By alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspapersl.com
Makeni, Sierra Leone – In a bold move to put Sierra Leone’s northeast on the global tourism map, Wusum Hotel, in partnership with Street Child, officially launched the Visit Makeni initiative and unveiled plans for the 2026 Visit Makeni Festival at a lively ceremony on Friday evening.
Held at the Wusum Hotel conference hall on Teko Road, the event drew a vibrant mix of guests — from local business leaders and musicians to international visitors and media representatives — all eager to witness the beginning of what could be a transformative journey for the city of Makeni.
The Visit Makeni initiative is designed to spotlight Makeni’s potential as a prime destination for cultural tourism, while also fostering economic opportunities for young Sierra Leoneans through training in hospitality, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
Addressing the audience, Alusine Kanu, Local Race Director for the Sierra Leone Marathon under Street Child, highlighted how the marathon has long served as more than a race — helping to fund education and livelihood projects for vulnerable children across Sierra Leone.
“The impact of Street Child’s work over the last decade has been immense,” Kanu said. “Our goal is to continue changing lives, and initiatives like Visit Makeni give us a broader platform to do just that.”
The evening was infused with culture and creativity. Popular Sierra Leonean artist BigMorse energized the crowd with a thrilling live performance, while Miss UNIMAK 2025, Emmy Kakay, delivered a moving spoken word piece reflecting on Wusum Hotel’s legacy and the vision of Visit Makeni. Her performance captured the hearts of many, blending poetry with purpose.
At the center of this ambitious project is Cyril Roy-Macaulay, General Manager of Wusum Hotel and founder of the Visit Makeni initiative. In his keynote address, he outlined the initiative’s dual focus: boosting tourism and equipping youth with practical skills.
“Our mission is to open Makeni to the world — not just as a place to visit, but as a place where tourism and talent can thrive together,” Roy-Macaulay said. “From boat tours and cooking classes to hands-on training in business and hospitality, we’re creating experiences that are immersive, meaningful, and uniquely Sierra Leonean.”
Echoing this vision, Miss Victoria G. Kamara, Operations Manager for Visit Makeni, described the project as a “game changer” during an interview with Awoko.
“This is more than a tourism program. It’s a platform to uplift our youth, showcase our culture, and position Makeni as a must-visit destination in Sierra Leone,” she explained. Kamara also noted that the initiative will simplify travel arrangements, including assistance with visa applications for international guests.
For more information, interested visitors and partners are encouraged to explore the newly launched website: www.visitmakeni.com.
As Sierra Leone looks to diversify its economy and spotlight its lesser-known gems, Visit Makeni may well be the spark that ignites a brighter future for tourism in the country’s northern heartland. ARW/5/5/2025
