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The frenzy to succeed His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, seems to be making many people jittery. This I believe is because of the rumours making rounds that whoever promotes the president’s government in implementing the president’s Big Five Agenda will be the one to likely succeed him. This raises the question: What are the chances of those who are not in government in terms of succeeding President Bio?
While I am convinced that President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers lay a solid basis for Sierra Leone’s development, let me point out that the choice should be for a successor who understands and can effectively continue implementing his agenda. The election of a presidential aspirant for 2028 should not merely be restricted to a person who serves in the current administration or assists in promoting the agenda; I have been saying it and I am going to say it again that the government should be looking at establishing institutions that will implement the current Big Five agendas.
Let me reiterate this point that the average Sierra Leonean loves praises and since many of them are over educated, they might pretend to be working assiduously to promote the agenda in order for them to be considered and, no sooner are they in power, the president becomes irrelevant and their own ideas nourished in their heart about what should be introduced.
We are vying to become the successor but are we really determined to continue President Bio’s agenda? To dispel the notion that those not in the government cannot contribute to implementing the Big Five Game Changers, I proffer the following as initial ideas. This is because there have been attempts to publish my ideas regarding a recent blog, but the content fell short of my actual thoughts and failed to attribute some points that I propounded.
The critical point is that the Big Five Game Changers should be translated into institutions. In other words, there should be a conscious attempt to institutionalize rather than to approach them as mere activities. We should seek to translate President Bio’s ideas into concrete actions and set up practical and efficient institutions and work towards their implementation. The Big Five Game Changers cannot fit into some of the current government structures.
Those new and progressive ideas need institutions and individuals who understand and are fully committed to implementing them.
For example the Ministry of Agriculture does not appear to be functioning as it should, I am saying this from what I recently found out when I visited the Magbafti Village at Waterloo, I saw private house in the farmland and no project going on other than the staff at the compound doing paper rounds at least to be paid salaries at the end of the day.
We can start building those institutions now, and the remaining years of his ‘Excellency’ should focus on establishing those institutions which will indefinitely continue to be his legacy. President Bio has taken the initiative to lay the foundation through the Big Five Game Changers. His agenda should be retained and form parts of the SLPP agenda; politicians are sometimes quick and hasty to develop a new manifesto, however, President Bio’s current manifesto should form part of the SLPP’s manifesto for the next twenty years; this speaks to the need for continuity. It will take decades to fully actualize the great Big Five agenda.
Let me also remember rhetoric. Some people may pretend to agree with and support President Bio’s agenda only because they currently serve in his government. I am not currently serving in the government, but I can entirely relate to and aligns with the ‘Big Five Game Changers’. As I have in the past involved in onion farming and currently rice farming to sustain and feed my family. The role of a presidential aspirant is both demanding and pivotal. It requires a unique blend of understanding, vision, leadership, and commitment to public service.
Also, choosing a successor in a political race should be considered as it encompasses one who will build on the President’s legacy, including his developmental projects. As a potential successor, and also a visionary leader like him, I have a clear, strategic vision for the country anchored on the focus on the Big Five Game Changers, which have laid the basis for sustainable economic development, social justice, and technological advancement.
To achieve the Big Five Game Changers, the government must prioritize the Feed Salone project by ensuring funds are directly allocated to farmers in rural areas. Despite multiple grants and loans purportedly aimed at aiding farmers, the reality on the ground reflects a different story, with many farmers not receiving the necessary support. It is disheartening to witness the struggle of our people to feed themselves due to the lack of genuine commitment from those in power.
“To His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio: Please use your esteemed office to provide loans or grants directly to farmers and empower rural areas with adequate funding to embark on significant agricultural activities. Your intention to leave a legacy as a good and responsible leader is evident, but it’s crucial to monitor how these funds are spent to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries.
The current state of food security in Sierra Leone is alarming. It is essential to implement policies that ensure resources meant for farmers are not misappropriated by those in power”. Sustainable development in agriculture can only be achieved through the following measures:
Direct Financial Support: Establish transparent mechanisms to disburse funds directly to farmers. This can be facilitated through rural banks or cooperatives that have a direct relationship with the farming communities.
Capacity Building: Invest in training programs that equip farmers with modern farming techniques and practices. This includes the use of improved seeds, fertilizers, and farming equipment.
Infrastructure Development: Improve rural infrastructure, including roads, storage facilities, and irrigation systems, to enhance agricultural productivity and market access for farmers.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Create a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the use of funds and the progress of agricultural projects. Regular audits and field visits should be conducted to ensure accountability.
Institutional Support: Establish dedicated institutions focused on agricultural development. These institutions should work hand in hand with local farmers to implement the Big Five Game Changers effectively.
Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage partnerships between the government and private sector to invest in agriculture. This can bring in much-needed capital, technology, and expertise.
By focusing on these areas, Sierra Leone can make significant strides towards food security and sustainable agricultural development. It is not only about providing funds but also about creating an environment where farmers are empowered, resources are utilized effectively, and agricultural productivity is maximized. This approach will ensure that the Big Five Game Changers are not just theoretical concepts but practical, actionable plans that transform the lives of the people.
This country is ours. Make we put Salone Fos. T. Y. T