Professor Tony Binns, University of Otago Ron Lister Chair of Geography, has been bestowed with the most remarkable of honours – being named an African Chief. The Paramount Chief and Section Chiefs of Sandor Chiefdom in Kono District, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone, awarded Professor Binns the titles of ‘Sahr Kayima’ and ‘Chief Manjawah of Sandor’ earlier this year. The honour recognises his work and community involvement over a period of 40 years since he first visited as a PhD student in 1974. He explains his personal journey and how he became interested in Africa and specifically Sierra Leone. He discusses his ongoing research and links with the communities and the significance of the honorary chieftaincy. 11 June 2014