Speaker Thomas Honored for Pioneering Leadership in Parliamentary Staff Development 

In recognition of innovative leadership, the Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series Team, under the guidance of Director Mohamed Jalloh, awarded the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on Monday, January 27, 2025. This accolade was bestowed upon Mr Speaker for his unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare and professional development of Parliamentary staff during his tenure. The award ceremony took place in the Speaker’s office at Parliament, located at Tower Hill in Freetown. During the presentation, Director Jalloh highlighted a pivotal moment from May 2024, when the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, approached the Learning and Sharing Series Team. He conveyed Mr Speaker’s keen interest in fostering staff capacity building and development, which ultimately led to the creation of the Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series. Under Mr. Speaker’s initiative, bi-weekly sessions were organized on Wednesdays, focusing on various topics aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the staff. Director Jalloh reported that the series successfully conducted twelve Learning Series Engagements, with an impressive average attendance of 248 staff members. The topics covered during these sessions ranged from Corporate Dress Code and International Learning Sharing Experience to Retirement Planning, all designed to equip staff with essential skills for their professional roles. Director Jalloh emphasized that the genesis of the Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series was rooted in Mr Speaker’s vision, making it fitting to honour him for his impactful contributions. The initiative not only reflects Mr Speaker’s dedication to staff development but also signifies a broader commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning within the Parliament. In response to the recognition, Speaker Thomas expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series Team. He acknowledged that their efforts align perfectly with the leadership vision he has for Parliament. The Speaker noted a remarkable transformation in the attitude of staff towards their work since he assumed office, attributing this change to the initiatives implemented under his leadership. “Let me assure you all that I will continue to stand in the middle to ensure that everybody is comfortable,” Mr Speaker affirmed, underscoring his commitment to the well-being of Parliamentary staff. He concluded his remarks by thanking the team for their hard work and dedication, reiterating the importance of their collaborative efforts in advancing the goals of the Parliament.