Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has once again emphasized the crucial role of culture and entertainment in fostering national unity and social development. Speaking at a live cultural performance featuring celebrated Sierra Leonean musician Salia Bakavodeh, Dr. Sengeh highlighted how creative arts can serve as a cornerstone for youth empowerment and community cohesion.
The event took place on Sunday, 11 January 2026, at Kenema City Plaza, drawing a diverse crowd of community members, traditional leaders, youth groups, and performers from across the Eastern Region. The gathering was not just a celebration of music and artistry but also a platform to reinforce shared values, national identity, and peaceful engagement among citizens.
In his address to attendees, Dr. Sengeh observed that sustainable development extends beyond infrastructure and formal policies. “Development is also entertainment,” he remarked. “We have spent the night celebrating culture without a single incident of violence. This demonstrates your responsibility, maturity, and commitment to peace. As Salia said in his song, your brother is your brother. This is the kind of development that truly matters.”
The Chief Minister further pledged continued government support for cultural initiatives, asserting that they play a vital role in advancing the country’s Big Five Game Changers agenda. He underscored that such events contribute directly to social transformation, youth empowerment, and national cohesion key pillars that underpin Sierra Leone’s vision for inclusive progress.
Salia Bakavodeh, the headline performer, expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Sengeh, the government, and the Kenema community. “This event is more than music it is a celebration of peace, culture, and unity,” he said. “I am committed to using my music to bring people together and inspire positive change.”
The event demonstrated how cultural engagement can be a powerful tool for development. By strengthening community bonds, promoting peaceful coexistence, and providing a platform for youth expression, such initiatives complement Sierra Leone’s broader development goals. As the country continues to prioritize human capital development, youth empowerment, and social cohesion, performances like this illustrate how arts and culture can drive meaningful, inclusive growth.
Kenema residents, according to eyewitnesses, left the plaza inspired and energized, reflecting on the importance of unity and peaceful civic participation. The event serves as a model for how local cultural celebrations can advance national development objectives while fostering a sense of pride and belonging among citizens.