SLAJ ends World Press Freedom week in style
Freetown: The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Friday 6 May 2011 observed its Muslim thanksgiving service at the Islamic Centre Mosque, Voice of Islam in Freetown, as part of activities marking the end of a week-long celebration of this year’s Press Freedom Week.
Officiating Imam, Alhaji Sheikh Barrie tailored his sermon on the role of journalists and the power of information. He said journalism was documented in the Quran as far back in the days of the Prophet Suliaman (peace be upon him). He emphasized the need to say the truth in disseminating information.
Sheikh Barrie said journalists must always seek and report the truth and should avoid sensationalism, dissemination of falsehood and vengeance. He prayed for the safety and protection of journalists in the country.
A similar thanksgiving service had been held on Sunday 1 May at the Buxton Memorial where prayers were also offered for the country’s journalists as they prepare to cover the forthcoming presidential, legislative and local council elections next year.
SLAJ Vice President, Sheikh Mustapha Bawoh praised the Imam for “a well researched sermon” on journalism. He said the lecture was the hard fact on the state of the media in the country and how journalism should be practised. He promised that SLAJ would do all it could to improve on the practice of journalism in Sierra Leone.
This year’s celebrations were climaxed with a beach outing at River No 2, one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the world with pristine white sand where journalists hobnobbed and strengthened friendship and camaraderie.
Meanwhile, the remains of the late journalist Christian Williams formerly of Evening Scoop Newspaper were laid to rest on Friday afternoon at the Ascension Town cemetery, following a funeral service at the Faith Assembly of God’s church in Freetown which was attended by dozens of journalists.
Ismael Koroma, National Secretary General, SLAJ, Freetown
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