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The Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, delivering his goodwill message at the second edition of the Salone Civic Festival 2025, officially opened at the Youyi Building in Freetown, highlighting the Power of Civic Engagement.
In his statement, the Deputy Minister described the Festival as a fast-growing national platform that strengthens civic pride, deepens citizen-government engagement, and highlights progress made under the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2024–2030).
He noted that the 2025 edition expands significantly on the inaugural festival, featuring exhibitions, youth debates, innovation challenges, cultural performances, public dialogues, and a grand concert showcasing national and international talent.
The Deputy Minister commended the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for leading the initiative and for providing free exhibition booths to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, and partners.
Deputy Minister Titus Williams emphasised that the Salone Civic Festival provides an ideal platform for public sensitisation on these initiatives. With thousands of participants expected, he noted that the festival’s exhibitions, debates, quizzes, and performances offer citizen-friendly entry points to understand the Census, the MTNDP Dashboard, and how the Power of Data Initiative enhances service delivery and accountability.
In conclusion, he reaffirmed MoPED’s commitment to evidence-based planning, transparency, and inclusive participation. He praised Sierra Leone’s youth for their creativity and innovation, acknowledged development partners for their continued support, and lauded the organisers for creating a unifying national space that brings citizens and government closer together.
