By Mackie M. Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Broadcasters Association (SiLBA) on Tuesday 24th February 2026 paid a solidarity visit to the burnt Galaxy Radio Station in Lungi following a devastating fire incident that reduced the station to ashes.
Delivering her opening and welcoming remarks, Mariama Bah expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, noting that such gatherings are usually meant for celebration and progress, not moments of grief. She said SiLBA understands the pain and emotional trauma the management and staff of Galaxy Radio are currently enduring.
“We are saddened by what has happened. This is not the kind of gathering we wish for. We should be meeting under better circumstances,” she stated, emphasizing the association’s empathy and shared concern.
Chief Pa Alimamy Kargbo of Yongoro Section, Lungi, welcomed the SiLBA delegation and described the incident as the will of Allah. While acknowledging the magnitude of the loss, he expressed gratitude to SiLBA for standing with the community during such a difficult time.
“Whatever happens is the will of Allah,” the Chief remarked. “But we are pleased and grateful that SiLBA has come to sympathize with us.”
Speaking during the visit, SiLBA President Stanley Bangura Jr. outlined the rationale behind the formation of the association and stressed the importance of solidarity among media institutions. He disclosed that on Tuesday 17th February 2026, SiLBA received information about the fire outbreak at Galaxy Radio in Lungi, a development that deeply disturbed the association.
According to him, this marks the third radio station to be destroyed by fire within less than two months. Two of the incidents, including one in Kambia and now in Lungi, were reportedly caused by bush fires — a trend he described as alarming and a serious wake-up call for fire prevention measures nationwide.
He revealed that SiLBA had already been working on plans to help two previously affected stations return to air before the sad news from Lungi emerged. The President called for a minute of silence in honor of those who contributed to the establishment of Galaxy Radio but are no longer alive to witness the tragedy.
Bangura underscored the crucial role radio stations play, especially in provincial communities where they serve as primary sources of information and public engagement. He appealed to the government, international partners, and supportive organizations to assist in restoring the affected stations.
“We are not here just to visit; we are here to sympathize and to call for support. These stations are the only means of communication for many communities,” he emphasized.
He encouraged the management and staff to remain courageous despite the temporary loss of employment, assuring them that SiLBA would seek equipment support from its members to aid revival efforts. He also disclosed that the association did not come empty-handed, presenting a modest financial token as an initial contribution toward rebuilding.
Station Manager Dauda Chernor Jalloh, speaking on behalf of Galaxy Radio, thanked SiLBA for the timely intervention and solidarity. Though saddened, he described the incident as the will of Allah and expressed appreciation for the unity demonstrated.
He further revealed that efforts are already underway to revive the station in collaboration with community stakeholders. He extended gratitude to the people of Lungi for their unwavering support since the incident and expressed hope for a safe and successful return to broadcasting. The visit concluded with a tour of the burnt premises, where the full extent of the destruction was witnessed firsthand, reinforcing urgent calls for preventive measures and collective support to restore community broadcasting in Lungi
