By Amin Kef Sesay
On the 6th January, 2021, the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency- Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Kabia, presented a meritorious award, which is a Certificate of Appreciation, to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), Kobi Walker, as Best CEO of 2020, during a short but auspicious ceremony which took place at the NP Head Office on Siaka Steven Street in Freetown. In attendance were some officials of the Consumer Protection Agency-SL and some members of staff of NP-SL Ltd.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Protection Agency, Ibrahim Kabia, in his presentation speech highlighted that as the umbrella entity that is representing and championing the interests, concerns and views of consumers right around the country they have been taking into consideration the plethora of commendations that consumers of petroleum products have been heaping on the oil marketing company for effective service delivery in addition to the company’s vibrant stance in enhancing customer care which, he said, has earned the company the accolade of 1st for Customer Care.
He said they should have presented the Award since last year but such was not possible as there was a small hitch but said it is better late than never.
Mr. Kabia said the methodology they used was conducting a perception survey by asking consumers how they assess the company as well as clandestinely asking members of staff questions. He said they did so for other business entities but at the end of the day it was him who emerged as the award winner within the confines of the company’s achievements bordering on affordability, accessibility and availability of their products.
He said unlike other companies NP-SL is not under delivering but has well in place safety measures that it had been effectively implementing.
The Consumer Protection boss said they are impressed with his Open Door Policy evident in the fact that just with short notice there was less protocol in seeing him and he welcomed them warmly.
He furthered that they learnt that workers of the company are been treated fairly stating that such is indeed commendable adding that they are also pleased with the expansionist drive of the company as they have a presence in different parts of the country.
‘’Indeed, we are mindful of the positive comments that we have been receiving, especially from drivers and more especially the Motor Drivers Union , about the company’s pro-active stance in ensuring that fuel is always available and the prices are stable,” he disclosed adding that they are also aware that the petroleum products that the company markets are of high quality.
Ibrahim Kabia underscored that they are not awarding the Chief Executive Officer out of any form of sentiment or friendly ties but rather doing so genuinely because he really deserves it.
He pointed out that the CEO of NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, demonstrated astute leadership qualities that have helped in catapulting the company to higher heights underscoring that the hallmarks of effectively steering the company are visible for all to see.
The Consumer Protection Agency boss noted that one admirable managerial initiative which Kobi Walker has exemplarily demonstrated is nurturing and developing strong team work. He furthered that by succeeding to do so he has made his work easier as division of labour is effectively working for the company.
Ibrahim Kabia intimated that his Agency is out there to help consumers make the right choices of goods they consume as well as promote the safety of business people in the country.
He stated that they work in sync with consumers and business people in order to identify and get rid of expired goods and counterfeit products on the market as well as recommend good products that are fit for consumption.
He said the Consumer Protection Agency-SL is apolitical and has a long history having been in existence under different political dispensations. He commended the Bio led Government for the strides being made to transform the Agency into a Commission.
After receiving the award, the charismatic Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL, Kobi Walker, expressed profound thanks and appreciation to officials of the Consumer Protection Agency for taking their time off their busy schedules to bestow on him such a prestigious Award.
He assured them that he will not rest on his oars or bask in their successes but rather will continue to work assiduously in order to avail their cherished customers high grade petroleum products.
Kobi Walker dedicated the award to the founding fathers of the company, thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans, who sacrificed their end of service benefits just to establish the company. He also extended gratitude to the entire staff of NP-SL Ltd for working as a team which he said made it possible for him as CEO to be awarded.
It could be recalled that recently the National Petroleum-SL Ltd bagged six (6) prestigious awards in recognition of its outstanding dedication and passion for excellent service delivery in the country.
On the 18th December, 2020 the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker, was awarded as the Best Chief Executive Officer of the Year during the Diaspora Focus National Achievements Award 2020.
He was awarded for demonstrating exemplary leadership and for taking the company to higher heights.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer was also recognized as one of 100 outstanding Sierra Leoneans at the Sierra Ovation Award team on the 10th December 2020.
Prior to that, the Human Resources & Admin Manager of NP-SL, Mrs Georgiana Williams as well as Saidu Mansaray of the same company and who happens to be the Finance Manager were also honoured among Top 100 Rising Stars and Emerging Leaders of the year 2019/2020 by the Sierra Ovation Awards.
The other award that NP-SL received was a meritorious award from NASSIT for Compliance to the Social Scheme. The event took place on Friday 11th December 2020 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown during the annual NASSIT Employer Banquet and Award Ceremony.
Another award was dished out on the 12th December, 2020 and it was given by the Vimetco Holdings Bauxite Mining Company, Gundama, in Sierra Leone for the company’s outstanding performance as well as for rendering assistance to the mining company when they were facing financial constraints particularly in 2013.
