By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
Milton Margai Technical University Campus, Goderich – December 2, 2025 – In a significant step towards empowering the youth of Sierra Leone, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio inaugurated the Alternative Livelihoods Training for Youth Bike Riders for Peace and launched the Status of the Youth Report 2025 today at the Milton Margai Technical University Campus.
The initiative, aimed at training 1,300 young bike riders, emphasizes equipping them with essential skills to enhance their livelihoods while contributing to national development. Supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, the program is titled “Empowering Youth Bike Riders as Sustainable Agents of Peace in Sierra Leone.”
Speaking at the event, President Bio underscored the critical role of bike riders in society, stating, “These individuals are vital to mobility and community life, connecting people to workplaces, schools, and health facilities.” He affirmed that this training program reflects the government’s recognition of their contributions and its commitment to placing youth at the heart of national policies.
He further emphasized, “Our most valuable resource is human capital. We are dedicated to investing in skills training and entrepreneurial opportunities, creating pathways for youth to translate ideas into viable businesses.” The President also announced the ongoing development of a National Youth Development Framework, aimed at fostering a supportive environment for young people.
The Status of the Youth Report 2025 revealed both advancements and ongoing challenges faced by the youth in Sierra Leone, notably the rising costs of living. “This report serves as a reminder that youth development is a collective responsibility,” President Bio expressed.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, he warned against the dangers of substances like Kush, urging citizens to report any involvement in its trade. “Purchasing such substances only fuels the dealers’ profit at the cost of your future,” he cautioned.
Prof. Philip John Kanu, Vice Chancellor of Milton Margai Technical University, acknowledged the significance of welcoming bike riders as formal members of the university community and thanked President Bio for upgrading the institution’s status.
UN Resident Coordinator ad interim, Fredrick Ampiah, highlighted the importance of bike riders, who represent approximately 5% of Sierra Leone’s population, urging participants to embrace the transformative potential of the program.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, reiterated the President’s focus on youth, emphasizing how inter-ministerial collaboration can yield significant benefits.
Minister of Youth Affairs, Ibrahim Sannoh, assured attendees that upcoming training initiatives will be led by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, emphasizing the dignity of labor and the importance of seizing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge, commended the initiative as a milestone for the riders, encouraging them to value every job as a step towards greater dignity and opportunity.
Reflecting on the history of bike riding in the country, Ishmael Sandy, President of the Bike Riders Union, commended President Bio’s leadership, linking the program’s inception to the transformation of bike riders from a symbol of post-conflict challenges to champions of peace.
The inauguration and report launch reaffirm a national commitment to empowering Sierra Leone’s youth as pivotal contributors to peace and progress. As President Bio reiterated, the nation’s potential lies in its people, and with targeted investments in human capital, Sierra Leone’s youth are poised to take the lead in driving the country’s transformation.
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