Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Hosts Youth Leadership Forum with Isha Johansen at Freetown City Council

On October 12th, 2024, the Freetown City Council (FCC) played host to an inspiring Youth Leadership Event led by renowned football executive and former FIFA Council member, Madam Isha Johansen. The event, organized with the support of Freetown’s dynamic Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, brought together a diverse audience of around 200 young people from various regions of Sierra Leone, including Freetown, Makeni, Port Loko, and Bo. The participants ranged from junior and senior secondary school students to university attendees, all eager to engage in discussions about leadership and its true meaning.

The event centered on fostering a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a leader, with both Aki-Sawyerr and Johansen sharing their personal experiences. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr reflected on the importance of leadership grounded in integrity, perseverance, humility, and hard work. She emphasized that true leadership is not about seeking power or personal gain but about stepping up to serve others and make meaningful contributions to society.

A particularly special moment during the event was when Aki-Sawyerr, who had shared a history with Johansen as former students of St. Joseph’s Secondary School, proudly introduced Johansen. Recalling their days as schoolmates, with Johansen having been her senior prefect, the mayor praised her longtime friend for her unwavering commitment to leadership, both in sports and beyond.

In addition to the keynotes by Johansen and Aki-Sawyerr, the event featured a panel of distinguished speakers who shared their insights on leadership, community service, and nation-building. The young audience also played a central role in the event, contributing thoughtful questions and reflections that demonstrated their passion for driving change in their communities.

Mayor Aki-Sawyerr expressed her deep admiration for the enthusiasm and curiosity of the youth in attendance, highlighting the event as a meaningful step towards empowering the next generation of leaders in Sierra Leone. “The energy and engagement in the room were incredible. These young people are our future, and it was truly inspiring to see them actively participate in conversations about leadership and service to others,” she remarked.

The Youth Leadership Event stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between leaders like Aki-Sawyerr and Johansen, who are committed to nurturing the next generation by providing them with the tools, wisdom, and opportunities they need to become effective and compassionate leaders in their own right.