Led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Durammany-Lakkoh, the procession wove through the heart of the city, accompanied by a musical set, juggling, and dancing. But beneath the festive atmosphere lay a serious concern. “This exercise is very important and also timely for the well-being of our staff and students,” Professor Lakkoh told the gathered crowd. “We are constantly getting death reports of our students almost every three weeks, and we see posters and banners of bereavement.”

The walk, he explained, was a direct response to those losses. “This exercise has brought together young and old to improve health and physical fitness. This issomething we are going to be doing. I appreciate the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Albert Baio,and the team for putting this together, and all those who have supported it.”

The event also served as a tribute to national pride. “Our exercise is part of the celebration of our independence anniversary,” Professor Lakkoh said.“On that note, and on behalf of the administration of the University of Sierra Leone and particularly IPAM, let me congratulate His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and all cabinet ministers, especially the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie.”

Upon arrival at the Tamba Kula Wharf, the gathering was met with a health talk focused on the benefits of daily physical exercise and environmental hygiene. Looking ahead, Professor Lakkoh made a personal pledge. He announced that he would sponsor a future health walk to popularize the FBC Bicentennial, adding, “I am expecting all alumni and well-wishers to show up.”

The event concluded with group photographs, video recordings, and a flurry of posts on social media,capturing a community determined to walk toward better health, together.

By

Dr.Tonya Musa

Director of Communication and International Relations,

University of Sierra Leone