Thousands of young people flooded the streets of Kabala on New Year’s Eve to welcome Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, making his visit a joyous public occasion that clearly indicated his popularity among the youth of the district.
From the periphery of the town right to the major gathering points, youths lined the roads as his convoy rolled in. The scale of the reception surprised many residents and observers in Koinadugu District, giving the visit the feel of a major community event rather than a routine stop. For many of the young people present, it was a chance to see and hear a figure they regard as closely linked to grassroots engagement.
When he addressed the crowd, Dr. Abdulai adopted a serious and reflective tone. “He warned against the dangers of drug abuse and crime among the youth, saying that they are dangers that could easily derail the lives of the promising youths,” said the President. “He challenged the youths to take control of their future by making disciplined and informed choices that are free from habits that could hamper their opportunities,”.
Sports were also encouraged for their constructive role in personal development. According to his ideas, sports involve more than mere recreational activities, such as discipline, coordination, and a sense of direction that could be useful for youth to channel their vigor positively. Organized sports, he added, could open doors and can also help build the spirit of the community.
Dr. Abdulai reminded the gathering of the consistent appeal by President Julius Maada Bio for the youth to take control of their lives and future. He reiterated the importance of this appeal being put into action by the youth, who ought to dedicate themselves to education, training, and legal economic activities. Besides the speeches, the visit also had other symbolic significance.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is well-known for the close link he has had over the years with the community, particularly among the youths. His frequent outings in Sierra Leone, reaching out to monitor and guide them, has endeared him to the youths in Sierra Leone. With the advent of the new year, the occurrences at the other end, in Kabala, depicted great levels of enthusiasm and hope.
Among the youths who turned up in large numbers, the event was not a ceremony but an opportunity to hear a message that addressed their needs and desires.
