Leading All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer aspirant, Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, has paid a solidarity visit to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation following a devastating fire that destroyed part of the institution’s headquarters in Freetown.
The blaze, which occurred on April 8, 2026, engulfed the top floor of the broadcasting house, including the office of the Deputy Director General, Mohamed Asmieu Bah. The incident resulted in extensive damage, with equipment and property worth millions of leones reduced to ashes.
Items lost in the fire included computers both laptops and desktops, television monitoring screens, office furniture, mobile phones, cash, and critical official documents, raising concerns about operational disruptions at the state broadcaster.
During his visit, Dr. Bangura popularly known as “The Savoir” expressed deep sympathy over the incident, describing it as a national loss given the pivotal role of the media in society.
“This is sad, and I must say I felt the pain as a Sierra Leonean. I know the critical role the media plays in shaping society,” he stated.
He urged the management and staff of SLBC to remain resilient, encouraging them to rely on faith and unity as they work toward recovery.
Beyond words of encouragement, Dr. Bangura demonstrated tangible support by donating US$5,000 and two laptop computers to assist the institution in restoring some of its lost capacity.
Receiving the donation, Director General Josephine Kamara expressed appreciation for the timely intervention, noting that the gesture reflects the value placed on the national broadcaster.
She reaffirmed SLBC’s commitment to its mandate, stating that the corporation will continue to serve as “the true voice of the people” in disseminating information and addressing issues of national importance.
Deputy Director General Mohamed Asmieu Bah also welcomed the support, describing it as both encouraging and necessary at a time of institutional difficulty. He expressed hope that such an incident would not recur and called on other stakeholders to contribute toward rebuilding efforts.
Dr. Bangura’s visit has been widely interpreted as a demonstration of solidarity and national responsibility, transcending political lines. Known for his involvement in philanthropic initiatives in healthcare and education, his intervention underscores a broader commitment to national development.
The fire incident has dealt a significant blow to SLBC’s operations, but gestures of support such as this are expected to play a crucial role in helping the institution recover and continue its public service mission.
