By Cornelius Oguntola Melvin Deveaux
Being part of the launching of the Forward and Progressive Visionaries for Dr. Ibrahim Bangura was far more than the completion of an administrative duty. It was a stirring encounter with history in motion. As the ceremony unfolded, I felt a surge of admiration and pride, for this was not just another political gathering. It was a moment that spoke directly to the soul of inclusivity, dignity, and empowerment.
Watching blind Sierra Leoneans step forward as a recognized group within the Movement moved me profoundly. Their courage to transform suffering into strength was a living testament to resilience. It was a declaration that even in the face of inequity and hardship, the human spirit can rise, organize, and demand visibility.
The launch was not simply symbolic; it was transformative, reminding us that true progress is measured by how we uplift those who have long been marginalized.
In that moment, I understood that the Forward and Progressive Visionaries for DIB embody the very essence of our collective philosophy: to heal wounds of neglect, to unite diverse communities under one banner of hope, and to build a future where every citizen, regardless of circumstance, walks forward with dignity and purpose.
Blindness in Sierra Leone is no small issue. Studies reveal that 5.4% of Sierra Leoneans aged 50 and above live with blindness, with cataracts and glaucoma as the leading causes. What strikes me most is the inequity: blindness is far more prevalent among the poorest households, where access to healthcare is limited and opportunities scarce.
For too long, the visually impaired have endured marginalization, struggling with mobility, employment, and recognition in society.
That is why the distribution of white canes during this launch touched me so deeply. Thanks to the UK/I DIB Chapter for funding the initiative, these canes are not mere instruments but symbols of independence, visibility, and dignity. To see them handed out on the International Day of White Canes was to witness a powerful statement: that the DIB Movement is serious about equity, about healing wounds of neglect, and about uniting communities long overlooked.
The speeches reinforced this conviction. The Chairman of the event, former Deputy Minister of Sports, Al Ishmael Al Sankoh Conteh, delivered a resounding reminder that Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s presidential journey is one of inclusivity, declaring with clarity and resolve that “no one shall be left behind in the march toward a brighter and more inclusive future.” His words echoed through the gathering, capturing the spirit of the occasion and affirming the Movement’s unwavering commitment to equity and dignity for all.
None of the speeches struck me more deeply than those of the group’s representative and PRO, Paul Charles. I vividly recalled how he and his colleagues first came to the office. Their faces were alight with hope, declaring that they had “seen light at the end of the tunnel.”
They spoke with unshakable confidence that Dr. Ibrahim Bangura possesses the composure, competence, and skills required to lead Sierra Leone into a new era.
At the launch, Paul Charles spoke again. This time with gratitude and determination, pledging loyalty to Dr. Bangura’s vision. His words carried the weight of lived struggle and unyielding faith. And in that moment, I felt awe unlike any other: to hear a blind man proclaim that he has seen light at the end of the tunnel was profoundly moving.
It was more than metaphor; it was a testament to the transformative power of hope, the resilience of the human spirit, and the promise of leadership that heals, unites, and builds.
I was equally struck by the discipline and respect demonstrated by the more than one hundred blind men and women who graced the launch and benefitted from the distribution of white canes.
The program was scheduled for 12 noon, yet by 11:45 a.m. nearly 98% of the participants had already arrived, seated, and prepared for the proceedings.
Their punctuality was extraordinary, especially when compared to the habitual delays that often plague our gatherings, from presidential ceremonies to family meetings, where those with sight frequently arrive late and events begin long after the appointed hour.
To witness blind citizens, who face immense daily challenges, arrive ahead of time with such order and commitment was profoundly humbling. It was more than punctuality; it was a moral statement, a demonstration of dignity and discipline that elevated the entire event.
Their example spoke directly to the philosophy of the DIB Movement: they came to heal the wounds of neglect by showing their readiness to be included, they came to unite under a common vision of progress, and they came to build a future where their voices and presence command respect.
Speaking on behalf of the DIB National Secretariat, Hon. Nuru Deen Sakoh Yillah emphasized that the initiative should strengthen public confidence in Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s leadership. He noted that the program embodies the Movement’s philosophy by addressing the pain and inequities faced by blind citizens, bringing persons with disabilities into the fold, and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s democratic renewal.
As the event concluded, I carried with me a renewed sense of hope. The Forward and Progressive Visionaries for DIB are not just a group; they are a living testament to resilience and inclusion. Their launch is a reminder that progress is not measured only in policies or speeches, but in the everyday acts that restore dignity to those who have been left behind.
This is the Sierra Leone we want to see: one where every citizen, regardless of circumstance, has the tools, recognition, and opportunity to walk forward with confidence. Dr. Ibrahim Bangura holds the key to that future.