By Foday Moriba Conteh
Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) hosted its Local Sourcing Awards ceremony at its headquarters in Wellington, Freetown, on October 31st, 2024, celebrating the achievements of nine sorghum farmers who have significantly contributed to SLBL’s local sourcing initiative and Sierra Leone’s agricultural growth. The awards underscore SLBL’s commitment to boosting the local economy and supporting agricultural sustainability.
The ceremony highlighted top-performing farmers, including Fatu Sesay, awarded a Keke (tricycle), a motorbike and NLE 45,000 and Lamrana Bundu, who received three motorbikes and NLE 42,100, among other honorees.
In his address, Managing Director of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), Ayokunle Owoniyi, highlighted the Brewery’s nearly two-decade commitment to local sourcing, with a focus on integrating Sierra Leone’s resources, particularly sorghum, into its production processes.
He said that the event is geared towards honoring local sourcing partners who have so far contributed to SLBL’s mission of fostering sustainable economic growth, furthering that SLBL’s support includes providing seeds, agronomist consultations, prepayment options and quick three-day payments for sorghum delivery, along with incentive programs and ongoing research into locally grown materials such as barley.
Ayokunle Owoniyi described the initiative as being in alignment with President Julius Maada Bio’s FEED Salone initiative and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2, aiming to position agriculture as a pillar of national economic growth.
He emphasized the program’s broad benefits, from job creation to youth empowerment and reduced foreign exchange demand, all contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic resilience. The Managing Director expressed gratitude to the Government for its incentives in supporting locally sourced raw materials. He maintained that notably, SLBL partners exceeded the company’s 2024 goal of 550 metric tons of sorghum by delivering 570 metric tons, an achievement celebrated through awards to several outstanding contributors.
Ayokunle Owoniyi used the opportunity to announce SLBL ambitious target of 900 metric tons for 2025 and called on Government and stakeholders to support its expansion efforts.
Ending on a hopeful note, he thanked all partners and stakeholders, reaffirming SLBL’s commitment to creating a legacy of growth and empowerment across Sierra Leone.
Representing the Office of the Chief Minister, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara highlighted SLBL’s longstanding commitment to the agricultural sector through partnerships with local sorghum farmers. “Today’s event is a milestone in our journey toward a stronger Sierra Leone,” she remarked, commending SLBL’s support for the local agricultural sector, which empowers sorghum farmers as essential contributors to both the economy and Sierra Leone’s vision for self-sustainability.
Mamadi Gobeh Kamara emphasized that SLBL’s local sourcing aligns closely with President Julius Maada Bio’s agricultural strategy, which prioritizes empowering local farmers to bolster economic growth. “Agriculture remains a critical pillar in Sierra Leone’s economic framework,” she said, underlining the transformational role of locally sourced sorghum in SLBL’s production process, which reduces reliance on imported materials.
According to her, this model exemplifies how local resources can drive job creation, income generation and ultimately, economic stability.
She praised SLBL’s initiatives, such as paying taxes, creating jobs and investing in corporate social responsibility programs, describing them as vital to Sierra Leone’s national development. She also expressed gratitude for SLBL’s contributions to President Bio’s ‘Feed Salone’ agenda, emphasizing the role of collaboration in achieving a prosperous and self-sustaining Sierra Leone.
Concluding, Mamadi Gobeh Kamara celebrated the dedication of the sorghum farmers, whose efforts surpassed the 2024 production target, stating, “Your achievements in sorghum cultivation reflect your commitment to building a brighter future for Sierra Leone.” In a heartfelt statement in Krio, she expressed, “We want to tell you, ‘Plenty, plenty, Tenki’ for your dedication to our shared vision.”
The Executive Director of the National Investment Board, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, commended Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) for its ongoing commitment to local sourcing at the 2024 Local Sourcing Awards ceremony.
He emphasized the National Investment Board’s support for initiatives that foster local production and self-reliance, reiterating the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for such endeavors. “SLBL’s investment in local sourcing not only provides tangible economic benefits but also fosters skills development, job creation and sustainable growth in the agricultural sector,” he stated.
He further applauded the local farmers for their impressive achievements, surpassing the 2024 production targets and expressed optimism about the future. “The achievements celebrated here today are testament to what is possible through strategic partnerships and a shared vision for Sierra Leone’s future,” he added.
The Executive Director concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the Government, the private sector and local communities to strengthen Sierra Leone’s path to economic resilience and sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Fatu Sesay, who took the first-place win at the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited’s Local Sourcing Awards 2024 with her award package containing a Keke (tricycle), a motorbike and Le45,000 cash prize said that the recognition reflects not only her dedication but also the hard work of countless sorghum farmers across Sierra Leone who contribute every day to building a more self-reliant country.
She stated that the Keke, motorbike and financial reward will greatly support her efforts and improve productivity, enabling her to expand and support her family and other farmers further.
Fatu Sesay expressed her deep gratitude to Sierra Leone Brewery Limited for their unwavering commitment to them, the farmers. She revealed how through their support from free seeds to quick payments and guidance they’ve been able to strengthen their farming practices and livelihoods.
“This partnership has been invaluable and it motivates us to keep pushing forward and growing together. I look forward to meeting the ambitious target of 900 metric tons for 2025 and continuing this journey, also contributing to our nation’s progress,” she concluded.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of the Keke, motorbikes and cheques to the winners celebrating SLBL’s ongoing partnerships with Sierra Leone’s local farmers and the shared vision of a prosperous, self-reliant nation.
