By Chigozie Igbo Jnr
ABUJA, Renowned Sierra Leonean journalist and parliamentary affairs analyst, Melvin Tejan Mansaray, has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria and Sierra Leone in promoting African heritage, culture, and identity among young people across the continent, warning that Africa risks losing its cultural essence if deliberate efforts are not made to educate the next generation.
Mansaray, who spoke during an interview at Top Rank Hotels Galaxy in Abuja on the sidelines of an ECOWAS Summit, stressed that the future of Africa depends largely on how well Africans understand their history, appreciate their cultural values, and develop confidence in their own identity.
I am Melvin Tijerman Sari. I work for Sleek Television in Sierra Leone, and I've been working for the ECOWAS Parliament, the Pan-African Parliament and other parliaments across the world,"
"If we are to benefit from our resources, our talents and our potential as a people, then it begins with believing in ourselves and understanding who we are."
The veteran journalist noted that many young Africans have grown up with limited knowledge of the continent's rich history and civilizations, a development he described as a major obstacle to Africa's quest for sustainable development and self-reliance. According to him, African countries must invest in cultural education, historical awareness and indigenous knowledge systems to strengthen the confidence of future generations.
Mansaray's remarks come at a time when discussions around cultural preservation, identity and youth empowerment are gaining renewed attention across the continent. He argued that countries such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, which share historical ties dating back to the colonial and post-independence eras, are strategically positioned to lead efforts aimed at reconnecting African youths with their heritage.
For decades, Nigeria has remained one of Africa's most influential cultural powerhouses through its film industry, music, literature and creative economy. Sierra Leone, on the other hand, continues to play a significant role in preserving West African traditions and fostering democratic discourse through media and civic engagement. Observers believe partnerships between institutions in both countries could help create exchange programmes, media projects and educational initiatives focused on African history and cultural values.
Mansaray himself has emerged as one of Sierra Leone's most prominent media voices. With more than 15 years covering parliamentary affairs, he has built a reputation for political analysis, accountability reporting and advocacy for press freedom. International media rights organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have described him as a respected specialist in parliamentary reporting and a significant voice in democratic governance debates within the West African region.
His outspoken reporting has often placed him at the centre of national conversations in Sierra Leone. Press freedom groups and regional media organisations have repeatedly highlighted his contributions to public accountability and democratic engagement, particularly in explaining parliamentary processes to ordinary citizens and amplifying discussions on governance and transparency.
Analysts however say Mansaray's call for cultural reawakening aligns with broader Pan-African aspirations that seek to strengthen unity among African nations through shared values, history and identity. They argue that while economic integration remains a key objective of ECOWAS and the African Union, cultural integration and historical consciousness are equally important in building a confident and prosperous continent.
As Africa navigates rapid globalization and technological transformation, stakeholders maintain that preserving indigenous cultures, languages and historical narratives will be critical to ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots while competing effectively on the global stage. For Nigeria and Sierra Leone, a deeper cooperation in media, education and cultural diplomacy could become a model for advancing that vision across West Africa.