By Sahrfoa Matturie
The much-anticipated Coffee Night 2025 lived up to its promise on Thursday, 16th October, uniting citizens from diverse walks of life in an evening of dialogue, inspiration, and learning. Organized by the Chapel of Peace Church, Dwazark, the event carried the theme “Empowering Citizens & Unlocking Purpose Through Knowledge” — and it ignited not only conversations but conviction, as participants explored how responsible citizenship and ethical entrepreneurship can drive national progress.
The evening was expertly moderated by Mrs. Stella Marco Kamara, Mr. Sahrfoa Matturie, and Mr. Sahr Gbenda, whose insightful facilitation gave structure and depth to two stimulating panel discussions. The first featured Lawyer Jonathan Rollings Kamara, who tackled the legal and moral dimensions of citizenship; the second spotlighted Mr. Desmond Riddle, an entrepreneur and mentor known for his passion for youth empowerment and innovation.
Opening the event, Mrs. Stella welcomed attendees warmly, reminding them that Coffee Night was not merely about sipping coffee but about “stirring thought, dialogue, and national purpose.” Mr. Matturie underscored the relevance of civic awareness and entrepreneurship to Sierra Leone’s development, while Mr. Gbenda urged the audience to reflect on how individual responsibility contributes to collective transformation.
The first session — “Empowering Citizens to Live Responsibly and Lawfully” — was delivered by Lawyer Jonathan Kamara, whose presentation bridged human rights education and civic duty. He reminded the audience that human rights are not privileges granted by government, but “inalienable entitlements that demand active responsibility.”
“Living lawfully,” he said, “is not simply about avoiding crime; it is about promoting justice, respect, and accountability in every choice we make.”
Lawyer Kamara emphasized that real change begins with knowledge — urging schools, churches, and communities to instill constitutional literacy and a culture of respect for the rule of law. His interaction with participants was dynamic, covering issues from police accountability and digital rights to civic education reform. He ended with a resonant message:
“Citizenship is not passive. It is an active duty to know, defend, and practice what is right.”
After a short interlude, the focus shifted from law to innovation with Mr. Desmond Riddle, who spoke on “Unlocking the Power of Creativity, Innovation, and Purpose.” His session blended personal reflection with practical wisdom, inspiring young people to see entrepreneurship not merely as profit-making but as a service to humanity.
“You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start,” he advised. “You only need vision, humility, and a heart for people.”
Mr. Desmond shared lessons from his entrepreneurial journey — the importance of resilience, mentorship, and aligning profit with purpose. He urged participants to redefine success as the ability to create impact, not just income. “True entrepreneurship,” he said, “solves problems and uplifts communities.”
Audience engagement was intense, with young professionals raising questions on funding, mental health in business, and local market sustainability. Mr. Desmond’s responses, practical and empathetic, underscored the need for ethical leadership and innovation rooted in service.
Closing the evening, Mr. Matturie summarized the central message: “Great nations are not built by policies alone, but by responsible citizens and visionary entrepreneurs.” Mr. Gbenda praised the speakers’ authenticity and insight, while Mrs. Stella expressed heartfelt appreciation to Pastor Josiah Hammond for his vision in organizing an event that continues to inspire personal growth and national consciousness.
As the evening ended, the Chapel of Peace buzzed with renewed hope — proof that through dialogue, purpose, and faith, Sierra Leone’s next generation of leaders is ready to act, build, and serve responsibly.
