By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, has urged young people in Makeni city to believe in their ability to lead.
He was addressing hundreds of youths during the opening day of the Civic Day Series in Makeni on Monday, 15th September, 2025.
Deputy Minister Gibrilla encouraged young people to occupy their space, grab opportunities and inspire change in their respective communities.
“You are not too young to lead. As youths, you should have that belief and take responsibility,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister added that several young ministers are now key leaders in society, inspiring change through their work.
Mr Gibrilla also updated the gathering on what the ministry has been doing to promote young people and create more employment opportunities for them, both locally and internationally.
He informed that government is now in advanced talks to establish a Youth Entrepreneurship Bank, to provide credit access to young entrepreneurs at a single digit interest rate. Additionally, government is on the verge of procuring electric vehicles as part of its efforts to create jobs for young people.
“While in Makeni, we have just identified the space where we could set up an electric charging station for the cars we are bringing in. They will need to be recharged after every 200 Kilometers,” he said.
PC Massa Yeli Tham III of Gbanti Chiefdom, Bombali District, welcomed the initiative and praised the ministry for holding the event across the country, especially in his district. He urged young people to be more responsible and embrace the initiative to effect positive change in their communities.