The two-day event which brought together twelve secondary schools in Kenema was organised by the Children and Youth Awareness Forum (CYAF), a consortium of young people across tertiary institutions in Sierra Leone, with the aim of raising awareness about issues that affect youth and children.
Commissioner Kaifala, in whose honour the trophy was named (Ben-Kaifala Trophy) stated that the human race has struggled with just two battles for the rest of times: the battle to control the ravages and harness the benefits of mother nature; and the battle to tame, control and nurture the cruel, selfish, brutal and egocentric nature of man. “This untamed nature of man is the reason for crimes, wars, strife and corruption around the world,” he stated.
Commissioner Kaifala said that Governments have always established structures to help manage and control both man and nature. In Sierra Leone, he stated, this has led to the establishment of many structures including but not limited to the ACC. He told the mammoth gathering of youths, heads of schools, parent’s etc. that corruption has been the biggest challenge to the country’s wellbeing, adding that the people before him had contributed their bits to the war against corruption, which without doubt has never been enough.
The ACC Commissioner said that, if the country was to win the war against corruption, “now is the time”. He asked the young people to take a decision now to join the fight against corruption, admonishing them to build their minds free of corruption. “If we are to win this war, integrity and self-discipline are required. What is not yours, don’t take it!” the ACC Commissioner said amid thunderous applause.
He challenged the youth by telling them that, “You are the ones this nation has been waiting for, please take responsibility and do not disappoint her again.”
While presenting the trophy to Madison Academy in Kenema, who emerged as champions of the debate, the Commissioner expressed admiration at what he saw over the past two days and encouraged the pupils to continue doing well. He promised to continue supporting young people achieve their dreams.
The Deputy Commissioner of ACC, Augustine Foday Ngobie presented the runners-up trophy to the Echelon Private School in Kenema and was also full of praises for the performance of the pupils. St James Secondary School and the Holy Trinity Secondary School came third and fourth respectively. The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, the Director of the Free Quality Education, the National Public Relations Officer of the Audit Service Sierra Leone, and a host of dignitaries who hailed from Kenema District.
