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Prof. Ezekiel K. Duramany-Lakkoh has declared his 2026 Public Engagement Agenda on his official Facebook page. He started by stating this: “I bring you greetings and a message of hope, purpose, and national renewal.”
“As we are starting the year 2026, it should be clear that development is not only about roads, buildings, or budgets. True development begins with how people think, what they value, and how they participate in building their nation. For this reason, I have read through ten important mindset issues that will help transform the way we understand and engage with development. National development conversations should not only take place across political platforms, as citizens, we also have to take responsibility.’’ He stated.
Adding that, first, a program to strengthen citizens’ understanding of what education actually is, why education is the only option for development, difference between academic and professional education, difference between knowledge and skill-based education, and why we still have a very long way to go in the area of transformative and knowledge-driven education.
He also spoke on financial literacy education discussion which he believes will help Sierra Leoneans, especially young people, understand what wealth is, who is wealthy, and the responsible use of money as a foundation for economic growth.
Duramany-Lakkoh also highlighted private sector and entrepreneurship awareness engagement that will shift mindsets from dependence to productivity, encouraging innovation, job creation, and enterprise.
He also highlighted the need for understanding how youth skills and work ethics education will promote the value of skills, discipline, and dignity in work, preparing young people to compete in a modern economy.
Furthermore, he said he will delve deep into on how to promote a savings-based idea and investment awareness to help citizens understand why savings and investment matter, and how self-wealth creation supports education, medical, and housing bills.
Additionally, he stated an environmental protection and climate awareness discussion that will educate communities on protecting land, water, and forests, recognising that sustainable development depends on a healthy environment.
He also threw light on the need for knowledge on social inclusion and cultural diversity education program on how development cannot be attained, until there are equal opportunities that allow everyone to contribute regardless of your gender, religion, class or tribe
He also noted the importance for knowledge on community development and local leadership education program that will encourage citizens to take ownership of development at the community level, and digital literacy and innovation awareness discussion to help us understand technology as a tool for education, business, and national competitiveness.
The lecturer also promised to engage young people on the need to promote a national value and integrity education program, reinforcing honesty, hard work, patriotism, and accountability as the moral foundation of development.
“These programs are not about politics. They are about mindset change, because when minds change, nations change. Development must be understood, owned, and protected by the people themselves.” He said.
“Together, through education, participation, and shared responsibility, we can build a nation where development is not only planned by leaders but practiced by citizens,” He concluded.
