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Mercury International  Boosts Port Loko with Modern Girls School

Managing Director of Mercury International ,Martin Michael

By Amin Kef Sesay

Residents of Port Loko District were on the 8th October 2020 in high spirits and jubilant moods as well as full of praises for the SLPP Led Government as President Julius Maada Bio officially opened the Dr. Kadie A. Sesay Secondary School for Girls a spectacular event that was witnessed by various personalities from different walks of life.

The Girls Secondary School which was solely funded by the Mercury International Betting Company is named after one time Linguistics Lecturer at Fourah Bay College and former running-mate to President Bio in the 2012 Presidential election which the SLPP lost to the APC party.

The construction of the school was part of President Bio’s 2018 election campaign promise to the people of Port Loko District and falls under the churning out of the Free Quality Education. That promise crystalized out of the objectives of combating early marriage, teenage pregnancy and to also promote girl child education.

President Julius Maada Bio in his address thanked Mercury International and Martin Michael in particular saying his singular act demonstrates in deed the spirit and letter of a powerfully evocative line of the third verse of our national anthem: “so too may we show forth the good that is ever in thee.”

He said there is inherent good in Sierra Leoneans who associate with a clear leadership vision that prioritises education and especially the education of the girl child.

“Education is the single most potent enabler that has developed nations and transformed lives. Thank you again, Mercury, and thank you, Mr. Martin Michael,” he maintained and expressed gratitude.

President Bio stated that creating safe spaces for girls in schools; providing free teaching and learning materials; providing school buses, providing nutritional support; ensuring equity in education right across board, are all above politics.

“Giving every girl, including pregnant girls, access to free quality school education; reinforcing positive role models for girls; and creating the enabling environment for every girl to succeed and be all she can be, is above politics,” he anchored.

He said they believe, as a Government, that they must maximise the multiplier effects of investing in the education of girls.

“That belief aligns with our Medium Term National Development Plan, the Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 5, and other international human capital development agenda,” he highlighted adding that the event is about ensuring that girls, irrespective of ethnicity and place of origin, are empowered to contribute their fair share to the development of this nation.

“So, coming three days before the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October 2020, this opening and naming of this school the Kadie A Sesay Secondary School is most auspicious,” the President intimated.

In his statement during the well-attended event, the Managing Director of Mercury International ,Martin Michael, started by recognizing the real heroes and champions of the project – the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr. David Sengeh, the Delivery team headed by Grace together with Mariama, Eman, Haja Isata Kamara, Resident Minister North West, the Consultants- Ideas Limited, the Contractors, Kolville Engineering, the Management and Staff, the retailers and customers of Mercury International.

He intimated that the school is their project highlighting how their enthusiasm, passion and the way they owned the project made it a pleasure for him to be a tiny part of what has been achieved.

The Managing Director said it is their success, their story and history. He thanked them on behalf of the owners and Directors of Mercury International for being part of the success.

“To the Mercury staff both from the managers to the cleaners and retailers- the biggest compliment I can pay you is that you are Mercury and Mercury is you. Today is a testament to your success. Be proud to say you built a school at Port Loko,” Martin expressed gratitude.

He congratulated the Resident Minister, Haja Isata Kamara, for visiting the project site twice a day.

“Your infectious personality, energy and love for your people ensured that Port Loko got the best of the best, and the girls who attend this school can one day be part of an alumnus that is as prestigious as Annie Walsh, Convent, Harford or QRS,” he commended her.

The Mercury International MD stated that after the appointment of Dr. David Moinina Sengeh as Minister of Basic Education asked Dawn a colleague of his to set up a meeting with the Minister as the school project had stalled.

“I said to her that I was not really sure what to expect as after all it is not always you get to meet a world-famous innovator, a rising superstar given so much responsibility, a young man with so much brains and ability and above all, a friend of Bill Gates. I was concerned that I would basically be meeting an intellectual know-it-all,” he disclosed but said after their first meeting in November 2019, he was finally convinced that the project would come to fruition and that the school will be built.

He pointed out that collaborating with the Minister over the past few months has been an absolute pleasure saying he looks forward to continuing the collaboration in getting the other projects completed.

Martin apologized to President Bio for the absence of two of their Directors and Shareholders, Max Brandwain and Hassan Saad whom, he said, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions are currently unable to travel to Freetown.

Making a special mention of both of them and their Chairman, Samir Hassanyeh, who was present he said their support had been unwavering, unrelenting and without that support they would not have been able to fulfil their pledge to the nation.

He said they deserve as much praise as anyone else for approving the funding of the school and the other schools yet to be built saying a project of the one that is about to be opened is not built on funding alone.

“Without passion, it becomes a lifeless soul, mere concrete block that will soon be forgotten and ignored or used to plaster advertising materials,” he said logically.

Martin noted that their heroes and champions made sure that such did not happen as they gave the school life and soul and an everlasting one at that.

He said its life and soul have been felt throughout the nation.

“I have had calls from friends and well-wishers who have indicated a desire to help this school,” he revealed.

Bagging a deafening round of applause was when Martin Michael stated that, “Today, I can announce that my friend at Print Point, Samir Hamed, has donated 5,000 specially endorsed exercise books. I have 1,000 copies with me now…well, actually 999 as I took one for myself… The remaining 4,000 will be printed and supplied after the school has decided on its badge and motto.

Further, the staff at Mercury International have come together and purchased 350 face masks and 200 school bags which they have donated to the school. In addition, I have asked that we acquire the school’s bank account number to ensure that the sum of Le 10,000,000 (Ten Million Leones) a month is deducted from my salary at Mercury and paid directly to the account of the school. This is a one-year commitment to assist the school in its formative year.”

He said since its inception in 2006, Mercury International has been synonymous with responsible corporate social responsibility that has delivered on its developmental commitments.

Martin said from the football, cricket and volleyball playing fields to the wrestling mats; from the surgeon’s table in Freetown, Senegal, Accra and Delhi to classrooms across the country; from scholarships to annual donations to the Ballanta Academy of Music, Milton Margai School for the Blind and the National School for the Deaf and to the Home for the Aged, Mercury International has extended its philanthropy to give back to society and contribute meaningfully.

The Managing Director maintained that, however, they felt that notwithstanding all that they have been doing, they were missing out on leaving a tangible and concrete legacy for the company and the people of this beloved country.

He disclosed how the flagship programme of Free Quality Education of the Government of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio gave them that opportunity.

“We knew as individuals and as a company that there was a need for new schools and classrooms,” he stated furthering that since education is now free, they utilized the funds they had allocated to a project that would create a lasting legacy for Mercury but, way more importantly, a project that would create an opportunity for children – particularly girls – to have the best education possible in the best available classrooms and school.

He mentioned that the decision to offer to build 90 classrooms and or equivalent in schools was the easiest decision they have ever had to make as a company noting that it is, without a doubt, the singular most important decision they have made for our country.

The pragmatic Managing Director said they will seek President Bio’s consent to detach themselves from the President’s convoy and make a detour by taking a left at the roundabout at Mile 47 and head towards Moyamba Junction.

He revealed that upon arrival at Moyamba Junction, they shall offload their tents and equipment and set up camp to start work on constructing the first of its kind Early Childhood Development school in Sierra Leone. “We look forward to you opening that school in January 2021,” he requested.

NP-SL: An Epitome of Successful Entrepreneurship

By Amin Kef Sesay

Positive development strides by the National Petroleum (NP) SL Limited have made it the epitome of a viable indigenous national enterprise in the petroleum industry. It embodies what the ordinary Sierra Leoneans can achieve when they come together with a shared vision and goal. With a capable Board of Directors and Management the company is contributing positively to the development of the nation.

NP SL-Ltd has turned the fortunes of an entity which started from a humble beginning into a viable profit making and job creation entity. In its employ are Sierra Leoneans occupying various senior and junior positions.

With honouring its tax obligations to Government via the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in a timely manner, the company is also helping to boost the country’s economy as well as the steady and meaningful execution of its Corporate Social Responsibility, which has and still continues to improve the standards of living of many Sierra Leoneans.

The pro-active and sterling initiatives of NP’s Board of Directors and Management in respect of timely procurement of petroleum products and ensuring its availability on the market for public consumption, has seen a marked deviation from the days of fuel shortage to that of abundance.

It is highly commendable for a well-established and result-oriented company like NP to have climbed to such an enviable position especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that it is exclusively owned by Sierra Leonean shareholders, a typical testimony of how local entrepreneurs could raise the bar high.

Going down the annals of history the former British Petroleum Company decided to sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone that was in Governance at that material period of time.
Things took a different twist when in 1996 the Government sold its 60% shares in NP to some of the company’s members of staff. Again it was made known that 55 % was paid upfront from the end of service benefits of the workers from BP and the 5% offered to all the other workers. Thus the company known as LEONEOIL was born.

The 55% sale of Government shares to NP came as a result of the World Bank’s advice to privatize the latter. It was also revealed that among the 4 companies that bid, which included ELF, LEONOIL won the international competitive bidding conducted by Arthur De Little, a United States based Management consultancy firm hired by the World Bank.
It could be recalled that the World Bank, which advised Government to privatize NP, monitored the bidding process for the three international companies and one local company that competed culminating in LEONEOIL, which metamorphosed to NP, meeting all the set criteria.

Financial experts, whom The Calabash Newspaper had the privileged to talk with noted that the aforementioned members of staff were indeed entrepreneurs who properly managed the company to such an extent that, unlike others, it survived most of the bottlenecks that it encountered throughout the years it has been in existence.
Shedding light on the historical background of NP, it came out glaringly that the 40% PMMC’s stake in the company, owned by the late Jamil Sahid Mohammed and Tony Yazbeck, was given as collateral for a loan from a Bank by one of the parties.

The business mogul, Jamil Sahid Mohammed, later sold to Cape Oil PMMC’s 40% shares to offset a fidelity loan, but LEONE OIL was not satisfied with that move and took the matter to court on the grounds that it was in violation of the M and A which dictates that the other side has the first option to buy. The outcome of the matter was that the High Court gave judgement in favour of LEONE OIL.

For mischievous reasons certain individuals have been churning out rumours that NP has a monopoly over the petroleum market in the country which is totally untrue, baseless and misleading as it has been factually proven that there are other Marketing Companies marketing petroleum products that are registered with the Petroleum Agency.

It must be noted that Petro-Leone is a storage company developed by both Addax and Leone Oil so that petroleum products will always be available in the country and avert shortage. Experts further stated that if such a venture is disrupted, the country will relapse to the former state of shortage of fuel and long queues will once more re-surface across the country, causing a lot of inconvenience and national hiccups.

At present, NP-SL has filling stations in different parts of the country with other facilities like tyre mending outlets, mini marts and sale of gas in some of them. The company also has branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

NP has mastered the art of marketing petroleum products, is been widely commended for its impressive customer care services, promoting the country’s local content and complementing other Government development interventions.

It can be asserted that the National Petroleum Limited is one that has grown by leaps and bounds. The company is an embodiment of sterling local entrepreneurship that is worthy of emulation.

1st Set of Sponsors & Partners for Housemates Salone Made Public

By Amin Kef Sesay

During a brief Press Conference that was held at the AYV Media Empire on Wesley Street on the 7th October 2020 the names of the first set of sponsors and partners of the upcoming Housemates Salone Season 2 the Quarantine Drama were disclosed to members of the Press and by extension the public.

Present were the representatives of those institutions, members of the Fourth Estate, officials of the organizers of the Reality TV Show that is Africell and the Africa Young Voices.

Chaired by Samuel Wise of AYV, what came out glaringly was that various private and public entities from the Banking industry, Government agencies to the Services sector demonstrated their commitment to affiliate their brands with the biggest Reality TV show in the country.

The first set of sponsors that were unveiled include: King Food (Mega Cola), STACO Insurance, BiVaMiks, JIT Capital, Atlantic Lumley Hotel, the National Revenue Authority, Guaranty Trust Bank, Anti-Corruption Commission, Ministry of Tourism, SIERRA PALMS, PROTEC Security, Sierra Juice, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation, KABBA BURGER, RADISSON  BLU, GENTO GROUP, EMINENCE, CRIBS International ,Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank , AFRIGAS, Sea Bird Express, VILLAGE PIZZA, STATISTICS Sierra Leone , New  Brookfield’s Hotel, B M KODAMI and  Kings Foam.

The Chief Executive Officer of CRIBS International, Choe Cole, assured that his institution will provide high quality light, sound and video equipment that will undoubtedly make the televised broadcast of Housemates Salone very superb and attractive to watch.

“The aim of CRIBS International is to move Sierra Leone to the international level and expose it further as a peaceful and resourceful country,” he maintained.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Ekundayo Gilpin said nobody wants to be associated with failure adding that the event will provide the opportunity for the bank to enlighten the Housemates on banking platforms, processes and the attendant benefits that banking offers.

Public Relations Officer of Statistics Sierra Leone, Samuel Ansumana pointed out that their institution will be using Housemates Salone as a platform to sensitize the wider citizenry about the upcoming census.

What for now is clear is that the break-neck pace at which members of the public are fervently voting for their favourite contestants, out of 52 contestants that successfully made it through the audition process in order to the get the best twenty (20) that would enter the House on the 14th October 2020, is really impressive and unprecedented as far as Reality TV Show is concerned in the country.

What is definite is that in just few days to go, there will be twenty (20) housemates in the House for this year’s Housemates Salone event, the Last Standing Couple with the theme Quarantine Drama, which many are looking forward to as a source of fun as the episodes unfold.

After being in the House for a specific period of time the outstanding Housemate that will pull the highest number of votes, from members of the public, will emerge the ultimate winner of the competition and he or she will proudly bag the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.

However, each of the Housemates will earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000) for each day spent in the House and the accumulative sum handed over to him or her when evicted from the House as the show progresses.

Currently, these ambitious contestants are frantically trying to garner support from the public by lobbying, using various platforms such as AYV Television and the social media  to woo members of the public to cast their votes for them.

Members of the public are free to cast their votes for contestants of their choices. The voting process is simple: Vote for your favourite contestant by sending his or her respective number via SMS to 5500 or dial *5500#. For Diaspora Voting supporters of the respective contestants can call +232 99 00 5500.

For now all the fifty two (52) top applicants or contestants that made it during the audition have unique numbers. It is their unique or respective numbers that should be sent via text message (SMS) to 5500 or by dialling *5500#.

Once the show commences on the 14th October 2020  it will be streamed live online at Africa Young Voices Media Empire Facebook page, AYV entertainment TV, Africell Sierra Leone Facebook page and on website at www.ayvnews.com.Replay of Housemates Salone Season 2 Audition is now aired on AYV Television Channel 33.

Chief Executive Officer of CRIBS International, Choe Cole

Managing Director of the Rokel Commercial Bank, Ekundayo Gilpin
Public Relations Officer of Statistics Sierra Leone, Samuel Ansumana

Happy Customer Service week-UBA Sierra Leone

Together, we make a dream team

You mean so much to us and that is why we remain committed to delivering excellent service.

Happy Customer Service week

Battery of SL Artist Releases “Malaria E Don Wan Dae Na Mi Han” Awareness Song

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Monday 5th October, 2020 the country’s most anticipated collaboration which is now by far the most talked about song that is now trending all over the country and beyond has been released.

The song was composed or done by 12 talented and committed singers, rappers and champions of the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” and “Malaria E Don Wan Dae Na Mi Han” campaign in Sierra Leone to raise awareness about malaria and to encourage others to join the fight. These artists are  Drizilik, Fantacee Wiz, Jooel, Kao D Nero, Kelema, Kracktwist, Maggie, Markmuday, Mr. Young, Nyxx, Samza, Situa. The song was produced by Solo’s Beat and Jassy Jozzie and managed by Paragon Agency.

With support from “Speak up Africa”, an advocacy action tank based in Senegal and the Sierra Leone National Malaria Control Programme, these 12 musicians came together to write and record the song about the most deadly disease in Sierra Leone.

Speaking to these artists it was noticed they have one thing in common: they stand resolute in their commitment for a malaria-free Salone and to use their influential voices to generate the energy and enthusiasm from the population at large to make this goal a reality.

Drizilik, a multiple award-winning rapper in Sierra Leone, said,  “We got involved in the campaign and using our voices as well as our platforms just seemed to make the most sense. We’re looking forward to spreading the word and continuing to champion Malaria e Don Wan Dae Na Mi Han!”

Fantacee Wiz, a long-time and passionate activist and award-winning folk singer said, “Malaria e Don Wan Dae Na Mi Han” means that we all have a responsibility in the fight, so we did what we know what to do: to sing, rap and dance! I have faith that my fellow Salone man dem will light the path to illuminate for the rest of Africa.”

JJ Saffa’s Sound Economic Initiatives Generating Huge Financial Support for Development

Finance Minister J J Saffa

By Amin Kef Sesay

Many Sierra Leoneans in and out of the country have honestly attested that the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, statement in April 2018 that the Bio led administration has implemented robust economic reforms that has increased domestic revenue generation and also strengthened expenditure management to the admiration of its international development partners, is indeed a truism.

From what this medium gathered of late, Minister Saffa is excelling at the Ministry of Finance  as indicted by major world organizations like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the African Development Bank, as those financial institutions have reposed their trust in him and have been working with him even during this period of COVID-19 when other world economies have witnessed severe economic contractions.

It is an open secret that even under the impact and economic strain caused by COVID-19, all three financial institutions have been disbursing funds to implement certain projects in accordance with earlier agreements signed with the able Finance Minister who has commended to be very skillful in international negotiations.

As had been argued by financial experts if the Minister of Finance was not competent enough to chart the economy forward in a very realistic manner then these international financial institutions would have not been supportive to the President Bio’s led political administration as it is the case with countries that have been failing to fulfill certain benchmarks that laid down.

Without holding any brief for the Finance Minister, however, the facts are glaring that since he was appointed into that Ministry by HE Dr. Julius Maada Bio, he has stoutly proved himself as the best Finance Minister this country has ever produced.

Many people have in the past described the Finance Ministry as a poison chalice as most former Ministers never survived there for long but Saffa has survived over the years.

He has pushed for so many developmental initiatives in the country thereby complementing the New Direction Manifesto.

Minister Saffa, just recently, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism successful launched and implemented the Four Billion Eight Hundred and Eighty Three Million Eight Hundred and Forty Thousand Leones (Le4,883,840,000) Social Safety Net Wage Bill Support to affected employees in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors in order to mitigate the debilitating impact of the  coronavirus pandemic and reduce the economic burden on workers in those sectors.

Going further the Minster, through his office also pioneered the launch of the One Hundred and Fifty Six Million United State dollars ($156M) for the Quick Action Economic Response Programme in order to maintain macro-economic and financial stability and to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 shock on businesses and households.

The evident reason for this is because since he took up office he has been able to put this country’s economy on a sound footing to create growth and reduce unemployment both of which have been challenges for this country.

Below are some of the few impressive achievements that the Minister of Finance has made within a very short period of time:

Sierra Leone Benefited from AFDP 10 Million Dollar COVID-19 Response, the AfDB approved a $10 billion COVID-19 response facility aimed at assisting the continent to confront the pandemic.
Hon Saffa has pushed the ADB to pledge funds to help Sierra Leone in its health sector and macro policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday 3rd April 2020 in a Press Statement the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the disbursement of another 21.13 million dollar budget support to the Government of Sierra Leone under the current Extended Credit Facility programme.

The approval came after the completion of the Fund’s Second Review of the country’s performance under the 172.1 million dollar programme that was signed in November 2018. This will enable the IMF to immediately disburse 21.13 million dollars, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$63.39 million dollars.
This programme aims to create fiscal space for development needs by strengthening revenue mobilization and improving the efficiency of public investment.

It must be recalled that the World Bank Group on the 17th June 2020, approved a $100 million grant to Sierra Leone for promoting sustainable and inclusive growth and building economic resilience. This windfall took place amidst the Corona pandemic and global challenge facing developing countries with Sierra Leone being no exception.

The $100 million grant is from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Government of Sierra Leone in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth and building economic resilience. This Development Policy Financing (DPF) supports ongoing reforms to enhance macro-economic stability, increase productivity in agriculture and fisheries, promote transparency in public procurement, and build an effective asset disclosure system to fight corruption and improve public sector accountability.

It has been ascertained that this is the first time that a grant of $100M support by the World Bank has been disbursed to the Sierra Leone Government and it came about when President Bio visited both the President and Vice President of the World Bank in Washington where he called on them to increase the support to the country.

Responding to this development, Minister of Finance Jacob Jusu Saffa expressed his delight and pride that the reforms of the Government of President Julius Maada Bio under the New Direction are receiving international commendation.

“It is in the interest of Sierra Leone to have an economic programme with the IMF and also to be on track meeting economic benchmarks and reforms of the programme,” he said.

The Minister further stated that the disbursement of all this funds has given Government the space to spend on key priorities of Government more so the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world. He said this is also a clear indication of the trust and confidence development partners and the international community has for the leadership of HE President Julius Maada Bio and the SLPP led Government.

It could be recalled that prior to the 2018 elections, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other development partners suspended their programmes (Funds) to the Government of Sierra Leone because the then APC Government failed to keep to the then Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Programme which led to the suspension of the Fund’s programme in Sierra Leone. But with the astute leadership of the Hon. Minister of Finance ,Jacob Jusu Saffa, Sierra Leone was able to get a new programme with the IMF which was the catalyst for other development partners’ interventions.

According to the IMF, since coming to office in early 2018, the Government implemented key reforms and launched a new National Development Plan with a strong emphasis on investing in education, infrastructure and improving governance.

Growth stabilized at 3.5 percent in 2018 before picking up to an estimated 5.1percent in 2019, on the back of a broad-based recovery of economic activity. At the same time, inflation moderated to under 14 percent by the end of 2019.

Africell Promotes Kenema with New Digital Clock Tower

By Amin Kef Sesay

During an impressive ceremony on Sunday 4th October 2020 Africell Mobile Company made a landmark gesture to the people of Kenema District by commissioning a modernized digital clock tower.

Shadi Gerjawi, Managing Director of Africell said when Africell came to Sierra Leone in 2009, they committed to support Sierra Leoneans through jobs creation adding that the Management of Africell has not only created job opportunities for Sierra Leoneans but has also helped  in supporting  development activities in the country.

“We have been committed to our Corporate Social Responsibility,” he disclosed furthering how they have lived up to their commitment and the digital clock tower is a testament of their commitment to the people of Sierra Leone. He went on to say that they are currently working on adding seventy five more new sites, revealing that these new sites will help to expand on band width for internet connectivity.

He thanked the Minister of Information and Communications and the telecoms regulatory agency for their fortitude in ensuring the expansion of networks to remote areas in the country. He disclosed that few months ago, Africell decided to build a modern clock tower for the people of Kenema.

“The work was projected for three months,” he said, adding that the work was greatly affected by the inter-district lockdown that was instituted by Government as measures to fight against the deadly corona virus in the country.

He went on to say that as a result of their dynamic leadership at Africell, they were able to complete the work as promised.

In his statement, Chief Minister, Professor David John Francis, who doubles as the Chairman of the commissioning of the State of the art Maada Bio Clock Tower said the construction of the Clock Tower wouldn’t have been possible without the blessing of Her Excellency Mrs. Fatima Bio’s intervention to solicit support from the Management of Africell Telecommunications Company. He thanked Africell for their kind gesture in supporting the people of Kenema District.

First Lady Madam Fatima Maada Bio said, Africell is a company that has Sierra Leone at heart. She lauded the Managing Director of Africell, Shadi for the tremendous work they are doing in Sierra Leone. She extolled Africell for its support towards the Hands Off Our Girls campaign that was launched throughout the country. She said that Shadi is a good and honest man who is passionate about development. She described Kenema as a blessed city, adding that his husband, President Bio is grateful to the people of Kenema city.

In his speech, President Julius Maada Bio said Kenema is a city and the residents need basic amenities like other cities in the country. He maintained that there is massive road construction going on in the city of Kenema. He called on the people of Kenema to take full responsibility of the digital clock tower and thanked Africell for its relentless commitment towards the people of Sierra Leone and encouraged them to do more.

The event was climaxed with dancing and singing by residents of Kenema District, celebrating the country’s First Lady, Mrs. Fatima Bio for her unshakable stance in championing development in the township.

Real Mack FC Signs Contract with Steven Appleton as Head Coach

Steven Appleton English Football Coach signing Agreement with Real Mack FC

By Muctar Koroma

One of  the leading football clubs in Sierra Leone which is  currently a force to reckon with, the Real Mack Football Club, has disclosed that   it has signed a one year contract with Steven Appleton as the club’s  Head Coach.

It has been well established that Steven Appleton comes with a distinguished coaching career as he had worked with Stoke City, Accrington Stanley, Aldafna FC, and the English Football Association serving as  a Coach Educator, delivering FA coaching courses  to new coaches who were pursuing a career in coaching.

Mahmoud Mackie, Chief Executive Officer of Real Mack intimated how he is excited to have finally reached an agreement to bring a foreign coach to Sierra Leone football. He underscored that this appointment will prove to the world that Sierra Leone is positioning herself among the best in African football.

Steven Appleton, also, disclosed that he is excited to join Real Mack football Club and committed to give his best for the club.

“I am looking forward to the new season in Sierra Leone football, to join the club, meet the staff and fans, looking forward to a very successful partnership,” disclosed Steven.

Coach Steven highlighted that he is aware that the club and Executive are ambitious and as such he is committed to help promote the club to the Sierra Leone Premier league.

“More than just performances and results, Steven brings a wealth of experience, both as a former player and as a coach, bound with a desire to give the young players their chance and a deep understanding of football. He is a competent Coach to take Real Mack to the Sierra Leone Premier league,” said the CEO of Real Mack FC.

The CEO further expressed thanks to the current coaching staff of the Club for their hard work and relentless efforts, the fans and everyone at the club who are behind even Appleton as he looks to take the Club to where it should be and build the next stage of the club’s history.

Mahmoud Mackie revealed that Steven’s appointment as head coach of Real Mack FC will inject new blood into Sierra Leone football and send a clear message that Sierra Leone is ready to create an impact on Africa football.

Steven has a very solid youth background producing football stars who are currently playing professional football in the English Premier League.

The signing of Steven Appleton is part of the contract Real Mack football Club signed with Seedorf SoccerLink Academy and Agency.

Mahmoud Mackie, Chief Executive Officer of Real Mack FC

Instead of setting Up Commissions of Inquiry…   NGC Chairman Recommends Speedy Actions on Audit Reports

Chairman and Leader of the NGC,  Dr. Dennis Bright

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Grand Coalition Party has made its position known in a published statement on the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry reports and the White Paper into corruption allegations against the former APC Government led by President Ernest Bai Koroma.

Chairman and Leader of the NGC,  Dr. Dennis Bright  stated: “The National Grand Coalition party (NGC) notes with great concern events within the past month that have raised very serious questions about governance in Sierra Leone and indeed put on the spot all three arms of Government: the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary.

“Notably, perception surveys which were conducted on the subject of corruption have revealed, among other things, how the people of Sierra Leone see and what they say about the institutions and people that govern them.

“The picture is not good. All the arms of Government are perceived by the people as being very corrupt. A large majority of citizens (69.1%) see the Police force as the most corrupt institution with 83.8% naming policemen and women as the most corrupt group of persons in Sierra Leone.

“Parliament is perceived as the fourth most corrupt institution and Parliamentarians as the second “most corrupt persons” behind policemen and women. The Judiciary is also viewed as corrupt by 43.9% of the respondents. These numbers are not good and are a serious indictment of the entire Governance system in our country.

“Parliament has reacted vigorously with the Speaker of Parliament describing the perception surveys as ‘a deliberately orchestrated and calibrated conspiracy to damage the good name and reputation of Parliament and Parliamentarians.’ The NGC however hopes that our law makers will eventually see the surveys for what they are, not allegations or accusations but perception, bearing in mind however, that perception of the people can be a potent force.

“The NGC is of the view that instead of needless rebuttals and attempts to cow critics to silence, these surveys call for serious introspection and a national conversation going forward. We have therefore advised our Parliamentary representatives to be at the forefront of advocacy for introspection, self-criticism and pro-active measures to clean up that institution of whatever defects may be giving it a bad name.

“As far as the Executive is concerned, Government has just published a White Paper on the three Commissions of Inquiry into “the assets and other related matters in respect of persons who served under the last regime. The report indicates that staggering sums of public funds were fraudulently diverted, misappropriated or simply stolen by officials of the State, sometimes in collaboration with non-State actors.

“The NGC has examined the White Paper and other documents and found the amounts allegedly stolen to be so dramatically high that they can easily fund an entire national development plan.

“However, as the decisions in the White Paper bear the strength of a High Court judgment, we are expecting appeals to follow, and it is only reasonable that the law is allowed to take its course. In fact, the fairness of the decisions and the integrity of the process are already being challenged by persons of interest, law firms, accounting firms, companies and at least one political party. The credibility of the appeals process will therefore depend on the ability of the Judiciary to uphold the Rule of Law and resist any attempt to make it a puppet of the Executive.

“The appeals process in the saga of the three Commissions therefore offers the Judiciary the opportunity to redeem itself from the people’s perception as being a corrupt institution. As Engineer Andrew Keili has said in one of his writings: “impunity must stop but it must be ensured that there is fairness in the process.”

“In conclusion, the NGC proposes that one way of avoiding the extremely expensive exercise of running Commissions of Inquiry to probe previous administrations and the attendant accusations of witch hunting and unfairness, is for Government to conduct investigations and punish corrupt officials in real time.

“Every year, the Audit Service, without the fanfare of televised trials, uncovers several cases of mismanagement and the same irregularities for which the three Commissions have now convicted public officials. The NGC believes it will be a more effective deterrent if the recommendations of the Audit Service are speedily acted upon and defaulters within the sitting Government brought to book.

“The NGC therefore reiterates its total rejection of corruption in all its forms and supports any attempt to uproot it on condition that this is done with due regard for justice, fairness and the Rule of Law by a Judiciary that is independent of any influence from the other arms of the State.”

Mallam .O. Assures Paramount Chiefs of Njala University’s Support

Right to left : Acting VC and P , Professor Osman Sankoh, PC Haja Fatmata Bintu Koroma Meama-Kajue of Dasse Chiefdom, DVC Njala Campus Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Chiefdom ,PRO Ralph Sesay.

By Ralph Sesay (PRO Njala University)

The Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Osman Sankoh, over the weekend, paid courtesy calls on the Paramount Chiefs of Dasse and Kamajei Chiefdoms, Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone.

He was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Njala Campus, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma and the Community and Public Relations Officers of the University.

Professor Koroma introduced the Vice Chancellor to the two Paramount Chiefs of Kamajei and Mano Dasse and noted that his boss has respect for the customs and traditions of the host communities.

He referred to the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal as a man from a humble background and one that is determined to revive and cement the longstanding relationship between the host communities and Njala University.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor further disclosed that the administration of Professor Sankoh would push for the host communities to feel the presence of the University especially in the areas of agricultural improvement and the educational empowerment of women and the girl child.

He concluded by revealing that Njala University has established Distance Learning Programs in several Districts across the country including Moyamba and encouraged teachers in the host communities to use the platform to enhance their careers and further contribute to the educational development of their respective areas.

The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, while addressing both Paramount Chiefs, started by narrating his humble background and emphasized that he was able to hold prominent positions in both the public and private sectors because his parents had prioritized education.

He urged the two Paramount Chiefs to support President Bio’s Free Quality Education by improving the enrolment of their children especially the girl child in various educational institutions.

Mallam .O. assured them that his tenure at Njala University would pay considerable attention towards changing the trajectory in the relationship between the University and the host communities.

“We would ensure that our host communities feel the presence of the University in the areas of meeting our Corporate Social Responsibility in the areas of education, provision of agricultural extension services, improved seed varieties and yields and food self-sufficiency to our farmers in the host communities,’’ Professor Sankoh noted.

He expressed dismay that the host communities have not been able to benefit over the years from a University that was purposely established to fulfil the agricultural needs of the country and its host communities.

This trajectory, according to the VC&P must change under his tenure as Vice Chancellor and Principal.

Paramount Chief Brimah Sondifu Sovulla the 4th of Kamajei Chiefdom thanked the Vice Chancellor and his delegation for according such a respect to him as one of the Paramount Chiefs of the host communities.

He recounted that this was a novelty since the establishment of Njala University and assured the Principal and his delegation that they will fully support the new VC’s vision to meet the agricultural and education needs of the host communities.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal was introduced to the Chiefdom Speaker, Jeremiah Lamboi, Town Chief, Yamba Ngebeh, Women Leader Mrs. Abie Bonah and the Councillor for Ward 347, Constituency 98, Daniel Seifoi.

Paramount Chief Haja Fatmata Bintu Koroma Meama-Kaijue of Mano Dasse Chiefdom who also doubles as Paramount Chief Member of Parliament for Moyamba District and her traditional authorities welcomed the Vice Chancellor and Principal to Mano Dasse later in the afternoon on Saturday.

PC Haja emphasized that Njala University is a traditional University and this is why the relationship between the University and the host communities is pivotal and should be sustained.

She thanked the VC and P together with his delegation for the courtesy call on her and the traditional authorities of Mano Dasse and pledged her support to the renewed commitment by the University authorities to revive and cement the relationship.

The PCMP concluded by recounting the role of her forefathers to the establishment of Njala University in the early sixties and the strides they made as indigenes to relocate Njala from Freetown after the war.

Traditional elders of Dasse called for support from the University authorities to improving the enrolment numbers of their children to the University and also meeting their agricultural and health needs of their Chiefdom.

Community Relations Officer, Bamie Charles was hailed by both the traditional and University authorities for successfully planning and coordinating the visit of the Vice Chancellor and Principal to the two Chiefdoms culminating into a very cordial reception and interaction between the two.

The climax of both visits was the presentation of a token to the two Paramount Chiefs and their respective authorities such as the Chiefdom speaker, Section Chiefs, Women’s leaders.

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