Former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and current Pujehun District MP, Hon. Sidie Tunis, underscored his support for youth empowerment at the 44th-anniversary celebration of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), held today at its Tower Hill campus.

His contribution, including a generous donation of 200 million Leones, marked the official launch of IPAM’s Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation—a new initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurial talent and innovation among students and the broader community.

The Center of Excellence will serve as a comprehensive resource hub, providing students with hands-on training, mentorship, and essential tools to develop entrepreneurial ventures that can contribute to economic growth in Sierra Leone and the broader ECOWAS region.

Vice Chancellor and Principal of IPAM, Prof. Mimi Morgan, highlighted the importance of the new center and reflected on the institution’s journey of development and expansion. She also announced an anticipated grant to further support the center’s impact, recognizing the contributions of past and present leaders in IPAM’s success. She extended special thanks to Hon. Tunis for his unwavering support for the institution.

Introducing Hon. Tunis, Dr. Aruna commended his philanthropic work, calling him a dedicated advocate for community development. In his address, Tunis praised IPAM’s leadership and emphasized the value of practical support over rhetoric, noting his own scholarship contributions to students across Sierra Leone. He also acknowledged the partnership of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone in supporting the new hub and affirmed his alignment with President Bio’s vision of an empowered youth through education.

Madam Bintu Jonah concluded the ceremony by encouraging students to persevere on their journey toward innovation despite challenges. The establishment of the IPAM Center of Excellence is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing student skills and promoting economic development across the region.