Pujehun District, Saturday, November 8th, 2025: The Resident Minister South for Sierra Leone, Mr. John Abu, attended the United Team Sierra Leone (U Team SL) Conference in Pujehun District, representing the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh. The conference was held under the theme: “Transforming From District to National – The Role of Youth in Nation Building.” His participation at this landmark gathering underscored the importance of government partnership, grassroots leadership, and youth empowerment in advancing Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
In his address, Mr. Abu commended U Team SL for its bold vision and mission to transform Pujehun District into a model of inclusive growth and national relevance. He emphasized that youth must be placed at the center of decision-making processes, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without empowering the next generation. He described the conference theme as unique, highlighting its focus on moving from local impact to national progress.
He further underscored the empowerment of youth as a critical pillar of national progress, calling for inclusivity and equal opportunities in leadership and governance.
“Young people must be given the space to lead, to decide, and to contribute to the progress of our nation. Their empowerment is not optional it is essential. I am impressed with the presentations by the various committees and the documentary played by the organizers. U Team SL has shown that transformation begins at the grassroots, and I am proud to stand with you in this journey. A journey of dedication and commitment by young people for the development and transformation of Pujehun District and Sierra Leone at large,” Mr. John Abu, Resident Minister South.
Mr. Abu reaffirmed his serious commitment to supporting the mission and vision of U Team SL, pledging to collaborate with the organization in advancing programs that promote education, healthcare, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy. He stressed that volunteerism must be embraced as a civic duty, noting that collective action by citizens is essential for peace, unity, and sustainable progress.
“Every great nation was built by the energy, creativity, and courage of its youth. From independence movements to modern transformation, young people have always been catalysts for change. In Sierra Leone today, more than 60% of the population is under the age of 35. This is not just a statistic; it is a source of power, innovation, and future progress,” he remarked.
He further highlighted the importance of partnerships between government, civil society, and community organizations, noting that the government remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
“The power of youth is not automatic; it must be guided by the nation, driven by purpose, and grounded in discipline and service. Transformation begins at the local level; in our chiefdoms, districts, schools, and communities. But it cannot stop there. If we are to build a united, prosperous Sierra Leone, each of us must see beyond the boundaries of our district. We must embrace a national mind-set; one that values unity over division and service over self-interest. Let us move from being district champions to becoming nation builders,” Resident Minister South, Mr. John Abu.
Mr. Abu also acknowledged the challenges facing Pujehun District, noting that the conference provided a platform for honest dialogue and collective solutions. He encouraged descendants of the district, leaders, and stakeholders to unite behind U Team SL’s Six-Year Strategic Development Plan (SDP 2024–2030), which envisions Pujehun as a hub of resilience, innovation, and youth-led transformation.
“Let us think not only about what our district can gain, but about what Sierra Leone can become. Our dreams must be bigger; embracing every district, every tribe, and every Sierra Leonean. The youth are not the future; they are the present. We cannot wait for someone else to fix Sierra Leone, we must do it ourselves. The responsibility is ours to act, to innovate, and to lead with integrity,” Resident Minister South, Mr. John Abu.
“In governance, youth must lead with honesty and transparency. In education, they must pursue excellence and reject mediocrity. In agriculture, they must harness technology to feed our districts and our nation that builds bridges not war. In entrepreneurship, they must turn creativity into economic empowerment. And in peacebuilding, they must be active participants.” Resident Minister South, Mr. John Abu.
He furthered that, we must be honest, as the road is not easy. The youth and stakeholders in Pujehun District are on the right track. He noted that U Team 2025 Conference is remarkable and he encouraged the organizers to keep up the good work and he assured them of his formidable commitment and support going forward.
Concluding his address, Mr. Abu called for youth leadership across all sectors. He issued a powerful call to action: “Let us unite behind the promise of a better future for Pujehun District and Sierra Leone. Let us embrace volunteerism, strengthen peace, and champion unity. Together, we can transform dreams into reality and ensure that the story of Pujehun becomes a beacon of hope and progress for the entire nation.”