By Saidu Dumbuya
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, has outlined a new three-year strategic plan titled “Youth in Entrepreneurship,” covering the period from June 2025 to 2028. The plan focuses on agriculture, climate change policy, digital literacy, and skills development. He emphasized that the program aims to build the capacity of young people to become self-reliant and job-ready.
He made this disclosure on Tuesday during the government press conference at Miatta Conference Hall, in Freetown
Minister Sannoh noted that youths who have acquired skills but lack formal certification will benefit from short-term courses at existing and newly established technical institutions across the country. These programs will be certified by the National Council for Technical and Vocational Awards (NCTVA). He encouraged youths to take advantage of these opportunities and prepare themselves for meaningful employment.
In another development, speaking on Meteorological Forecast and Risk Preparedness,Gabriel Kpaka, Deputy Director-General and Head of Operations at the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency, presented key climate projections based on data from 1994 to 2024. He reported that between May and July 2025, districts such as Koinadugu, Falaba, Kerene, Bombali, and Tonkolili will experience below-average rainfall. In contrast, districts including the Western Area, Bo, Moyamba, Kenema, and Kailahun will see above-average rainfall.
During the July to September period, he said, the country is expected to experience overall above-average rainfall. He warned that Freetown is at high risk of flooding due to poor drainage and unregulated construction on swamps and waterways. The forecast also predicts early thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in September. Mr. Kpaka assured the public that the agency is using world-class forecasting models to deliver accurate and timely weather updates.
