The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has formally inducted 34 new members into its prestigious ranks. The induction ceremony took place on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the SLAJ headquarters in Freetown. The event attracted notable figures within the media fraternity, including past Presidents and senior members of the association, who came together to welcome and mentor the new inductees.
Addressing the new members, Umaru Fofona, a respected BBC reporter and former President of SLAJ, emphasized the challenges facing the journalism profession globally. He highlighted the growing influence of social media, which has disrupted traditional journalism practices. Despite this, Fofona stressed that the defining characteristic of the traditional media is its unwavering commitment to professionalism. He urged the new members to remain steadfast in maintaining journalistic integrity and standards, which continue to distinguish trained journalists from social media influencers and bloggers.
Fofona also reminded the inductees of their responsibilities to SLAJ, encouraging them to actively participate in the association’s activities. He urged them to stay engaged by attending meetings, paying their membership dues, and contributing to the vibrant SLAJ community, which serves as a pillar of support for journalists across Sierra Leone.
Kelvin Lewis, another former SLAJ President, also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the history of the association. He recounted how SLAJ was initially formed to address tensions between journalists and politicians. Over the years, successive Presidents worked tirelessly to uphold journalistic freedoms and champion the rights of the media.
Lewis pointed to one of SLAJ’s biggest victories – the repeal of Sierra Leone’s criminal libel law. This milestone, achieved under the leadership of current SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, marked the end of an era when journalists faced the threat of imprisonment for their work. He advised the new members to be vigilant about the sources of their stories, reminding them that the credibility of their reporting could make or break their careers.
He further urged the new journalists to honor the legacy of SLAJ by conducting their work with integrity and avoiding any actions that could tarnish the association’s reputation.
In his keynote address, current SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, welcomed the new members into the association. He reaffirmed SLAJ’s mission to defend media freedom, promote freedom of expression, and uphold the ethics and standards of professional journalism.
Nasralla gave a brief history of the association, which was founded in 1971, with the primary goal of protecting freedom of the press and advocating for the welfare of its members. He outlined the organization’s core values, which include responsibility, credibility, accountability, transparency, and the protection of free expression.
He encouraged the new members to embrace these values, reminding them that they are now part of an organization that is not only respected within Sierra Leone, but also recognized internationally for its role in promoting press freedom.
Nasralla also highlighted SLAJ’s efforts in providing training and capacity-building opportunities for journalists. He urged the new members to take advantage of these opportunities to sharpen their skills and contribute to a robust and vibrant media landscape in Sierra Leone.
The induction of these 34 new members marks another chapter in the growth of SLAJ. As the association continues to advocate for press freedom and uphold high journalistic standards, the new members are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of journalism in Sierra Leone. By adhering to the principles and values espoused by SLAJ, they will not only safeguard their own careers, but also contribute to the protection and advancement of the profession as a whole.
SLAJ’s leadership remains confident that with the addition of these passionate new members, the association will continue to be a strong advocate for media rights, even as the profession navigates the challenges of an evolving digital landscape.