By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) continues to demonstrate visionary leadership under the stewardship of its Director General, Musayeroh Barrie. On October 25, 2025, the Authority hosted an engaging airport tour designed to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals (NGAP). The event, themed; “Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals,” offered children a rare opportunity to experience the world of aviation firsthand, from check-in procedures to firefighting demonstrations, aimed at nurturing curiosity and fostering early interest in the aviation industry.
Before departing from Sea Coach at Aberdeen to the Freetown International Airport in Lungi, Director General Musayeroh Barrie warmly welcomed the children, their parents and teachers, expressing gratitude to the Management of Sea Coach for creating a comfortable environment for the young participants. She described the day to be an exciting journey of discovery, urging the children to explore freely and ask questions throughout their tour. “The foundation we are laying for these children is very important,” she remarked. “They are going to see how the airport runs, and safety briefings will be conducted before they begin their tour. The chaperones and airport staff will guide them through each step; so, bon voyage to all of you.”
Addressing parents, Musayeroh Barrie underscored the importance of broadening children’s career horizons beyond traditional professions. “There are more opportunities out there than being a lawyer or a doctor,” she emphasized. “We must encourage our kids to explore new roles, because they are the foundation of the future that is to come.”
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Director General reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to youth engagement in shaping the future of aviation. “Let’s keep nurturing curiosity; the future of aviation begins with them,” she said. The program forms part of SLCAA’s broader NGAP strategy, championed by Musayeroh Barrie to promote youth empowerment and career awareness in aviation. Since assuming office, she has prioritized inclusivity and generational renewal within the institution, with more than half of SLCAA’s workforce now under the age of 40; a clear reflection of her dedication to building a vibrant and forward-looking aviation sector.
The initiative builds on Sierra Leone’s active participation in the ICAO NGAP Global Summit held in Durban in August 2025, where Musayeroh Barrie represented the country and delivered an impactful address on developing a future-ready aviation workforce. Her participation reinforced Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a nation committed to international aviation standards and youth-driven transformation.
In another development prior to the NGAP, Musayeroh Barrie conducted an inspection of the Lungi International Airport on October 23, 2025, to assess operational readiness ahead of the peak travel season. The visit focused on evaluating safety, facilitation and security protocols while engaging with airport stakeholders to enhance service delivery. “We’ve agreed on enhanced measures to ensure passenger safety, smooth operations and an improved travel experience,” she disclosed following the visit.
During the tour, SLCAA also had the honour of welcoming one of Sierra Leone’s most respected statesmen, Dr. Sama Banya, to the new Lungi International Airport Terminal. Musayeroh Barrie described Dr. Sama Banya’s positive remarks about the facility as “an inspiration to our continued commitment to excellence in aviation.”
Sometime this year, Musayeroh Barrie represented Sierra Leone at the 42nd ICAO Assembly (A42) under the theme: “Safe Skies, Sustainable Future.” As Vice Chairperson of the Administrative Commission, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to global aviation progress and highlighted ICAO’s critical role in promoting international air safety and environmental sustainability.
Breaking barriers in Sierra Leone’s aviation history, Director General Musayeroh Barrie stands out as the first woman to lead the Civil Aviation Authority and one of the youngest aviation executives in Africa. Her leadership continues to redefine the industry through a blend of resilience, intellect and innovation, inspiring a new generation of women and youth to dream beyond limits. With a clear vision for a sustainable, inclusive and future-ready aviation ecosystem, Musayeroh Barrie is transforming the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) into more than a regulatory body; she is positioning it as a beacon of progress and innovation across West Africa.
