On Saturday 30th November 2024, the Thonko Development Association (ThoDA) was launched at the Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL) hall at King-Harman Road in Freetown.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Mohamed Lahai Samura, welcomed participants to the launch and extended the same to those who would have loved to attend but did not, because of unavoidable reasons. Dr Samura disclosed that the purpose of the meeting is to witness the launch of a wonderful initiative that has been developed by a group of Thonko people.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Abu Kargbo remarked that the event was very important, noting that a group of people came together and initiated a very good idea. Dr. Kargbo said that being present at the launch is a golden opportunity to cross-fertilize ideas so that in the end, the outcome can be fruitful and beneficial to the people of Thonko.
“We are the owners of Thonko, and we know the real situation of Thonko,” he stated.
He described the social enterprise as a business entity and mentioned that any country or community that lacks a business concept is very difficult to develop.
He referred to Kenya, South Africa and Ghana, where businesses are operating within the villages, and singled out that in Kenya, the people have economic emancipation and therefore, live an independent life without depending on government.
He mentioned that it is the realization of the initiators of the social enterprise that Thonko Limba should be known for its unique product (s) rather than just being known as being peaceful people.
He stated that the people of Thonko need to be happy and bless the people who have initiated the idea. He called on the people to come together and harness their skills and resources and transform it into a business model for development.
He referred to Kasentha Village, which started by planting 100 cashew nut trees, but can now boast of hundreds of them, as they now produce cashew nuts in great quantity.
“With our commitment and resolve, this association that we are launching today can achieve its dream. We are taking this step to get our people out of poverty,” he said.
In his contribution, Dr. Saidu Conton Sesay acknowledged that those who came up with the idea to form the Thonko Development Association (ThoDA) consulted him, and also brought documents for his contributions. He furthered that the motive of the initiators of the idea was to get most people, if not all, involved in putting together the association.
“I have worked for seven years in this country for a social enterprise and therefore, I know exactly how it works; I told them that for it to achieve its aim, there should be commitment from the people, sincerity and honesty, and there should be workaholics,” he said.
He warned that the founders of the social enterprise are not going to be the ones who will be working with the people, and therefore, they will be utilizing other people who should be honest, willing and sincere to work.
One of the key initiators of ThoDA, Mr Momodu Sesay, did a PowerPoint presentation on ThoDA, which was centred around the introduction, background, problem statement, aim, objectives, proposed funding, the benefits of being a member, available opportunities and a call to action, and that there is no better time than now to change the narrative of Thonko.
During his presentation, Mr Sesay disclosed that before now, if you were driving from Sumbuya going towards Mile 13, 14 and Madina, you would see lots of trees, but that is now a different case. Highlighting the available opportunities, Mr. Sesay mentioned Tree Cropping, Boli Land for rice farming, Savana Land for cattle rearing (goat, sheep, poultry etc.), Fertile Swamp: some with water throughout the year, Professionals in all fields and a Youthful Population. He established that the entity is non-political, non-sectarian and non-religious, and is willing and ready to embrace anyone from Thonko.
Wrapping up on the presentation, the brain behind the formation of ThoDA, Hon. Momodu L. Kargbo, expressed delight for the attendance, making specific reference to the calibre of people who honoured the launch by attending. He acknowledged that there are more pressing issues to be discussed than just the launching of the social enterprise, which will start the ball rolling. He mentioned that the chiefdom has many well-meaning people within the country and that there is a need to get them involved to drive development in the chiefdom and its people.
He expressed the belief that there are more Limbas, starting from 4 Mile to Aberdeen, who can account for the number than those who are living in Thonko. He said that the Limbas used to occupy from Aberdeen to Tengbeh Town, Mends Street, Mountain Cut etc. but that today all these places have been lost to other people, simply because of resources.
He disclosed that the group chose a business model, which is the social enterprise, to avoid being dependent. He said that being dependent means that you are bound to follow what they tell you to do, whether it is the right thing or not.
“It is for this reason we have included a commercial business within ThoDA so that we can generate our resources and be independent,” Hon. Momodu L. Kargbo emphasized.
He called on the Chiefs, the Imams, Doctors and other people present, urging that it is time for economic emancipation, particularly to change the lives of our people.
The Association was officially launched by Alhaji Imam Zacaria Dumbuya, who prayed that the purpose for which the association has been formed be achieved.
A resolution was moved by Mr. Saidu Dumbuya and Mr. Allan A. Sitta to give the ThoDA its mandate, and it was moved by one of the Chiefs and seconded by Madam Agnes Duba Turay.
