Former SLAJ Vice President Stanley Bangura offers 50% hospitality discount to media practitioners

By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay

232news – Journalists and media organisations travelling to Makeni for assignments, conferences, retreats and other professional engagements are set to benefit from a major boost, following an announcement by WHERE ELSE? HOTEL to offer a 50 per cent discount on accommodation and related hospitality services to media practitioners across Sierra Leone.

The initiative, which takes effect on 1 September 2026, is being introduced by the management of the ultra-modern hotel as a gesture of appreciation for the contribution of journalists and the media to national development and democracy.

The offer is available to members of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in good standing and staff of registered media organisations.

Eligible journalists and media workers will be required to present a valid media identification card or a letter of introduction from their respective media organisations when making bookings.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Stanley Bangura Jr., Chief Executive Officer of WHERE ELSE? HOTEL and a former Vice President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

Explaining the motivation behind the decision, Bangura said the media industry continues to operate under difficult financial conditions, making it necessary for businesses and other stakeholders to find practical ways of supporting journalists.

“Journalists work tirelessly under difficult conditions to keep the public informed. As a business rooted in service, we see this as our way of appreciating their sacrifice and supporting their welfare,” Bangura said.

He added that the initiative was also intended to give back to the media for its contribution to national development and the promotion of democracy.

The gesture by Bangura deserves commendation, particularly at a time when many journalists continue to work under challenging financial and logistical conditions. Travelling outside Freetown for assignments can place an additional burden on media houses and individual journalists, with accommodation often accounting for a significant portion of assignment costs.

The 50 per cent discount could therefore provide much-needed relief for journalists who travel to Makeni and other parts of the Northern Region to cover news, conduct investigations, attend workshops or participate in media-related programmes.

As a former Vice President of SLAJ, Bangura is also familiar with the challenges confronting media practitioners. His decision to extend the benefit specifically to journalists demonstrates an understanding of the practical difficulties faced by members of the profession.

Beyond the commercial value of the initiative, the gesture also highlights the important relationship between the private sector and the media.

A strong and independent media remains essential to democracy, providing citizens with information, giving communities a voice and holding public institutions and other powerful actors accountable.

WHERE ELSE? HOTEL says it is committed to providing safe, comfortable and modern accommodation for visitors to Makeni and the wider Northern Region.

Management has encouraged journalists travelling to Makeni to take advantage of the offer once it comes into effect.

For bookings and inquiries, the hotel can be contacted on +232 76 838022 or via stanleybangsjr@gmail.com.

For journalists heading to Makeni, the message is clear: the road to the Northern Region just became a little easier—and considerably cheaper.