Kailahun, Sierra Leone — February 15, 2026: Paramount Chief Alhaji Bringo Ndolleh of Kailahun Town on Sunday led the pouring of libation to mark the commencement of artificial turf installation at the Kailahun Mini Stadium. The project, fully funded by Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), is being hailed as a landmark development for the district.
Seeking blessings from God and the forefathers of the land, PC Ndolleh described the initiative as a legacy project. “The field was in bad shape. With the artificial turf, we will now call this place a mini stadium because the current ambiance befits it,” he said.
Local Expertise and Community Impact
National Stadium Manager Paul Damulay noted that the turf installation will be carried out by Sierra Leoneans trained during the rehabilitation of the National Stadium. Caretaker of the Kailahun Mini Stadium, Sahid Daboh, called the project a “dream come true,” praising President Julius Maada Bio’s decision to appoint Dr. Abdulai.
Foday Ansumana of the Kailahun Football Veterans Association highlighted the importance of the project, saying poor pitches had cost the district promising talents. “Since Saffa came with his Luawa Academy, a lot has happened,” he remarked.
Recognition and Future Plans
Nasiru Deen Koroma, Secretary General of the Kailahun District Descendant Association, recalled years of advocacy to upgrade the field and decorated Dr. Abdulai with a sash to formally co-opt him into the descendant conclave.
District Council Chairman Ahmed Kekeh Sahr Lamin announced plans to collaborate with Dr. Abdulai on securing land for a vocational institute in Kailahun, while MP Sarty Banya praised Abdulai’s tenure at NSA for bringing “huge development” to football in the district.
Former MP Madam Navo Kaikai also commended Abdulai’s longstanding support for Kailahun, pledging to help secure a pavilion and toilet facilities for the stadium.
Abdulai’s Commitment
In his remarks, Dr. Abdulai confirmed that President Bio will officially open the stadium once installation is complete. He clarified that the project is funded from his personal resources and urged Kailahun residents to take ownership of it. He also expressed gratitude to his wife for her support and declared his ambition to succeed President Bio in the future.
Vice Chairman of the Kailahun District Football Association, Philip Foday Momoh, and NSA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdul Rahman Swaray both lauded Abdulai’s passion for football, with Swaray noting that the project reflects FIFA’s vision of bringing the sport to even the remotest communities.