Sierra Leone Will Never Forget Nigeria’s Sacrifice For Peace – Sam-Sumana
Former Sierra Leonean Vice-President Samuel Sam-Sumana has called for lasting recognition of Nigerian troops who sacrificed their lives to restore peace in Sierra Leone, urging African leaders to prioritise peace, accountability and economic independence.
Sam-Sumana said Nigeria’s intervention during Sierra Leone’s civil war helped restore stability, describing the country as a big brother whose security and prosperity directly affect the wider West African region.
“When Nigeria catches a cold, the rest of us sneeze,” he said on Tuesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN).
Reflecting on the devastating impact of the civil wars in Sierra Leone and neighbouring Liberia, he said the loss of lives and destruction of communities should strengthen regional efforts to prevent future conflicts.
The former vice-president also urged journalists to hold public officials accountable, stressing that constructive criticism should not be mistaken for hostility.
He called on African countries to reduce dependence on foreign aid by investing in local industries, adding value to raw materials and creating jobs for young people.
Sam-Sumana further advocated stronger African representation in international decision-making institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.
He urged journalists to challenge negative narratives about Africa through credible reporting that highlights the continent’s challenges, opportunities and development priorities.
DECAN President, Odita Sunday, said the visit was to appreciate Sam-Sumana for accepting the association’s invitation and participating in its 2026 Conference and Awards.
Sunday reaffirmed DECAN’s commitment to professional defence reporting and constructive engagement with security institutions.
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, highlighting the human cost of conflict and the challenges of reporting from war zones.
The engagement ended with calls for stronger cooperation among the media, political leaders and security institutions to promote peace, accountability and sustainable development across Africa.
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