AYV News, April 23, 2025
As President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has welcomed and congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Guild of Newspaper Editors – Sierra Leone, Thomas Josephus Dixon, and his executive.
President Nasralla said: “This milestone – being the first democratic election held by the Guild in more than a decade – is a significant achievement and testament to the Guild’s commitment to reform, accountability, and internal democracy. SLAJ is proud to have played a supporting role in this process, made possible in part through the annual government subvention and our sustained encouragement for institutional renewal within the media”.
He expressed appreciation to the outgoing executive, especially the longest-serving Chairman, Donald Theo Harding, for his years of service and dedication to the Guild and the broader media landscape, noting that it is encouraging to see a new generation of media leaders stepping up across various bodies in our industry.
Nasralla went on to say that the emergence of young minds in leadership not only brings fresh energy and innovation but also holds great promise for the future of media development in Sierra Leone. “I have always believed that when the affiliate and sub-bodies within SLAJ are strengthened and operating efficiently, SLAJ itself becomes much stronger. A vibrant and functional Guild of Newspaper Editors contributes significantly to our collective mission of defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and upholding the values we all stand for. With unity and a renewed sense of purpose, we can build even greater solidarity within our association”. President Nasralla stated.
He used the opportunity to extend appreciation to the membership of the Guild and the electoral committee for organising a peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated election, adding that after more than a decade, this successful process marks a new chapter in the life of the Guild, and it sets a solid example for other affiliate bodies.
Concluding, President Nasralla said: “As always, SLAJ remains committed to supporting the Guild of Newspaper Editors and all other media bodies in advancing press freedom, professional standards, and the role of journalism in our democracy. Congratulations once again to the new leadership. We look forward to working closely with you”.
