In our country, we all know the value of a gem. It is something precious, strong, and valuable. It makes us proud. In the same way, our National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has a true gem in its leader, Mr. Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi

This week, Mr. Massaquoi and his team did something great for our country. They joined hands with Canada in a powerful new partnership. This is not a small thing. It is a major achievement that will make life better and safer for every citizen of Sierra Leone.
What is this all about? It is about protecting our identity.

Your identity is who you are. It is your name, your birth certificate, your ID card, and your National Identification Number (NIN). These papers are the foundation of your life. You need them to get a job, open a bank account, get a passport, or claim your rights.
But there are bad people who create fake papers. They make false birth certificates or change death records. They do this to steal, to traffic children, or to travel illegally to other countries. This crime makes our whole nation look bad and puts us all in danger.

Mr. Massaquoi has declared war on these criminals. He understands that to protect Sierra Leone, we must first protect the truth of who we are.
This new partnership with Canada is a huge step. Canada is sending its best experts, like Ms. Jennifer O’Connell, to teach our NCRA staff how to spot these fake papers. They are learning how to stop the bad guys before they can cheat the system.

Because of this partnership, a Sierra Leonean who needs to give their fingerprints for a Canadian visa will no longer have to spend money to travel to Guinea or Ghana. They can now do it right here in Freetown. This is a direct benefit that saves our people time and money. It is a sign of respect.
But the biggest change is this: soon, your National Identification Number (NIN) will be required to get a passport.

Why does this matter? It means that no one can get a Sierra Leonean passport unless they are truly who they say they are. It means our country’s passport will become strong and respected all over the world. It means we are closing the door on fraud and opening a door of opportunity for every honest citizen.

Mr. Massaquoi is not just talking. He is building. He is laying, as he said, "a firm foundation for a secure and credible national identity system." He is building a house for our nation where the walls are strong, the door is secure, and every citizen has a safe place inside.

This is about our security. It is about our dignity. It is about making sure that when a Sierra Leonean presents a passport anywhere in the world, it is met with respect, not suspicion.

For this vision, for this leadership, and for bringing such a valuable partnership to our shores, we at The Moonlight Times say thank you, Mr. Massaquoi. You are proving to be a real gem for Sierra Leone. You are not just guarding our present; you are building a better future for all of us.
Credit: BY THE MOONLIGHT TIMES