The Launching of Calabash Magazine !

THE CALABASH MAGAZINE was formerly launched on Sunday 24th July, witnessed by a cross section of the Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria communities in London. Theoccasion also attracted several academicians, students, educationists, politicians, business people etc. The ceremony was piloted by seasoned and respected journalists, Winston Ojukutu Macauley- former Focus on Africa correspondent and Retty Forster formerly of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting and Television Services.

Giving an overview of the Magazine, the Consultant Editor Mrs Daisy Bona a former President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), said it was necessary and timely for such a publication, to enable Africans in the diasporas to identify with heir culture and traditions. She also reminded the audience of the rich cultures in Africa, which she pointed out, are so identical, that had it not been for the different languages and barriers, it would have been very difficult to distinguish one from the other. through culture and traditions, people have been able to trace lost relatives and friends in other parts of he world.

The object of this magazine is not only to ring Sierra Leoneans in the United Kingdom together or to take more interest in the country, but to remind all Africans of their obligations to the continent very rich in culture and resources, as well as to respect their responsibilities where they presently reside and earn their livelihood.

The Editor Mr Bankole Jones appealed to the audience for their cooperation, without which, the magazine will suffer the same plight as others in the past. He emphasised that without advertisements which are the life blood of a publication, it will not survive and we of calabash look forward to any constructive criticisms, which will help to develop the image of the magazine.

Other Speakers were the Chief Launcher Dr. Kabineh Koroma who said that if the magazine is to survive and stand the test of time, it is very important that the publishers adhere to its aims and objectives. It can go a great way to contribute to peace, progress and stability in the continent if the objectives are met.

He also said the poverty in Africa presently needs to be highlighted and dealt with appropriately. How can a great continent blessed with so many rich resources have such a high rate of poverty? Dr. Koroma urged the publishers not to deviate from the objectives of the magazine that he considered a step in the right direction to begin the journey.

Dr Addo Seray-Wurie who was also a great contributor to journalism in Sierra Leone said that journalists are the keepers of freedom and newspapers can be very objective, if they are honest, true and informative. He cited the days when newspapers were responsible and objective in Sierra Leone and cautioned the publishers to abide by the magazine objectives to protect and uphold the ethics of journalism, the African culture and tradition without any taint, stain or slant.

Dr. Ernest Ndomahina of Ndomahina and Ndomahina Architect, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architect and Construction, advised all African contractors to do their jobs with honesty and sincerity.