By Maada Lans
The esteemed Rt. Hon. Sidie Tunis, former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and current Member of Parliament for Pujehun District, made a significant impact during the 44th anniversary celebration of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM),Tower Hill Campus.

In his remarks, Hon. Tunis acknowledged the leadership at IPAM and shared insights into the scholarship opportunities he has provided to students throughout Sierra Leone. He urged advocates of youth empowerment to turn their words into action, emphasizing the need for tangible support.

Hon. Tunis announced a donation of Le200M to the IPAM Center of Excellence and Innovation Hub and recognized the invaluable assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone. He expressed pride in aligning himself and his wife with President Bio’s vision for a brighter future for Sierra Leone through a robust educational agenda, highlighting the transformative power of education.

This milestone event marked the launch of IPAM’s pioneering Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, a vibrant hub designed to inspire entrepreneurial spirit and foster a culture of innovation among students and the wider community.

The Center of Excellence aims to provide students with practical training, access to essential resources, and mentorship opportunities, equipping them with the necessary skills to transform their ideas into successful businesses and contribute to regional economic growth.

During the event, Prof. Mimi Morgan, Vice Chancellor and Principal of IPAM, delivered an inspiring address reflecting on the institution’s progress and challenges. She emphasized the significance of the new hub and expressed appreciation for the foundational contributions of her predecessors. Prof. Morgan also announced that the university has secured a grant—awaiting official confirmation—to enhance the center’s impact. She extended her heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Tunis for his generous support, underscoring the importance of his contributions.

Dr. Aruna, who introduced Hon. Tunis, commended his unwavering commitment to community development, describing him as a philanthropic leader who has uplifted countless lives.
The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone echoed this praise, delivering an uplifting address that resonated with attendees.

The event concluded with encouraging remarks from Madam Bintu Jonah, who urged students to embrace the journey of innovation, even when faced with challenges, along with a special gift presented to Hon. Tunis by the SLPP IPAM Chapter.