Former IMC Commissioner, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, Joins Former President Koroma in Nigeria to Celebrate His 71st Birthday

In a remarkable show of solidarity, Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, the former youngest commissioner of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and now publisher of The Owl Newspaper, who is in Nigeria for a business trip, surprisingly joined former President Ernest Bai Koroma in celebrating his 71st birthday.

While Koroma’s birthday is traditionally marked with grand celebrations in his hometown of Makeni, this year’s event took place in Lagos due to the former president’s extended stay outside Sierra Leone.

Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, a renowned media proprietor and close associate of former President Koroma, expressed deep admiration for the former leader, describing him as a figure who earned the unwavering affection of many Sierra Leoneans during his tenure.

“President Koroma is a man of immense stature and integrity. His leadership continues to inspire not only Sierra Leone but the entire continent. It is a privilege to be here to celebrate with him,” said Bangura.

President Koroma, who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, continues to draw immense respect from citizens across the nation for his leadership and service. His birthday, October 2nd, has long been a day of national significance, with Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life coming together to celebrate him. However, due to political circumstances that led to his extended stay in Nigeria, this year’s celebrations have taken on a different form.

The celebration was hosted by Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu, a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist, at his luxurious hotel, The Delborough Lagos, situated in the iconic Victoria Island area of Lagos. Dr. Uzochukwu, a prominent business tycoon known for his contributions to African development, said it was an honor to host the former President at such a prestigious venue.

“This is the least we can do to demonstrate our love, respect, and honor for him,” Uzochukwu remarked during the event. ” former President Koroma has always been a man of the people, and it’s evident that his charm and influence extend far beyond the borders of Sierra Leone.”

Though many Sierra Leoneans traditionally travel to Makeni for Koroma’s birthday celebrations, this year’s change in venue did not diminish the spirit of the occasion. In Makeni and across the country, citizens continued to pay tribute in various ways—from online messages to radio shows—honoring a man who has left an indelible mark on the nation.