In a remarkable display of generosity and commitment to his community, philanthropist and dedicated advocate and grassroots champion, Dylan Sogie-Thomas, has donated assorted food items to Muslims in the Mountain Rural Villages, covering Gloucester, Regent, Leicester, Charlotte, Bathurst, and other communities extending to Jui, as Constituency 112 spans from Leicester to Jui.
The donation ceremony, held at the Gloucester Community Centre in Ward 395, brought together residents, local authorities, APC executive members, grassroots supporters, and members of the Muslim community, all of whom warmly welcomed the support during this sacred month of Ramadan.
Presenting the donations—which included bags of rice, jerry cans of cooking oil, bags of onions, and ten envelopes containing cash assistance—Sogie-Thomas emphasized that his philanthropy is not driven by wealth but by his deep-rooted belief in helping others.
“I am not giving because I am rich; I am giving because it is part of my attributes,” he declared. “Over the years, I have always stood by my people in both difficult times and moments of celebration. During Ebola, the mudslide disaster, COVID-19, community-driven programs, and beyond, I have extended my support, and I will continue to do so.”
He described charity as a selfless act and called on attendees to embrace the culture of generosity and make meaningful contributions in their respective communities. At a time of significant economic challenges, Sogie-Thomas stressed the importance of extending love and support to Muslims, particularly during Ramadan.
“I believe it is very important to help your people and the needy, and always remember that you could be on the other side. In our faith, we say that you are not a good Christian if your brother goes to bed hungry while you have eaten,” he stated.
Commenting on community mobilization, he urged attendees to use this period of fasting to strengthen their bonds with Allah and one another, fostering unity and peace within their communities.
Sogie-Thomas also outlined the structured distribution of the donation, explaining that each ward within the constituency would receive a bag of rice, a jerry can of oil, a bag of onions, and an envelope with financial assistance. In addition, executive members of each ward and the Base Foundation—a community development initiative, the four councillors in each ward—would also receive the same package.
Beyond the donation, Sogie-Thomas took the opportunity to motivate APC supporters ahead of the next general elections. He urged party members to remain steadfast, work harder, and stay united to ensure the APC reclaims power.
“I don’t have any personal candidate,” he clarified. “My candidate is whoever the party chooses as its flagbearer. What matters most is APC returning to governance, and we can only achieve that through unity, selflessness, and dedication.”
The donation event received high praise from party executives and community leaders in the constituency, who acknowledged Sogie-Thomas’s consistent support for the APC and its grassroots members.
Councillor Zacharia Kanneh of Constituency 395, speaking on behalf of his colleague Councillor Alusine Kargbo, expressed appreciation for the massive turnout of party members and executives, despite the event being announced on short notice.
“This overwhelming presence is a sign that the APC is alive and strong at the grassroots level. We appreciate Sogie-Thomas’s generosity, and I encourage all members to remain committed and united. If we work together, we will surely return to power in 2028,” he stated.
Constituency Chairman Mohamed Bangura assured attendees that the donated items would be distributed fairly among the beneficiaries.
“We appreciate this support, and I want to assure everyone that each ward and beneficiary will receive their rightful share. I also call on other party members to follow Dylan Sogie-Thomas’s example and contribute to strengthening the party,” Bangura said.
Similarly, Councillor Salaymatu Koroma, Constituency Chairlady Christiana Koroma, and former Constituency Chairman echoed sentiments of gratitude, emphasizing that party unity must remain a priority.
“The APC has always been a party of strength, resilience, and service to the people. Our focus now should be on bridging differences, working as one, and preparing for victory in 2028,” they emphasized.
A local resident, Lucy Sheriff, described Mr. Sogie-Thomas as a philanthropist who has positively impacted the lives of many in the Mountain Rural communities.
The event concluded on a high note, with beneficiaries expressing profound appreciation for the support extended by Dylan Sogie-Thomas.
Dylan Sogie-Thomas is a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Secretary, and Chartered Governance Professional. He is currently an LLB Year 3 student and holds a Master’s degree in Corporate Governance from London South Bank University. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute, United Kingdom and Ireland (CGIUKI), Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). With over 10 years of experience, he has worked extensively in corporate secretarial services, finance and administration, policy analysis, and policy advisory.