Ibrahim Popay

✨ Smart Media Press to Launch on December 1st at Central University

Smart Media Press, a student-driven digital media initiative at Central University, is set to be officially launched on 1st December 2025 at Garden Hall, Central University Campus.

Themed: “Empowering Aspiring Journalists in Digital Media Literacy & Responsible Journalism,” the launch will introduce a platform designed to strengthen students’ skills in reporting, broadcasting, public speaking, leadership, and digital media journalism.

The platform seeks to empower the next generation of responsible and digitally skilled journalists through hands-on experience, media ethics instruction, and creative development opportunities. With its launch, a new era of student media excellence is set to begin at Central University.

Students and members of the public are encouraged to attend and support this transformative initiative.

For more info: +232 78 567235 / +232 88 408433
Email: [email protected]

Regards,
𝓘𝓫𝓻𝓪𝓱𝓲𝓶 𝓙𝓸𝓱𝓷 𝓢𝓮𝓼𝓪𝔂
Ibrahim John Sesay
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
©️ Smart Media Press ✍🏾

____End of Investigative Reporting Fellowship on Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone. 🇸🇱

It was a golden opportunity to be among the 30 credible journalists shortlisted for this year’s Investigative Reporting Fellowship with BBC Media Action Sierra Leone, supported by GIZ and co-funded by the European Union.

Throughout the fellowship, I was exposed to advanced investigative tools and techniques that significantly enhanced my skills in uncovering stories within Sierra Leone’s extractive industries.

Interestingly, my team and I pitched an outstanding idea to investigate issues surrounding --- Sierra Leone’s largest inland lake. The idea was well-received and supported by BBC Media Action, giving us the opportunity to explore critical environmental and community concerns around the lake.

As the fellowship concludes, I wish to express my profound appreciation to BBC Media Action, GIZ, and the European Union for their continuous support throughout our investigative projects. Our stories would not have been possible without the invaluable mentorship of our trainer, , Senior Investigative Journalist and Producer for BBC Africa Eye, whose guidance made this journey a truly transformative experience.

Special thanks also go to Central University, The Calabash Newspaper, and Smart Media Press for their immense contributions to the development of our investigative story. Indeed, this fellowship has been a remarkable milestone in my journalism journey.

The -- is one the major rivers in northern Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 and Guinea.🇬🇳 It flows through fertile floodplains that support rice farming, fishing, and trade, serving as a major livelihood source for many communities.

Stay tuned for our upcoming on the illegal gold mining at Lake Sonfon, exposing how mining has resurfaced despite government shutdowns. This powerful visual story uncovers the environmental destruction, cultural loss, and community struggles surrounding Sierra Leone’s largest inland lake.

Read the full investigative story here: https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/illegal-mining-resurfaces-at-lake-sonfon-despite-government-shutdown/

Reported by: Kabia Yeanor & Ibrahim John Sesay

This investigation was supported by BBC Media Action and funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the European Union (EU).

“Investigative journalism is the oxygen of democracy. Without it, corruption thrives.”

~ Musikilu Mojeed, Investigative Journalist, Premium Times, Nigeria
Source: GIJM Africa Conference, 2022

Read our latest investigative report on the illegal gold mining activities at Lake Sonfon -- Sierra Leone’s largest inland lake, nestled within the Solima Mountains of Diang Chiefdom in Koinadugu District Sierra Leone.

https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/illegal-mining-resurfaces-at-lake-sonfon-despite-government-shutdown/

PC: MIWGEM 2025

🇸🇱

The fight against is a shared responsibility. Every citizen must take a stand and join the campaign to end the devastating impact of Kush in Sierra Leone. Together, we can make our communities drug-free.

“Mastering yourself is the first step to mastering anything. When you take control of your thoughts, emotions, and actions, you unlock the power to navigate life with purpose and resilience. Discipline replaces doubt, focus replaces distraction, and inner strength becomes your foundation. Every goal, every challenge, every dream depends on the command you have over yourself. Start within, for true power begins in the mind and heart. Once you master yourself, the world no longer limits you, every opportunity, every achievement, every success becomes possible. Your greatest triumph starts with you.”

~ Ranger

Commemorating at Port Loko District under the theme: “Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

The event brought together young people, students, health professionals, and key stakeholders to raise awareness, promote access to mental health services, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being.

The Western Area Rural District Students' Union (WARDSU) successfully hosted a School Engagement on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness, targeting three schools in Waterloo: Canserra, Mohanad Jondy, and Jefferson Secondary Schools.

As a student union body, one of our key mandates is to ensure that students and pupils; especially girls and young women are free from violence in schools. We believe that education can only thrive in an environment where safety, dignity, and respect are upheld.

Interestingly, during the session, pupils, teachers, and stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions on GBV and its impact on learners and communities. Teachers gained a deeper understanding of their role in fostering safe learning spaces, pupils became more aware of their rights and the gender laws that protect them, and stakeholders learned how to better support GBV survivors through counseling and support systems.

WARDSU, remains committed to championing student safety, inclusivity, and an empowering learning environment.



© Public Relations Officer
Amb. Ibrahim John Sesay (Popay) 🍎
Western Area Rural District Students' Union (WARDSU)

Media Initiative for women & Girls Empowerment-MIWGEM hosted a 2-day media symposium on Sept 23–24, 2025, at Special Court, New England Ville, Freetown. Under the theme “Using the Media to Raise Voices: The Power to Create and Amplify the Voices of Women & Girls,” the training inspired young women and girls to use media as a tool for advocacy and societal change.

Thanks to the Founder and Coordinator, Adama Bai Conteh Esq. and team for driving a positive initiative to empower women and girls through the media.

As part of the ongoing Child Health Campaign targeting 30,000 children across the North-west region, the Infinity Mind Foundation, in collaboration with the Karene District Health Management Team (DHMT), has successfully trained 17 frontline health workers. The training focused on strengthening child healthcare delivery, targeting children under the age of five years.

IMF-SL, in collaboration with Port Loko DHMT, has successfully conducted a major training for 20 frontline health workers. The initiative is aimed at strengthening health delivery systems and enhancing healthcare services under the ongoing Child Health Campaign across the North-West region, covering Port Loko, Kambia, and Karene Districts.