Hirshabelle President Honors Media Guests in Jowhar

JOWHAR – The President of Hirshabelle State, Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe), hosted a farewell dinner at the Presidential Palace in Jowhar for media representatives, members of the National Waaberi Troupe, and other guests who had travelled to the city for the inauguration of several major development projects.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had concluded a three‑day visit to Jowhar that included the inauguration of Villa Hirshabelle, the new Finance and Education ministry headquarters, modern roads, and a youth centre, along with a $10 million federal development pledge. The media representatives and cultural troupe were part of the official delegation covering the historic events.

At the event, SONNA Director General Ismail Mukhtar Omar said state‑owned and independent media outlets had played a key role in highlighting progress in Hirshabelle. “The national and independent media organizations that came to Jowhar conveyed to the public a true picture reflecting the development taking place in Hirshabelle,” he said.

The Director General added that journalists had given broad coverage to development initiatives and public services in the state, helping people across Somalia better understand the progress being made.

Media Recognition and State‑Building

The role of media in Somalia’s recovery has been increasingly recognised. Somalia recently participated in the World Press Freedom Day conference in Chile, where the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring a free press as part of democratic consolidation.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has also hailed the country’s press and marked World Press Freedom Day, urging journalists to continue their work while promising government support for media safety and independence.

Participants at the gathering praised the hospitality of the Hirshabelle administration and recognised the support provided to facilitate media coverage during their stay in Jowhar. The National Waaberi Troupe, Somalia’s oldest and most renowned cultural ensemble, performed at the dinner, celebrating the region’s heritage and the spirit of national unity.

Hirshabelle’s Development Surge

President Ali Guudlaawe thanked the media for helping inform the public and raise awareness of development achievements in Hirshabelle. He also expressed appreciation to all guests for their support and participation in the event.

Hirshabelle has been implementing a comprehensive recovery and reconstruction programme, including a task force for flood recovery, following severe weather events that affected the region.

The Hirshabelle Cabinet has convened to discuss election preparations, security sector updates, and flood‑preparedness measures, underscoring the administration’s focus on governance and climate resilience.

The dinner ended in a cordial atmosphere, concluding a successful visit by media representatives and other guests to Hirshabelle State. The event marked a symbolic moment of collaboration between the regional government, the press, and cultural institutions, all working together to project Somalia’s progress both domestically and to the wider region.