Hi, I’m William Lina
a Eye Sergeon Specialist Eye Consultant

Three Things You Should Try When You Visit Kenema

A day ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenema with the team at Spark Media, a video production company, and Salone Messenger, a news outlet I work for to cover the Presidential Town Hall organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. My role was to support the Spark Media team with content and media coverage while also writing articles and updates about the event for Salone Messenger.

While our main focus was reporting on the Town Hall. The first of its kind to be held outside the capital city, Freetown, I also took time to explore Kenema. During my two-day stay, I made it a point to interact with locals and try new food.
Kenema is a beautiful town, rich in culture, friendliness, and more. Of all the experiences I had, here are three things I think every visitor must try when they visit Kenema:

1. The Goat Meat at Goat Kingdom

This was one of the best highlights of my trip. If you’re in Kenema and you love good food, Goat Kingdom is where you need to go. The goat meat cooked with soap, potato leaf or any sauce gives a different taste. It’s not just about the taste. The Goat Kingdom is know for cooking any sauce with goat. Do not come to the goat Kingdom if you don’t like goat meat. The rice served with goat potato leaves

2. The Jelly – Sweet, Cold, and Refreshing

There’s something about jelly in Kenema that just hits differently. Maybe it’s the hot weather but having jelly here is almost a tradition. Sold by local vendors on the street, this treat is perfect after a long walk or a busy day of filming and reporting like mine. If you’re visiting, don’t skip it. It’s cheap, and refreshing.

3. The People 

One of the most unforgettable parts of my trip was the people of Kenema. From the students participating in the Civic Education Quiz and Debate, to the community leaders and everyday folks I met along the way. Everyone I spoke to was kind, open, and full of pride. Whether you’re asking for directions or just striking up a conversation, Kenema people will welcome you like family.

From Freetown to Delhi: I’m Heading to India for the 2025 Familiarization Tour Sponsored by the Indian Government

I’m incredibly excited and honoured to share some big news with you — I’ve been officially invited by the India High Commission in Sierra Leone to participate in the India Familiarization Tour 2025!

As the Founder and CEO of Salone Messenger, this invitation means a great deal to me personally and professionally. Alongside two amazing fellow content creators — Sarah Kallay, CEO of Sarah Kallay Blog, and Aaron Parker, Editor and Team Lead at Sierra Loaded — I will be representing Sierra Leone on a journey that brings together some of Africa’s most influential digital storytellers.

This all-expenses-paid trip is fully funded by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, through its External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division and the External Language Media Section. From May 21 to May 29, we’ll be traveling across India, visiting historical landmarks, cultural monuments, and sites of innovation — all while telling stories and building digital bridges between our continents.

We’ll also be joined by creators from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé, South Africa, and Togo — making this a true Pan-African–Indian exchange.

In a conversation I had with Mr. Neeraj K. Saini, Head of Chancery at the Indian High Commission, he expressed deep appreciation for Sierra Leone’s digital creators, saying:

> “The popularity and professionalism of Sierra Leonean social media content creators is commendable. They are doing great work in raising awareness on various important issues.”

He added:

“Our bonding with social media content creators and their familiarization visit to India would strengthen our relations. They may contribute a lot in making local people aware about India and what India is doing for the people of Sierra Leone.”

This trip is not just a visit — it’s a milestone. It’s a chance to explore one of the world’s richest cultures, engage in meaningful exchange, and use our platforms to tell stories that matter. As someone who has always believed in the power of media and storytelling to drive change, this opportunity is both humbling and empowering.

Stay tuned on Salone Messenger and my social media channels as I take you along this unforgettable journey — from the heart of Freetown to the soul of India.

The Importance of the Miss Sierra Leone Platform and My Work with Four Inspiring Contestants

The Miss Sierra Leone pageant is more than just a beauty contest. It is a national platform that gives young women the chance to showcase their intelligence, leadership, talents, and commitment to creating positive change. Through their “Beauty with a Purpose” projects, contestants address important social issues and inspire others across the country. Miss Sierra Leone also provides an opportunity for young women to represent Sierra Leone on the international stage, promoting the country’s culture, beauty, and values. It is a powerful platform that empowers young women to lead, advocate, and make a real difference.

Through my work as a freelance journalist, communication strategist, fixer, blogger, youth organizer, event manager, spokesperson, and public relations expert, I have had the honor of working with four outstanding individuals who are now contesting for Miss Sierra Leone: Mariyam Lorba Konneh, Lala Sidibe, Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies, and Ambassador Zizer JJ Mumgbay. Each one of them has impressed me with their passion, dedication, and professionalism.

Working with Mariyam Lorba Konneh 

I first worked with Mariyam Lorba Konneh during my time at Africa Young Voices (AYV), where I served as Deputy Director for Online and Print. Mariyam was the reigning Miss University Sierra Leone at the time. She was always professional, respectful, and focused on her goals. Later, I had another opportunity to work with her through the United Sierra Leone Wave Alliance, where I serve as the Coordinator. Mariyam’s passion for female health and hygiene education was very clear, and her commitment to her advocacy work stood out every time we met.

About Mariyam Lorba Konneh:
Mariyam is a 20-year-old student at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, studying Banking and Finance. She won the AYV Miss University 2022 title and represented Sierra Leone at Miss University Africa in Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of “Mariyam’s Ways,” a beauty and media platform, and has also launched “Mariyam’s Beauty Line” and “Mariyam’s Essentials,” promoting feminine hygiene. Her work centers around dignity, education, and empowerment.

Working with Lala Sidibe

I first met Lala Sidibe while also working at AYV. At the time, we were preparing for World Menstrual Hygiene Day, and I was tasked with producing a documentary celebrating individuals and organizations making a difference in menstrual health. I was given Lala’s contact, and we scheduled an interview. She was impressive — articulate, passionate, and deeply committed to her cause. Later, I also invited her for an interview at Spark Media, a video production company where I was producing a show, and again, her professionalism and energy stood out.

About Lala Sidibe:
Lala Sidibe is a young leader and the Executive Director of The Empowered Girls Advocacy (TEGA), an organization that focuses on empowering girls through education and mentorship. She is currently studying Gender and Development Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Lala has worked on community projects, including documentaries highlighting the challenges children face in underserved communities. She is now one of the contestants for Miss Sierra Leone 2025, using her platform to further advocate for young girls’ rights and empowerment.

Working with Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies

I worked with Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies when my company, Salone Messenger, was hired to do profiling for the Miss University contestants. Lachaeveh was one of the contestants, and throughout the project, she was easy to work with, dedicated, and creative. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with her on several occasions, and she has always been consistent and passionate about her work.

About Lachaeveh Alberta Caizarine Davies:
Lachaeveh, popularly known as The Lachaeveh, is a 22-year-old model, climate activist, and communication student. She studied in Ghana before continuing her education at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK), where she is pursuing a degree in Mass Communication. She has served as the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs at UNIMAK and won the Charles Mansaray Debate Competition. Lachaeveh was crowned Miss Freetown 2024 and is passionate about using her platform to raise awareness about climate change and environmental issues.

I first met Ambassador Zizer JJ Mumgbay while working on a project profiling journalists in Sierra Leone. At the time, she was already making waves in the media industry. She impressed me with her professionalism, and since then, I have continued working with her. She has also helped me in coordinating and hosting some of my clients, showing her reliability and strong work ethic.

About Ambassador Zizer JJ Mumgbay:
Ambassador Zizer JJ Mumgbay is a journalist working with Star TV and is currently contesting in the Miss Sierra Leone 2025 pageant, representing Kailahun District. In the pageant context, the title “Ambassador” highlights her role as a representative and advocate for her district. There is no public record of her holding an official diplomatic position. She continues to use her skills and platform to bring positive change and uplift her community.

It has been a real honor working with Mariyam, Lala, Lachaeveh, and Ambassador Zizer. Each one of them is a true reflection of leadership, purpose, and service.

I wish them all the very best in the Miss Sierra Leone 2025 competition. May the best woman win!

About the Author 

Sallu Kamuskay is a Sierra Leonean freelance journalist, communication strategist, fixer, blogger, youth organizer, event manager, spokesperson, and public relations expert. He is the founder and executive director of Salone Messenger, a global multimedia and public relations firm based in Sierra Leone .​Log in or sign up to view+9Sallu Kamuskay+9Sallu Kamuskay+9Muck Rack+5Muck Rack+5Sallu Kamuskay+5

Kamuskay’s professional focus includes negotiating deals and managing social media for professionals, influencers, politicians, media houses, organizations, and companies. He emphasizes protecting, promoting, and defending his clients in the face of cyberbullying, operating under the movement he calls “The Concierge of Media” (COM) .​Sallu Kamuskay+4Sallu Kamuskay+4Sallu Kamuskay+4Muck Rack+4Sallu Kamuskay+4Sallu Kamuskay+4

He has contributed to various national and international media outlets, including Equal Times, MDPI, AllAfrica, The Sierra Leone Telegraph, Swit Salone, Concord Times, Global Times Newspaper Online, and The Calabash Newspaper