AYV News, May 27, 2025
The Chairman of All Works of Life (AWOL), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, affectionately known as “De Monk,” on May 23 2025 delivered a powerful keynote address during the inauguration ceremony of the newly appointed AWOL Executive held at the residence of Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr. at Hill Station, Freetown.
In a speech filled with reflection, passion and purpose, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla underscored AWOL’s enduring mission to inspire selfless service and community-driven development. He reaffirmed the civic movement’s commitment to promoting patriotism, celebrating unsung heroes and complementing national development through grassroots empowerment.
Tracing AWOL’s origins to the early 2000s, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla recalled how the organization emerged as a beacon of hope in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s civil war. Officially launched in 2002 and inaugurated by former President Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, AWOL was inspired by a call for citizens to become active participants in rebuilding the nation.
“AWOL was not born out of vanity or political ambition; it was born out of shared sacrifice and a belief that nation-building starts with us,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said. “We are not just an organization. We are a movement of service, dignity and unity.”
He noted that the late President Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabbah had compared AWOL to a United Nations-inspired self-help project; an effort to instill pride and proactive citizenship among Sierra Leoneans.
Highlighting AWOL’s National Achievement Awards, which have recognized excellence across all walks of life since 2002, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, emphasized the organization’s inclusive approach to honouring service and achievement. He praised past honorees including hardworking petty traders, outstanding students, public servants, security officers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists and innovators.
“Every award we give is a thank you; no gate fees, no strings attached, only a desire to uplift and inspire,” he said.
He stressed that AWOL’s recognition programs have always aimed to unite the nation, cutting across class, region and tribe.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla detailed AWOL’s legacy of practical service beyond the awards. From feeding underprivileged children on the Day of the African Child, to providing relief during the Ebola crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, floods, mudslides and fires, AWOL has consistently answered the call to serve.
“We didn’t just applaud, we acted,” he said. “We brought food, smiles, and listening ears; not cameras.”
He added that AWOL has flown the national flag with pride at significant national events, including Sierra Leone’s 2011 Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Paying homage to the movement’s pioneers, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla remembered the late Ambassador Gibril Moseray Fadika, AWOL’s revered Godfather, for his unwavering patriotism and philanthropy.
He saluted all founding members and past chairmen, including Mustapha Adams, Mohamed Laho Jalloh (late), Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Hon. Chernor R. M. Bah, Kweku M. S. Lisk and Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr.
He also acknowledged AWOL’s first female Vice Chairperson, Madam Yabome Lansana, for her trailblazing leadership.
“These leaders built the foundation we now stand on. Their legacy is our compass,” Ahmed Sahid Nasralla stated.
He praised the establishment of AWOL Diaspora Chapters in the UK, US, Continental Europe, Australia, The Gambia and the soon-to-be-launched AWOL Canada, describing them as lifelines connecting the global Sierra Leonean community to national development.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla recounted his decade-long service as AWOL’s Secretary General, the longest in its history and how that experience prepared him for his new role. He also cited his tenure as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) as further proof of his belief that “leadership is not a position, it is a mission.”
“I served not with wealth, but with loyalty, dedication and heart,” he said. “And today, as Chairman, I recommit to that same spirit.”
He announced that this year AWOL will not host its annual awards but will instead focus on strengthening its structures and reconnecting with its roots. Among the priorities for 2025 are:
• A full Annual General Meeting (AGM) involving international chapters;
• A grand AWOL Comeback Dinner in December;
• Enhanced diaspora partnerships and community engagement programs;
• A continued commitment to being non-partisan, inclusive and unapologetically patriotic.
The Chairman urged the new Executive to view their roles as a sacred duty, not a ceremonial title. “This is a calling to serve, to uplift and to be the difference Sierra Leone needs,” he said.
Concluding his address, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla reminded all present that despite the passage of time and shifting national priorities, AWOL remains the only civic movement of its kind from the post-war era still active, relevant and respected.
“To our members who never stopped believing, even when the lights dimmed, you are the soul of AWOL. Tonight, we light the torch again. Together,” he declared.
In his final words, the Chairman called on every Sierra Leonean to embrace the AWOL spirit: “Let us walk this path with sacrifice and unity. Let us be the bridge between what Sierra Leone is and what it can be. Let us be AWOL—All ‘Works’ of Life. All ‘Works’ for Life.”
