The Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen was alive and full of activity on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, as Patriots Against Corruption SL and its partners hosted the National Public Speaking Festival Volume 5 and the Leone Rock Metal Group Trophy.
The theme of the festival was “Combating Drugs and Corruption in the Education Sector,” and the festival hosted students from universities and colleges as well as from secondary and other educational institutions. From morning to mid-afternoon, the hall became a space where young voices spoke boldly about problems that continue to undermine education and national development.
This year’s celebration also marked the fifth anniversary of Patriots Against Corruption SL. This is a significant indicator of more than elapsed time. It is a reflection of variable impacts. In this regard, according to the 2025 Annual Integrity Survey of this organization, there is a tremendous decrease in corruption in schools, from a percentage of 61.7 in 2021 to a percentage of 19.2 in 2025. In contrast, the ability of students to speak in public effectively has also improved, from a percentage of 31.8 to a percentage of 67.4.
The festival has itself become a prominent means for the organization to instill self-confidence and a sense of civic duty in youth. Past editions in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 laid the groundwork, and this year’s gathering built on that momentum with sharper arguments, stronger delivery, and deeper engagement with real-world issues. One notable example of this growth is Gibril Turay, a product of the programme who went on to win the national intercollegiate debate.
This year’s competition featured participants from four universities and fifteen secondary schools. After a closely contested round of speeches, Ibrahim Cooper of Albert Academy emerged in first place. Sierra Leone Grammar School’s King Flee secured second position, while Abubakarr S. Barrie finished third. From the University category, Musa Sillah from IMATT College performed best among all participants.
The festival did well because there were supporters like the Anti-Corruption Commission, Rokel Commercial Bank, and Prince Wumi. The involvement of the group brought the festival some positive impetus, including the first time the festival enabled the promotion of integrity and youth guidance as its goals.
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As the National Public Speaking Festival of 2025 came to an end, there was one key takeaway that was evident: young individuals who are encouraged to speak out, to critically use their minds, and to challenge corrupted norms will become part of the solutions to their issues and concerns. To Patriots Against Corruption SL, the National Public Speaking Festival is more than just an annual event.It indicates that continuous civic education can lead to a change in attitude and a reduction in corruption.
