By: Abdulai Sankoh
Paramount Chief Bai Kobio Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District, has received a prestigious National Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development, peacebuilding and national cohesion.
The award was presented on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the Freetown City Hall during the Hope Media Sierra Leone National Legacy Awards, held under the impactful theme, “Icon of National Development.”
Delivering his keynote address, Paramount Chief Bai Kobio Queen II expressed profound gratitude to Hope Media Sierra Leone for recognising his contributions to national development and providing him with the opportunity to be honoured.
He emphasised the importance of peace, unity and national cohesion, calling on traditional leaders across the country to demonstrate these values through their actions and leadership. He noted that traditional authorities have a significant responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence and foster unity within their respective communities.
The Paramount Chief also highlighted some of his notable contributions to his community, particularly in supporting education, providing humanitarian assistance and promoting peace.
He reaffirmed his commitment to community development despite having personally experienced the consequences of unrest.
He further appealed to all Sierra Leoneans to embrace peace and national unity, irrespective of their political affiliations, traditional backgrounds or religious beliefs. According to him, national development can only be achieved when citizens put aside their differences and work collectively towards a peaceful and prosperous Sierra Leone.
Concluding his remarks, Paramount Chief Bai Kobio Queen II reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Hope Media Sierra Leone, particularly its educational initiatives aimed at transforming the country’s education sector. He commended the organisation for complementing the government’s efforts in advancing education, which remains one of the country’s core development priorities.
His recognition at the National Legacy Awards serves as an acknowledgement of the important role traditional leadership plays in community advancement, peacebuilding and the broader national development agenda.
The award further highlights the importance of recognising traditional leaders whose contributions continue to make a positive difference in the lives of their people and the country at large.
