A Night of Heritage and Hope: Wi Yard Iconic Dinner in Strasbourg

By Mohamed Turay, Strasbourg France

Strasbourg was transformed into a mini Sierra Leone on Saturday night, June 28, as Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone gathered from across the world for the Wi Yard Iconic Dinner. The event, hosted in the heart of Europe, radiated culture, unity and deep reflection. Attendees came from as far as Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, BelgiumCanada and the United States, reaffirming the global reach and unbreakable bond of Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora.

The evening was rich with traditional Sierra Leonean cuisine, featuring dishes like cassava leaves, jollof rice, fried plantains, pepper soup and akara. It was more than just a dinner. It was a celebration of identity and reconnection. People who had not seen each other in over thirty years reunited. Childhood friends who had lost contact embraced one another again. Tears flowed freely and hugs were the gentle order of the night. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, emotion and the kind of laughter that only comes from bonds deeply rooted in shared history. The abundant food made it even more unforgettable, serving as a reminder of home and everything that unites us.

The Wi Yard team, the engine behind the event, gave a passionate and informative presentation about their journey. From humble beginnings to an influential platform that champions Sierra Leonean culture, advocacy and civic awareness, their story inspired the audience. They spoke about their commitment to community building, youth empowerment and promoting cultural pride within the diaspora and at home. Their achievements, ranging from advocacy campaigns to supporting disaster victims in Sierra Leone, drew well-deserved applause.

The highlight of the evening came from Mr Abdulai Bayraytay, a seasoned communicator and patriotic voice for Sierra Leone. In his stirring address, Bayraytay spoke openly and passionately about the state of the country, especially the erosion of grassroots political engagement and the marginalisation of ordinary people. He described how the political elite has, over the years, systematically dismantled the foundations of people-centred governance.

Bayraytay did not mince words in describing the failures of successive governments. He called out the rampant corruption, nepotism and lack of vision that have crippled Sierra Leone’s development. He reminded the audience that politics in Sierra Leone has become a vehicle for personal enrichment rather than national service. His speech resonated with many in the room. Some teared up. Others nodded in agreement. All were united in a deep concern for the land they love.

The Wi Yard Iconic Dinner was not just a social event. It was a moment of reckoning. It brought together Sierra Leoneans from different walks of life, backgrounds and locations to reflect on where we are as a people and where we need to go. It reminded us that Sierra Leone’s problems require collective effort, honesty and a return to grassroots-driven change.

As the night came to an end, there was a renewed sense of purpose in the room. Wi Yard had done more than host a dinner. They ignited a fire of cultural pride, unity and determination that will not be easily extinguished.