Former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Samuel Sam-Sumana has praised Nigeria’s contributions to restoring peace in Sierra Leone, saying the sacrifices of Nigerian troops and civilians during the country’s civil war would never be forgotten.
Sam-Sumana expressed gratitude to Nigeria during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) in Abuja, following his participation in the association’s 2026 Conference and Awards.
“As a Sierra Leonean, I wish to express my profound gratitude for the role Nigeria and other countries played in helping Sierra Leone regain peace and stability,” he said.
Describing Nigeria as a big brother in West Africa, he stressed that the country’s stability and prosperity had far-reaching implications for the subregion.
“When Nigeria catches a cold, the rest of us sneeze,” he said.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s civil war, Sam-Sumana said the conflict, influenced by the spillover of the war in neighbouring Liberia and competing interests over diamond resources, caused enormous loss of lives and property.
He urged West African countries to learn from the conflicts and strengthen collective efforts to prevent a recurrence of violence.
Sam-Sumana also cautioned political leaders against allowing personal ambitions to undermine national stability, stressing that peaceful political competition was essential to democratic development.
Calls for Media Accountability
The former vice-president urged DECAN to strengthen cooperation between defence correspondents, the military and security institutions.
He described journalists as indispensable partners in governance, accountability and national development, urging political leaders to view constructive criticism as an opportunity to improve public institutions.
He maintained that public officials should welcome fair and accurate reporting that promotes the public good, adding that leadership required humility, tolerance and resilience.
Sam-Sumana also urged journalists to uphold professional standards and disseminate credible information, particularly on defence and national security.
Advocates African Economic Independence
On Africa’s development, he called for a shift from dependence on foreign assistance towards industrialisation, mutually beneficial partnerships and economic self-reliance.
He urged African countries to invest in local industries, add value to their natural resources and create employment opportunities rather than rely heavily on exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
According to him, the continent’s inability to fully harness its resources has contributed to economic hardship and forced migration, including dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.
He also called for stronger African representation in international decision-making institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
“Africa must be present at the tables where decisions about its future are made,” he said.
He encouraged journalists to use their reports and investigations to challenge negative narratives about Africa and highlight the continent’s opportunities and development priorities.
DECAN Reaffirms Commitment to Professional Reporting
Earlier, DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the visit was organised to appreciate Sam-Sumana for participating in the association’s 2026 Conference and Awards.
He said the former vice-president’s presence underscored the importance of strengthening relationships between defence journalists, military institutions and international stakeholders.
Sunday reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to professional defence reporting and the dissemination of credible information on security matters.
The visit also provided an opportunity for veteran defence correspondents Kingsley Omonobi and Molly Kilete to recount their experiences covering the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
They highlighted the devastating effects of the conflicts and the challenges of reporting from conflict zones, emphasising the importance of responsible journalism and sustained efforts to prevent further violence.
