4th Edition of National Entertainment Awards Launched

October 7, 2020

By Mary Kabay

During a programme that was held at the Hill Valley Hotel in Freetown on the 3^rd October 2020, organizers of the National Entertainment Awards launched the 4^th edition of the event and unveiled this year’s Chairperson.

Alhaji K. Tarawalie, the Chief Executive Officer of Lake Production and the National Entertainment Award heartily welcomed all those who were in attendance. He revealed how the person that will be unveiled as Chair will serve as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Panel of Judges.

He furthered how the moment is a historic one in the entertainment industry of Sierra Leone as they are about to launch the fourth edition of the NEA since 2017 when they started it.

Alhaji K. Tarawalie pointed out that some Sierra Leoneans hold the notion that good things in Sierra Leone will not last longer, but claimed that though Lake Production had gone through various trials they are now planning for the fourth edition of the event.

He disclosed that during their the first awards event there were TV Stations from France and Nigeria that came to do a documentary of the event which was held at the Bintumani Hotel where he said there were dignitaries present that graced the occasion and some of them included the former Vice President, Victor Foe and fifteen Government Ministers.

The Lake Production CEO said during the 2018 event the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Jabbie Bio, was the special guest of honour stating that other dignitaries in society were also present.

In 2019, he further pointed out, they had two renowned personalities in attendance, one from Hollywood, Samuel Ducan Peirce of Army Star fame and also the Minister of Tourism.

Every year the NEA event seems to have its own momentum. However, the Management of this Awards Programme has set themselves on a Five Year Plan of which this year is the fourth edition.

Chief Brima Keita, former Chairman of the Lake Production Board of Trustees and the Chairman Panel of Judges of the NEA 2019 explained why it is important for the entertainment industry to be motivated as it brings social and economic benefits to a nation.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Tourism for her relentless support towards the NEA Awards Events recognizing that she has relayed their messages President Julius Maada Bio whom they are expecting to be part of this year award night though the presence of COVID-19 is restricting his movement.

He finally said that this year’s NEA awards will be more transparent as it is used to be during the past years.

The CEO of Lake Production assured of their preparedness for this year’s award ceremony mentioning that they have drawn their plans saying professionalism, consistency and integrity are the bedrock of the National Entertainment Award.

Dr Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh was presented as this year’s Chairman.

The newly selected Chairman for the NEA event highlighted some of the pitfalls of many entertainers in Sierra Leone but disclosed how he has managed many entertainment shows that turned out to be successful saying the NEA will not be an exception as he believes in delegation of responsibility maintaining how that has been one of his cardinal strongholds to his success.

The newly selected Chairman threw a challenge to the past Chairman, Chief Brima Keita, that he will try his best to do more than what the past Chairman did during the 2019 Awards Night. The challenge was accepted and the past Chairman said he is ready to give him all the guidelines to support his success.

The 4th Annual NEA Awards was launched on Saturday, 3^rd October 2020. The big question the organizers are now asking is : who would you like to see nominated for NEA 2020 and for which categories.

They are also kindly asking you to communicate your opinions here through this link on either the “National Entertainment Awards Sierra Leone” pages on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM.

NEA is celebrating excellence in Music, Fashion, Comedy, Tourism, Film, Sports and Culture in Sierra Leone

The NEA SL Limited organisers said they will like to extend their sincere gratitude to all for attending and for engaging online during the launch of the 4th annual National Entertainment Awards in Sierra Leone. According to them it is now official that the 2020 NEA awards is set to take place on the 23rd December, 2020.

Nominations and submissions of Films, Music Videos and Skits for NEA 2020 awards will officially start on the 15th October 2020. Means of how the nominations and submissions are going to be done will be communicated by their Digital and ICT Development Partner. Be ready to forward nominations and submissions.

World Bank & Partners Boost Education Sector Development

October 7, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

President Julius Maada Bio on the 5th October, 2020 launched the Free Education Project which is intended to support the Government’s flagship human capital initiative, the Free Quality School Education Program. The World Bank, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Irish Aid have signed agreements committing to support education sector development through a Multi-Donor Trust Fund administered by the World Bank.

The project will be financed by a $50 million World Bank grant and grant funds from development partners with the EU contributing €13 million, Ireland contributing €5 million, and UKAID contributing £2 million to the Fund.

Education or human capital development more generally is one of the Government’s national priorities as articulated in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023). In 2018, the Government launched the Free Quality School Education Program to ensure free quality education for all basic and senior secondary students in the country.

“His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has led a vision of national transformation through broad investments in human capital. As a Government, our priorities as stated in the National Development Plan titled ‘Education for Development’ are clear and focused on our people, in particular our school children. The only way to achieve these goals is through collaboration and accelerated delivery of quality learning to all children,” said Hon. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for Sierra Leone.

“We are aware of our constraints and we will continue to be impatient as we systematically address these perennial challenges informed by evidence and robust policies.”

In his statement the European Union Ambassador Tom VENS said,“Today we are giving an extra boost to that ambition. To succeed, we need several ingredients: we need leadership and real commitment at the top; we need one agenda and an agreed plan; we need discipline and the pursuit of value for money in the delivery of that plan; and we need partnership. Mr President, these ingredients are in place and it is our duty to succeed,” he furthered.

The Ambassador revealed how EU’s investment in education goes back many years including more than € 30 million just in the last years stating that their contribution of € 13 million to the Multi Donor Trust Fund, is the logical next step.

Sierra Leone has made significant gains in school enrollment, but education outcomes and skills acquisition are among the lowest in Africa. The education sector also faces issues of deep inequities in access between urban and rural communities, weak sector governance, and inefficient public spending and management. Such education challenges are further complicated by the COVID-19 crisis. The project will help address these challenges, as well as support the Government in its efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector while strengthening the education workforce.

Specifically, the project will finance the construction of approximately 510 furnished classrooms to meet the immediate infrastructure needs in basic education and provide community-managed and performance-based grants to primary schools for improved school performance and accountability.

“This project will support the Government’s commitment toward achieving a more inclusive approach to quality education, increasing the retention of girls, especially in secondary school, and improving the learning environment for children with disabilities,” said Gayle Martin, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “Therefore, the World Bank is happy to collaborate with other development partners to improve the management of the education system in the country.”

The Fund will use a pooled funding mechanism and is expected to increase the coordination and harmonization of policy development and investment in the education sector and emphasize the Government leadership in strengthening country systems to deliver education services.

Access to quality education is a key driver for sustainable development. The European Union has been and will remain at the forefront of supporting education worldwide,” said Tom Vens, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone. “We cannot afford that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic jeopardizes progress made so far in access to education. Being able to enjoy quality education is a basic right for every girl and boy in Sierra Leone. By joining hands, we can do more and better.”

The Trust Fund will assist in addressing key challenges facing the education sector, and will contribute to achieving the Government’s larger strategic objectives in the sector, while also supporting analytical and advisory services associated with monitoring and evaluation, technical assistance, and research and studies.

“This project will increase the participation of girls in quality education, which is a key priority for Ireland in Sierra Leone. It will also enhance the education policy framework,” said Lesley Ní Bhriain, Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone. “Ireland is delighted to contribute to this transformative initiative and, with other development partners, to support the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in its rollout of the landmark Free Quality Education Programme.”

“The UK sees the Free Education Project Multi-Donor Trust Fund as catalytic. In its development, strong partnerships have been built. In its delivery, the project will bring the communication, coordination and implementing drive to ensure this partnership delivers to maximum impact – changing the lives and opportunities of girls and boys around the country,” said Sandra Baldwin, Acting Development Director, FCDO, British High Commission to Sierra Leone.

“The project’s objectives are Government of Sierra Leone’s objectives – and they fully align with the UK Government’s position of supporting every girl to 12 years of quality education and reducing maternal and child mortality. As such, this project will be a focal point around which the UK’s continuing bi-lateral support to both health and education will be developed – complementing and amplifying efforts to ensure the collective sum is greater than all the parts.”

Guma & Stakeholders Discuss Projects Long-Term Goals & Challenges

October 7, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday 2nd October, 2020, the Steering Committee of the Freetown WASH and Aquatic Environment Revamping Project (WASHERP/Aquatic) and the Freetown Water and Sanitation Master and Investments Studies (FWSSMPIS), held its inaugural meeting at the Golden Tulip at Aberdeen Freetown. The meeting was convened in order to establish long-term goals of the projects as well as to discuss the challenges that has been envisaged.

The Managing Director of Guma Valley Water Company, Maada S. Kpenge, in his welcome address reminded the Committee members of the President’s determination to achieve universal access to water supply for every citizen by 2028.

Mr. Kpenge said the Master Plan Project will highlight the way forward to permanently address water supply issues in the Western Area, whilst the WASHAERP/Aquatic Project will help to achieve those medium-term goals for Freetown’s water supply by increasing access by 15%, reducing water losses significantly; construction of new facilities and rehabilitating existing service reservoirs thereby making the water supply infrastructure more resilient.

The Guma MD noted that the WASHAERP/Aquatic Project is unique in the sense it is not only dealing with issues related to water supply, but also reforestation of the water catchments in the Western Area, Sanitation, livelihood restoration and job creation.

Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown ,Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, speaking during the meeting said the Sanitation component of the WASHAERP/Aquatic project which aims to improve sanitation by 7% has a huge potential to benefit the lives of Freetownians as it would complement ongoing strides by the Freetown City Council to properly managed solid and liquid wastes in the municipality. She said the reforestation component of the project also resonates with the “Freetown the Tree Town project” which aims to plant over a million trees to make Freetown a greener, healthier and more inclusive city.

In her statement, the Chairman Board of Directors of Guma Valley Water Company, Hon. Bintu Myers said under the direction of the Board and in line with the vision of the Government to ensure sustainable water supply delivery to all in the country; the Management of Guma has embarked on a systematic but aggressive approach to address the water challenges in the Western Area.

Hon. Bintu Myers said the Board is grateful to the Government and Development partners (African Development Bank, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, DFID, World Bank, MCC, etc.) for the support they have been giving to Guma to implement ongoing projects like the Master Plan, Freetown Water Supply Rehabilitation Project, Freetown Emergency Recovery Project, The Threshold Project; all aimed at improving the performance and sustainability of Guma.

The Guma Chairman said the WASHAERP/Aquatic project is intended to provide the necessary complementarity and maximized the impact of the other ongoing projects to address the challenging water supply situation in the Western Area. She called on members of the Steering Committee to work together to ensure that all the project outputs are sustainable, delivered on time, within budget and to the satisfaction of the people of Sierra Leone.

Delivering his speech at the meeting, the Minister of Water Resources and Chairman of the Steering Committee, Ing. Philip K. Lansana said the Government’s New Direction Agenda for national development is built on eight (8) strategic drivers, including water and sanitation; and with special focus on increasing access to improved water supply and sanitation services and hygiene.

The Minister added that it is estimated that Sierra Leone stands to derive 15% of her GDP from reaching universal access to water and sanitation and therefore the Government is very passionate about the sector and is taking tangible actions to transform it.

Minister Lansana went on to state that Government through Grant assistance from the African Water Facility (AWF) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, has secured the needed financing (EUR 2.973million) for the Master Plan and Investment Studies Project and is assiduously working through the Ministry of Finance to secure the estimated USD 192 Million donor pledges for the WASHAERP/Aquatic, of which about 48% has already been approved.

The Minister called on the Committee members to work effectively as the “President has a keen interest in these projects and sees the WASHAERP/Aquatic in particular as a test case of our capacity to implement large investment projects in the water supply and sanitation sector. I am convinced that with the right commitment this team will steer the delivery of the project and thereby open doors for further investments into the sector”.

The Project Steering Committee (PSC) core activities include strategic policy direction, oversee planning, review progress and impact and review/ approval of annual work plans and budgets of the projects.

Its membership comprises one representative each from the relevant Ministries and Agencies; Finance, Water Resources, Local Government, Health and Sanitation, Lands, Housing & Country Planning, Gender Social Welfare & Children Affairs, Youth Affairs, Water Resources Management Agency, Electricity and Water Regulatory Authority, Guma Valley Water Company Board, Guma Valley Water Company, Freetown City Council (FCC), Western Area Rural District Council (WARDC), National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), etc.

As Lungi Airport Heightens Screening Protocols… SECURIPORT Partners With Confirm-Bio-Sciences

October 7, 2020

By Fatmata Jengbe

It has now become apparent that African countries are gradually easing air travel restrictions and it is advisable that these countries including Sierra Leone must continue to institute and observe all the necessary precautionary measures to prevent passengers and other individuals from contracting the virus and break its chain of transmission.

As a result of both air travel restrictions many citizens choose not to travel as indicative in low traveller and in-airport volumes. This allows for a reasonably seamless process when it comes to compulsory COVID-19 screening of travellers arriving at, or departing from airports.

However, as restrictions are further relaxed over the coming months, there would be a spike in air traveller numbers. This poses a risk as the new screening measures lead to longer traveller check-in and arrivals processes, and therefore, larger groups of people gathering within often confined airport spaces.

The prevalence of viral spread is increased in crowded indoor spaces, as well as through touch of contaminated surfaces (World Health Organisation), and airports have both; large groups of intersecting people and, multiple common physical touchpoints.

Global aviation security experts strongly recommend that airport authorities and Governmental decision-making bodies act with urgency in analysing and implementing passenger screening, movement and health control systems preceding the predictable surge in air travel that will take place as travel bans decrease globally over the coming weeks and months. Speedy and decisive action will make all the difference in curbing (or neglecting to curb) future waves of viral outbreaks.

It is imperative for Sierra Leone to move swiftly in developing and deploying highly efficient traffic management systems to streamline in-airport traveller movement, while ensuring that proper epidemic screening and control protocols are in place. Companies such as Securiport – a global leader in intelligence civil aviation security solutions have been at the forefront of the development and deployment of epidemic control systems to combat the spread of viruses such as COVID-19 and Ebola. Securiport focuses on addressing current and potential security challenges, particularly those related to air travel. Such technologies could go a long way in making air travel much safer for all of us.

Automation, specifically technology-driven solutions, forms an integral part of such a system. This includes automated border control mechanisms such as electronic gates and self-service traveller stations capable of processing passenger data quickly and accurately. Integrating these checkpoints with existing Epidemic Control Systems (ECS) that facilitate early warning and monitoring, as well as an alert system that flags high-risk passengers will help determine which travellers should be screened more thoroughly. This is beneficial from a time management and health safety point of view.

Touch-free technology is pivotal in reducing the spread of the virus within the airport environment. Across industries, research shows that the use of contactless biometrics is on the rise. The Global Contactless Biometrics Technology Marketed expected to reach $18.6 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.1% during this period. For airports, the use of high-reliability touch-free multimodal biometrics like iris and face recognition software systems is both fast and effective for contactless passenger verification. Iris scanning means that passengers will not have to pull down their masks for identity verification (as is current practice). It makes sense to pair these technologies with current health screening methods such as temperature checks by incorporating thermal monitoring of travellers.

It is important to note however, that automation does not in any way replace the necessary health and safety protocols such as hand sanitising and social distancing. It does exponentially decrease the spread of the virus by drastically reducing the number of physical touchpoints, and by avoiding the accumulation of travellers at COVID-19 screening or passenger verification checkpoints.

In another important development SECURIPORT has partnered with Confirm Science for Rapid COVID Testing Kits.

Confirm Bio Sciences, a leading provider of comprehensive medical screening tools and solutions, and Securiport, a global leader in the design and implementation of civil aviation security, border management, advanced identification, and threat assessment systems have announced that the companies have partnered to offer Confirm BioSciences’ rapid COVID-19 testing kits through Securiport’s Epidemic Control System (ECS).

It could be recalled that in 2014, the ECS version 1.0 was developed by Securiport in collaboration with local authorities to combat the Ebola crisis that struck West Africa.

That was done by applying cutting-edge biometric technology and proprietary software, the ECS version 4.0, is now able to manage COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

The system can act as a stand-alone application or it can be integrated with any existing passenger information system.

ECS pre-registers, processes and tracks people who may have been exposed to the virus to curb the pandemic.

The partnership with Confirm BioSciences expands ECS capabilities by including high-quality, FDA Emergency Use Authorized COVID-19 rapid testing kits from a company that earned ISO 13485:2016 certification for its quality management system to handle medical devices and related services.

“Our goal is to help our Government clients meet 21st century security and safety challenges with the best technologies and tools available,” said Dr. Enrique Segura, President and CEO of Securiport.

Dr Enrique Segura continued that, their partnership with Confirm Bio Sciences is a great fit during these challenging times as both companies share a strong commitment to the communities they serve.

That the partnership enables Securiport to provide FDA approved products and that they are pleased to partner with Confirm Bio Sciences to make these high-quality tests available to their clients around the world.

Confirm Bio Sciences offers one of the few readily available, U.S.-sourced coronavirus antibody testing products that can be exported from the U.S. for international use.

The rapid COVID-19 testing kits ranked high in a serological test validation project conducted by the National Institute of Health, National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease updated on May 28, 2020. Researchers noted that the testing kits offered by Confirm Bio Sciences are highly specific for coronavirus antibodies, effectively screening out false positives.

“We’re excited about working with a world-class security solutions and services organization like Securiport to help control the spread of the virus on a global scale,” said Albert Berger, CEO, Confirm Bio Sciences.

NP-SL Continues to Display Professionalism in Marketing

October 7, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) does not only continue to display professionalism in marketing but also remains undaunted and very committed to the importation of high grade petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants one of which is the widely utilized Castrol oil. The company is highly professional in the transaction of these products, having numerous customers in every nook and cranny of the country which is continually and exponentially increasing.

The Shareholders of the company and its various Management teams, over the years, have ensured that timely arrangements are made in order to avail its customers, right across the country, the much desired petroleum products.

However, one outstanding attribute which the company is noted for is its positive customer care stance. The owners of the company take this very serious out of the strong conviction that business will not positively grow well and expand if the concerns and needs of customers are not properly addressed. As a pro-customer company it is against such a backdrop that it was decided by the owners and Management of the company to import highly sophisticated calibrated pumping machines which are highly capable of pumping the exact quantity of fuel ,displaying quantity and price simultaneously.

These machines brought and continue to bring immense satisfaction to customers as it marked a departure from those days when rickety and manually driven machines were used, creating suspicions of being cheated by pump attendants at Filling Stations. It has been proven that individuals always feel satisfied when they are sure of getting value for money and it is that feeling which the calibrated pumping machines give.

“The company indeed proved its mettle when it brought in these machines as they do match one of the international standards of any modern efficient petroleum marketing outfit. It gives you the exact quantity demanded for, is electronically controlled and creates a win-win situation for the dealer and purchaser,” a Petroleum engineer David Williams, intimated this medium during a fact finding assignment.

It was also mentioned by Mohamed Koroma that in addition to the transparent manner in which petroleum products are marketed the courteous ways in which the pump attendants treat customers is highly professional and exceptional further maintaining how NP-SL is a trusted company that operates in an orderly way and has a well-disciplined staff with incisive business etiquette.

Still within the realm of optimizing customer care and more so in order to simplify business transactions it introduced the NP Smart Card with the catchy phrase of Fuel on Your Smart Card. Customers are at liberty to purchase petroleum products, especially petrol and diesel, using the NP Smart Card as long as they have money in it. An individual can conveniently purchase petrol or diesel with this card inasmuch as he or she has money within that card. Whenever a purchase is made with NP Smart Card the amount of money is debited and when it is top-up the amount in the card is credited.

This is one of the safest ways of conducting business transactions as it prevents individuals the hassle of having to intermittently withdraw monies from their bank accounts as that could be time consuming. As a matter of fact in this modern age, financial transactions are conducted without making use of physical cash and this is advantageous in the sense that it enhances safety. This is more so true for big entities, like construction companies, which purchase large or huge quantities of fuel to last over time.

“NP Smart Card is now trending as everyday more and more people as well as entities are accessing and also using it,” Alfred Sesay, an entrepreneur living in Kenema city informed one of our reporters adding that he is recommending it as a major conduit to procure petroleum products.

In terms of effective implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), NP-SL is said to be doing well. The company has supported many worthy causes, in some cases complementing the efforts of Government, in fostering development programmes. Just recently, NP-SL made available to the Government and People of Sierra Leone, one billion Leones as its support to help prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus and to help contain it.

This was indeed no mean gesture considering the seriousness of the health pandemic, especially as the country is said to have reported 11 cases and the negative economic dislocations it is creating around the world. Such a gesture has been described as very timely with calls for other corporate institutions to give, in their own little ways, their support to Government underscoring that no support should be considered too small.

Still within its CSR portfolio, the petroleum marketing company financed the construction of a water facility for the National Fire Force, Kissy Branch. The state of the art water facility, powered by a kva generator it also donated, is capable of pumping a considerable amount of water into fire engines ,a move that is currently assisting the Force greatly in its fire extinguishing operations and knowing how unfriendly fire disasters could be, the offer has been considered as a big boost to the NFF.

To again give its customers the best device for cooking purposes, the shareholders and Management thought it fit to introduce NP Gas which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and powered by gas which is marketed by the company. According to a thorough investigation mounted by this medium it was uncovered that NP Gas is environmentally friendly, very portable and safe for domestic use. They could be secured at the company’s different Filling Stations right across the country.

Commendably, the company has set an exemplary niche by going the extra-mile to establish branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where all its state of the art outfits are doing extremely well, employing local indigenes and paying huge taxes to the host Governments.

The company stands tall for effectively adhering to the country’s local content policy as it has doggedly implemented a policy of restricting employment opportunities to Sierra Leoneans, making it a truly indigenous company except in rare situations where individuals with the required expertise could only be sourced externally to perform a specialized task. This has helped in reducing poverty and enhancing skills through staff training programs.

Indisputably, NP-SL Ltd is a living testimony of how selflessness on the part of serious like-minded people could transform a mere ambition into a towering enterprise that is capable of positively impacting on socio-economic development and transform lives for the better. In all those directions, the result-oriented petroleum business entity has bagged a lot of commendations. And from the pace it is going, though there are challenges to be surmounted, it however seems that such a resilience will be unstoppable because as far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned it is the sky that is the limit.

As 20 Housemates to be Determined… Vote for Your Favourite Contestant to Enter the House

October 7, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is now an open secret that the voting process for twenty (20) contestants out of the fifty (50), who were shortlisted during the audition is now in progress and members of the public are actively participating. The lucky twenty who will bag more votes will ultimately enter the House on the 14^th October 2020 when the Housemates Salone Season 2 Reality TV Show will commence in full gear.

Presently, these hopeful contestants are frantically trying to garner support from the public by lobbying, using various social media platforms 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 14^th 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.

What the competitors will be battling for during the competition is the whopping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.

Apart from bagging the Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M), all other participants will be entitled to their daily allowances of Le100, 000 each whilst they still remain in the House and accumulatively given to them whenever they are evicted.

Interestingly, during a particular stage of the Show, based on the percentage of votes scored by a particular Housemate, such will determine whether he or she will be evicted from the House. Evictions will continue until the ultimate winner emerges.

Besides providing entertainment for viewers, the organizers of this Reality TV Show are keen on promoting Youth Empowerment.

If some of the Housemates will appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity.

Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and act funnily as the expectation is for them to be humorous. Manifestation of these traits is what will really make the Reality TV Show very interesting to watch, providing some form of comic relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.
Organisers of the event, Africa Young Voices (AYV) and Africell are very enthusiastic to enhance youth empowerment in the country and Housemates Salone is one platform that will provide that for the young competitors.

The Housemates stand to benefit from motivational lectures and added to that they will be availed the opportunity to socialize, learn how to play different games, how to speak fluently etc. With all these it will definitely transform the Housemates from what their characters were before they entered the House.
But financially empowering these Housemates is one of the most important channels of making them relevant in society. Each day spent in the House will earn a Housemate Le100, 000. The winner will bag Le250, 000,000 and he or she is expected to champion a key project that could positively impact the lives of young people in this country.

It is widely known that since its inception the African Young Voices (AYV) has been providing opportunities for young people to have their voices heard, to learn new skills and meaningfully contribute to overall national development.
This youth empowerment drive is one of the cardinal objectives of this renowned media empire and it has been successfully rolling it out.

On the part of Africell, the telecommunications service provider has been supporting various entertainment activities and even young artists in the country with the avowed aim of catching them young and as well contributing to enable young people realise their full potentials and bring them out.

As it is going to be an interesting and widely watched Reality TV Show on AYV TV Channel 34, Housemates Salone will also provide a marketing platform for many corporate and business institutions such as Banks, business houses, entertainment entities etc, who will be effectively making use of the channel to advertise their products and services.

As advertisement is key to marketing, through this means provided by Housemates Salone these business entities will reach out to the wider public.
The competition is going to be keen, especially after Sierra Leoneans have enjoyed a successful Season1 and saw the handing over of the star prize to the eventual winner.

UBA New MD/CEO Engages Mayor of Freetown for Improved Business Partnership

October 7, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The New MD/CEO UBA Sierra Leone, Usman Isiaka, on Friday 2^nd October met with the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki Sawyer, at the Mayor’s Parlour on Wallace Johnson Street in Freetown. The meeting has created a renewed business partnership between the Bank and the Freetown City Council (FCC) in the area of property tax collection among others.

It was learned from the meeting that Freetown has over 97,000 Domestic Property with over 1 million people and the Mayor has called on the Bank to become one of the Council’s payment channels for property tax collection and also committed to working with the Bank in the Council’s digital property rate revenue generation drive.

Freetown City Council has the mandate to collect local tax, award small business license, property tax and enforce by-laws within the Freetown municipality. The Council is the municipal Government of the city of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. FCC was established in 1893 and is one of the oldest municipal Governments in Africa.

During the meeting, the MD/CEO briefed the Mayor about UBA’s business vision and mission and the Bank’s strong presence across Africa, America and Europe partnering with various Governments on infrastructural development projects and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Mr. Isiaka informed the Mayor about the Bank’ supports to both past and current Governments during emergencies and natural disasters. He disclosed that in 2017 during the Mudslide, the Bank donated $500,000 for rescue missions and victims of the mudslide. The Bank’s Chairman, Tony Elumelu, made a donation of USD$250,000 on behalf of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and another USD$250,000 on behalf of UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of UBA Group.

He added that the Bank provided Le 30,000,000 (Thirty Million Leones) financial support to the Office of the First Lady for the launch of Hands Off Our Girls Project, a campaign that promotes education on sexual reproductive health and rights and the fight against rape in the country.

The MD/CEO further revealed that as of recent, United Bank for Africa made a donation of One Billion, Four Hundred and Forty Million Leones an equivalent of $150,000 to the Government of Sierra Leone for the fight against COVID-19 as part of the UBA’s Foundation $14million direct relief support to the Governments of all 20 UBA presence countries in Africa for the war against the pandemic.

Mr Isiaka ended by disclosing the Bank’s support to the Freetown City Council with over 1000 branded Aprons for the Council’s cleaning exercise. He also used the meeting to finalize discussions with the Mayor on the Bank’s support to the Council’s Beautification Project with UBA Garden in front of the 11 Storey City Hall Building of the Freetown City Council.

The Mayor of Freetown was pleased to welcome the MD/CEO and pledged her Council’s Support to the Bank. She requested for the Bank’s participation in the ongoing MOBTAX digital tax revenue collections initiative of the Council.

The meeting was concluded with a conducted tour of the iconic FCC City Hall Building where the Bank will construct the UBA Garden. The MD/CEO was accompanied by the Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Sallieu Sesay, Brand Management Officer, Esther Emeh and the Acting Head, Public Sector Group (PSG) Victoria Banyan.

Rashid Kamara Declares wanted for Gay Practice

October 7, 2020

By Abdulrahman Kamara

According to reports from Makeni, Rashid Kamara, a young man believed to be Gay has been declared wanted by the Sierra Leone Police in Makeni, and is currently being sought after by the Police as well as by residents in the township for what they describe as enticing other young men to join the unholy practice of homosexuality, a practice that is criminal according to The Sierra Leonean law and out-rightly opposed by both religious faiths in the country as satanic and demonic.

During our investigations into the matter, it was revealed that Rashid Kamara met with some foreigners doing humanitarian work, providing assistance to some disabled people in a home in Makeni. It was disclosed that Rashid Kamara had been a regular visitor to that home, as he had friends living there. During one of such visits, he was opportuned to involve in a discussion between the humanitarian people and residents at the home.

As the inmates were unable to understand English, which the visitors employed to communicate to them, Rashid Kamara, being fluent in English, volunteered to serve as interpreter and facilitated the work of the group, which had discussions and made donations to the inmates. After the first encounter they then exchanged numbers and an understanding reached between him and the humanitarian people to assist then in interpretation of what the people say and what they say in return to the questions posed by the beneficiaries that they work with.

As our investigations continued, another source explained that Rashid Kamara had been visiting the group of social workers very often and has been seen in their company most of the time. They have been seen regularly dropping him off at his residence in the company of one of his friends, Alhaji. Little was known about his involvement in gay activities, and he was merely suspected of helping the group in their work. However news broke out that Rashid was having homosexual relationship with one of the humanitarian guys and that he had involved Alhaji in the same practice with another of the team.

Unfortunately, Rashid is accused of trying to convince another friend Mohamed to join them, and after everything Was explained to him, he later broke the news, which got youths in the community angry and determined to get rid of this ‘son of Satan’, as he was termed. As fears of this practice becoming common in the community, elders and the youths hatched a plan to trap, Alhaji, who was regularly seen with Rashid.

It was later disclosed that on one fateful day, when Alhaji, Rashid’s closest friend, was dropped off at his residence, youths in the vicinity pounced on him, mercilessly beating him to death, and was only rescued by the police his survival was in doubt as blood all over his body. During the investigation of the police, the whole story about the relationship between Rashid and the humanitarian guys was revealed and upon this information, the police stormed the residence of the Rashid.

Fortunately for Him, he was not at home and was later called by a close family member that he is being sought after by the police for the crime of homosexuality. It was also revealed to this writer that since then, Rashid Kamara had not returned to his house, and rumour has it that where he had gone to seek refuge in the nearby village, his cover has been blown and the people had asked him to leave, as they do not want their village to be burnt down by the angry youths, who were looking everywhere for him. Since leaving that village, his whereabouts has not been known.

Meanwhile the police is said to have declared him wanted and have called on residents to report any information about his whereabouts.
Homosexuality in Sierra Leone is a State offence and anyone caught involved in such practice will face long jail term, if he is lucky to survive the wrath of the people. Both religions in the country describe this act as satanic and even the discussion of the topic in public is taboo.

As we go to press the whereabout of Rashid Kamara since he fled his village is still unknown and he is still sought after by the police and angry residents.

Statement by EU Ambassador Tom VENS on the occasion of the FREE Education Project Launch

October 5, 2020

State House, 5 October 2020

Your Excellency,

Distinguished participants,

I very distinctly remember our first conversations when you took office Mr President. There was one recurring theme in these conversations: the need to get serious about fixing the education system and to offer a future to all Sierra Leonean children.

Today we are giving an extra boost to that ambition. To succeed, we need several ingredients: we need leadership and real commitment at the top; we need one agenda and an agreed plan; we need discipline and the pursuit of value for money in the delivery of that plan; and we need partnership. Mr President, these ingredients are in place and it is our duty to succeed.

The EU’s investment in education goes back many years including more than € 30 million just in the last years. Our contribution of € 13 million to the Multi Donor Trust Fund, is the logical next step.

We are making this commitment on the premise that this is the Government’s Flagship and the shared understanding that wastage, mismanagement and corruption will not be tolerated – they are the antidote for progress; we are making this commitment on the premise that investment in education is only meaningful if the focus is on quality and outputs and supported by a strong systems approach; we are making this commitment while embracing the notion of radical inclusion, with a strong focus on the most vulnerable – the girls, the disabled, the poorest, the disadvantaged and the stigmatised.

Today we also mark World Teachers’ Day and this year’s chosen theme is inspiring: “Teachers Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”. More than ever, also under the strain of the COVID pandemic, we must support teachers to attain the global education target of leaving no one behind and of protecting the fundamental right to education for all. When children miss out on education they are at increased risks of exploitation, violence, abuse and neglect. But when children enjoy quality education, they become voices in the establishment of democratic societies that respect human rights. Education prepares us, men and women, to become enlightened citizens.

Mr President, in the EU we know very well that if we unite, we are stronger. This is no different here and that is also why I am particularly pleased that we support the FREE programme, through a multi-donor approach. As EU we pledge to maintain a strong voice through this shared arrangement. We do this because we believe in a brighter future, one that empowers all children in Sierra Leone to realise their potential to help build your beautiful nation.

I thank you.

NEWS RELEASE

World Bank, Development Partners Sign Agreements to Support Education Sector Development in Sierra Leone

FREETOWN, October 05, 2020 – President Julius Maada Bio today launched the Free Education Project, intended to support the government’s flagship human capital initiative, the Free Quality School Education Program. The World Bank, the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Irish Aid have signed agreements committing to support education sector development through a Multi-Donor Trust Fund administered by the World Bank.

The project will be financed by a $50 million World Bank grant and grant funds from development partners with the EU contributing €13 million, Ireland contributing €5 million, and UKAID contributing £2 million to the Fund.

Education, and human capital development more generally, is one of the Government’s national priorities as articulated in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023). In 2018, the Government launched the Free Quality School Education Program to ensure free quality education for all basic and senior secondary students in the country.

“His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has led a vision of national transformation through broad investments in human capital. As a Government, our priorities as stated in the National Development Plan titled ‘Education for Development’ are clear and focused on our people, in particular our school children. The only way to achieve these goals is through collaboration and accelerated delivery of quality learning to all children,” said Hon. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for Sierra Leone. “We are aware of our constraints and we will continue to be impatient as we systematically address these perennial challenges informed by evidence and robust policies.”

Sierra Leone has made significant gains in school enrollment, but education outcomes and skills acquisition are among the lowest in Africa. The education sector also faces issues of deep inequities in access between urban and rural communities, weak sector governance, and inefficient public spending and management. Such education challenges are further complicated by the COVID-19 crisis. The project will help address these challenges, as well as support the Government in their efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector while strengthening the education workforce.

Specifically, the project will finance the construction of approximately 510 furnished classrooms to meet the immediate infrastructure needs in basic education and provide community-managed and performance-based grants to primary schools for improved school performance and accountability.

“This project will support the government’s commitment toward achieving a more inclusive approach to quality education, increasing the retention of girls, especially in secondary school, and improving the learning environment for children with disabilities,” said Gayle Martin, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “Therefore, the World Bank is happy to collaborate with other development partners to improve the management of the education system in the country.”

The Fund will use a pooled funding mechanism and is expected to increase the coordination and harmonization of policy development and investment in the education sector and emphasize the government leadership in strengthening country systems to deliver education services.

Access to quality education is a key driver for sustainable development. The European Union has been and will remain at the forefront of supporting education worldwide,” said Tom Vens, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone. “We cannot afford that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic jeopardizes progress made so far in access to education. Being able to enjoy quality education is a basic right for every girl and boy in Sierra Leone. By joining hands, we can do more and better.”

The Trust Fund will assist in addressing key challenges facing the education sector, and will contribute to achieving the Government’s larger strategic objectives in the sector, while also supporting analytical and advisory services associated with monitoring and evaluation, technical assistance, and research and studies.

“This project will increase the participation of girls in quality education, which is a key priority for Ireland in Sierra Leone. It will also enhance the education policy framework,” said Lesley Ní Bhriain, Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone. “Ireland is delighted to contribute to this transformative initiative and, with other development partners, to support the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in its rollout of the landmark Free Quality Education Programme.”

“The UK sees the Free Education Project Multi-Donor Trust Fund as catalytic. In its development, strong partnerships have been built. In its delivery, the project will bring the communication, coordination and implementing drive to ensure this partnership delivers to maximum impact – changing the lives and opportunities of girls and boys around the country,” said Sandra Baldwin, Acting Development Director, FCDO, British High Commission to Sierra Leone. “The project’s objectives are Government of Sierra Leone’s objectives – and they fully align with the UK Government’s position of supporting every girl to 12 years of quality education and reducing maternal and child mortality. As such, this project will be a focal point around which the UK’s continuing bi-lateral support to both health and education will be developed – complementing and amplifying efforts to ensure the collective sum is greater than all the parts.”

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Contacts:

World Bank: Moses A. Kargbo, +232 76 345930, mkargbo@worldbank.org.

For more information about the World Bank’s work in Sierra Leone visit: http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/sierraleone

European Union: N’Fa Alie Koroma, +232 76 741418, N’Fa-Alie.KOROMA@eeas.europa.eu

https://www.facebook.com/EUinSierraLeone/

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sierra-leone_en

https://Twitter.com/TomVensEU

Embassy of Ireland: Davida Macauley, Davida.macauley@dfa.ie

https://twitter.com/IrlEmbFreetown

@IrlEmbFreetown

FCDO/UKAID: Katie Hannam, katie.hannam@fcdo.gov.uk

https://www.facebook.com/ukinsierraleone

https://twitter.com/UKinSierraLeone

MBSSE: Mariama Wurie, +232 80 363318, mwurie@education.gov.sl

https://www.facebook.com/Ministry-of-Basic-and-Senior-Secondary-Education-SL-1410711375879238/

www.twitter.com/mariamawurie_

World Bank, Development Partners Sign Agreements to Support Education Sector Development in Sierra Leone

October 5, 2020