By Kadiatu Sankoh
Following accusations raised after his recent election as President of Tabital Pulaaku International, President-elect Alhaji Juldeh Sowe has spoken publicly for the first time about his key contributions to Sierra Leone’s Fullah community.
Speaking at State House on Monday, Alhaji Sowe addressed the issues shortly after he was formally presented to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio by a delegation comprising international and local members of the organisation.
He stated that he is the only Fullah man who, over the past 20 years, has consistently supported and assisted the Fullah community in Sierra Leone on such a scale, adding that no other Fullah has surpassed his record of giving back to the community.
According to him, for the past 20 years, he has contributed US$500,000 every year to support the Fullah community and has provided 500 scholarships annually to Fullah students.
He further stated that his support has reached people and institutions across the country, saying there is hardly any organisation or institution that has not benefited from the education and opportunities created through his assistance.
He also disclosed that for the past 30 years, tenants have occupied more than 30 properties belonging to him without paying rent, allowing people to live in the houses free of charge.
He further mentioned a four-acre piece of land along Wilkinson Road that is occupied by members of the Fullah community who were affected by the fire incidents in Dwazark and Kroo Bay.
He questioned where a poor man would have found the resources to provide such extensive support to his community without assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone.
He explained that he had never publicly disclosed the extent of his contributions before, choosing instead to assist people quietly without seeking recognition. However, he has now decided to make these contributions known through the media for a reason.
He said his decision to speak publicly is intended to ensure that the Fullah community and the wider public understand the level of support he has provided over the years and the impact of his contributions to the development and welfare of the community.