By Amadu Daramy in Maryland, USA
Stakeholders in Panguma, Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District recently ended a successful redistrict meeting that was attended by the Paramount Chief Alimamy Farma, Lower Level Chiefs, Students, Women’s and Youth groups, Commercial Motorbike Riders among other stakeholders.
Among the dignitaries who attended the meeting included the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Mr. Tamba Lamina, Statistics Sierra Leone and the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.
The meeting was described as a resounding success, inspirational and that significant progress was made due to the active, candid discussions, patriotic and invaluable participation of all stakeholders who are all looking forward to such meetings in the future that would create lasting impact, unity and love in the chiefdom.
On arrival in Panguma, the high-powered delegation paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief and other chiefdom elders. However, it must be noted that renowned politicians like Hon. Francis Konowa, Hon. Dr. Bernadette Lahai, Yusuf Kekotoma Sandy, Press Secretary at State House, Hon. Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hawa Foray, Mohamed Mustapha and Hon Rugiatu Tarawalie were conspicuously absent.
The meeting observed that inspite of the political interference in the activities of the Lower Bambara Descendants Association (LoBDA), the political differences and other sentiments among stakeholders and the people, the meeting was well-attended as everybody put aside their differences, all in an effort to advance the development aspirations of the people of Lower Bambara.
It was further noted during the meeting that certain politicians want to hijack LoBDA for their own selfish gains, a move the people would not allow and stoutly resist as the organization is people-oriented and supported by its members in the diaspora.
The main agenda for the meeting was the recent announcement by the Government for Panguma to become a District and as all the stakeholders noted, indigenes of Panguma, both at home and in the diaspora, have long been yearning for the chiefdom to become a district for which all were commended for their dedication and selfless sacrifices to actualize this long-awaited and cherished dream.
It was further revealed that the efforts of all those who made sacrifices for this long awaited dream to be realized would not go unnoticed as it would be etched in the history of the chiefdom for generations yet unborn.
At the end of the well-attended meeting, it was unanimously resolved that if such unity, determination and love for the chiefdom continues, then the sky will be the limit for the rapid development of the chiefdom.
Special thanks and appreciation was extended to Aunties Matti and Jenneh respectively, the dynamic chair of Genesis, Memuna Garba, Mohamed Plato Koroma, Tony Quee and Bob Conteh for their hard work, commitment and dedication to service and also demonstrating the power of unity and community spirit for Panguma.
Stakeholders including LoBDA Chairman Fryston Bockarie, Mohamed Gbassa, Dr. Minah of the Government Hospital Panguma, youth chairman Swarray Balema and Section Chief of Sei, Lowoma Balema Samba were outspoken and unanimously suggested that it would be judicious to include Dodo, Malegohun and Simbaru chiefdom in Panguma District and that Panguma city is qualified to become the district headquater town than elsewhere due to the fact that Dodo was established by Chief Fabba of Dodo, the father of King Nyagua as a daily commute for the secret female Bondo Society. For that reason, the people insisted that Dodo should be part of the Kpanguma District.
