and freedom. They pledged their commitment to uphold the values of the profession and contribute to the advancement of Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
The induction of new members into SLAJ not only strengthens the association but also fortifies the country’s commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism.
