AGP Executive Report

Music: Adfega has questioned whether Drizilik’s Audacity album is making the impact its promotion suggests. Drizilik and Africell have also teamed up to take the release to a global audience. Sierra Leonean Artists: Emmerson was named among Africa’s top music artists, while Sierra Leone-born multimedia artist Zainab Sumu is drawing on objects gathered around the world to create ornate sculptures. Football: Sierra Leone fell eight places to 130th in FIFA’s latest rankings after losing both AFCON qualifying matches. East End Lions have completed a new artificial-turf home ground ahead of the coming season.

ECOWAS Justice: ECOWAS swore in five new Community Court of Justice judges in Abuja, with Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye urging impartial, independent decisions to rebuild public trust in regional justice. Media Safety: Sierra Leone’s journalists’ body SLAJ condemned an alleged death threat against New Age editor Thomas Josephus Dixon after an AYV programme, calling for an immediate, impartial probe. Music & Culture: Sierra Leonean artist Adfega broke his silence on Drizilik’s “Audacity” album, questioning whether it’s still “on the hit” and alleging money is being spent on promotion without real impact. Transport & Daily Life: SLPTA says only 8 of 100 buses bought under the previous government are still operational, citing breakdowns and fires, while promising repairs and better maintenance systems. Sports: SLBA’s boxing push is expanding beyond Freetown with equipment donations and school training in the provinces, while East End Lions completed a new artificial-turf pitch ahead of the 2026/27 season. Arts & Identity: Zainab Sumu’s Studio Znabu blends travel mementos into sculpture and fashion, turning everyday objects into art.

Boxing Development: The National Sports Authority praised the Sierra Leone Boxing Association for decentralising boxing beyond Freetown, including donating modern equipment and training local coaches in the Southern and Eastern regions. Public Transport Update: The SLPTA says all 50 Waka Fine buses will be back on Sierra Leone’s roads before year-end, citing maintenance and spare-part challenges and promising a common workshop plus driver training. Music Spotlight: Adfega breaks his silence on Drizilik’s “Audacity” album, questioning whether it’s truly “on the hit” despite heavy promotion spending. Art & Fashion: Zainab Sumu turns everyday objects into extraordinary works, blending global travel mementos into her Studio Znabu practice. Football & Infrastructure: East End Lions completes a new artificial-turf pitch at the Trade Centre ahead of the 2026/27 season, while the Chief Minister highlights football’s growing economic and social impact. Sports Governance: CAS dismisses Aminata Bangura’s appeal over the SLFA election dispute, ordering her to cover arbitration costs. Regional Identity & Media: ECOWAS pushes public sensitisation on its biometric ID card for border acceptance by December 2026, and Malawi’s civic education delegation meets Sierra Leone’s media and civic education bodies.

Football & Youth Sports: Chief Minister David Sengeh says Sierra Leone’s football boom is creating jobs and boosting local businesses after Bo Rangers’ Unity Cup opener at the Southern Arena, while East End Lions complete a new artificial-turf pitch at the Trade Centre ahead of the 2026/27 season. Women in Sport: Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School begins training for the Western Area Urban Inter-Secondary Girls’ Cricket Championship, as Cricket Sierra Leone pushes to grow girls’ participation. Music Spotlight: Sierra Leone’s Drizilik teams up with Africell to promote his “Audacity” album through billboards and media activations ahead of its global release. Arts & Culture Recognition: Emmerson Bockarie is ranked among Africa’s top 30 music artists, landing at number 23 and the only Sierra Leonean on the list. Media, Rights & Safety: Sierra Leone activists George Freeman Browne and Edwin Bolaji Deen flee to Spain after police raids and threats, with support from the French ambassador for LGBT rights. Regional Tech & Justice: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary and the Attorney-General’s Office plan a national AI roadmap for the justice sector with UNESCO support, starting with the security sector. Governance & Sports Law: CAS dismisses Aminata Bangura’s appeal over the SLFA election dispute, ordering her to cover arbitration costs.

AI & Justice Tech: Sierra Leone’s Judiciary and the Attorney-General’s Office will work with UNESCO to build a national AI roadmap for the justice sector, starting with the security sector, after a post-conference mixer on AI, justice and the rule of law. Football Governance: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Aminata Bangura’s appeal over a Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) ethics dispute, upholding the Ethics Board’s July 2025 decision and ordering her to cover costs. Premier League Momentum: Chief Minister David Sengeh says football is boosting jobs and local business after the Premier League opener at the Southern Arena, while East End Lions also unveiled a new artificial-turf home pitch ahead of the 2026/27 season. Music Spotlight: Drizilik and Africell Sierra Leone are promoting his album “Audacity” via billboards and media activations ahead of its global release. Arts & Culture Recognition: Sierra Leonean musician Emmerson Bockarie is ranked among Africa’s top 30 music artists, highlighting the country’s growing influence in the wider music scene. Community Sports: The Ebema Movement expands in Bo District with a grassroots launch that includes a women’s football tournament to push unity and inclusion.

Music & Culture: Sierra Leonean artist Emmerson Bockarie has been ranked 23rd among Africa’s top 30 music artists, the only Sierra Leone name on the list, spotlighting his socially conscious sound. Album Launch: Drizilik teamed up with Africell Sierra Leone to push his new “Audacity” album through billboards and media promotions ahead of its global release. Football (Clubs): East End Lions completed a new artificial-turf home pitch at the Trade Centre and arrived in Bo for the Unity Cup clash with Bo Rangers. Cricket (Girls’ Sport): Annie Walsh Memorial Secondary School has started training for the Western Area Urban Inter-Secondary Girls’ Cricket Championship, as Cricket Sierra Leone expands girls’ participation. Community & Youth: The Ebema Movement launched its grassroots structure in Mendewa, Bo District, featuring a women’s football tournament to promote empowerment. Education & Safety: A fire destroyed Kolenten Junior School in Kambia, reigniting calls for better emergency response equipment. Public Life: Sierra Leone Police launched night operations in Freetown to remove unauthorised vehicle lighting. Justice & Media: The Attorney-General’s Office, UNESCO and the communications ministry held an AI, justice and rule-of-law mixer tied to Universal Access to Information Day. Security/Health (Regional): Congo’s Ebola death toll has passed 4,000, with thousands of cases across multiple provinces.

Football & Community Sports: East End Lions have completed a new artificial-turf pitch at the Trade Centre, set to serve as their home ground for the 2026/2027 season starting Oct 10, with supporters praising the club leadership. Unity Cup Build-Up: The club has also arrived in Bo ahead of Sunday’s Unity Cup clash with Bo Rangers at the Southern Arena, with a 22-man squad including Egyptian forward Magdy Gamal Fouda. Music Spotlight: Sierra Leonean artist Emmerson Bockarie has been ranked 23rd among Africa’s top 30 music artists, the only Sierra Leone entry on the list. Album Launch Push: Drizilik and Africell Sierra Leone teamed up to promote his “Audacity” album through billboards and media activations ahead of its global release. Justice & Tech: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice says the judiciary is ready to embrace AI to improve access to justice and legal information, while the Attorney-General’s office held an AI, justice and rule-of-law mixer. Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police launched night operations in Freetown to remove unauthorised vehicle lighting. Education Shock: A fire destroyed Kolenten Junior School in Kambia, sparking renewed debate over emergency response equipment outside Freetown. Controversy Watch: Dutch media claims convicted trafficker Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers is using Sierra Leone to move drug money, while the EU suspended €18m budget support tied to the extradition dispute.

Unity Cup Football: East End Lions have arrived in Bo for Sunday’s Unity Cup clash with Bo Rangers at the Southern Arena, with the defending champions naming a 22-man squad that includes Egyptian forward Magdy Gamal Fouda. EU Aid & Justice: The EU suspended €18m in 2026 budget support to Sierra Leone over alleged non-cooperation in the extradition of Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos “Bolle Jos” Leijdekkers, while Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister says the delay is tied to budget-support triggers and timing, not a suspension. Music & Media: Sierra Leonean musician Drizilik teamed up with Africell to push his “Audacity” album to a global audience via billboards and online access ahead of its release. AI for Justice: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice says the judiciary is ready to embrace AI and technology to improve access to justice and legal information, stressing rule-of-law safeguards. Police Public Updates: Sierra Leone Police continued its Daily Brief on SLP Online TV to share security updates from across regions and divisions. Sports Officiating: Referee Mohamed Buck Tarawally passed FIFA course fitness tests in Cairo, positioning him for CAF/FIFA appointments. Road Safety Crackdown: Police launched night operations in Freetown to remove unauthorised decorative vehicle lights.

Unity Cup Football: East End Lions have arrived in Bo ahead of Sunday’s Unity Cup clash with Bo Rangers at the Southern Arena, with the defending champions bringing a 22-man squad including Egyptian forward Magdy Gamal Fouda. Music & Media: Sierra Leonean musician Drizilik teams up with Africell Sierra Leone to push his “Audacity” album, using billboards and online access ahead of its global release. Diaspora Spotlight: Sierra Leone Diaspora Excellence Awards open nominations across 12 categories, from Investor of the Year to Make Sierra Leone Famous Creator of the Year. Justice & Tech: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says the judiciary is ready to embrace AI to improve access to justice and legal information, while the Attorney-General’s Office holds an AI, Justice and Rule of Law mixer. Sports Officiating: Referee Mohamed Buck Tarawally passes FIFA course fitness tests in Cairo, positioning him for CAF and FIFA appointments. Public Safety: Sierra Leone Police launch night crackdowns on unauthorised vehicle lights in Freetown. EU Aid Freeze: The EU suspends €18m budget support over Sierra Leone’s alleged non-cooperation on extradition of Dutch cocaine fugitive “Bolle Jos,” with local officials disputing claims of a suspension.

Music & Media: Sierra Leonean artist Drizilik teamed up with Africell Sierra Leone to push his new album “Audacity” to a global audience, using billboards and outdoor activations that route fans to his official site ahead of the Sept. 30 release. Justice & Tech: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda and the Attorney-General’s Office marked International Day for Universal Access to Information with events on AI, justice, and the rule of law, urging responsible, human-centred adoption. Police & Public Safety: The Sierra Leone Police ran a Daily Brief on SLP Online TV to keep citizens updated on security across regions and divisions, and launched night crackdowns on vehicles with unauthorised decorative lighting in Freetown. Football: SLFA confirmed 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo—Mogbwemo Queens vs Ram Kay FC (women) and Bo Rangers vs East End Lions (men)—with free general admission. Sports Officiating: Referee Mohamed Buck Tarawally passed FIFA course fitness tests in Cairo, positioning him for CAF and FIFA appointments.

Ebola Update: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has now passed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 confirmed dead out of 8,300 cases across seven provinces, as health officials warn the virus keeps spreading fast in eastern areas like North Kivu. Traffic Safety in Freetown: Sierra Leone Police launched night crackdowns on vehicles with unauthorised decorative lighting, warning that glare and distractions can endanger road users and may lead to penalties. Information Integrity in Sierra Leone: CAMDL’s Taweh Johnson represented Liberia at Sierra Leone’s ICIC-IDUAI 2026 conference in Lungi, focusing on access to information and fighting information disorder in the digital age. Public Transport Accountability: The Native Consortium challenged SLPTA and the transport ministry to prove claims that 40 Waka Fine buses are operating, demanding dispatch and throughput records for 2025–2026. Judiciary & AI: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda said the Judiciary is ready to embrace AI and technology to improve access to justice and legal information, while keeping services human-centred and rule-of-law guided. Football Spotlight: SLFA announced 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo, with free general admission for fans and media coverage allowed under existing league accreditations.

Football & Community Spotlight: SLFA confirms 2026 Unity Cup fixtures in Bo: Mogbwemo Queens vs Ram Kay FC (women) on Oct 3 and Bo Rangers vs East End Lions (men) on Oct 4 at the Southern Arena, with free general entry and media coverage allowed via existing league accreditations. Judiciary & Tech: Chief Justice Komba Kamanda says Sierra Leone’s courts are ready to embrace AI and emerging tech to improve access to justice and legal information, while keeping the rule of law and human-centred services at the core. Access to Information: NaCCED chairman Joseph Munda Bindi joins the ICIC and International Day for Universal Access to Information in Lungi, focusing on information integrity and tackling information disorder in the digital age. International Recognition in Sport: Sierra Leone referee Mohamed Buck Tarawally passes the FIFA referees course fitness test in Cairo, positioning him for CAF and FIFA appointments. Arts & Media Culture: AYV Media Empire unveils eight contestants for Miss University 2026, pitching the pageant as leadership and personal-brand building, not just beauty. Public Safety in Freetown: Sierra Leone Police launch an operation to remove unauthorised decorative lights from vehicles in central Freetown to reduce distractions and road risks. EU Funding Pressure: The EU suspends €18m aid payments to Sierra Leone over refusal to extradite convicted cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (“Bolle Jos”). Health Communication: NPHA and partners train journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day to spread accurate, timely public health messages. Sports Media Voices: Popular sports journalist Hawa Dauda urges action over Leone Stars’ recent losses, questioning investment versus results.

EU–Sierra Leone Tensions: The European Commission has suspended €18m in aid payments to Sierra Leone after the country refused to extradite convicted cocaine fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, “Bolle Jos,” with more funding potentially at risk. Women’s Rights & Regional Justice: A new look at the Ecowas Court highlights how its human-rights mandate has made it a key route for women challenging discrimination and violence across West Africa. Information Integrity in Focus: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners in Lungi, pushing stronger access-to-information and responses to misinformation in the digital age. Sports—Road to BAL 2027: The “Road to BAL 2027” qualification path is set, with Sierra Leone’s Red Flames listed among West Division contenders. Arts & Culture Spotlight: AYV unveiled contestants for Miss University 2026, while Sierra Leone’s media community marked the passing of BBC World Affairs correspondent Mark Doyle, remembered for covering the region’s conflicts. Community & Health: Journalists and bloggers were trained ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day, and a climate-resilient agriculture project launched to support 210 farmers.

Information Access & Media Integrity: NaCCED chairman Joseph Munda Bindi joined the 17th ICIC and UNESCO’s IDUAI in Lungi, with VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh urging stronger access to reliable information to fight “information disorder” in the digital age. Health Awareness (Media): NPHA mobilised journalists and bloggers ahead of 2026 World Meningitis Day, sharing key messages on symptoms, prevention and case management to improve public understanding. Arts & Entertainment (Beauty): AYV Media unveiled eight contestants for Miss University 2026, pitching the pageant as more than looks—focused on confidence, leadership and personal branding. Arts & Entertainment (Loss): Sierra Leone’s media community mourns BBC World Affairs correspondent Mark Doyle, remembered for reporting across West Africa including Sierra Leone’s civil war. Culture (Local Heritage): Freetown Museum opened a long-sealed Y2K time capsule, revealing letters, student artwork and church hymnals from the early 2000s. Sports (Football): U-20 sports journalist Hawa Dauda urged action over Leone Stars’ recent losses, questioning spending amid poor results. Road Safety (Public Life): Sierra Leone Police launched an operation to remove unauthorised decorative lights from vehicles in central Freetown.

Pageantry Spotlight: AYV Media has unveiled eight contestants for AYV Miss University 2026, positioning the pageant as more than beauty—focused on confidence, leadership and personal branding. Health & Community: Merck Foundation marked World Heart Day 2026 with the First Ladies of Africa and Asia, announcing scholarships and training to expand diabetes and cardiovascular care capacity across Africa and beyond. Information Integrity in Focus: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Lungi, bringing together regulators and stakeholders to tackle misinformation and strengthen access-to-information in the digital age. Freetown Road Safety: Sierra Leone Police launched an operation to remove unauthorised decorative lights from vehicles in central Freetown, warning they can distract drivers and raise accident risks. Sports Talk: Popular sports journalist Hawa Dauda urged action over Leone Stars’ recent losses, calling for steps if points aren’t recovered. Local Culture: A long-sealed Freetown Museum time capsule was opened, revealing decades-old school letters, hymns and business memorabilia.

Information Integrity in Focus: Sierra Leone hosted the 17th International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) in Lungi, bringing together access-to-information regulators and global partners to tackle misinformation and strengthen public trust. Universal Access to Information: Sierra Leone’s Right to Access Information Commission and UNESCO marked IDUAI with calls for timely, credible information in the digital age. Digital Sovereignty: Communications Minister Salima Monorma Bah says Sierra Leone is building local capacity for digital ID, payments, and data exchange—moving from policy to delivery. Arts & Culture: Afropop singer Rozzy Sokota celebrates the birth of her first child, a baby boy. Classical Music Spotlight: Jeneba Kanneh-Mason is set for her first-ever performances with the Florida Orchestra, continuing the family’s classical breakthrough. Ebola Update: Congo reports Ebola cases surpassing 8,000 as health systems struggle with access and surveillance. Tourism Moment: Sierra Leone’s Tourism Ministry held a World Tourism Day health walk in Freetown to promote wellness and environmental awareness.