By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In what has been described as a defining moment of political maturity and national unity, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Energy Sector Lead and Chair of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF), delivered a powerful address to Members of Parliament on Thursday, October 15, 2025 at the House of Parliament on OAU Drive.
The briefing, held at the official invitation of Speaker Hon. Sengepoh Thomas, focused on Sierra Leone’s energy landscape but evolved into a profound appeal for collective ownership of the nation’s development agenda. Welcoming Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, the Speaker described him as “a statesman and a unifying voice whose service transcends party politics.”
In his address, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella emphasized that energy projects must be treated as national assets, not political trophies. “Energy projects should always be seen as national projects,” he declared. “They belong to the people of Sierra Leone. Every party, every representative, must own them and ensure their sustainability beyond political transitions.”
His message drew admiration from both sides of the political divide. Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella extended gratitude to his colleagues in the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), stressing that progress in energy transformation requires unity, humility and shared responsibility.
In a striking display of humility, he also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors in the energy sector, describing their work as foundational to the achievements being realized today. “Our development journey depends on continuity, collaboration and respect for those who came before us,” he said.
Observers in the gallery noted the atmosphere as one of rare bipartisan consensus. Many lawmakers were seen nodding in agreement, describing the session as a “masterclass in statesmanship.”
Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella further revealed that President Julius Maada Bio remains committed to inclusive governance, noting, “When commissioning energy projects, the President will take the Leader of the Opposition and other Members of Parliament along.” That, he explained, symbolizes national ownership and inclusivity in the country’s pursuit of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all.
The session ended with a standing ovation, as Parliamentarians applauded Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella for his integrity, expertise and unifying leadership. The Speaker thanked him for his invaluable insights, describing his engagement as a “historic moment of cross-party respect.”
Sierra Leone’s ongoing journey toward energy stability and economic transformation is powerfully reflected in Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella’s address ; a timeless reminder that true leadership rises above politics, grounded in vision, humility and a collective dedication to national progress.
