Author: gleanernewspaper

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia and His Excellency Niankoye Haba, Guinea’s Ambassador to Russia  His Excellency Niankoye Haba, Guinea’s Ambassador to Russia, recently paid a courtesy visit to his esteemed colleague, His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia. This meeting occurred at the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow and demonstrated the enduring bonds between African nations, particularly Guinea and Sierra Leone.  The gathering was marked by a warm exchange of greetings, reflecting the two countries’ fraternal bonds. Ambassador Yongawo used the opportunity to highlight the rich tapestry of shared cultural, ethnic, economic, and political experiences…

Major General Dauda Fred Alpha, Deputy High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, Rtd. Lieutenant General Patrick K. Lavahun, High Commissioner-designate to Kenya and President Bio. His Excellency, Rtd. Lieutenant General Patrick K. Lavahun, High Commissioner-designate to Kenya, and Rtd. Major General Dauda Fred Alpha, Deputy High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, officially bid President Julius Maada Bio farewell during a ceremony at State House. Both diplomats expressed gratitude to President Bio for the opportunity to serve Sierra Leone in their new roles. The President congratulated them and expressed his belief in their ability to represent the country effectively. “Kenya and Nigeria are major investment hubs in Africa. I…

On March 21, 2025, the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH) hosted a significant event: the official launch of the Old Prince Waleans Association (OPWA) UNIMTECH Chapter. This was more than just a formal gathering; it marked the formation of a fully operational alumni association, with OPWA UNIMTECH becoming the first officially launched alumni chapter on the UNIMTECH campus. The launch is especially significant because it comes just before The Prince of Wales School’s centenary celebration, a prestigious institution that has spent the last century fostering educational excellence and shaping the lives of countless students. The launch event was a…

 President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, Agnes Bio According to sources close to Sierra Leone’s first family, President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, Agnes Bio, is allegedly expecting the child of notorious Dutch criminal Jos Leijdekkers. This revelation has sparked outrage in Sierra Leone and the Netherlands, where Leijdekkers is one of the most wanted people.  Jos Leijdekkers is serving a 24-year open sentence in the Netherlands for multiple crimes, with an additional 23-year sentence pending in Belgium. Despite his criminal history, Leijdekkers appears to have begun a new life in West Africa, specifically Sierra Leone. The Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad and…

Grace Lamboi                     Khadija Saccoh.                  Victor Onie Williams      By Hafsatu Z. Bangura Murder has a way of shaking society to its core. In the immediate aftermath, there is outrage, headlines scream, protests erupt, and social media boils over with demands for justice. But time moves on, and with it, so does public attention. Investigations slow down, suspects walk free, and justice remains a distant dream. The victims are left with cold case files, their names whispered in the halls of grieving families who…

The Sierra Leone Judo Association (SLJA) officially launched its gender equality initiative during the inaugural Sierra Leone Judo Female Seminar and training camp, which took place from March 15th to 17th, 2025, at the SLJA Training Academy in Bo City. This significant event, sponsored by the International Judo Federation (IJF), seeks to empower female judoka across the country by improving their skills and fostering a supportive community. The initiative is part of the IJF’s broader commitment to gender equality in sports and is consistent with the Olympic Charter’s principles of providing inclusive opportunities for all athletes. The Gender Equality Commission…

In a poignant gathering, His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, along with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, participated in a heartfelt memorial service dedicated to the late Paramount Chief Prince Lappia Boima IV. The event drew an array of attendees, including family members, mourners, past and present students from Bo School, members of the Council of Paramount Chiefs, and residents from both Kakua Chiefdom and the broader Bo District. Together, they came to pay their respects and honor the memory of a revered leader who made significant contributions to his community. As the Chief Mourner, President Bio took a moment…

During the holy month of Ramadan and Lent, Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed “Omodu” Kamara, also known as Jagaban, donated 444 bags of rice to the All People’s Congress (APC) in Sierra Leone’s Eastern Region. This charitable act will benefit the communities of Kenema, Kailahun, and Kono districts, demonstrating the party’s dedication to supporting its members and constituents.  Jagaban was greeted warmly and enthusiastically, with APC Kenema Secretary-General Prince Bindi taking the opportunity to introduce him. He emphasised that this donation represents unity and shared progress within the party. Mr. Enssah Jajua, Kailahun District Chairman, praised Jagaban’s unwavering commitment to development, calling…

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), with generous funding from the European Union (EU), officially transferred four Toyota Land Cruiser Hardtop vehicles to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), marking a significant step towards sustainable forestry practices in Sierra Leone. This initiative is an important part of the EU’s ongoing support for sustainable forest management in the country. The handover ceremony was held at the MoECC headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, with representatives from the European Union, FAO, various stakeholders, and media members present to commemorate this historic event. The provision of these…

A remarkable woman named Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr is leading a significant battle in Sierra Leone against the looming threat of climate change. A decade ago, as the country was recovering from the devastating Ebola epidemic, Aki-Sawyerr witnessed the onset of another crisis—this time one caused by environmental degradation. The lush tropical rainforests surrounding Freetown, the capital, were being ruthlessly cleared for housing and fuel, causing a deep sense of loss and despair. “I just suddenly noticed the level of deforestation,” she explains. “I parked my car and wept.” Her emotional reaction was not unreasonable. The widespread deforestation had disastrous consequences, removing much of…