Former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Samuel Sam-Sumana, has praised Nigeria for its contributions to restoring peace and stability in his country, saying the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers and civilians will remain an important part of Sierra Leone’s history.
Sam-Sumana expressed his appreciation during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), according to a statement issued by the association’s president, Sunday Odita, in Abuja.
He acknowledged the support Nigeria and other countries provided during Sierra Leone’s civil war, noting that their interventions helped the country recover from years of conflict and instability.
Describing Nigeria as a big brother to other West African nations, the former vice-president stressed that the country’s stability has significant implications for the wider region.
He illustrated the close relationship among West African countries by observing that challenges affecting Nigeria could have consequences for its neighbours.
Ex-VP Urges West African Nations to Protect Peace
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s civil war, Sam-Sumana said the conflict, influenced partly by fighting in neighbouring Liberia and competition over diamond resources, resulted in extensive loss of lives and destruction of property.
He urged countries across West Africa to draw lessons from the painful experience and strengthen regional cooperation to prevent similar conflicts in the future.
The former vice-president also cautioned political leaders against allowing personal ambitions to threaten national stability. He maintained that peaceful political competition and a commitment to the common good were essential to democratic governance.
According to him, peace should be regarded as a collective achievement that rises above political affiliations and individual interests.
Journalists Urged to Promote Accountability
Sam-Sumana called on journalists to hold public officials accountable and contribute to stronger governance through fair, accurate and constructive reporting.
He warned against treating critical journalism as an act of hostility, explaining that responsible criticism could help public institutions improve their performance.
He also encouraged media practitioners to uphold professional ethics and ensure that reports concerning defence and national security were credible and responsible.
The former vice-president commended DECAN for promoting engagement between defence correspondents and military institutions, expressing hope that the relationship would continue to strengthen.
Sam-Sumana Advocates African Economic Independence
Speaking on Africa’s development prospects, Sam-Sumana called for greater economic self-reliance through industrialisation, local manufacturing and mutually beneficial international partnerships.
He urged African countries to reduce their dependence on exporting raw materials while importing finished goods, arguing that investment in local industries could create jobs and improve economic opportunities for young people.
He also linked the continent’s failure to fully utilise its natural resources to persistent economic difficulties and irregular migration, including dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea.
The former vice-president further advocated stronger African representation in global decision-making institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
He encouraged journalists to use their platforms to challenge misleading narratives about Africa while highlighting the continent’s opportunities, ambitions and development priorities.
DECAN Commends Former Vice-President’s Participation
Earlier, Odita said the visit was organised to appreciate Sam-Sumana for participating in DECAN’s 2026 Conference and Awards.
He explained that the former vice-president’s involvement demonstrated the importance of building stronger relationships among defence journalists, military institutions and international stakeholders.
The visit also provided an opportunity for veteran journalists Kingsley Omonobi of Vanguard and Molly Kilete of The Sun to share their experiences covering the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Their accounts highlighted the human cost of armed conflict, including deaths, displacement and the challenges faced by reporters working in dangerous environments.
The engagement concluded with renewed emphasis on professional cooperation, responsible journalism, accountability and sustained peacebuilding across West Africa.
