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The Executive Director of the Native Consortium, Edmond Abu, has donated Ten Thousand Leones (NLe10,000) to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in support of the institution following a recent fire outbreak that destroyed a key office at the national broadcaster.
The tragic incident, which occurred on April 8, 2026, completely gutted the office of the Deputy Director General of SLBC TV, Mohamed Asmieu Bah. The fire consumed all property within the office, leaving nothing salvageable. Fortunately, Mr. Bah escaped unharmed and later expressed gratitude to Allah for sparing his life. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Presenting the donation, Edmond Abu expressed deep sympathy to the management and staff of SLBC, describing the incident as unfortunate and a major setback for the institution. He used the opportunity to also raise concerns about the infrastructural state of the national broadcaster, calling for urgent attention to modernization and expansion.
According to him, SLBC has played a significant role in amplifying the activities of the Native Consortium over the years, noting that the donation was a gesture of appreciation and solidarity in a time of need.
“SLBC has consistently supported our programs, and we are grateful. This contribution is our own way of giving back and standing with them during this difficult period,” Abu stated.
He further commended the Government of Sierra Leone for including SLBC in the national budget, noting that such progress was largely driven by sustained advocacy from civil society organizations, including the Native Consortium.
Highlighting the broadcaster’s historical significance, Abu noted that SLBC, at 92 years old, remains one of the oldest broadcasting institutions in Africa—second on the continent and the oldest in West Africa. He stressed the need to preserve and upgrade such a legacy institution.
As part of his recommendations, Abu proposed the relocation of SLBC operations to a larger building adjacent to the current facility. However, he pointed out that the structure, which has existed since 1978, requires significant refurbishment and modernization to meet current broadcasting standards. He called on investors and development partners to support the transformation of SLBC into a more secure and modern media institution.
During a meeting with the Director General, Abu praised her leadership and acknowledged recent improvements made at the station, including ongoing facelift efforts. He further pledged the Native Consortium’s readiness to support future fundraising initiatives aimed at strengthening SLBC’s infrastructure and operational capacity.
Responding on behalf of SLBC, Deputy Director General Mohamed Asmieu Bah expressed profound appreciation for the timely intervention, describing Edmond Abu as a long-standing supporter of the institution.
“This gesture does not come as a surprise. Mr. Abu has always stood by SLBC, supporting us during difficult moments, including funerals and other social events. He is a true friend of the institution and one of our dedicated content providers,” Bah said.
He described the fire incident as an unforeseen and challenging experience for the organization but assured that SLBC remains resilient.
“This is indeed a trying time for us, but we are determined to overcome. With the support we are receiving, including this generous donation, we will bounce back stronger and better,” he added.
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Bah further expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Native Consortium for their continued support, emphasizing that such acts of solidarity will not be forgotten. He also reaffirmed SLBC’s commitment to delivering quality broadcasting services to the people of Sierra Leone despite the setback.
The management and staff of SLBC continue to rally together in the aftermath of the incident, as investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.
