Juldeh Jalloh Meets Sierra Leoneans in London, Urges Dialogue, Investment, and Shared Progress

London: Sierra Leone's Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, took part in the Ministry of Information's Civic Day programme in London on Thursday, 18 June, where he engaged members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora on governance, development, and their role in shaping the country's future. The event brought together Sierra Leoneans from across the United Kingdom and created space for direct, open exchange between citizens and government representatives. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Vice President stated that the engagement was designed to hear the concerns, ideas, and expectations of Sierra Leoneans living abroad. He stressed that the government had come to listen, not to dictate opinions, and encouraged honest views on governance and national development. He also described the diaspora as an essential part of the state and an important partner in Sierra Leone's development journey. Reflecting on the value of community engagement, Dr Jalloh said public interaction had helped shape government policy. He referred to a visit to a maternity ward, where he saw the effects of poor nutrition on pregnant women and newborns. That experience, he said, helped place nutrition at the centre of maternal and infant health policy, leading to the establishment of nutrition clinics across the country and dedicated budgetary support for maternal and child nutrition. In response to questions from the audience, the Vice President addressed issues including land ownership, healthcare, investment opportunities, and access to public services. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans abroad to explore collective investment initiatives, including land acquisition schemes. He said the government was examining ways to support diaspora doctors and nurses who want to contribute to the healthcare sector. On the economy, Dr Jalloh said the government remained focused on infrastructure development, job creation, and raising household incomes. He emphasized that economic growth and employment expansion were central to improving living sta ndards. Addressing concerns about travel and consular services, he said efforts were underway to improve access to passports and ease some of the difficulties faced by Sierra Leoneans abroad. He concluded by reaffirming that the diaspora remains a vital partner in Sierra Leone's governance and development agenda.