Amadou Nyassi, a young man who turns 38 by November 23, serves as the alkalo of Bwiam in Foni. Taking over from his father as the Bwiam alkalo following the latter’s demise last year, he has proved to be a unifying force, a lover and servant of his people.

Amule, as Mr Nyassi is commonly known, had prepared himself by getting his primary and secondary education at Bwiam and venturing into overseas as well as local courses. I took a special trip to Bwiam to see how Amule has changed his people’s concepts and influenced them by introducing projects through partnership and participation. This is what he had to say.

Society & Development: tell us a little about yourself.

Amule: I will turn 38 years young by November 23rd. I am married and blessed with three kids. I come from a large family. Two of my brothers are now football stars, Sainey and Sanna Nyassi. My father was the alkalo of Bwiam. I had my primary and secondary education at Bwiam and became youth leader at school and outside school.

S & D: how did you realise your leadership potentials?

Amule: I first assumed leadership position when in Form 3; I was president of kindness club for two years. There were lots of challenges but also recorded lots of successes. I was also my school’s head boy from 1986-1995. Others saw the leadership qualities in me and I received a leadership training with Youth and Sports as it was called then.

S&D: did you contribute anything to the Bwiam community before this time?

Amule: oh yes! Not only Bwiam but its satellite villages. You know “Nawettan” (summer football) was all over the country. It was not staged without troubles. When I finished my course in leadership the first task I had was to restructure our ‘Nawettan’. I started with a junior ‘Nawettan’ and there were no reports of violence or misconduct from fans or players, it was quite successful. Then I gave a try to senior and junior teams, running concurrently. Since then the “Nawettan” has come to stay. In 1994 I handed it Yaya Colley because he had borne the trouble with me.

I was one time the chairman for the Western Division youth and sports division. I think I have handled lots of positions through which I have helped the youth in my society. I did a management course with the college of professional management in UK, through distance learning and got a diploma in management. I did a programme with GTTI- Ward (West African Rural Development Programme. I also hold a diploma in rural development. These will help me and have helped me help my community.

S&D: did you ever think of becoming the alkalo of your village?

Amule: Malafie, absolutely no. I know it is a position and it moves from one generation to another. I have elders; I never aspired for it considering my age.

S&D: How do you feel being appointed to such a big post and responsibility?

Amule: They must have based their judgment on trust and confidence considering all I have been doing. It actually makes me feel good.

S&D: How long have you served as an Alkalo?

Amule: I will be one year on December 1.

S&D: Will you celebrate it?

Amule: I don’t think I will celebrate; I shall meet with my Village Development Committee (VDC) to evaluate our past, present and future development projects. We shall further think of our future needs.

S&D: Do you enjoy your Alkaloship?

Amule: Of course. If you are given this responsibility - Malafie - you must enjoy it. It is my community; I must enjoy serving my own people.

S&D: What is most challenging to you in your administration?

Amule: Malafie, leading people is the most difficult thing. People are different, indeed quite different; bringing them together is most challenging.

S&D: What do you enjoy most as an alkalo?

Amule: To be honest with you, there is a lot of respect for me despite my age. Everybody respects me but it is the reverse too, I respect every body.

S&D: Have you brought any changes during your one-year reign?

Amule: Yes. Firstly, I have set up a village Development Committee, now registered with the Chambers. We have conducted a need assessment study in the community, thus helping us to assess needs in our community. We have mid-term and long-term projects. I have brought helpers from Holland who have identified several projects for the Bwiam community and its satellite hamlets. Many developmental projects are in the pipeline too.

For the first time, I have been able to unify the village. We have opened an account for the village with the Trust Bank.

S&D: Are there more changes you need?

Amule: Change is a necessity. Although it was not as it started, and today everybody has seen the need for our coming together as a family for our ultimate good.

S&D: Have you any more to add to these that people should know about?

Amule: Our village was divided but now we are coming together, although a few are not yet in. Let them come in for the good of their children and for themselves.

If anyone should want to know more, let them contact me.

S&D: Thank you for sharing quality time with me.

Amule: It’s indeed a pleasure for you to come to Bwiam.