By SKS
On Monday, June 23, 2025, the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, formally presented Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Zainab Mbalu Gbla, recipient of the prestigious United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, to the Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Police Council, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.
The brief yet symbolic ceremony took place at the Office of the Vice President in Freetown.
In his remarks, Vice President Dr. Jalloh congratulated CSP Gbla on her remarkable achievement, describing it as a proud moment not only for her family but also for the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the nation.
“As a former UN employee, I understand the enormous challenges involved in international policing, especially in building community trust and fostering local engagement,” said Dr. Jalloh. “Hearing the UN Secretary-General commend your work in such glowing terms speaks volumes about your dedication. Your initiatives to introduce school programs in underserved areas and establish new channels for community crime reporting are truly commendable. You have brought great pride to Sierra Leone.”
The Vice President also commended IGP Sellu for his commitment to gender representation and institutional reform within the police force. He highlighted the leadership of Assistant Inspector General Hilary Sao Kanu, who currently serves as the police Chief with the African Union and the Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as another sign of progress. Dr. Jalloh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the security sector and promised that, upon President Julius Maada Bio’s return, CSP Gbla would be presented to him for potential future engagements.
Present at the event were the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, and Osman Benk Sankoh, Programme Communication and Advocacy Officer in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.
In her remarks, Dr. Mahoi praised CSP Gbla as a source of national pride, whose work has significantly enhanced Sierra Leone’s reputation in international peacekeeping efforts. “Her achievements will inspire other women in the security sector,” she said, urging the IGP to continue promoting the advancement of women officers.
During the presentation, IGP Sellu recounted CSP Gbla’s journey within the Sierra Leone Police, from her enlistment and academic successes to her progression through various command roles. He highlighted her consistent excellence, noting she was the best female recruit in her intake.
Osman Benk Sankoh read excerpts from the citation issued by the UN Secretary-General during the award ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, praising CSP Gbla’s impactful contributions to international peacekeeping and community engagement.
This event underscores Sierra Leone’s increasing recognition in global peacekeeping and highlights progress toward inclusive leadership within the SLP.
