By: Alex A. Bah, Public Relations Assistant, ACC
In an extraordinary two-day celebration, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Francis Ben Kaifala, Esq., tied the knot with Sonia Ben Kaifala nee Jaffal, in a wedding that fascinated and captured the attention of the country. With a sheer and novel blend of rich cultural tradition, devout Islamic Credence and pure Catholic resplendence - graced by high-profiled dignitaries including The First Lady, Her Excellency, Madam Fatima Jabbie Maada Bio, as well as friends, family, and well-wishers from across the Country and in the diaspora.
TRADITIONAL GRANDEUR ROBED IN ISLAMIC ELEGANCE
The first day of the colourful traditional wedding celebration showcased profoundly Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. Dresses filled the atmosphere with a unique sense of pride and authenticity, masquerade danced gleefully, League of bestmen and bridesmaids were at their very best while the presence of dignitaries such as the First Lady added even greater significance to the occasion.
The Ceremony commenced with Islamic traditions with the Father of the Bride, Mr. Hassan Jaffal, happily handing over his beautiful daughter and the Groom joyfully welcoming with solemn promises to "Accept, love and Protect her for the sake of Allahu Subuana WataAllah". Rings were exchanged and greeted with warm kisses.
Traditional songs like the "Ndoma Neneh Ndoma Elooh” by Salia Bakavodeh immersed the wedding with hearts lustfully reeling and feet wobbling to their melodies. The night carried on with enlightening statements made by various personalities. Her Excellency, First Lady Fatima Jabbie Maada Bio whilst admonishing the couple requested the bride to love and support the vision of the Groom, the Commissioner and be there for him as a foremost support mechanism. She replicated the advice to the Groom, the Commissioner, whilst resounding that he has done so much and so well for Sierra Leone in his capacity, and such is a major reason why the country is now hugely respected as an emblem of Integrity and Success in the fight Against Corruption. She wished them well.
Commissioner Kaifala and bride embraced the customs and values of their heritage, making the event a remarkable celebration of Sierra Leone’s rich cultural richness.
As guests present and the entire Sierra Leone witnessed the couple's union, it was clear that this was more than just a wedding -it was a reflection of the Commissioner’s deep connection to his roots and a celebration of the unity of two families, multiple tribes, regions and religions.
CATHOLIC BLESSING AND JOYOUS RECEPTION
The Saturday 5th September, 2024 following the Traditional Wedding on 3rd October, 2024, saw a grand Catholic wedding ceremony that took place in a jam-packed church at the Saint Elizabeth's Catholic Church Aberdeen, symbolizing the sacredness of the couple’s commitment.
With solemn vows exchanged, the marriage was blessed in a beautiful Catholic Mass that underscored the spiritual foundation of their Union. All the God parents were in attendance and eminent personalities including the First Lady, Fatima Jabbie Maada Bio.
VISITATION TO PRESIDENT BIO AND OTHER GOD PARENTS AND EPIC RECEPTION
The celebrations did not end at the church. A traditional visitation to the God-parents followed with a first stop at the Presidential Lodge where His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio received and welcomed the newly-wedded couple, gave them Water that he blessed and offered solemn supplications. He told them that the journey will not be all rosy and it is a merging of two people from different cultures, hence he prayed for understanding, positive support and endless unity.
Similar visits were made to the other God-parents; Mr and Mrs. Prince Alex Harding, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Wright, and Mr. and Chief Honorable Micheal Bangura and Wife.
A dazzling reception glared with pomp and pageantry followed at the prestigious LOR Restaurant, Levuma Beach, distinguishly attended by the First Lady and other eminent personalities.
The event was the perfect culmination of love, faith, and celebration with music, comedy and joyous moments that will be remembered for years to come.
NATIONAL TALKING POINTS
Commissioner's Francis Ben Kaifala’s wedding quickly became the talk of Sierra Leone – every corner, every for a, blogging page, traditional and print media etc., not just for its grandeur, but also for its significance in blending tradition, faith, and national pride of someone that commands huge admiration from every corner of the country. It was a show of the faith, interest and undiluted love people have for the People’s Commissioner and all he has been doing.
He remains a beacon of integrity and leadership, and this celebration of love and family only adds to his story of dedication to both his professional responsibilities and personal life.
WHO IS SONIA BEN KAIFALA?
Sonia Ben Kaifala (née Jaffal) is a dynamic and enterprising woman, a journalist, and entrepreneur who has made her mark in Sierra Leone's media and creative industries. Born and raised in Freetown in the 90s, Sonia is an alumna of the Lebanese International School and the prestigious Annie Walsh Memorial School. She went on to earn a Diploma in Communications and Media Broadcasting and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Professional Communication, both from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
Her professional journey has seen her work with top media institutions such as the Freetown Television Network (FTN) and Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). She currently holds the position of Senior Presenter at the African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire, where her presence is well-regarded.
Outside of her media career, Sonia’s entrepreneurial spirit shines brightly. She is the founder of Sierra Leone’s first-ever kids’ photography studio, Baby Props by Sonia, which has set a trend in the country’s creative industry. Her passion for fashion, design, and creative decor adds to her multifaceted profile.
Known for her kind-heartedness, soft-spoken nature, and affable personality, Sonia is also a brilliant, audacious, and visionary young woman, embodying the qualities of a modern Sierra Leonean trailblazer.
ACC CZAR NEXT CHAPTER
As the nation reflects on this beautiful occasion, the ACC celebrates not just the personal milestone of Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, but the continued leadership he brings to the fight against corruption. The wedding is not just the union of hearts but also a testament to the values of commitment, leadership, and responsibility that have come to define the Commissioner’s remarkable journey in both his personal and professional life. Commissioner Kaifala’s unyielding dedication to both his country and his loved ones shines brightly in this new chapter of his life.
While his professional accomplishments have left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone and beyond, Commissioner Ben Kaifala’s personal life is a reflection of the same commitment to growth and responsibility. The decision to enter into the sacred institution of marriage signifies his deep understanding of the values of love, sacrifice, and unity - values that have also been the foundation of his work at the ACC.
This Union comes at a time when the country is looking towards a future of stability, transparency, and progress. The love and commitment that this marriage embodies mirrors the vision he has championed for Sierra Leone - a future firmly built on integrity, resilience, and hope.
As Commissioner Kaifala embarks on this new chapter in his life, the ACC family, together with the people of Sierra Leone, celebrates not only the joy of this wedding but also the renewed strength and resolve it brings to his continued leadership in the fight against corruption.
The Commission is confident that this new milestone will further bolster his passion and energy in leading the charge towards notching improved successes in the war against graft.
Hence, in the spirit of unity and shared purpose, the Commission extends its heartfelt Congratulations to Mr. And Mrs. Francis Ben Kaifala and wish them peace, prosperity, and a life filled with love and happiness.
