Ph.D. (In View): The Road to Recognition Without Achievement

Somewhere in this jungle of academic aspirations, we have turned “in view” into a permanent residence. You cannot just be “Mr. Okoro.” God forbid! You must be “Dr. Okoro (in view).” Even if the view is still in the far horizon, like the Mambilla Plateau seen from Wukari.

The road to the doctorate, which should be a lonely and rigorous journey of research and reflection, has turned into an expressway of certificates-for-sale. Somewhere in the crevices of our educational system, PhDs are being issued faster than sachet water. For the right price, you can get your “Doctorate in Leadership and Transformational Strategic Governance” from a mushroom university that doesn’t even have a functioning website.

“Congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Chief Hon. (Ambassador Extraordinary) Senator Engineer Pastor Prince Alhaji Barrister (Ph.D., DBA, JP, OON) on your well-deserved appointment.” At this point, even angels in heaven are confused.

There’s a peculiar sickness that has gripped our dear Nigeria, one that doesn’t cause fever or headache but swells the ego faster than garri in hot water.

My brother and friend a full professors. (not in view), Chris Kwaja recently wrote in his Reflections—"Nigeria and the obsession with titles. What title is the Ph.D. in view?”

It was one of those posts that stab the conscience but tickle the ribs at the same time.

When I saw it, I called him—Chris, my brother in view—and we had an extensive conversation on how we got here.

We both laughed, sighed, and asked the same question: Who should we blame? The Mallam in view or the system that is viewing him?

Let’s not pretend—we are a title-loving people.

From “Honorable” to “Engineer,” “Chief,” “Alhaji,” “Evangelist,” and now, “Ph.D. (in view).”

Somewhere in this jungle of academic aspirations, we have turned “in view” into a permanent residence. In Nigeria, once you start your Ph.D., even if you haven’t finished your proposal, you have earned the social right to update your WhatsApp bio to “Dr. (in view).”

And woe betide you if you forget to add it in your next conference attendance tag; how else will people respect you? You cannot just be “Mr. Okoro.” God forbid! You must be “Dr. Okoro (in view).” Even if the view is still in the far horizon, like the Mambilla Plateau seen from Wukari.

Once upon a time, we went to school to learn. To read, to think, to expand our minds, to pursue knowledge for its own sake. Now, education is a fashion show. The Ph.D. gown has become an agbada for intellectual owambe.

Back in the day, we used to say, “He is a scholar.” Now, we say, “He has a Ph.D.” The difference? The scholar reads, the Ph.D. poses.

The road to the doctorate, which should be a lonely and rigorous journey of research and reflection, has become an expressway of certificates for sale. Somewhere in the crevices of our educational system, PhDs are being awarded at a rate faster than sachet water.

For the right price, you can get your “Doctorate in Leadership and Transformational Strategic Governance” from a mushroom university that doesn’t even have a functioning website.

It used to be cars, then houses, then foreign trips. Now it’s a Ph.D. And like all Nigerian status symbols, it’s not the substance that matters; it’s the show.

At weddings, people now introduce themselves like this:

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, permit me to recognize the presence of Dr. (in view) Mrs. Amina Bala Mohammed, who is currently rounding off her thesis on ‘The Impact of Instagram on Marital Fidelity in Gombe Metropolis.’”

We clap. We nod. We smile. We have normalized mediocrity dressed in regalia.

Meanwhile, some of the most intellectually stimulating people in the room may not even have a Master’s degree. But they don’t count because in our society, knowledge without a title is like soup without salt.

Let’s be honest, the problem didn’t start with the Ph.D. hunters. The system created them. Our institutions have replaced scholarship with certification. We worship paper, not ideas. We have built an economy of degrees instead of an ecology of learning.

We judge competence by the length of titles on letterheads. You can’t be appointed a consultant unless you have a Ph.D. Even if your field experience could fill ten libraries. We are quick to say, “We need qualified people,” when what we really mean is “We need titled people.”

It’s the same disease that makes a Nigerian pastor add “Dr.” before his name because his congregation will give more respect and more offerings if he is a doctor. It’s why political appointees get honorary doctorates the moment they assume office. And it’s why you’ll see billboards reading:

“Congratulations to His Excellency, Dr. Chief Hon. (Ambassador Extraordinary) Senator Engineer Pastor Prince Alhaji Barrister (Ph.D., DBA, JP, OON) on your well-deserved appointment.”

At this point, even angels in heaven are confused.

A friend once said the only thing longer than a Nigerian Ph.D. journey is the Lagos traffic. Both are full of bumps, frustration, and constant viewing without arriving. But unlike traffic, most people never get to the destination.

We all know someone who started a Ph.D. in 2010 and is still “in view.” If you ask, they’ll tell you, “I’m finalizing my chapter four.” Chapter four has now become the Bermuda Triangle of Nigerian academia—many enter, few return.

And those who finish sometimes emerge with these so shallow they couldn’t fill a teacup. Yet, we celebrate them with convocation ceremonies, hire them to teach others, and call them “Dr.” without blinking. The system claps, the Mallam bows, and mediocrity gets a standing ovation.

Somewhere between our obsession with titles and our neglect of substance, we lost the essence of scholarship. A real scholar is a servant of knowledge. He doubts, questions, argues, and refines ideas. But today, our so-called academics spend more time forming WhatsApp groups for the “PhD in View Scholars Association” than reading or researching.

The university, which should be a temple of ideas, has become a marketplace of CV-padding. Supervisors are overworked, underpaid, and sometimes underqualified. Universities are underfunded, libraries are understocked, and plagiarism is underpunished.

In this chaos, the “in-view” culture thrives.

So, back to my conversation with Chris. Who do we blame—the Mallam in view or the system that is viewing him?

The truth is, both are guilty.

We have created an ecosystem where you can’t be heard unless you prefix your name with “Dr.” So everyone rushes to get one, legit or otherwise. The irony? The more “Doctors” we produce, the sicker our intellectual health becomes.

“Wanting recognition without achieving the target,” I told Chris, “the Ph.D. is on the road.”

We laughed—but it was a bitter laughter. Because truly, that’s where many are: on the road, seeking applause for a race they haven’t finished.

In a saner clime, the title “Doctor” carries weight. It means years of disciplined inquiry, contribution to knowledge, and mastery of a field. You are a global citizen! In Nigeria, it often means you survived university bureaucracy, paid your dues (literally), and printed a thesis few will ever read.

Our Ph. D.s are on the road because we have turned learning into logistics. We move from one seminar to another, taking selfies with PowerPoint slides, quoting Paulo Freire without understanding him, and uploading certificates online as if they were badges of sainthood.

What we need is a cultural reset, a return to scholarship for its own sake. We must make it cool again to read, to think, and to question. To pursue the doctorate of thought, not just the doctorate of title.

Supervisors must demand rigour, universities must reward originality, and the government must fund research as a national priority, not a luxury. Above all, society must learn to respect knowledge—whether it comes with a title or not.

Until then, “Ph.D. (in view)” will remain our new national joke—an endless highway of ego, where everyone is viewing and no one is arriving.

So, to “Mallam in view,” I say:

May your view one day become clear.

May your thesis find coherence.

May your supervisors reply to your emails.

And may your defense be less terrifying than our economy.

But until then, my people, let us remember:

A true scholar does not need to shout “Dr.” before wisdom speaks.

"Ph.D. (In View): The Road to Recognition Without Achievement." The article critiques the culture of valuing the title over substance and original contribution to knowledge, highlighting systemic issues in universities and societal attitudes toward academic credentials. The author uses this to call for a cultural reset that respects genuine intellectual achievement rather than just the appearance of it.

The Shadows of Corruption: A Diplomatic Passport Scandal and the Silence of Power

The recent revelations concerning diplomatic passports, alleged drug trafficking connections in Turkey, and the deafening silence from our government compel us to speak truth to power with unwavering clarity.

Let us begin with a question that haunts the conscience of every honest Sierra Leonean: How does a man who accepted three brand-new jeeps as gifts become the guardian of our nation's drug enforcement efforts? This is not merely a matter of poor judgment; it is a betrayal of the public trust so profound that it 'shakes the very foundations of institutional integrity.'

When the Parliamentary Select Committee approved this appointment despite such glaring ethical concerns, they did not simply make an error. They made a choice. They chose expediency over excellence, personal loyalty over public service, and in doing so, they opened wide the floodgates through which corruption now flows freely across our land.

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Most Read from YAME Digital: SIERRA LEONE

Henry Leijdekkers, Brother of the Netherlands Fugitive Drug Kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, Recaptured

Turkish authorities released photos of Alleged Abdullah Alp Üstün and drug organized crime group member Hasan Lala, who were captured in the United Arab Emirates with Sierra Leone Diplomatic passports, according to sources.

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The consequences of this moral failure are now painfully evident.

Drugs proliferate in our communities like weeds in an untended garden, poisoning our youth, destroying families, and undermining the social fabric that holds our society together. We must ask ourselves: Is this a coincidence, or is this a consequence?

Video Courtesy: KUSH victims' death en de homeless na salone den dae put de body na resbag en lef na treet lek die-dog. Sad state!

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Now comes news even more disturbing, news that connects the dots between diplomatic privilege and international drug cartels.

Reports have emerged from Turkey alleging that a Sierra Leone diplomatic passport was involved in a cocaine trafficking operation, which reportedly involves family members of the highest office in our country.

The specifics of these allegations are serious enough to warrant immediate, transparent investigation.

Yet what do we hear from our government? Silence.

The same administration that celebrated with such theatrical exuberance when securing international funding now retreats into the shadows when accountability comes knocking at their door.

This silence is not golden. It is cowardly.

It is the silence of those who have much to hide and little courage to face the truth.

Instead of forthright leadership, we are subjected to a parade of government propagandists, those willing mouthpieces of power who rush before the cameras with denials that reek of desperation.

These are not journalists seeking truth; they are mercenaries selling their integrity for a paycheck. The recent revelation that the Chief Minister and Solicitor General paid office rent for a sympathetic media outlet in London merely confirms what discerning citizens have long suspected: much of what passes for news in support of this government is nothing more than purchased propaganda.

How tragically ironic that this payment itself became news, thereby exposing the very machinery of deception it was meant to fuel. In their attempt to manipulate public perception, they have instead revealed their methodology. The public now sees clearly that they are being lied to systematically, deliberately, and with government funding.

The credibility of our Immigration office lies in ruins.

If gifts of luxury vehicles can purchase the favor of those charged with protecting our borders, what else might be bought?

Who else has been compromised? How many diplomatic passports have been issued not in the service of our national interest, but in the service of criminal enterprises?

These questions demand answers, yet we hear only evasion and excuses.

The Foreign Minister’s response to these allegations epitomizes the doublespeak that has become the trademark of this administration.

He declares the Turkish reports to be false, yet simultaneously announces an investigation to determine their veracity. This is not leadership; this is linguistic gymnastics designed to confuse rather than clarify, to obscure rather than illuminate.

The Foreign Minister’s response to these allegations epitomizes the doublespeak that has become the trademark of this administration. He declares the Turkish reports to be false, yet simultaneously announces an investigation to determine their veracity. This is not leadership; this is linguistic gymnastics designed to confuse rather than clarify, to obscure rather than illuminate.

Let us speak plainly.

You cannot simultaneously dismiss allegations as lies while investigating whether they are true. Such contradictory statements insult the intelligence of the Sierra Leonean people and reveal a government more concerned with public relations than public service.

The people of Sierra Leone have a fundamental right to know the truth. We have a right to know if our diplomatic credentials are being exploited by criminal networks. We have a right to know if corruption has infected our immigration services. We have a right to know if those in positions of power are using their influence to shield wrongdoers from justice. And we have a right to demand that our government answer these questions with honesty, transparency, and urgency.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

When corruption is allowed to thrive in the highest offices, it spreads throughout society, normalizing dishonesty and rewarding unscrupulous individuals. When those responsible for enforcing the law act unlawfully, the entire social contract breaks down. When government officials accept bribes disguised as gifts, they not only compromise their own integrity but also undermine the nation's values.

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Sierra Leone: When the Head of the Fish Rotten, the Whole Body Spoils

Sierra Leone stands as a tragic masterpiece in the gallery of failed governance—a living proverb of what happens when the head of the fish is rotten and the rot infects every organ, fin, and scale of national life.

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The time for silence has passed. The time for excuses has expired. The time for accountability has arrived.

We call upon every institution of civil society, every independent journalist, every religious leader, every educator, and every ordinary citizen who loves this country to demand answers. We call upon the international community to assist in uncovering the truth about these allegations. We call upon the conscience of every government official who still possesses one to speak out against the corruption that threatens to consume our nation.

History will judge us not by the challenges we faced, but by how we responded to them.

Will we be remembered as the generation that stood silent while our institutions crumbled? Or will we be remembered as those who found the courage to demand better, to fight for justice, and to hold power accountable?

The choice is ours. The moment is now. And the world is watching.

An Editorial: Culled ©️

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When Mallam O.’s Bananas Touched a Rich Man’s Heart

I was staying with my guardian, Mama Gbassay, a tough old lady. She took care of us from Warima, teaching us to always give thanks, no matter how little you had. One Saturday, she came back from a trip to some village, carrying a bunch of bananas so ripe and golden they looked like they belonged in a painting. As she set them on our rickety table, I got this crazy idea.

“Mama,” I said, my heart racing, “we should give these bananas to Mr. Macauley.”

She stopped, gave me that look like I’d lost my mind.

“Macauley? The man who hands out rice like it’s nothing? What’s he gonna do with our bananas?”

“He’s always giving to Songo, Mama….”

Mallam O.

Back in my school days at Tomlinson High School in Songo, a town near Waterloo in Sierra Leone, there was this guy, Donald Macauley, whom everybody knew. He was a big-shot lawyer from Freetown, owned an agricultural farm called Banana Farm about a kilometer from where I lived. Every Saturday, I’d see his wild, colorful Range Rover SUV zoom past our house. That jeep was something else, and people said it was so fancy that even former President Siaka Stevens once tried to buy it off him. To a kid like me, scraping by and dreaming big, that Range Rover was like a spaceship, and Macauley was the pilot.

Prof. Osman Alimamy Sankoh, known to most Sierra Leoneans as Mallam O., was born in Warima in Sierra Leone. Attended Tomlinson High School, Songo

Macauley was the kind of rich man who made things happen for Songo. He’d pay school fees for kids whose parents couldn’t, cover hospital bills, or drop off sacks of rice for the elders. I saw him once at the Songo Court Barri, handing out food to the community leaders. His voice was smooth, like he could talk a storm into calming down. “We’re all in this together,” he said, and I carried those words home, practicing them under my breath, wondering if I’d ever be half the man he was.

I was staying with my guardian, Mama Gbassay, a tough old lady. She took care of us from Warima, teaching us always to give thanks, no matter how little you had. One Saturday, she came back from a trip to some village, carrying a bunch of bananas so ripe and golden they looked like they belonged in a painting. As she set them on our rickety table, I got this crazy idea.

“Mama,” I said, my heart racing, “we should give these bananas to Mr. Macauley.”

She stopped, gave me that look like I’d lost my mind.

“Macauley? The man who hands out rice like it’s nothing? What’s he gonna do with our bananas?”

I shuffled my feet, trying to explain.

“He’s always giving to Songo, Mama. Even if we don’t get his stuff directly, he’s helping our people. I just… I wanna say thank you. These bananas ain’t much, but they’re ours. Maybe he’ll like that we thought of him.”

Mama Gbassay stared at me, then broke into a grin.

“Mallam O., you’ve got a big heart for a skinny boy. Alright, let’s do it. But you’re doing the talking.”

My stomach did a flip. Talk to Mr. Macauley? The guy I’d been idolizing from afar? I nodded, trying to act brave. That afternoon, I sat down with a scrap of paper, scratching out a speech. My English wasn’t the best—Tomlinson taught me enough to get by, but this was different. I wanted the words to mean something. I scribbled, crossed out, rewrote, till I had something I hoped wouldn’t make me sound like a fool.

Came Saturday, Mama Gbassay and I headed to Banana Farm, the bananas balanced on a woven tray. The walk felt like forever. My hands were sweaty, and that paper in my pocket felt like it weighed a ton. What if he laughed? What if he thought a poor kid like me was just wasting his time?

At the farm’s gate, a gruff security guard stopped us.

“What do you want?” he snapped.

I held the tray tighter, my voice shaky.

“We’re here to see Mr. Macauley. We brought him a gift… to thank him for what he does for Songo.”

The guard looked us up and down, but something—maybe Mama Gbassay’s no-nonsense glare—made him wave us through. We walked past rows of banana and orange trees till we reached a big veranda where Macauley was having lunch with a bunch of fancy folks from Freetown. Their laughter and clinking glasses made my knees wobble. These were city people, all polished and confident, nothing like me.

The guard went up to Macauley, whispered something, and suddenly, the man himself looked right at us. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it’d burst. But then he smiled, this warm, welcoming smile, and waved us over.

“Come on in,” he said, his voice smooth as ever.

I stepped forward, the bunch of bananas shaking in my hands. I pulled out my crumpled paper, took a deep breath, and started reading. My voice cracked at first, but I kept going.

“Mr. Macauley, sir, my name’s Mallam O. I’m from Songo, and I go to Tomlinson High. I… we… wanted to thank you. We see everything you do for our village—the rice, the help, the way you care. These bananas ain’t much, but they’re from us, from our hearts, to say we’re grateful.”

Donald Smythe McCauley - Lawyer, Sierra Leone

The veranda went quiet. I braced myself for a chuckle or a polite brush-off. But when I looked up, Macauley’s eyes were shiny, like he was holding back tears. He stood up, slow and deliberate, and walked over to me. The Freetown folks watched, nodding like they got it.

“Mallam O.? What a name, young man!” he said in a soft voice. “This is one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. Not because of what it is, but because of what it means.”

He asked where we lived, and before I could say much, he called his driver.

“Take them home,” he said, then looked at me. “You’ve got guts, young man. Hold onto that.”

Riding back in that Range Rover was like something out of a dream, the world blurring past in a cloud of dust. Mama Gbassay squeezed my hand, her smile brighter than I’d ever seen. For weeks after, a bag of rice and other goods showed up at our door every Saturday, like a quiet thank-you of his own.

Years later, chasing my own path far from Songo, I still think about that day. Macauley showed me that *being rich isn’t just about money; it’s about what you do with it. And I learnt that even a poor kid’s bananas, given with a full heart, can mean the world to a man who’s got everything ~ Mallam O..

Hope you enjoyed the bonus read.

How to Steal an Election

Steal it now, so history may close its book on us, and carve in its final epitaph: Here lies the remains of a nation that mistook plunder for democracy, and perished applauding its thieves.

A Guide to Election Heist by Oumar Farouk Sesay

Why wait for the election charade that warfare dressed as lawfare, that rape disguised as consent, that sodomy of a people’s will, that ethnic census in costume when you could steal it clean before the first ballot drops.

Skip ballots, skip ink, skip slogans, skip drums, skip redistricting, skip census, skip the pretense of debates, skip democracy’s chorus rehearsed on an empty stomach. Skip even the memory of choice. Pocket the prize upfront.

Legislate the heist: no blood spilt, no party twice in a row, no inaugurations, no funfair only cannon fire to bless the theft, so children may learn from birth that power is by force, not consent.

Think of the savings: no ballot boxes to stuff, no ghost names smeared in ink, no policemen bribed to aim at the wrong crowd, no brothers dragged into fratricide. With the fraud’s budget spared, hospitals might rise instead of headlines, schools instead of slogans, bridges instead of billboards.

So come, thieves of state pilfer the presidency now, pickpocket parliament today. We will cheer as if at a carnival, and weep as if at famine. Spare us the sunburn of queuing, the chest-thumping campaigns, the televised lies with applause rented by the hour.

Steal it clean. Steal it quick. Steal it once and for all. Steal it, as you always have done until the heist is no longer theft but the nation’s only creed, until ballots are relics and freedom, a rumor whispered in exile.

Steal it now, so history may close its book on us, and carve in its final epitaph: Here lies the remains of a nation that mistook plunder for democracy, and perished applauding its thieves.

Socio-capitalism: Walking The Bridge Between Heaven's Order And Earth's Economy

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“In the Kingdom of God, nothing exists for itself alone; everything lives to give.”

By: Chez Winakabs; Founder of Sociocapitalism

When we study nature, we see an undeniable pattern: the sun shines for the earth, rivers flow for the valleys, and trees bear fruit for creatures they will never meet. There is no hoarding in divine order—only circulation.

This is the pattern Sociocapitalism draws from: wealth, like water, must flow to give life. When it is dammed up by greed, communities downstream dry up. When it flows wisely, the desert blooms.

For centuries, mankind has wrestled between two extremes—capitalism’s unrestrained appetite and socialism’s heavy-handed redistribution. Both began as attempts to solve human need, yet both, when unbalanced, drift away from the moral rhythm that sustains life.

Sociocapitalism is the bridge—a system rooted in divine reciprocity. It accepts that profit is not evil, but it refuses to allow profit to be purposeless. It recognizes individual ambition but anchors it in collective responsibility.

THE SPIRITUAL DNA OF SOCIOCAPITALISM

1. Wealth as Stewardship, Not Ownership
   In divine order, humans are caretakers, not absolute owners. The earth is the Lord’s—and we are tenants entrusted with a portion. Sociocapitalism applies this by urging that every enterprise ask: “What am I leaving behind for the next generation?”

2. Multiplication Through Giving
   In the parable of the talents, growth came to those who invested their gifts. But the return was for the master, not for selfish accumulation. Sociocapitalism echoes this truth—profit must multiply social good.

3. Justice as the True Currency
   Scripture calls for “just scales” in business. A fair wage, honest trade, and equitable opportunities are not modern inventions; they are ancient commands. Sociocapitalism simply reintroduces them into today’s marketplace.

4. Work as Worship
   In God’s economy, farming, fishing, building—all honest work—was sacred. Sociocapitalism restores this view, turning every business, from a street kiosk to a tech firm, into an altar of service.

NARRATIVES THAT PROVE ITS POWER

• The Well That Never Runs Dry
  In a drought-stricken village, one family owned the only well. Instead of selling water at a price the poor couldn’t pay, they set fair rates and reinvested earnings in digging more wells. Soon, every family had access to clean water—and the original well-owners became respected leaders, not just wealthy merchants. This is Sociocapitalism in action: profit with purpose, gain with gratitude.

• The Tailor Who Employed the Orphans
  A small-town tailor, once an orphan himself, built his business but kept a standing rule—hire at least two young people without families each year. Over time, those youths became skilled workers, started their own shops, and the town’s economy flourished. He profited, yes—but so did everyone around him.

WHY THE WORLD IS RIPE FOR SOCIOCAPITALISM

We live in a paradoxical age: the world has never been richer in resources yet poorer in shared prosperity. Billionaires race to space while children walk miles for clean water.
Sociocapitalism is not naïve to profit—it embraces it—but it forces the question: “Profit for what?”

It is a model fit for:

• African agribusinesses that want to feed the continent before exporting surplus.

• Urban youth tech hubs that solve local problems before chasing foreign contracts.

• Faith-led communities that see the tithe as an investment in people, not just buildings.

MARAMPA AS A LIVING TESTAMENT

If Marampa, rich in minerals and human capital, embraces Sociocapitalism, it can pioneer:

• Community-owned mining royalties reinvested into schools, hospitals, and agro-parks.

• Skill academies are linked directly to local industries.

• Green energy micro-grids owned by residents, not outsiders.

Marampa could be the first chiefdom where business is measured not only in profit margins but in poverty reduction rates and community happiness indexes.

FROM THE PHILOSOPHER’S DESK

Sociocapitalism is not utopia—it is a discipline. It demands that we resist greed as we would resist disease. It requires that wealth becomes a river, not a pond.

In the divine economy, the greatest is the one who serves. Sociocapitalism is simply an economic translation of that eternal truth.

If heaven measures greatness by how many lives you touch, shouldn’t Earth’s economies do the same?

 Footnote: The concept! We will receive all hard copies by December, which will then be shipped from Ireland.

SLGS Triumphs at Chevron ELP in South Africa

Maclean Neville of the Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) has clinched the star prize at the 2025 Chevron Engineers Leaders Program (ELP), held at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa.

Neville emerged as the overall winner among a competitive group of young aspiring engineers from across the continent, earning praise for his innovation, leadership, and problem-solving skills during the intensive program.

The Chevron ELP is a prestigious leadership and engineering development initiative that brings together Africa’s brightest secondary school students to build skills in STEM, teamwork, and ethical leadership.

The achievement also highlights the strength of the SLGS delegation, whose collective performance impressed the panel and peers alike.

“This is a proud moment not just for Maclean but for the entire SLGS community,” said a school representative. “Their dedication and excellence truly stood out on the continental stage.”

The victory marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s youth in STEM and leadership spaces and reinforces the growing impact of academic institutions like SLGS in shaping the continent’s future innovators.

Chrispus Charles Macauley for The Town Crier Newspaper

POW-CA Chapter 100 Year Thanksgiving Service on July 6, 2025, in Rancho Cucamonga, California

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Brother J. Reynold Weeks delivered the sermon during the Thanksgiving service.

[Transcript]

Good afternoon, UMC Cucamonga! President Reggie Samuels, officers, and members of the Prince of Wales Alumni Association of California, members of the clergy, and guests.

May God’s grace and mercy be multiplied to each of you this afternoon.

I am very grateful to President Reggie Samuels and the officers of my Alma Mater for allowing me to proclaim the Word of God to you at this significant Centennial celebration of a school like no other in Sierra Leone that sends forth truer gentlemen and stands on firmer ground.

You know if I were at the beginning of time and given the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of Prince of Wales’ history up to now, and the Almighty asked me, Reynold, which age would you like to visit?

I would first take my mental flight to April 6, 1925, when the school was officially inaugurated by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. A school intended to serve as a model for a balanced and high-quality secondary education. And in my company are Ernest French, Sanusi Mustapha, Sylvanus Juxon-Smith, Cyril Rogers-Wright, Harry Sawyerr, Amadu Cole, Faltihu Iscandri, and 114 other legendary figures who form the class of 1925.

I would continue my flight to 1936 when the late Principal William J Davies MBE introduced the school song “Come swell the chorus one and all and join the ranks with me; Prosperity to the Prince's boys upstanding three times three”

But I will not stop there, I will take my mental flight to 1964 when I lined up with other young, eager boys for “Kennedy,” a cup of warm milk, some bulgur with stew, and the occasional pancake.

Pa Willie at the woodwork building where the English language was shabby.

Even then, I will not stop there, I will then take my mental flight to Pa Willie at the woodwork building, where the English language was shabby and if made fun of, will get you to visit Pa Gabbidon’s office, where a chair and some well-preserved canes will tantalize your buttocks.

Even then, I will not stop there; I will take my mental flight into the Science Lab, which for decades stood as a beacon of scientific progress and high academic excellence. In there, I can smell the hydrogen sulfide which has permeated the air, and see the sixth formers beaming proudly, wanting me to know they hold the key to many scientific secrets. And while there, I will peek into the geography lab where I could hear the Scottish man Mr Bacon say, “ If the earth were flat, the place would be marshy.” With a huge smile, I will climb the steps to the 2nd floor to take a peek in the Arts lab where the genius Mr. Vandi would be teaching students how to paint masterpieces.

‘Gabby ar werr am, ar werr am oh!’

And finally, I will take my mental flight to form 2A, where the Math teacher, Mr. Inyang, being made fun of for falling asleep at his desk, threw his wooden duster at the provocateur, missing him badly, hitting and cutting open the head of Berthan Macauley Jr, son of the Queens Counsel Berthan Macauley Sr. I can still hear the frantic Inyang saying as he ran down the stairs to Pa Gabidon’s office: Gabby ar werr am, ar werr am oh!

On this, my final flight, I ended up in Ivan Benjamin’s PE class, where with my tiny 110 lbs frame, he paired me with Ada Yakubu, weighing a whopping 250 plus pounds, for a wrestling match that landed me at Connaught hospital with a fractured sternum.

But strangely, I will turn to the Almighty and say: If You will, let me take one last swim at “Pole” in the Atlantic Ocean just south of the principal’s office. Oh no! Here comes senior prefect - Seray Wurie, he’s collecting our uniforms and shoes from the shore, we will have to walk to Principal A W Rogers’s office, doing our best to cover up our nakedness.

Thank you, Prince of Wales Secondary School! Thank you!

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Most Read from YAME Digital:

Theme: ‘The King of Academic Jungle’

Drawing inspiration from the school motto ‘Forward’ and the Lion Crest, the Class of 2003 formally approached the Sierra Leone Police with an extreme proposal to import a Cape Lion (Panthera Leo Melanochaita) from the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Their vision was to have the lion, accompanied by four professional lion tamers, participate in the parade from Kissy Road to Kingtom on April 6th, which marks the 100th anniversary.

The Sierra Leone Police weren’t ready for the jungle to move into the Streets of Freetown. In a letter dated 29th March, the Inspector General’s Office denied the request, citing public safety.

School Celebration Outdoing Each Other in Good Works

A new phenomenon has emerged in Freetown — The School Thanksgiving Celebration.

The concept of "outdoing each other in good works" will continue encouraging them to consider how they can stimulate one another toward love and good deeds. They will continue with selfless service and unwavering commitment to the well-being of students in these schools.

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Today’s sermon is taken from the Gospel just read:

Matthew chapter 25 verses 14-30. And Paul’s reference in Philippians 1:6 is the chosen theme for this Centennial celebration.

The Gospel is subtitled “The Parable of Talents,” And in it, Jesus helps us understand what it means to be ready for His second coming.

For those who are new to Christian terminology. The word parable simply means a story drawn from everyday life using everyday illustrations to express a deeper truth.

Church, let me declare to you that this “parable of talents” is more about Jesus’ second coming. You see, He wants us to be watching and to be ready.

It is God who begins the "good work" in a believer's life, which is the work of salvation, including justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (the process of becoming more like Christ). And He is faithful to continue this work until Jesus returns.

My Sermon topic is: “What will the Master who began this work (of excellence) in you say to you at its completion?”

“The parable of talents.”

Allow me to first clarify the Bible's use of the word “talent”.

Usually, when we use the word talent, we attribute it to somebody with an exceptional ability: someone who can sing, or someone who can write a bestseller, or paint a masterpiece. We even have a TV show called America’s Got Talent.

But in the Bible, “Talent” has nothing to do with human ability. The word talent in the Bible is a unit of measurement. It is a weight of roughly 75 pounds and is always used in relation to money, be it silver or gold. In both the Old and New Testaments, references are made to a talent or multiple talents of gold and of silver. To put this into perspective, a single talent of silver back in Jesus’ day was worth about 20 years of wages. Let me repeat that: “A Talent in Jesus’ day was worth about 20 years of wages.”

With this background, we can now better understand the use and meaning of the word Talent in its Biblical sense.

“The Parable of Talents”

For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and another one, to each according to his ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise, he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time, the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

20 “So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ 23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I would have received back my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. 29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Let us pray:

Heavenly Father, we pray that you will speak to us through this parable and that you will help us to be ready for your second coming. Let us be hearers and doers of Your Word. That being ready, we will joyfully anticipate your return.

We pray for Your clarity, boldness, and perseverance so that we will run the race and finish it well, in Jesus’ mighty name, and everybody says, Amen!

I think that this is one of the most difficult of Jesus’ parables to understand. I say so because I have heard it preached in so many different ways. Most with a common trend to interpret it with an eye on the practical aspects of it and not on the eternal. I am not saying it’s wrong to look at this parable in terms of its practical aspects. We are going to do a little bit of that ourselves today. But if all we do is interpret this parable as a matter of practical advice for everyday Christian living, then we will miss its greater, and more important, eternal significance.

Jesus highlights that at the end of the parable. In verse 30 when He says, “Cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” That’s the highlight, Church! And that is an Eternal outlook.

When you hear the words, outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth, if you have an understanding of the Bible, you know that those are idioms that refer to HELL!

With its eternal suffering. The Bible speaks of hell as a place of unquenchable fire. Oddly enough to us Christians, it must be a fire that does not cast out light, because in addition to the Bible saying that it is a place of unquenchable fire, it also says it is a place of outer darkness. Unquenchable fire, outer darkness, weeping and grinding of teeth, all idioms for suffering, and relative to an understanding of hell. So Jesus is trying to teach us in this parable that our actions here on earth have practical and eternal consequences. The greater being is the eternal, as we will see in the story.

Now let’s look at the practical side of this parable, because I do think there’s value in seeing this as a way to help us understand the principles for everyday living, especially as Christians or as followers of Christ.

This wealthy Master is going away on vacation or a business trip. He doesn’t say how long he’s going to be away. But before he travels, he entrusts to his servants a measure of his wealth and property for safekeeping or managing. It should be noted that he is careful to entrust only certain amounts of his wealth and property to certain individuals. Verse 15 states, “he proportions out his wealth according to the abilities of the servants.”

You see, He entrusts more to some than he does to others. He did so in proportion to their abilities.

QUESTION- Was the Master showing preferential treatment by giving one servant 5 talents and another 2, and another, one? The answer is an unambiguous NO!

You see, the Master was honoring each individual with what he or she could successfully handle. The passage says, “according to their ability.” You see, if someone is not qualified or doesn’t have the proper skill set, or the job is beyond their ability to handle successfully, then it is a MERCIFUL thing to pass that someone over. It is! Because, to entrust a high level of responsibility to someone who lacks the skill set or the job qualifications, temperament, and or the desire, could crush that individual. If you load someone up with a responsibility for which they are not prepared, you are setting them up for failure, and it is not a good thing. You see, the Master’s action did not show preference. It showed a deference. He gave each servant what he or she could properly handle, so that they might be most successful. That’s leadership 101!

You do not put people in positions or give them responsibilities that will set them up for failure. You should want people to succeed. So, this Master is handing out talents proportional to the ability of the servants: That is what the Gospel says:

He looks at the first servant and says, he has a lot of leadership skills and is a visionary and is very faithful, he gives him 5 talents. The second servant may not really be a visionary, but is detailed, and he gets the job done, as long as you can give him the task and let him know when it needs to be completed. He receives 2 talents. For the third servant, the Master must have looked at him and said, “I don’t even know why I have him here, but you know, once in a while he comes up with a pretty good idea, he receives 1 talent.

In summary

Our talents represent resources, abilities, and opportunities entrusted to us by God. And these gifts are to be used to generate a return for God and His kingdom.

This means you and I should actively engage in some form of stewardship and not neglect our God given gifts or opportunities.

Again, God gives different amounts to each person based on their ability, showing that not everyone is created equal in terms of gifts or resources. Let me stress the point- The purpose of using our talents and or our gifts is for the Master's gain and glory, and not for our selfish pride.

Our Heavenly Father, on a practical level, wants accountability for how our talents are used. This accountability is based on faithfulness. In the parable, the faithful servants are rewarded with greater responsibilities and joy, while the unfaithful servant is judged harshly and loses all opportunity.

Looking at the Eternal aspect, this parable emphasizes that everything, including abilities, resources, opportunities, and circumstances, are gift entrusted to each one of us by God to serve Him. We are accountable for how these gifts are used, and God expects us to faithfully use them for His glory and the benefit of others.

Paul’s statement in Philippians 1:6, the theme for these Centennial celebrations, tells us God’s work is guaranteed. Paul’s confidence stems from the belief that God is committed to finishing what He starts in the lives of believers. This is a promise of God's faithfulness and unwavering commitment until the "day of Jesus":

You see, at the Second Coming of Christ, believers will be fully transformed and glorified, their faith made perfect.

The parable states that the Master goes away immediately for a long time and suddenly returns.

Well, Jesus has been gone for a long time now, and we are told by Him, His return will be sudden.

Each of the servants in the parable gave an account on the Master’s return. Just like each one of us will have to give an account of our lives when Jesus comes back.

The first servant who was given 5 talents gave an account of what he did with the talents. Maybe he dabbled in stocks, because he doubled his five talents. And the passage says: “he gave all ten talents to the master. Folks, he was faithful. I am sure the Master would have been pleased to receive 7 or 8 talents from him.

He did not do the: “Ous sy you tie cow na dae ee go eat grass, NO!

He gave the Master all 10 talents. And his Master said to him in verse 21, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Fellow Princewaleans: “What will the Master who began this work (of excellence) in you say to you at its completion?”

The second servant comes along, and he gives an account for the 2 talents he was given; he also had doubled his talents, and he gives back all 4 talents.

The Master repeats in verse 23 the “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

The third servant, when called to give account, delivered a blistering criticism of the master: in verses 24 and 25, we read:

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.”

Hmm! Maybe, just maybe, that will be the account given to the Prince of Wales alumni association if they inquire why, with all the bonuses and incentives given to teachers, the school and its students got a failed report and a cheating scandal.

The Master replied: “You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my coming, I would have received back my own with interest. His talent was taken from him and given to him who had ten talents.

Well, will the statement from the Prince of Wales Alumni Association to the teachers be similar to the Master’s rebuke of the 3rd servant? Just asking!

You see, the servants who multiplied their talents were commended as "good and faithful" and were invited to "enter into the joy of their master". This speaks of the eternal reward of living in intimate fellowship with God and being entrusted with greater responsibilities in His kingdom.

The "wicked and lazy" servant who hid his talent is condemned and cast into "outer darkness". This consequence highlights the eternal implications of neglecting or rejecting God's entrusted gifts and opportunities; it leads to separation from the joy and blessings of God’s presence.

The master's sudden return symbolizes Christ's second coming, when believers will be held accountable for their stewardship.

Faith is the Foundation of Action, my friends. This parable emphasizes that faith, not fear, is the driving force behind faithful stewardship. The first two servants acted with confidence because they trusted their master, while the third servant's fear led to inaction and negative consequences. Let me say this to you: Faithful stewardship is crucial for eternal destiny!

In conclusion, the parable of Talents calls for us to be productive and faithful stewards of the resources and opportunities God has given us. It urges us to use those talents and abilities to glorify God and to serve His kingdom. We are not to be paralyzed by fear; we should be empowered by faith. Fellow Princewaleans step out and take risks, for God's sake and the Kingdom.

Jesus will return to settle accounts with us. He will hold us accountable for what we have done with what He has entrusted to us.

So let us strive to be counted among the faithful, those who have invested and multiplied what God has given them. If we do, we will hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master".

May I ask: Are you confident that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus? Are you?

Always remember we are not alone in our spiritual journey. God is actively working in us even when we stumble or face challenges. He will successfully bring His work to completion.

Only Jesus Christ can save our souls and give us eternal life if we believe. And so we must share the good news of Jesus Christ with others that they also might be saved. That will be a wonderful return on the Master’s investment. Amen?

Heavenly Father, I pray that all under my voice this afternoon might be able at the end of their lives to hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter the joy of your Lord.” Amen and Amen!

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“RELATED UPDATE: POW Inaugural Thanksgiving Booklet”

— Source: Australia Chapter | September 7, 2025 (AEST Time Zone)

POW Inaugural Thanksgiving Booklet - Australia Chapter

Thanks for all your congratulatory messages. Inaugural Thanksgiving Booklet.

Special shout-out to the unknown user for your encouragement to create a booklet as a keepsake for this historic event, September 7, 2025 (Australia Time Zone).

To Our Wonderful Family and Friends of the Class of 2025

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We celebrate more than just a graduation — we celebrate a journey filled with late nights, early mornings, countless challenges, and unwavering determination. The Class of 2025 has not only reached a milestone but has done so with courage, heart, and an unbreakable spirit.

To our graduates: You inspire us daily with passion and resilience. Your dreams have taken shape through hard work and sacrifice, and this moment is a shining testament to your incredible journey. Remember, this is just the beginning—the world is ready for your brilliance, kindness, and unique light.

“As you enter the next chapter of your life, remember that this achievement is just the beginning of many wonderful adventures to come. Keep believing in yourselves, stay curious, and never stop striving for greatness.”

— Source

Phylinda Phebean Peters John; RN, BSN

LaSalle University School of Nursing and Health Sciences

former Chartered Accountant, (SL)

Academic Honors: Maxima Cum Laude

Featured: Alumni | Graduate Family

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Precious Ellis; LLB

University of the Gambia Faculty of Law

Admission to the Bar - 17 November 2025

** Footnote: ** The second youngest lawyer called to the Bar, and the youngest in The Gambia.

Featured: Graduate Family

Precious Estina Diane Ellis called to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of The Gambia!

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Zara Gracie Edwards Kamara

University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC); School of Nursing

Graduate, Bishop McNamara High School, Forestville, MD

Academic Honors: Magna Cum Laude & National Honor Society

Featured: Prom Day | Graduate Family

Move-In Day Milestone! August 23, 2025

Saturday was such a proud moment for our family. My little girl, Zara Gracie, officially moved in. I am beyond proud of her, and she is ready to soar into this next adventure.

I continue to place you in God’s hands, Zara. May His favor and compassion surround you always.

I am forever grateful for my village, far and near.

Zara is all settled in, and my heart is so full. She is truly perfection.

#mylittlegirl #shesperfection #nextchapter

To view the post by T. Ellis Bultman Edwards on Facebook, please click the button below.

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Kalyssa St. John

Rowan University School of Nursing

Graduate, Sterling High School, Somerdale, NJ

Kalyssa & Nya, The Valedictorian!

Featured: Prom Day | Graduate Family

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Iris Marian Pratt

Alvernia University School of Nursing

Graduate, Milton Hershey School, Hershey, PA

Academic Honors: Lifer & Nurse Jane Awards

Class Motto: “We shine with our own light, but together we shine brighter.”

Featured: Prom Day | Graduate Family

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To the family and friends who stood by their side: Your love, support, and encouragement have been the foundation that helped them soar.

This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs. Let’s celebrate this milestone with joy, pride, and hope for the amazing chapters yet to come.

Here’s to the Class of 2025 — may your future be as bright and boundless as your dreams!

Sending our heartfelt love and admiration from the YAME Digital Family!

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PAST GRADUATES

Dr. Theodosia Edwards, Ed.D., ‘18

READ

Estelle N. Edwards, BA., ‘23

READ

Sarah B. H. Ellis, MBA., ‘23

READ

Mexican Security Chief Confirms Cartel Family Members Entered US in a Deal with Trump Administration

US Mexico Drug Cartel © Martin Urista

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's security chief confirmed Tuesday that 17 family members of cartel leaders crossed into the U.S. last week as part of a deal between a son of the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Trump administration.

Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed a report by independent journalist Luis Chaparro that family members of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, who was extradited to the United States in 2023, had entered the U.S.

Guzmán Lopez is one of the brothers left running a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel after notorious capo Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán was imprisoned in the U.S. Video showed the family members walking across the border from Tijuana with their suitcases to waiting U.S. agents.

Rumors had circulated last week that the younger Guzmán would plead guilty to avoid trial for several drug trafficking charges in the U.S. after being extradited in 2023.

García Harfuch confirmed the family members' crossing in a radio interview and said it was clear to Mexican authorities that they were doing so after negotiations between Guzmán López and the U.S. government.

He believed that was the case because the former cartel boss, whose lawyer said in January he had entered negotiations with U.S. authorities, had been pointing fingers at members of other criminal organizations, likely as part of a cooperation agreement.

“It is evident that his family is going to the U.S. because of a negotiation or an offer that the Department of Justice is giving him,” Garcia Harfuch said.

He said that none of the family members were being pursued by Mexican authorities and that the government of U.S. President Donald Trump “has to share information” with Mexican prosecutors, something it has not yet done.

The confirmation by García Harfuch comes the same day that the U.S. Attorney General's Office announced it was charging a number of top cartel leaders with “narcoterrorism” for the first time since the Trump administration declared a number of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

While prosecutors declined to comment on the video of the family, U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California and other officials sent a warning to cartel members, repeatedly citing the Sinaloa Cartel by name.

“Let me be direct, to the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, you are no longer the hunters, you are the hunted. You will be betrayed by your friends, you will be hounded by your enemies, and you will ultimately find yourself and your face here in a courtroom in the Southern District of California,” Gordon said.

The Associated Press

What's In The Beef: Walmart Implements Unusual Anti-Theft Measures by Locking Meat in Metal Cages

Walmart Unusual Anti-Theft Measures — Locking Meat in Metal Cages Due to Rising Beef Crime

Walmart Implements Unusual Anti-Theft Measures by Locking Meat in Metal Cages Due to Rising Beef Crime. Each package was fastened with a locking clasp that requires store staff to unlock it using a special device. If not removed, the device triggers alarms at the store’s exits, prompting users on social media to troll Walmart with memes.

"Instead of making food affordable, they make it imprisoned," a user noted.

Another, identifying as Canadian, said: "I think you guys have lost your way."

A viral TikTok video has drawn attention to new anti-theft packaging at a Walmart store, where strip steaks were secured in metal wire cages.

A third, "I want my beef to be cage-free."

Click HERE to watch the video on ‘X’ (unmute audio for sound).

The decision by Walmart comes in response to a rise in retail theft occurring at self-checkout stations.

Walmart has also embedded hidden barcodes into the packaging of some of its store-brand products.

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital

School Celebration Outdoing Each Other in Good Works

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Ponder My Thoughts by Andrew Keili

“Sierra Leone will thrive when we care for her as much as we care for our alma mater.”

— Source: Basita Michael

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

— Hebrews 10:24

A new phenomenon has emerged in Freetown — The School Thanksgiving Celebration.

Well, actually, it is not new but is a lot more noticeable now that march-pasts of Secondary schools have become a source of intense rivalry, especially between very old schools that boast of a rich history.

We witnessed Annie Walsh celebrate a milestone anniversary last year. Many say they set the gold standard that will be hard to match. The success of the fundraising with jaw-dropping amounts collected, pomp and pageantry, and the many innovations put other pretenders in “panic mode”.

Not to be deterred, Methodist Girls’ High School (MGHS) also “performed” admirably but found it difficult to surpass Annie Walsh.

Another famous Boys’ school (call name nor mix!) tried to raise the bar, which they did quite successfully, except for slight problems caused by some of the purple blazers having running colours under the rains and staining the white trousers of some unfortunate old boys.

We have had our recent rivalry between the Sierra Leone Grammar School (SLGS) and the Prince of Wales (POW) School.

A brief history of these schools is in place.

The Sierra Leone Grammar School was founded on 25th March 1845 as the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Grammar, the first secondary school in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fourteen students from the Fourah Bay College Christian Institute were transferred as pioneer students to begin the school at Regent Square.

Of the fourteen boys, five were from Mende land, three from Kissy Village, two from Regent, one from Kent, one from Port Loko, and two from Freetown.

They offered English Grammar and composition, Greek, Geography, Astronomy, Mathematics, Bible History, and English History. Writing, Music, Recreation, and the Church’s 39 articles. Later, Euclid, Algebra, and Latin, a voluntary class subject, were added. In 1962, the school moved to the present site at Murray Town.

The SLGS in its early days produced clergyman, school masters, tradesmen, clerks, etc., to serve the needs of not only Sierra Leone but West Africa.

The Prince of Wales School was initially known as the Government Secondary School.

On the 5th of April 1925, the Prince of Wales arrived in Freetown on the HMS Hood. He named the school, THE PRINCE OF WALES SCHOOL, and stated that the Foundation Day of the School would be the 6th of April.

The site had formerly been owned by the Sierra Leone Coaling Company and used as a Coaling Station that had its own jetty at the back of the main building.

The school was founded to foster science education and studies in modern languages in Sierra Leone.

Grammar school had its Thanksgiving service at Saint George’s Cathedral. Older alumni were required to board specially emblazoned white “kekehs,” but many refused the offer and chose to march. March, they did, and if rumour is to be believed, there were lots of aching bones and brisk sales of arthritis pills at pharmacies. It is heartening to note that the school dedicated a plaque to the memory of the founding students.

Despite the successful march past, there were still a few snafus. Their school ties, which had been specially ordered for the occasion, did not arrive on time, and many were forced either to use their old ties or look for alternatives in the Pultney Street “jongs market”, no doubt taking a quick glance around to ensure they were not spotted.

One Grammar school boy told me about what went wrong- “We ordered the ties on time, but an old boy who is an expert in Critical Path Analysis got his sums wrong and the ties landed on the wrong continent. Anyway, we will keep them for the next anniversary.” They say ‘misery likes company’ and even those who, because of climate change (making it rain when it was not its season), had their purple coats stain their white trousers could be seen chuckling.

The Prince of Wales’ occasion went like clockwork. They had Christian and Muslim worship services and also marched through the streets of Freetown.

They went the extra mile to be different. They planned on having a lion from the Mara Park in Kenya. This idea was floated around for some time until Mara Park put out a press release to the contrary, and our ever-vigilant police, adept at snuffing out illegal demonstrations, were quick to put out an “absolutely no marching lions” press release. Even without the lion, they looked majestic in their uniforms, and their march past attracted the largest number of onlookers.

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Most Read from YAME Digital: 

The Prince of Wales School Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence

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The long convoy had a couple of “dignified” Wrangler Jeeps (a sharp contrast to the Grammar School Kekehs).

There was just one tiny flaw. One of the Wrangler jeeps—a green one nearly caught fire and attracted quite some attention.

Detractors said their plan to “suffer posh” had come unstuck.

POW alumni accused a garage owned by a Grammar School alumnus of “fixing” the car. One feature different from other schools was the number of politicians—potential flagbearers, and other political apparatchiks that were present.

The Chief Minister, Dr. Sengeh, Dr. Sylvia Blyden, Adi Macauley, Mohamed Kamara aka Jagaban, Dr. Sama Banya, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer (a Conventonian- watcha going on?) were amongst those present.

People who were thought to be at odds with each other were now united in the pursuit of one goal- supporting their alma mater.

This gives true meaning to the biblical saying - “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat …” (Isaiah 11:6).

This utopian harmony could only have been possible because of their affinity to their alma mater.

A laudable feature of both of these schools is the school song.

The chorus in the Grammar school song is indeed endearing and we (yes, we! That’s another pondering) Grammar school boys sing it with such gusto: “Live forever, Sundered never, Faltering never…”

Never mind that many students have not bothered to find out the meaning of sundered! The very poetic Verse 4 illustrates they did not just attend the Grammar school for academic learning,

“Oh! tis not the nerve or sinew or learning store alone

That the school upon her sons bestow, which stamps them for her own.”

The chorus in the POW song is:

"For searching Sierra Leone far and wide, no school can well be found that sends forth truer gentlemen or stands on firmer ground."

As someone remarked- “Many of those “searching Sierra Leone” have not gone far beyond Kingtom-not even as far as Waterloo to declare their school as the best school in Sierra Leone. And I hope by “firmer ground” they are being metaphorical about academic grounding and not the physical ground which is constantly washing away as the sea threatens to engulf this citadel of learning.”

The fourth verse of the POW school song, introduced by the late principal, William J. Davies, in 1936, perhaps best illustrates why it is essential for alumni to meet occasionally:

“Though scattered far, we seldom meet the friends our boyhood knew, Old joys and griefs in memory dwell, toned down to sober hue, And as some well-remembered name grows great, we glow with pride, To think that in our youthful days, we struggled at his side.”

Poetic, veritable words of wisdom! Na buk man den dis bobs!

But let’s get back to the celebrations and decide who won. Some people have endeavoured to list down some metrics for comparison. One of these included attire, processional orderliness, big guns, most popular with the ladies, onlookers, and crowd attendance, and religious diversity, but some of these, especially the last one, would unfairly favour only one school.

Grammar school’s case was messed up a bit by a present-day student, who remarked about the celebrations: “E nor fine sef.”

He obviously came in for some roasting. What was he expecting? A plate of rice to be served to all students? The way Hassan Harouni described the POW occasion, one would be tempted to award them the winner’s prize- “Elderly Princewaleans holding court in swanky vehicles like royalty”, “trumpets, trombones, snares and tubas all blending into a majestic sonic bouquet.” But then he is an alumnus and may not be dispassionate.

Asmaa James gave it to Grammar school for “orderliness, comportment and neatness”, and added: “The use of kekehs was more creative than Wranglers.” But then she is an Annie Walsh alumnus (Anglican school) married to a Bo school boy (You can never know about the Bo school motive)!

A Grammar school alumnus described the hype around the POW celebrations as fake- “Promising to bring along the King of England, Wrangler with no fuel and the fake lion proves my case.” He continued- “When small boys are planning (80 years age difference), they must involve their elders.

POW now stands for “Push overheated Wrangler.” Ouch! This hurts!

The Police also came in for some roasting for not warning the public about the infamous Grammar school fireworks at Youyi building, which were mistaken for gunshots. I will be diplomatic with my overall verdict—Na draw game!

Grammar school and POW are done for this year, and we will prepare for the next milestone celebrations. Other schools will continue in their footsteps, and the healthy rivalry will continue to the benefit of not only the alumni but the schools.

The concept of "outdoing each other in good works" will continue encouraging them to consider how they can stimulate one another toward love and good deeds. They will continue with selfless service and unwavering commitment to the well-being of students in these schools.

Long may these celebrations continue and let us as Sierra Leoneans endeavor to emulate these associations in our deeds in other spheres of life- especially the political sphere. Basita is right to note that “Sierra Leone will thrive when we care for her as much as we care for our alma mater.”

The Prince of Wales School Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence

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The Prince of Wales School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, was inaugurated by the then Prince of Wales on April 6, 1925. This prestigious institution was the first government secondary school in Freetown and the first in Sierra Leone to emphasize the teaching of Science and Mathematics. It attracted students not only from Sierra Leone but also from other West African countries.

The Prince of Wales School's bold attempt to feature a Live Lion in its Centenary Thanksgiving Anniversary has been denied by the Sierra Leone Police citing public safety.

Theme: ‘The King of Academic Jungle’

Drawing inspiration from the school motto ‘Forward’ and the Lion Crest, the Class of 2003 formally approached the Sierra Leone Police with an extreme proposal to import a Cape Lion (Panthera Leo Melanochaita) from the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Their vision was to have the lion, accompanied by four professional lion tamers, participate in the parade from Kissy Road to Kingtom on April 6th, which marks the 100th anniversary.

The Sierra Leone Police weren’t ready for the jungle to move into the Streets of Freetown. In a letter dated 29th March, the Inspector General’s Office denied the request, citing public safety.

Rival schools and critics soon begin trolling 'The Move' with memes on social media.

P.O.W Lion don loose oh, unu keych am ooh😃😃😃

Regardless!

The jubilee celebration reminds us of the enduring bonds forged over 100 years of academic excellence.

“Series of Events ”

— Source

“Princewaleans and partners visiting the historic Bunce Island Slave Castle.”

— 8 April, 2025

“The Prince of Wales School Freetown, CENTENARY THANKSGIVING SERVICE 2025.”

— 6 April, 2025

Thanksgiving Service

Time: April 6, 2025, 1:00 PM Freetown Time Zone | 09:00 AM USA /Eastern (New York) /Maryland | 2:00 PM United Kingdom /BST (London)

Please click 'Join Thanksgiving Service’

Meeting ID: 897 7262 9180 | Passcode: 536992

The Prince of Wales Thanksgiving on Sunday, April 6, 2025. A cross-section of Prince Waleans at home and abroad

“Prince of Wales Muslim Service.”

— Source: Mosque

Princewalean Wives | Friends unique support

Thanksgiving Prep

FORWARD to POW

BuBu na de Dinner & Dance

Congratulations on the humorous perspective !

Congratulations on the humorous perspective of people 🤣

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POW Centenary Transition Walk

Model Junction to Prince of Wales, Kingtom. Re-enactment of the school move from Model School — FORWARD to POW!

Dinner & Dance — Celebrate 100 Years of Prince of Wales School

The Princewalean: 100 Years of Excellence

The official launch will be on 1 April 2025 on Amazon! A collection of essays and articles, primarily composed of reminiscences and mostly authored by alumni, celebrates the achievements of principals, teachers, and distinguished graduates in various disciplines and sports. These writings also highlight the school's contribution to the development of Sierra Leone and West Africa.

Tap HERE to Get Your Copy on Amazon.

School Athletics: Handing prizes to donors and athletes

Theo Edwards for YAME Digital

This page will be continuously updated—please refresh later for more information.

SSI Recipients Will Get April Check on Regular Schedule, But Upcoming Months Will Vary

Mike Snider, USA TODAY

Sat, March 29, 2025, at 6:01 AM EDT

After getting two Supplemental Security Income checks in February, beneficiaries will get their April payment at the normal time – but the month of May brings more payment quirks.

Usually, SSI checks hit on the first of the month, unless the date lands on a federal holiday or weekend. April 1 is a Tuesday, so that's when SSI checks will arrive.

About 7.4 million Americans who may be disabled or have limited resources get monthly SSI benefit payments. About one-third of those who get SSI also get Social Security.

Traditional Social Security payments – for those who are older or retired – are issued for most recipients on Wednesdays throughout the month. So, if your birthdate falls between the first and 10th of the month, you are paid on the second Wednesday of the month; between the 11th and 20th, you’re paid on the third Wednesday, and if you were born after the 20th of the month, you get paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month, according to the Social Security Administration’s calendar.

Recipients who began getting Social Security before May 1997 are paid on the 3rd of the month – and if they also get SSI, that benefit comes on the 1st.

Social Security: Program change coming this week: Agency begins taking back 100% of overpayments

SSI payment calendar: More quirks ahead

A sign in front of the entrance of the Security Administration's main campus on March 19, 2025 in Woodlawn, Maryland.

In May, SSI recipients will get two checks: the May SSI payment is scheduled to be issued on May 1, according to the SSA calendar, and the June SSI payment on May 30 – payments are issued early because June 1 falls on a weekend.

That means in June, as it was in March, SSI beneficiaries will not get a payment in that calendar month.

The calendar quirk crops up again in August when SSI recipients will get two checks – the August payment on Aug. 1 and the September payment on Aug. 29 – but no payment in the calendar month of September.

SSI recipients will also get two checks in October, but not one in the calendar month of November, according to the SSA calendar.

When are SSI payments sent out for April? See the full 2025 payment schedule

Supplemental Security Income checks will be sent out on the following dates in 2025, according to the SSA calendar.

• Tuesday, April 1, 2025 (Check for April 2025)

• Thursday, May 1, 2025 (Check for May 2025)

• Friday, May 30, 2025 (Check for June 2025)

• Tuesday, July 1, 2025 (Check for July 2025)

• Friday, Aug. 1, 2025 (Check for August 2025)

• Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (Check for September 2025)

• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 (Check for October 2025)

• Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 (Check for November 2025)

• Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 (Check for December 2025)

• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 (Check for January 2026)

What is SSI?

Supplemental Security Income is a benefit payment for those with limited income or resources aged 65 or older, who are blind or have a qualifying disability. Children with a qualifying disability can also get SSI, according to the SSA's website.

In general, adults who qualify for SSI do not earn more than $2,019 from work monthly.

If you or someone you know thinks they may be eligible for SSI, you can begin the application process online, in person at your local Social Security office, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time during the work week.

If you think you may want to apply for Social Security or SSI in the near future, you may want to create an online account soon if you haven't, as the agency is implementing “stronger identity verification procedures,” including online identity proofing, starting March 31.

Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse

Follow Mike Snider on Threads, Bluesky and X: mikegsnider &@mikegsnider.bsky.social &@mikesnider.

We in Sierra Leone Have Become Completely 'Tonto,' Transitioning Into a Far More Dangerous Realm of Drug Trafficking

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“The U.S. State Department has classified Sierra Leone as a drug transshipment country. According to reports from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Sierra Leone is used as a key transit hub for international drug trafficking, particularly for cocaine moved from South America and Asia to Europe, and to a lesser extent, the United States. The country faces significant challenges with drug trafficking and money laundering, compounded by pervasive corruption and weak law enforcement, making it a critical node in global drug transit routes.”

— Source

Sierra Leone's enduring struggles are rooted in a long and troubled history that stretches back centuries. From the oppressive grip of colonialism to the challenges of post-independence, leaders have continuously twisted the truth to advance their agendas. This betrayal has not only persisted but has become entrenched within the very institutions of the country. Each institution—political, judicial, or administrative—harbors its own set of moles that undermine the system.

2025 World Happiness Report Sierra Leone is 146 in 147 countries - see page 21 (we managed to best Afghanistan). How SAD!! https://t.co/1IgzpsDhly

No surprises. Politicians don't have solutions to the problems, and they don't want to admit what they and everyone else knows.

— Yame.space (@SpaceYame) March 21, 2025

These agents of deceit ensure that the truth is buried beneath layers of bureaucratic confusion, feeding the public a steady diet of misinformation.

We have gone totally ‘Tonto.’

Often referred to as the ‘Athens of Africa,’ Sierra Leone is a land rich in potential, boasting 44 minerals containing rare earth elements, arable land, fertile soil, predictable weather, and a rich cultural heritage. However, behind this impressive façade, the country's elites have inflicted significant damage on both the nation and its economy. As a result, we have completely lost our way.

Beautiful beyond description
But......alas racked with extreme poverty hunger pain heartache drug abuse corruption water shortages no electricity
#Salone pic.twitter.com/e02GwoQT2B

— NyamakoroSilla (@toubuya) April 8, 2025

Sixty-four years after our country's independence from the British on April 27, 1961, our country still struggles to find a path toward prosperity. While other African nations have made significant progress despite facing similar historical circumstances, we now find ourselves in an even more precarious situation.

Graduating instead to a much more dangerous territory of international drug trafficking.

‘The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security.’

“We have completely gone ‘Tonto.’”

— Theo Edwards

---

“SIERRA LEONE: COCAINE CARTELS AND THE RISE OF STATE CAPTURE”

— Source

Sierra Leone has come under renewed scrutiny as a key transit hub for international drug trafficking. A damning report by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs underscores the extent of the crisis, stating that "drug trafficking and money laundering remain prevalent, with the country being used as a transshipment point from South America and Asia to Europe, and, to a lesser extent, the United States." The report further highlights that corruption is a “pervasive problem in Sierra Leone that compromises citizen access to basic public services and institutions such as health, education, and the police. The criminal justice system is inefficient and backlogged.” ( Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs: Sierra Leone Summary - United States Department of State)

Escalating role in global drug trade

Sierra Leone has become a critical hub in international cocaine trafficking, with increasing seizures and arrests linked to the country. The World Drug Report 2023 identified eight African nations as emerging markets for the cocaine trade between 2019 and 2022. Among them, Sierra Leone stands out, with record drug seizures in 2021. —page160: WDR23_B3_CH8.pdf.

The country’s role in the global narcotics trade became even more evident when Belgian authorities traced the second-largest shipment of cocaine entering their ports to Sierra Leone, seizing six tons of the illicit substance in 2024. (Big Drop In Drug Seizures At Belgium Mega Port As Latam Busts Soar - Barron's)

Cocaine seizures

The increasing use of West African maritime routes by traffickers is exemplified by a significant drug interception in November 2022. The French Navy, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies from Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, intercepted a Brazilian tugboat 400 miles off the coast of Sierra Leone. The vessel, under surveillance since its departure from Brazil, was carrying over 4.6 tons of cocaine worth approximately €150 million (US$157.8 million). If distributed in the UK, authorities estimate the drugs could have generated more than £300 million (US$366.4 million) in criminal profits. (French Navy Seizes 4.6 Tons of Cocaine from Brazilian Tugboat | OCCRP)

(The French Navy)

Sierra Leone's link to the global cocaine trade has been further reinforced by multiple arrests involving traffickers with ties to the country

On January 9, 2025, Joy Gulmatico, a 29-year-old Filipina, was apprehended at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport attempting to smuggle 4.57 kg of cocaine worth PHP 24.2 million ($416,240). She had travelled from Sierra Leone via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Filipina traveler caught with P24-M cocaine at NAIA | Philippine News Agency)

On 17 January 2025, in Mumbai, India, authorities arrested Thoma Mendy, a 40-year-old Senegalese national, for smuggling 2.6 kg of cocaine valued at ₹26.62 crore ($3 million). Mendy admitted he had received the drugs at a hotel in Sierra Leone before embarking on his journey. (Mumbai: DRI Arrests 40-Year-Old Senegal National For Smuggling Cocaine Worth ₹26.62 Crore At CSMIA; Reveals Syndicate Ties)

On 8 February 2025, the authorities in Liberia seized a “shipment of 234 kg of cocaine at Bo Waterside, a key border crossing with Sierra Leone.” (Liberia’s Growing Drug Crisis: Weak Justice System Turning Nation into Traffickers’ Haven - FrontPageAfrica)

In May 2022, a major cocaine seizure occurred in Burkina Faso, where 115 kg of the drug was discovered in a vehicle that had originated in Sierra Leone before crossing through Guinea and Mali en route to Ghana. (See page 14: TOCTA_Sahel_drugs.pdf)

High-profile UK smuggling operation

One of the most striking cases implicating Sierra Leone in global drug trafficking occurred in June 2022. The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) intercepted a Merseyside-based organized crime syndicate attempting to smuggle 1.3 tonnes of cocaine into the UK. The drugs, concealed within a shipment of garri flour from Freetown, had an estimated street value of £140 million. The operation, codenamed "Lemonlike," identified Darren Schofield, also known as "Thor," as the ringleader. Six members of the gang were sentenced to a combined 75 years in prison in December 2024. ( Drugs boss set up front company for Amazon and Argos goods to smuggle cocaine worth £140m - National Crime Agency) (Thor' and his gang smuggled £140m of cocaine into the UK from Sierra Leone - Liverpool Echo)

Diplomatic controversy

On or about January 17, 2025, no fewer than seven suitcases filled with cocaine were discovered in a Sierra Leone embassy vehicle in Guinea, raising diplomatic and legal questions about official complicity in drug smuggling operations. (Sierra Leone: Suitcases of suspected cocaine found in embassy vehicle - BBC News) | (YAME Digital)

State capture

The Africa Confidential Special Report, titled "President Bio Keeps Cocaine Lord in the Family," Sierra-Leone-Cocaine-Lord-Special-Report-1.pdf provides compelling evidence of state capture in Sierra Leone by narcotics traffickers. The report details how Jos Leijdekkers (also known as Chubby Jos, Mocro Mafia Boss, Bellos Jos, and Omar Sheriff), a convicted Dutch cocaine kingpin, has infiltrated the highest levels of Sierra Leone's political and security structures. (Mafia boss 'Chubby Jos' tracked down after pics gave away location but shock twist means cops can't touch him…for now | The US Sun) He has effectively infiltrated and commandeered state institutions to serve the interests of his criminal enterprise. (YAME Digital)

In 2008, Sierra Leone’s state apparatus cooperated to ensure that those who flew a plane-load of cocaine into the country were apprehended and handed over to the United States. However, this remains the only instance where cocaine traffickers have been arrested with the collaboration of the Sierra Leonean government. Since then, the landscape has drastically changed, with mounting evidence that state institutions are now complicit in the drug trade rather than combating it.

Various investigative reports have exposed the cartel's deep political ties in Sierra Leone. Notably, Africa Confidential reveals that Leijdekkers, also known as Omar Sheriff, has a personal connection to the presidency, as he is romantically involved with Agnes Bio, the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio. Agnes Bio holds a diplomatic position at Sierra Leone’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, a role that grants her diplomatic immunity. This raises concerns that the cartel may be using diplomatic privileges to facilitate its operations under official cover.

Reports from Africa Confidential and other international sources indicate that Leijdekkers and his cartel have infiltrated Sierra Leone’s security forces, securing logistical support and protection for their smuggling operations.

This suggests a deliberate subversion of security institutions, prioritizing the interests of the cartel over national security.

The issuance of official documents to cartel members is another strong indicator of state capture. Both past and present Chief Immigration Officers have been implicated in providing passports to cartel operatives, enabling their unrestricted international movement. This abuse of authority demonstrates the cartel’s ability to manipulate immigration systems for illicit purposes.

Evidence has emerged that the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, also known as Deep Water Quay, has been used as a hub for massive cocaine shipments to Europe. Despite multiple cocaine seizures abroad linked to shipments from Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police have taken no action, further signaling state complicity.

Despite overwhelming evidence of state institutions being exploited by the cartel, there have been no prosecutions. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which is empowered to initiate legal proceedings, has remained silent and inactive, suggesting either intimidation or collusion. The ACC’s failure to act reinforces the perception of a compromised justice system.

Money laundering and rapid asset accumulation by government officials have reached alarming levels. High-ranking officials, including the Chief Immigration Officer, have reportedly acquired multiple properties in the United States and elsewhere in quick succession. This sudden wealth accumulation abroad strongly indicates money laundering and illicit financial flows, further entrenching the cartel’s economic influence.

Conclusion

These indicators paint a clear picture of a criminal organization that has effectively captured state mechanisms, bending them to its will and undermining the rule of law. The entanglement of political figures, security forces, and administrative officials with narcotics traffickers has not only facilitated the cartel’s operations but has also eroded public trust in democratic governance and jeopardized both national and international security. Addressing this crisis requires urgent, coordinated action at both domestic and global levels to dismantle the cartel’s grip on state institutions and restore institutional integrity, justice, and accountability.

Abdoul Mahdieu Savage | Contact: Renewal News Network Limited | Send Email

RELATED

KARACHI: March 23, 2025: Pakistani authorities have intercepted an attempt to smuggle 5.6 million Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, valued at Rs2.8 billion (US$10 million), disguised as a towel export to Sierra Leone.

The case follows a similar seizure last month, where 21.8 million Tramadol tablets and 7,000 capsules worth Rs10 billion were confiscated.

“Nations Committed to Security Stand Against Drug Trafficking!”

— Watch the Video

They go to great lengths to smuggle the drugs, only to be outsmarted by customs agents. Anyone considering the risks of drug dealing across borders should learn from this.

41 States That Won’t Tax Social Security Benefits in 2025

eric1513 / Getty Images

Social Security plays a big role in many Americans’ retirement security. 40% of Americans ages 65 and older rely on Social Security for at least half their income, according to the AARP. Additionally, where you live can make a big difference in how much of your Social Security check you get to keep.

Not only can up to 85% of your Social Security benefits be subject to federal taxation, depending on your income, you could also face state income taxes on Social Security benefits. Fortunately, the list of states that tax Social Security is shrinking, and only nine will do so in 2025.

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Read More: How Much Money You’ll Need To Supplement Your Social Security in Every State

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“The list of states that do not tax Social Security is much longer than those that do,” said Brian Kuhn CFP, CLU, SVP, and financial advisor at Wealth Enhancement Group. “And each state makes its own rules, which sometimes change, including, recently, in Missouri and Nebraska.”

Missouri and Nebraska have decided to stop taxing Social Security benefits in 2024. Kansas also joined in with a bill signed midway through 2024, so the state will not tax Social Security going forward.

Only 9 States Will Tax Social Security in 2025

• Colorado

• Connecticut

• Minnesota

• Montana

• New Mexico

• Rhode Island

• Utah

• Vermont

• West Virginia

Kansas is no longer part of this list, and West Virginia is phasing out Social Security taxes, with no state income taxes on Social Security starting in 2026.

“Each state has tax provisions that could provide deductions for individuals below certain thresholds or ages, making each state unique,” Kuhn said.

Most States Won’t Tax Social Security in 2025

Most states, 41 in total plus Washington, D.C., won’t tax your Social Security benefits in 2025, based on current laws.

These states are:

• Alabama

• Alaska

• Arizona

• Arkansas

• California

• Delaware

• Florida

• Georgia

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Michigan

• Mississippi

• Missouri

• Nebraska

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New York

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• Oklahoma

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• South Carolina

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Virginia

• Washington

• Wisconsin

• Washington, D.C.

• Wyoming

How Much Do Retirees Save on Social Security Taxes in These States?

Kuhn pointed out that you can calculate how much you’re saving on taxes — assuming you live in a state that does not tax Social Security benefits — by looking up the effective rate of tax you paid to your state for all taxed income sources and applying that to your total Social Security benefits.

“So, for example, if your effective rate in your state was 5%, and you received $30,000 in Social Security benefits, that would be a savings of $1,500,” Kuhn said.

However, this does not apply to all situations. Not everyone who lives in the states that tax Social Security income face the full tax. For example, in Colorado, residents ages 65 and older have been able to fully deduct federally taxed Social Security benefits on their state income tax returns since tax year 2022. For 2025, that full exemption will expand to include those ages 55 to 64 with an adjusted gross income equal to or less than $75,000 for individuals or $95,000 for couples filing jointly.

So, it’s important to look at the specific rules of your state and at your own tax situation.

Still, from a big-picture perspective, the amount saved among retirees whose benefits aren’t taxed is quite impressive.

“In Missouri, for instance, retirees are looking at a collective annual saving of around $309 million,” said Jeff Rose, CFP, founder of Good Financial Cents. “Over in Nebraska, it’s about $17 million. That’s a lot of money that retirees get to keep in their pockets instead of it being drained away by state taxes.”

Jake Safane contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 41 States That Won’t Tax Social Security Benefits in 2025

Oh, Sierra Leone, Your Children Cry Tonight

Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart? They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?

Oh Salone | Franklyn Bonnie Johnson-Williams

[Verse]

In the heart of West Africa, where the lion once roared, Eleven years of battle, left our spirits so sore. Now the wounds are open wide, facing new plight, With a reckless government's heedless flight.

RELATED

Netherland's Most Wanted Cocaine Kingpin Hiding in Sierra Leone

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[Chorus]

Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?

[Verse]

They promised us a future, of peace and prosperity, But instead, they brought us chaos and misery. The streets once full of laughter, now shadowed with despair, Little ones are falling, does anybody care?

RELATED

Sierra Leone: A Narco State and Distribution Hub. Mr. Alimamy Bangura, the ambassador to Guinea implicated in diplomatic missions' cocaine trafficking.

---

[Chorus]

Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?

[Verse]

Mothers grieve in silence, and fathers lose their will, For every son and daughter, there's a battle uphill. We fight a different war now, against the darkness spread, As the soul of a nation battles for its bread.

RELATED

Sierra Leone: Small Country, Massive Suffering. Our so-called educated elite, leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures have all become agents of our demise, poisoning the well of our collective aspirations. 

---

[Chorus]

Oh, Sierra Leone, your children cry tonight, Through the echoes of war, we’ve lost our guiding light. Trafficking and drugs, tearing us apart, Where's the hope we had once, strong in every heart?

---

RELATED

“Sierra Leone: Toxic components of the ‘KUSH’ drug identified.”

— UPDATED: FRANCE24 News | 27 March 2025

Transnational crime investigators have identified China, the Netherlands, and the UK as likely sources of the substances used to produce Kush, a highly addictive synthetic drug. This drug has claimed the lives of thousands in West Africa in an alarmingly short time. Kush first appeared in Sierra Leone in 2022, and recent testing has finally revealed the dangerous chemicals that make it so lethal.

Caitlin Kelly has more from Freetown.

Feel free to post your comments in the ‘Post Comment’ section.

Japan’s Elderly are Lonely and Struggling

Some women choose to go to jail instead

Meet the elderly Japanese women who keep committing crimes to stay in jail | Source: CNN

The rooms are filled with elderly residents, their hands wrinkled and backs bent. They shuffle slowly down the corridors, some using walkers. Workers help them bathe, eat, walk, and take their medication.

But this isn’t a nursing home – it’s Japan’s largest women’s prison. The population here reflects the aging society outside, and the pervasive problem of loneliness that guards say is so acute for some elderly prisoners that they’d prefer to stay incarcerated.

“There are even people who say they will pay 20,000 or 30,000 yen ($130-190) a month (if they can) live here forever,” said Takayoshi Shiranaga, an officer at Tochigi Women’s Prison located north of Tokyo, during an extremely rare visit granted to CNN in September.

Within the prison’s light pink walls and strangely serene halls, CNN met Akiyo, an 81-year-old inmate with short gray hair and hands dotted with age spots. She was serving time for shoplifting food.

“There are very good people in this prison,” said Akiyo, who CNN is identifying by a pseudonym for privacy. “Perhaps this life is the most stable for me.”

At Tochigi Women's Prison, inmates are required to work in prison factories and workshops | CNN

The women in Tochigi live behind bars and must work in the prison’s factories, but that suits some just fine.

Inside they get regular meals, free healthcare, and eldercare – along with the companionship they lack on the outside.

One inmate, Yoko, 51, has been imprisoned on drug charges five times over the last 25 years. Each time she returns, the prison population seems to get older, she said.

“(Some people) do bad things on purpose and get caught so that they can come to prison again, if they run out of money,” said Yoko, who CNN is identifying by a pseudonym for privacy reasons.

Struggling in isolation

Akiyo knows the burden of isolation and poverty too well. This is her second stint in prison, after being previously jailed in her 60s for stealing food.

“If I had been financially stable and had a comfortable lifestyle, I definitely wouldn’t have done it,” she said.

When she committed her second theft, Akiyo was living off a “very small” pension that was only paid every two months. With less than $40 left and two weeks until her next payment, “I made a poor decision and shoplifted, thinking it would be a minor issue,” she said. Her prior conviction meant that she was imprisoned.

With little family support, Akiyo had stopped caring about the future, or what would happen to her.

Her 43-year-old son, who lived with her before she was imprisoned, often told her: “I wish you’d just go away.”

The walls and fences of Tochigi Women's Prison, located north of Tokyo | CNN

“I felt like I didn’t care what happened anymore,” she said. “I thought, ‘There’s no point in me living,’ and ‘I just want to die.’”

Theft is by far the most common crime committed by elderly inmates, especially among women. In 2022, more than 80% of elderly female inmates nationwide were in jail for stealing, according to government figures.

Some do it for survival – 20% of people aged over 65 in Japan live in poverty, according to the OECD, compared to an average of 14.2% across the organization’s 38 member countries. Others do it because they have so little left on the outside.

“There are people who come here because it’s cold, or because they’re hungry,” said Shiranaga, the prison guard.

Those who fall ill “can get free medical treatment while they are in prison, but once they leave, they have to pay for it themselves, so some people want to stay here as long as possible.”

Can Japan fill the gap?

CNN only passed through one security gate at Tochigi, where one in five inmates is elderly, and the prison has adjusted its services to account for their age.

Across Japan, the number of prisoners aged 65 or older nearly quadrupled from 2003 to 2022 – and it’s changed the nature of incarceration.

“Now we have to change their diapers, help them bathe, eat,” Shiranaga said. “At this point, it feels more like a nursing home than a prison full of convicted criminals.”

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Related Article

Japan’s population crisis was years in the making – and relief may be decades away

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Part of the problem for former inmates is a lack of support once they re-enter society, said Megumi, a prison guard at Tochigi, who CNN is identifying by her first name only for privacy.

“Even after they are released and return to normal life, they don’t have anybody to look after them,” she said. “There are also people who have been abandoned by their families after repeatedly committing crimes, they have no place to belong.”

Authorities have acknowledged the issue, with the welfare ministry saying in 2021 that elderly inmates who received support after leaving prison were far less likely to re-offend than those who didn’t. The ministry has since ramped up its early intervention efforts and community support centers to better support vulnerable elderly, it said.

The Ministry of Justice has also launched programs for female inmates that provide guidance on independent living, substance addiction recovery, and how to navigate family relationships.

The government is now considering proposals to make housing benefits accessible to more elders, with 10 municipalities across Japan already testing initiatives to support elderly people with no close relatives.

But it’s not clear whether that will be enough, in a country with one of the world’s longest lifespans and lowest birthrates.

Cells inside Tochigi Women's Prison, where one in five inmates is elderly | CNN

The elderly population is ballooning so fast that Japan will require 2.72 million care workers by 2040, according to the government – which is now scrambling to encourage more people to enter the industry, and to import foreign workers to fill the gaps.

That’s evident in Tochigi, where officers “actively ask (inmates) with nursing qualifications to provide nursing care” for other elderly prisoners, Megumi said.

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Related Article

This community’s quarter century without a newborn shows the scale of Japan’s population crisis

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Yoko, the 51-year-old inmate, is one such caregiver, having gotten her qualifications during her last sentence. Now, when there aren’t enough prison staff caring for the elderly, she helps other inmates bathe, change their clothes and move around, she said.

All the while, prisons continue filling up with white-haired inmates.

Akiyo finished her sentence in October. Speaking to CNN a month before her release, she said she was full of shame and afraid to face her son. She planned to apologize and ask his forgiveness, but said, “I’m afraid of how he might perceive me.”

“Being alone is a very difficult thing, and I feel ashamed that I ended up in this situation,” she added. “I really feel that if I had a stronger will, I could have led a different life, but I’m too old to do anything about it now.”

Source: CNN | By Jessie Yeung, Hanako Montgomery, and Junko Ogura, CNN | Published 8:20 PM EST, Sat January 18, 2025

Sting and the Piano Man Rock Las Vegas

In a postelection depressive haze, I ventured to Las Vegas searching for something that would lift my spirits — The gift of music. Trigger's many sense memories reflect the soundtrack of our past lives and present. I had long been an admirer of Sting, from his days with The Police as a prolific and talented musician. In addition, Billy Joel's catalog is equally impressive. The moment both these two mega artists took the stage, we were transfixed.

It reminded me of a childhood when my parents gave us the joy of music. We listened to everything from classical, rock, jazz, and all the other forms of music genres.

The gift of music is that it triggers many sense memories that reflect the soundtrack of our past and present lives. So, when I had the opportunity to see Sting and Billy Joel two true musicians at the new Raiders Stadium in Las Vegas I was delighted.

It is ironic that although our country is so divided among political parties, on this day, we were just people—of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life there to have a good time.

Hmm! Maybe the next 'President-elect' should be a musician. Because all of the nonsense falls away when we listen to music. All the stress and worry of our everyday lives evaporated with the first strum of Sting's guitar and the mellifluous melody from the piano man's keys.

I have seen Sting on several occasions and his undeniable talent and artistry will always keep me coming back.

This was my first experience seeing Billy Joel and I'll admit I was worried because he has not had any new music in decades.

But I am humbled to say that I was wrong! The dinosaurs of Rock' n' Roll are still living and breathing and putting to shame many of today's artists who give half-hearted shows, with a lot of "digital" support.

These two 70-year-old brought the house down with over two hours of phenomenal performances.

Musicianship and quality songwriting are alive and well and we thank them for being a part of the fabric of our lives. We clapped, sang, and danced through the entire show and were left only wanting more. Even after the show, we marched out with the crowds reminiscing, laughing, and talking about one of the greatest concert experiences of our lifetime. The modern-day musician should take notice.

It was a nice sense of community before we all headed back to our political corners.

Ola George for YAME Digital

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Do you have a show /concert you'd like to share? Post your comments below.

How Much Money You’ll Need To Supplement Your Social Security in Every State

Heather Taylor | Fri, December 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM EST - 11 min read

eric1513 / Getty Images

Most retirees understand Social Security isn’t recommended as their sole form of income in their golden years. It’s important to start saving early for retirement in accounts like a Roth IRA and 401(k) plan.

If you didn’t get a chance to save early and consistently for retirement, you’ll want to know how much money after Social Security benefits you’ll need to cover monthly expenses. The answer depends on your location.

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Find Out: How Long You Could Last on Nothing but Social Security in 50 Major Cities

Read More: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Retirement Savings in 2025

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To find out how much money you’ll need to supplement your Social Security income, GOBankingRates analyzed all 50 states by finding the average cost of living indexes across multiple expenditures and multiplying them by the national average expenditure costs for ages 65 and over for each expenditure category.

This revealed the monthly total cost of expenditures with overall rent cost added in to provide the average total cost of living in each state. Social Security’s Monthly Statistical Supplement for January 2024 was sourced to use the average Social Security benefit amounts for retired workers — $1,860.23 — and to calculate the total monthly cost of living after Social Security benefits.

In alphabetical order, here’s how much money you’ll need in each U.S. state to supplement your Social Security monthly.

Michael Warren / Getty Images

Alabama

• Rent average cost: $980

• Expenditure average cost: $2,423.62

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,403.62

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,543.39

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Rocky Grimes / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Alaska

• Rent average cost: $1,701

• Expenditure average cost: $3,744.20

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,445.20

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $3,584.97

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Kruck20 / iStock.com

Arizona

• Rent average cost: $1,373

• Expenditure average cost: $3,062.33

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,435.33

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,575.10

dlewis33 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Arkansas

• Rent average cost: $915

• Expenditure average cost: $2,426.81

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,341.81

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,481.58

adamkaz / Getty Images/iStockphoto

California

• Rent average cost: $1,827

• Expenditure average cost: $4,118.48

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,945.48

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $4,085.25

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Colorado

• Rent average cost: $1,433

• Expenditure average cost: $2,980.23

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,413.23

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,553

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SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Connecticut

• Rent average cost: $1,310

• Expenditure average cost: $3,244

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,554

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,693.77

pabradyphoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Delaware

• Rent average cost: $1,210

• Expenditure average cost: $2,849.56

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,059.56

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,199.33

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

District of Columbia (DC)

• Rent average cost: $2,105

• Expenditure average cost: $4,345.11

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $6,450.11

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $4,589.88

Kruck20 / iStock.com

Florida

• Rent average cost: $1,302

• Expenditure average cost: $2,869.64

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,171.64

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,311.41

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ferrantraite / iStk.comoc

Georgia

• Rent average cost: $1,234

• Expenditure average cost: $2,547.72

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,781.72

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,921.49

sorincolac / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Hawaii

• Rent average cost: $1,692

• Expenditure average cost: $5,480.44

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $7,172.44

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $5,312.21

Jennifer_Sharp / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Idaho

• Rent average cost: $808

• Expenditure average cost: $2,775.76

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,583.76

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,723.53

Pgiam / Getty Images

Illinois

• Rent average cost: $1,180

• Expenditure average cost: $2,579.29

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,759.29

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,899.06

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Read Next: America’s 50 Most Expensive Retirement Towns

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Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images

Indiana

• Rent average cost: $895

• Expenditure average cost: $2,581.81

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,476.81

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,616.58

pabradyphoto / Getty Images

Iowa

• Rent average cost: $772

• Expenditure average cost: $2,551.33

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,323.33

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,463.10

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Kansas

• Rent average cost: $837

• Expenditure average cost: $2,473.69

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,310.69

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,450.46

Davel5957 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Kentucky

• Rent average cost: $816

• Expenditure average cost: $2,476.05

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,292.05

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,431.82

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SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

Louisiana

• Rent average cost: $887

• Expenditure average cost: $2,561.95

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,448.95

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,588.72

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Maine

• Rent average cost: $1,950

• Expenditure average cost: $3,108.90

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,058.90

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $3,198.67

Kruck20 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Maryland

• Rent average cost: $1,479

• Expenditure average cost: $3,342.66

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,821.66

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,961.43

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Massachusetts

• Rent average cost: $1,503

• Expenditure average cost: $4,311.47

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,814.47

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $3,954.24

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Check Out: 8 States To Move to If You Don’t Want To Pay Taxes on Social Security

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Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Michigan

• Rent average cost: $882

• Expenditure average cost: $2,560.77

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,442.77

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,582.54

jimkruger / Getty Images

Minnesota

• Rent average cost: $1,126

• Expenditure average cost: $2,686.90

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,812.90

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,952.67

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Mississippi

• Rent average cost: $813

• Expenditure average cost: $2,435.16

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,248.16

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,387.93

TriggerPhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Missouri

• Rent average cost: $903

• Expenditure average cost: $2,490.46

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,393.46

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,533.23

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Lightguard / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Montana

• Rent average cost: $833

• Expenditure average cost: $2,893.13

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,726.13

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,865.90

benkrut / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Nebraska

• Rent average cost: $944

• Expenditure average cost: $2,554.12

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,498.12

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,637.89

4kodiak / Getty Images

Nevada

• Rent average cost: $1,154

• Expenditure average cost: $2,936.06

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,090.06

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,229.83

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

New Hampshire

• Rent average cost: $1,143

• Expenditure average cost: $3,195.50

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,338.50

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,478.27

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Find Out: Cutting Expenses for Retirement? Here’s the No. 1 Thing To Get Rid of First

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Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images/iStockphoto

New Jersey

• Rent average cost: $1,596

• Expenditure average cost: $3,254.96

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,850.96

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,990.73

New Mexico

• Rent average cost: $866

• Expenditure average cost: $2,655.55

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,521.55

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,661.32

New York

• Rent average cost: $1,722

• Expenditure average cost: $3,681.99

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,403.99

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $3,543.76

North Carolina

• Rent average cost: $1,124

• Expenditure average cost: $2,738.89

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,862.89

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,002.66

North Dakota

• Rent average cost: $883

• Expenditure average cost: $2,725.03

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,608.03

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,747.80

Ohio

• Rent average cost: $839

• Expenditure average cost: $2,653.57

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,492.57

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,632.34

Oklahoma

• Rent average cost: $794

• Expenditure average cost: $2,426.45

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,220.45

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,360.22

Oregon

• Rent average cost: $1,216

• Expenditure average cost: $3,325.84

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,541.84

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,681.61

Pennsylvania

• Rent average cost: $1,052

• Expenditure average cost: $2,680.03

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,732.03

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,871.80

Rhode Island

• Rent average cost: $1,071

• Expenditure average cost: $3,089.68

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,160.68

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,300.45

South Carolina

• Rent average cost: $1,120

• Expenditure average cost: $2,661.28

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,781.28

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,921.05

South Dakota

• Rent average cost: $698

• Expenditure average cost: $2,635.25

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,333.25

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,473.02

Tennessee

• Rent average cost: $1,011

• Expenditure average cost: $2,513.01

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,524.01

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,663.78

Texas

• Rent average cost: $1,137

• Expenditure average cost: $2,603.25

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,740.25

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,880.02

Utah

• Rent average cost: $1,112

• Expenditure average cost: $2,895.32

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,007.32

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,147.09

Vermont

• Rent average cost: $1,950

• Expenditure average cost: $3,333.05

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $5,283.05

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $3,422.82

Virginia

• Rent average cost: $1,540

• Expenditure average cost: $2,912.22

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,452.22

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,591.99

Washington

• Rent average cost: $1,486

• Expenditure average cost: $3,369.88

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $4,855.88

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $2,995.65

West Virginia

• Rent average cost: $672

• Expenditure average cost: $2,451.83

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,123.83

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,263.60

Wisconsin

• Rent average cost: $949

• Expenditure average cost: $2,767.61

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,716.61

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,856.38

Wyoming

• Rent average cost: $790

• Expenditure average cost: $2,592.46

• Monthly total cost (rent + expenditure): $3,382.46

• Leftover monthly costs after Social Security benefits: $1,522.23

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed every state to find how much money you’ll need to supplement your Social Security Income. GOBankingRates started by finding the [1] average cost of living indexes across multiple expenditures as sourced from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center and multiplied them by the [2] national average expenditure costs for ages 65 and over for each expenditure category to find the monthly total cost of expenditures.

Adding the expenditure cost to the [3] overall rent cost, as sourced from ApartmentList, gives the average total cost of living in each state. Using the [4] average Social Security Benefits amounts for retired workers as sourced from the Social Security’s Monthly Statistical Supplement for January 2024, the total monthly cost of living after Social Security Benefits can be calculated.

The remaining amount is how much you will need to supplement your Social Security in every state. The [5] median household income was sourced from the U.S. Census’s American Community Survey and the leftover savings after cost of living costs was calculated for supplemental information. The states were sorted to show the lowest to highest leftover cost after Social Security Benefits pay for cost of living costs. All data was collected and is up to date as of Jun. 12, 2024.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much Money You’ll Need To Supplement Your Social Security in Every State.

Sherbro Alliance and Idris Elba’s Dream City in Sierra Leone

The Guardian newspaper reported that actor Idris Elba is working with his childhood friend to develop Sherbro Island, roughly the size of the Isle of Man. The West African nation [Sierra Leone] government gave the island enough autonomy to allow the work to advance as 'Dream City in Sierra Leone.'

This is not the end of the story

By Chernoh Alpha M. Bah | Africanist Press

A few months ago, the British media enthusiastically reported that “Idris Elba has shared details of his dream to turn an island off the coast of Sierra Leone, the country where his father was born, into an environmentally friendly smart city.“

The Guardian took the lead in the enthusiasm that surrounded the story. The newspaper specifically reported that “the actor [Idris Elba] is working with his childhood friend to develop Sherbro, which is roughly the size of the ‘Isle of Man’ after the island was given enough autonomy by the West African nation’s government to allow the work to go ahead.”

Chernoh Alpha M. Bah | Africanist Press

Idris Elba’s friend is Siaka Stevens (of course Stevens’ last name is a familiar one in Sierra Leone). In its reporting, the Guardian said Elba and Stevens both grew up together in east London, and they have decided to embark on the ambitious project of turning Sherbro into an eco-city.  The newspaper revealed that Elba and Stevens had set up a joint company called Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), and they had “reached agreements with the Sierra Leonean government, as well as several major firms, to build an eco-city as a public-private partnership.”

This is not the end of the story.

The Guardian further added that Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens have even “agreed on a deal with the energy company, Octopus, to build Sierra Leone’s first wind farm on the island, which lacks main electricity and is a two-hour ferry trip from the mainland.”

This was exciting news in Sierra Leone. News of these kinds of development projects has often been greeted with enthusiasm in the country. Many Sierra Leoneans, both at home and abroad, applauded Elba’s “dream city project.” Of course, the country badly needs real economic and social development, more so development projects and initiatives that are driven by citizens of the country.

However, Elba’s ideas are not new in West Africa; other African entertainers with new smart and eco-city dreams have been on the news lately.

Not very long ago, US-Senegalese singer Akon had also announced his own plans “to build a futuristic city in his ancestral homeland.” The first phase of Akon’s project was supposed to have been completed in 2023. The Guardian, which featured Elba’s dream project, had similarly reported in December 2023 that Akon’s city project faced “delays and controversy” and instead of the promised futuristic city, “only a youth center and the shell of what is planned to be the welcome center had been built.”

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Africanist Press Updates: Listen! In this audio episode, the Africanist Press Chief Editor explores the proposed privatization of Sherbro Island and its planned transformation into a 'Casino Republic' in Sierra Leone. The legal and political implications of the proposed takeover of Sherbro Island by multinational corporations.

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The Guardian added that “while Akon received praise for the planned city’s Afrofuturistic aesthetics,” skeptics are now asking whether Akon’s proposed city “will ever come to pass.” Disappointment is slowly becoming the dream city’s outcome, the newspaper said.  In the case of the proposed Sherbro city, the Guardian said Elba is unlike Akon: “he has been clear about where his strengths lie.”

“Never in my lifetime would I have thought I could build the foundation for a new smart city. I’m not qualified for that. But I am qualified to dream big,” Elba told the UK-based newspaper.

Nevertheless, the contrast begs the question: what stands between a “dream” and its “outcome?”

Many people say there are various kinds of dreams: good dreams and bad dreams. They say what separates one dream from another dream is similar to the differences between fantasies and nightmares; the reason why people dream whether they are asleep or wide awake.

Certainly, the UK-based Guardian was grappling with these differences in dreams when reporting on, and contrasting between, Akon’s “dream city project” and Elba’s “dream city project.”

To understand dreams of any kind – and perhaps their differences – one might have to consider the place of the dream and the moment(s) that produced the dream itself. What are the dreamer’s conditions and existential circumstances? What are the internal and external forces that drive an individual(s) to dream?

The totality of the circumstances has to be carefully considered when assessing the place and strength of a given dream. In doing so, we bring ourselves to the starting point of asking, and also debating, whether a particular dream is realistic or unrealistic. What are the dream’s real possibilities? Can those possibilities be actualized? If yes, how can they be actualized?

While thinking about dreams and their realities today, we looked up the “dream city project” of Idris Elba and Siaka Stevens. We looked at the various companies carrying out their dream city project: the Sherbro Alliance Limited and Sherbro Alliance Partners Limited; all incorporated in the UK. 

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READ Idris Elba: Why I'm Planning a Move To Africa. British actor Idris Elba has told the BBC that he will relocate to Africa within the next decade as part of his plans to support the continent’s movie industry.

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Sherbro Alliance Limited was incorporated on 10th June 2019 as a private limited company (#12040217) under the UK Companies Act 2006. Idris Akuna Elba and Siaka Stevens are the two listed directors and shareholders of the company. On 13th November 2019, the company’s directors applied to voluntarily strike off the company from the UK Register of Companies, and on 26th November 2019, the Registrar gazetted the application to strike off the company from the register, and the company was eventually dissolved on 11th February 2020.

The second company, Sherbro Alliance Partners Limited, was also incorporated on 27th September 2019 (#12231721); similarly, as a private limited company in England and Wales. Siaka Stevens is the only listed company director, and the company’s shareholders, at the time of registration, are IE7 Holdings Limited and Siaka Stevens; each individually holding 50% shares. IE7 Holdings Limited was incorporated on 3rd April 2019 with Idris Elba as company director.

The unaudited financial statements of Sherbro Alliance Partners Limited for the year ended 31st December 2022 included an unsecured “loan of £2,861,393 due to IE7 Limited.” The loan “attracts an interest rate of 4% above the base rate of the Bank of England for repayments made outside of the repayment dates.” In FY2021, the said loan amounted to £2,227,255 and has since increased by £634,138 by the close of FY2022.

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READ Idris Elba Arrived In His Father´s Native Sierra Leone For The First Time. Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, where he is due to receive Sierra Leone citizenship and celebrate Christmas with the President, Julius Maada Bio, according to government sources. 

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What does this tell us about dreams and their complexities, about the differences in dreams, the varied interpretations of dreams, and the accompanying realities of dreams? How do dreams inform our approach to, and understanding of, nation building and sustainable development?

In any case and by any rate, we attach herewith extract pages showing the registration details of the two Sherbro Alliance companies shouldering the Sherbro city dream project.

First published July 17, 2024. Feel free to share it or Post a comment in the Comments section.