On September 5th, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education held a private farewell ceremony for Dr. Joe Fayia Nyuma, the outgoing Permanent Secretary, marking the end of his tenure.

In a closed-door session at the Youyi Building in Freetown, Dr. Nyuma addressed a cross-section of ministry staff, expressing his gratitude for their collaboration during his time in office and introducing his successor, Mr. Andrew Saennie Kamara.

Dr. Nyuma reflected on his time in the ministry, acknowledging both the successes and challenges faced by the team.

He emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork, stating, “Nobody can be a good leader without a dedicated team. The support you gave me is the same support I expect you to extend to Mr. Andrew Saennie Kamara as your new PS.”

The outgoing Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of prioritizing national interest, urging the staff to continue working together for the betterment of Sierra Leone.

“Our major focus should always be putting the country first. Sierra Leone is the only country we have, and its progress should be our primary goal,” Dr. Nyuma noted.

Mr. Kamara, in his brief remarks, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and commended Dr. Nyuma for his service to the ministry.

He shared his hopes for continued collaboration with the staff, stating, “I am here to work with you all, and together, we can elevate the ministry’s impact on civic education and public information dissemination.”

Dr. Nyuma is widely respected for his leadership and integrity during his time as Permanent Secretary. His tenure saw significant improvements in the ministry, fostering a collaborative and positive working environment. Many staff members, visibly emotional, shared their appreciation for his guidance and contributions.