Ambassador Amara Sowa Hails Makeni Diaspora’s Vision and Resilience at 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Demonstrating heartfelt solidarity and national pride, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Amara Sowa, joined the ‘Friends from Makeni’ (FFM) on Saturday, June 22, 2025 for their 10th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraising Gala at the Ekkonn Conference Center in Lanham, Maryland, USA.
Held under the theme: “Na Makeni We Komot”,(We Are from Makeni), the vibrant gathering brought together members of the Makeni diaspora, friends and well-wishers to honor a decade of dedicated community service, cultural preservation and developmental impact by FFM.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Amara Sowa expressed deep gratitude for being part of the celebration, describing it as a “homecoming of the heart.” He recalled his own ties to the northern city of Makeni and praised the group’s consistent efforts to support their hometown from abroad.
“Makeni shaped much of who I am,” Ambassador Amara Sowa remarked. “To be here with fellow brothers and sisters from Makeni, who continue to carry their roots proudly while driving development is truly inspiring.”
He used the occasion to appeal to the audience to support school-going children in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the transformative power of education. “Whether you give in kind or in cash, every gesture makes a difference. Our children deserve the best foundation,” he urged.
The Ambassador also reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with diaspora organizations. “The doors of the Embassy are always open to every Sierra Leonean. We are here to serve, support and collaborate,” he assured.
Highlighting the group’s current flagship initiative, ‘Friends from Makeni’ President, Amadu Nabay, announced that FFM has secured land in Makeni to construct a modern elementary school. “This is our boldest project yet,” Amadu Nabay said. “We are committed to building a state-of-the-art facility that will provide quality education for generations to come.”
He also outlined FFM’s track record of impactful community projects, including distributing holiday food packages to the underprivileged, building a recreational center for children and supporting various infrastructure projects in Makeni and surrounding areas. “The past ten years have shown what unity and commitment can achieve. Now, we are calling on all friends, supporters and partners to help us cross the next milestone, completing the school project,” he stated.
The celebration featured cultural performances, fundraising auctions, testimonials from beneficiaries and moments of reflection on the group’s journey. Guests praised the unity and resilience that characterize the Makeni diaspora and pledged continued support to FFM’s initiatives.
The evening concluded with a renewed call to action: for Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to remain connected, give back and invest in their communities, proving that no matter the distance, “Na Makeni We Komot” remains a call to serve.
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