Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – FIFA’s Regional Technical Consultant, Dominique Niyonzima, has congratulated Augusta James-Teima on her historic appointment as the first female Sports Minister in Sierra Leone and the entire West African region. Niyonzima expressed his excitement about meeting with the Minister during a courtesy visit on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at her office in Bishop House, Freetown.
During the visit, Niyonzima shared that their discussions covered key aspects of FIFA’s development plans, which he believed could have a significant impact on football in Sierra Leone. He was introduced by the Technical Director of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), who emphasized the importance of the visit and the positive outcomes it could yield for the country’s football landscape.
Niyonzima assured Minister James-Teima that the issues discussed during the meeting would be taken seriously and acted upon when he returned to FIFA headquarters. He also expressed FIFA’s continued support for football development in Sierra Leone through its partnership with the SLFA.
In response, Madam James-Teima expressed her deep gratitude for the visit and the positive engagement. She also took the opportunity to thank President Julius Maada Bio for entrusting her with the role of Sports Minister, a first for a woman in Sierra Leone’s history.
The Minister urged Niyonzima to ensure that their discussions would be followed up to benefit the country’s football development, particularly for the youth who are passionate about the sport. She reiterated her commitment to fostering football’s growth in Sierra Leone and assured Niyonzima that her office remained open to future collaborations aimed at advancing the sport.
Minister James-Teima concluded by wishing Niyonzima a safe journey home and expressing her appreciation for his visit. The Deputy Minister of Sports, Kai Lawrence Mbayo, was also in attendance during the meeting. BT/8/12/2024
