On October 11, 2024, the Johansen team hosted a dynamic Youth Leadership event, drawing influential figures such as Her Lordship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Madam Isha Johansen, and various esteemed community leaders.
The gathering focused on two critical themes: leadership and integrity, aiming to empower the nation’s youth through motivational dialogue and shared experiences.
The event unfolded in two engaging phases. The first segment featured an interactive leadership session where young entrepreneurs shared their journeys with the audience, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they encountered.
This was followed by an intimate conversation with Madam Isha Johansen, the former president of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), who recounted her inspiring career and the lessons learned along the way.
Moderated by the well-respected journalist Antonia Howard, the panel discussion included Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, City Plaza CEO Randa, and three emerging entrepreneurs.
Each panelist shared their personal stories, illustrating the hard work and perseverance required to achieve success.
The atmosphere was charged with emotional narratives, prompting reflection and motivation among attendees.
In her remarks, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the significance of addressing societal issues as a core tenet of leadership.
“Leadership emerges when you confront the challenges you witness,” she asserted, adding that true leadership thrives on a foundation of integrity. She stated, “Without integrity, leadership becomes self-serving rather than a service to others.”
Madam Isha Johansen echoed these sentiments, explaining that effective leadership involves inspiring others, especially in difficult times.
Drawing from her experiences in the sports sector, she remarked, “I brought football out of the shadows, illuminating a path forward.”
She expressed her commitment to being a role model for young girls globally, stressing that genuine success is not merely a matter of wealth but of impactful service.
Moreover, Johansen stressed the importance of integrity, stating, “A healthy society cannot flourish without it.” She described integrity as the cornerstone of human existence, vital for both personal and communal development.
This event not only served as a platform for sharing valuable insights but also aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and discipline in Sierra Leone’s youth, ensuring they are equipped to lead with integrity in the future.