Explaining the rationale of the free band and cultural concert, the CEO of Ripsta Culture International, Sorie Obai Kamara (aka Obi phrase) who is Sierra Leone Music Ambassador to Europe said the event was organized in order to complement Government’s effort in promoting tourism education in the country. He noted that Sierra Leone’s story has positively changed from blood diamond to bloodless diamond; owing to the fact that the country has gone through civil conflict and the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) respectively. ‘’ Tourism education has the potential to positively influence our tourism industry for economic growth’’ Obi phrase averred.

He further disclosed their group plan to collaborate with the National Tourist Board, Office of Diaspora Affairs (ODA) and other government institutions to travel to three European countries including Finland, Estonia and Sweden to help rebrand the country’s image and also attracts foreign investors to come and do business in Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of National Tourist Board (NTB), Mr. Yasin Kargbo said President Koroma has prioritized tourism, and that post war and post Ebola Sierra Leone is now moving towards modernization. Whilst Mr Kragbo commending Obi phrase and team for organizing what he described as an exceptional free cultural concert, he promised that they will work very hard in order to be part of the group’s trip to Finland, Estonia and Sweden to continue to rebrand the country’s image.

© ODA Communications Unit