By: Abdul Razack Gbla
In a spectacular celebration marking her birthday, FIFA Council Member and CAF Executive Committee Member, Madam Isha Johansen, radiated generosity and grace. The esteemed figure, whose birthday aligns with Christmas Day, chose to illuminate the lives of others in a manner that epitomizes benevolence.
Traditionally, Madam Johansen graces the Cottage Hospital, her birthplace, with heartfelt donations for newborns born on Christmas Day. This year, however, her compassion knew no bounds as she extended her jubilation to hospitals, mosques, and orphanages in both Freetown and Portloko Cities.
In a heartwarming gesture, hampers filled with assorted baby items, accompanied by a cash gift of Le250, were delivered to infants born on December 25 at the Cottage Hospital in Freetown and the Government Hospital in Portloko Town. Madam Johansen’s commitment to spreading joy expanded to include the Government Hospital in Port Loko, creating a wave of kindness.
Beyond the confines of hospitals, Madam Johansen’s philanthropic reach extended to the ‘Network For Children’s In Need’ Orphanage in Allen Town, Freetown, and the EducAid Centre in Port Loko City. Bales of assorted clothing, accompanied by a festive feast and drinks, brought warmth and cheer to these deserving institutions.
Meanwhile, a special birthday celebration unfolded at the Fourah Bay Committee, where the iconic football administrator was honoured in absentia. Dozens of children gathered to celebrate Madam Isha Johansen, underscoring the profound impact she has had on the community.
In a reflection of her inclusive spirit, Madam Johansen directed a generous cash donation to three mosques in Freetown, where prayers were offered in gratitude for her philanthropic endeavours.
Madam Isha Johansen’s journey is not merely marked by birthday festivities; it is proof of a life dedicated to making a difference. Born into the Tejan-Cole family, she inherited a passion for football from her father, Mohamed Tejan-Cole. Over the years, she has left an indelible mark, not only in the realm of sports but also through her humanitarian initiatives.
From establishing the ‘Pink Charity Fund’ to combat breast cancer in 2006, where she donated 2 mammograms and ultrasound units to the well woman cline as a support towards breast cancer awareness. Madam Isha Johansen founder of the Sierra Leone Women Excellence Awards, which celebrating and recognizing Sierra Leonean and African Women from All Walks of life. (Former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded even before becoming President. Madam Johansen has consistently championed causes close to her heart. In 2004, she founded the Johansen Football Club (FC Johansen), providing opportunities for children displaced during the Sierra Leone civil war.
Her historic election as the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in 2013 marked a turning point, making her the first female FA President from Sierra Leone and the second in Africa. Her subsequent roles as the first female to be elected as a CAF Executive Committee Member and currently seats as the only African female at the FIFA Council further spotlighted her trailblazing legacy.
Madam Isha Johansen, with her never-ending commitment to greatness and positive change, continues to redefine the landscape of football administration. Her unique blend of football and fashion as tools for social transformation has garnered international recognition, notably at FIFA, CAF, and even the prestigious London Fashion Week.
ABOUT MADAM ISHA JOHANSEN —
Isha Tejan-Cole Johansen was born into the Tejan-Cole family in Freetown. Isha grew up as a football fanatic, all thanks to her father, Mohamed Tejan-Cole, a banker and co-founder of East End Lions Football Club in Freetown.
Isha was schooled at a convent school in Freeport and at a boarding school in Yeovil, England. She grew passion in media activities, becoming the first female publisher from Sierra Leone, producing the Rapture Magazine, and served as an editor for the Ovation Magazine.
Isha went on to establish the ‘Pink Charity Fund‘ foundation to combat breast cancer in 2006. She also founded the Women Excellence Awards.
Due to her humanitarian and footballing background, Isha Johansen founded the Johansen Football Club (FC Johansen) in 2004, thereby creating a platform and opportunities for kids displaced during the Sierra Leone civil war.
In August 2013, Isha was elected as the President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), the first female FA President from Sierra Leone, and the second in Africa. She served in that capacity until 2021.
In 2017, Isha became a CAF Executive Committee Member, a position she holds to date.
In March 2021, she was unanimously elected as a FIFA Council Member and as a FIFA Board Member a year later.
In all her capacities, Madam Isha Johansen has excelled and continues to excel in executing her duties. She is a revered global personality who has changed the narratives of male domineering in the sports of football administration.
She leads change initiatives, especially using the power of football. She has nurtured this initiative to reform female inmates in Correctional Centres in her home country. Her niche in using football and fashion to influence change has caught the attention of FIFA and CAF and the London Fashion Week.
