Dr. Denis Sandy is indeed one of the most efficient and effective Ministers in the New Direction Government of H.E. Julius Maada Bio. It is therefore pretty easy to understand why he is the subject of so much calculated vilification from the opposition.
If you are the Minister in charge of a Ministry which has a tradition of elevating corruption to the skies and you want to bring it down to earth, you have to be prepared to ruffle a lot of feathers. Dr. Sandy is not a man who hesitates to ruffle feathers. In fact you could say that he is a man who savours ruffling rough feathers that are soaked in sin!
However thick or colourful the wing of the corrupt this is one Minister who has the right clippers and he uses them to great effect. Minister Sandy can talk the language of Saints but he also knows when to stand up for the poor!!
From private individuals to public institutions, those who flout the laws of the LAND are never allowed an inch of space to stand on.
Before Minister Sandy took office, space was sacred and nothing was spared. Not private lands, not school grounds. Not even church land. Institutions like Fourah Bay College and Milton Margai had been partitioned and physically swallowed by Land Grabbers who never hesitated to butcher the ground and allot themselves large swaths, sometimes through the direct connivance of crooked officers who were supposed to protect the very spaces over which illegal sales they presided.
Now, it is a different story altogether. The field day is over and the Kapu Kapu ‘Kalabantay’ tactics has been shattered. Everywhere the crooks are crawling for cover as the rightful owners of lands long gobbled up are now getting back their long overdue dues in the most fair and transparent drive to restore sanity in a sector that had gone totally bunkers for so many decades.
You want to know about ‘a working day in the life of Minister Sandy’? Well, don’t go to his office!. For example on the 7th August 2020 ,like so many days, the man only went in there to align his administrative duties to his obligatory routine. Soon after the usual congregational prayers in which members of the Ministry piously participated, the Minister has just stepped out in front of the gates and he is heading for work outside of the office enclosure! Fortified with the Holy Spirit and filled with bliss, he stepped out in his usual confident style, tieless and coatless. Just one modest man navigating around the people he loves to serve!
And if you should stay with me as I tail this small convoy through the city and on to the nooks of the far-flung edges, together we may begin to understand why those who mean no good for Salone cannot stand the style of this pulsating bundle of sheer energy and drive.
He is breezing out of the gates now. Please follow me as I fly behind Minister Sandy into the many different plots of ‘Landing’ fields where passions are real and feelings are raw. The field where daring lies are documented and stamped with confident fakery and pretence is hard to detect. Just bring it on. Dr. Sandy handles it all with the calmness and dexterity of a post grad medical doctor as he surgically peels away the lie from the truth like a specialist trained to detect fraud and discover farce. On sorting out intractable land problems in Sierra Leone, Dr. Sandy is as good as gold!
Just on that day his very first act is to confiscate the signpost erected by SALHOC at Hill Station, by Al-Sheik drive, telling the management of SALHOC, in very clear terms, that that piece of land belongs to Government and that SALHOC has no authority to remove the signpost earlier erected by the Ministry of Lands. “Your business shouldn’t contradict my mandate”, was the summation of a firm straight lecture!
Before we know it, we are in Yams Farm where a group of professional Land grabbers have for long lorded it over that community. On hearing that Minister Sandy was on his way to assess the situation, the land grabbers disappeared and the documented owners are proud to come forward to affirm their claims. Everything is sorted, order is established and the community people are happy to go on with their lives.
Two hours down the line, we are at Crossing, just outside of Waterloo where another Land Grabber has quickly erected giant Roman Pillars on land that have been established by documented official investigations as belonging to someone else. These investigations were conducted by an expert committee comprising the Police and Ministry of Lands officers and the grabber reported to have been warned, several times in the past, to cease activities on the land but he ignored the warnings and went ahead with his plans.
What informs such wrong attitudes is the old corrupt practice that “once you build don, Nar talk normore Unu go talkan”.
But the players of that presumptuous game are now in trouble. There is a different referee in charge who is blowing the whistle very loudly on every single foul!
At York, there has been a long standing Land dispute between a pastor and stakeholders in that community. The Minister was determined that the case should end in satisfactory smiles for all. His mission here is not just to settle a land dispute but to heal a community and restore the spirit of unity amongst a people not known for quarrels. The mission is a resounding success! All sides support the terms of arbitration based on the legal provisions.
We are now in Tokeh an amazing coastline resort on the very edge of the peninsula. One of the most exquisite places in Sierra Leone.
Here family members have been reported to be at loggerheads for years, soiling the serene atmosphere of that otherwise wonderful community. Documents are presented and examined. There is constructive talk within the family and with the family. It takes long enough but it ends well enough!
It is 6:30pm. Still the working day is not finished for Dr. Sandy and his team. But I must leave them to go on because I need to go elsewhere.
And now I would have to leave you with this tinny situational snapshot: in a country where land ownership is so very contentious and where every square inch is fought over again and again, where highhanded corruption had been the strangulating order of things, where truth had been suffocated and rights confiscated, it is very refreshing to see a Minister taking his work into affected communities to right wrongs.
It is highly commendable to see a Land Minister with his boots firmly planted in the dusty ground!
Walton E. Gilpin, Managing Director Rokel Commercial Bank (SL). Limited
By Amin Kef Sesay
The Bank of Sierra Leone has approved the 2019 financial statements of the Rokel Commercial Bank and the report has revealed a colossal profit of Le79 Billion before tax. Perhaps, the most significant aspect of the report is the revelation that the bank has achieved positive retained earnings of Le966 Million which represents a significant leap from the Le46Billion negative retained earnings in 2018.
In simple terms, it means the bank now has excess and stable profit that has not only put it in a position to pay dividend to its shareholders but can also boast of extremely strong capital adequacy or depositor base. Clearly, with such a positive financial outlook, the Rokel Commercial Bank has taken off to become the financial institution it ought to be.
The report states that the banks’ investment in treasury bonds is in excess of Le800 Billion while its prudential statistics projects a very positive picture – accounting for only 3% of non-performing loans – meaning there is a very limited amount of non- performing loans whilst the number of performing loans has significantly increased. The Capital adequacy ratio increased to 55%, dwarfing a 15% target to guarantee among others, a daily cash liquidity of the bank.
With such an enviable growth trajectory occasioned by a robust and aggressive transformation programme initiated by the current management, the Rokel Commercial Bank is headed for unimaginable success in Sierra Leone’s financial sector. The bank is set to be fully automated with a state of the art IT infrastructure. This will essentially eradicate the time consuming paperwork to bring in efficiency in the day to day operations of the bank. Customer service has incredibly improved as was exemplified during a massive operation to pay over 29,000 beneficiaries of a NACSA safety net programme.
“Every subset of the bank was made to realize they have a role to play and I think that was how the magic started….we wanted to see how we can wake up the potentials within the institution and this was triggered by a new management…..our good knowledge of micro and macro credentials made us give new measurable targets to every division of the bank. We now have a coordinated approach to everything unlike previously when the bank worked in silos” said RCBank’s Managing Director, Dr Dayoh Gilpin.
On Friday 7th August 2020 Lusine Kallon ,Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs together with the Commissioners of NAYCOM, Thomas Ngolo Katta and Emerson Kamara received gifts from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone for the empowerment of young people.
Ambassador Hu Zhangliang said the “small token” is a gesture of their bilateral relationship with Sierra Leone and continued support to the Government.
He said the Embassy will continue to promote the social and economic development of Sierra Leone through their various programs, awarding of scholarships and short training courses that have benefited over 4000 Sierra Leoneans.
The Chinese Ambassador noted that young people are the future foundation of any country and should be involved in the country’s development. He noted that underdevelopment is the root cause of most violence in some countries across the globe.
The Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs called on the Embassy to support the sector in the development of the middle-level manpower through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.
He said most of the violent incidents that occur in the country are partly due to the high rate of unemployment, peer pressure, and other influences.
NAYCOM’s Commissioner Ngolo Katta thanked the Ambassador for the gesture which he said will be distributed to young people judiciously. He emphasized the need to develop TVET as he highlighted some of the Commission’s priority areas including a tech-hub at the Obasanjo Skills Acquisition Center.
He also said the Commission will be developing projects around alternative livelihoods for bike riders looking specifically for opportunities around agriculture.
The items received included T-shirts, caps, footballs, football vests, raincoats, African-style clothes, and 19 pieces Huawei cellphones.
Chief Executive Officer of the Jennifer Thompson Foundation, Jennifer Adeshola Thompson
By Foday Moriba Conteh
As the rape cases continue to rise in the country, the Jennifer Thompson Foundation, a non-profit organization has demanded justice for all rape victims in Sierra Leone, as the Foundation is primarily focusing on empowering Sierra Leonean women worldwide.
This medium was informed that the members of the Foundation have been working assiduously in furthering the interest of children in the country in order to live safely, enjoy and exercise their rights. The Foundation said it is currently calling on the Police Force to expedite the process of putting together evidences against alleged perpetrators of rape and other forms of Gender Based Violence in order to proceed with proffering charges against alleged perpetrators with the strong conviction that if such are achieved then justice will be quickly done to each and every rape victim.
This disclosure was made during an exclusive interview with the Chief Executive Officer of the Jennifer Thompson Foundation, Jennifer Adeshola Thompson, who is also recognized as a philanthropist.
Jennifer further intimated this medium that the Foundation is mainly focused on empowering women globally also highlighting that they are working in the interest of the Girl Child. She added that as a Foundation they are deeply concerned about the increase of reported sexual assault and rape cases in the country.
“In that regard we are therefore seeking justice by advocacy, using various Social Media platforms, mounting online sensitization and awareness campaigns in order to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions,” she intimated.
She lamented that even though a lot of efforts have been made to eradicate rape in the country, referencing the ‘Hands of Our Girls’ initiative and the enactment of the Sexual Offences Acts into strong laws to ensure that the perpetrators of rape face life imprisonment, however, domestic violence, abuse and rape are now frequently perpetrated.
Jennifer lauded the First Lady, Fatima Bio and all those who initiated and are popularizing the “Hands of Our Girls” sensitization campaigns, saying the initiative is truly shedding light on the worrisome scourge.
The Foundation’s CEO further revealed that their activism goes beyond influencing policies as it extends towards spreading the message across that disrespect against women and girls are inhumane and that her Foundation is deeply concerned with the sexual assaults and rape cases especially when the number of reported cases is increasingly reported. Jennifer stated that they are standing by the side of young girls in order to make sure that they are protected from sex predators.
She further stated that Sierra Leoneans are calling on the Government to continue to take all the necessary steps to see that the perpetrators face justice.
“We must continue to set examples, stand together and protect every woman and Girl Child. It is understandable that in as much as sometimes rape victims end up to die, however, even if the perpetrators are pronounced guilty that will not bring back the deceased to life which is why serious action, by way of punishment, must be instituted as that will send the right signals that rape is a heinous offence and those that perpetrate it must be ready to face the consequences for their dastardly acts,” she maintained.
She said recently there was an alleged rape of a five-year-old girl in Freetown for which their organization is appalled, concerned and therefore sent condolence messages to the family of the late child.
Jennifer also called on Child-led Organizations, Women Groups, Civil Society Organizations in Sierra Leone to offer solace and support to victims of rape and other gender based violent activities or actions.
She ended by applauding the Government of Sierra Leone for the establishment of the country’s first-ever Sexual Offences Model Court (SOMC) while saluting the great courage of survivors of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) stating that the Government also needs a sound national strategic plan on ending Gender Based Violence as well as the establishment of a forensic lab so that tests could be rapidly conducted and rape cases ascertained.
In this country, the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited is one business entity that has resiliently stood the test of time amidst daunting challenges that could have seen it vanish in thin air.
Indeed, it is incontestable that the company is impressively one of the most successful indigenous companies that have been progressively climbing the business ladder since its humble establishment by 35 Sierra Leoneans who bought shares from the Government out of their end of service benefits.
Through the mapping and rolling out of prudent business initiatives and competent managerial steering, NP-SL metamorphosed from an indigenous baby to a towering company whose landmarks could not be easily counted with the fingers. An evident testimony of the company’s visibility and viability could be seen in its functioning branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where the company is well established and providing qualitative customer care services to its numerous esteemed customers in those countries.
Besides trading in petroleum products, the company has been grossly contributing to economic growth through payment of taxes and churning out of meaningful gestures under the cover of its Corporate Social Responsibility that has been transforming lives and improving communities.
A demonstrable striking attribute is its commitment to ensure that petroleum products are always available and such has been preventing shortages that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for entering into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.
Very mindful of operating in a competitive space and dealing with people from various walks of life as well as private and public institutions, Management deems it befitting to put premium on enhanced customer care. For NP the customer is their number One Priority which is why it treats customers with kids’ gloves ensuring that they are availed opportunities and innovations geared towards making transactions easier and convenient.
The company has gained reputation for offering different jobs to Sierra Leoneans throughout the country where it is operating and this has helped in reducing stress and alleviating poverty.
It is a policy of the company that Sierra Leoneans must be given preference in terms of job opportunities which is a testament of the fact that the company is operating in sync with deepening the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local talents makes it possible to forestall financial flight as it usually obtains in situations where foreigners are employed to do jobs which indigenes can do better.
Apart from primarily dealing in petroleum products the company also offers the general public a convenient device for cooking purposes, which is the widely acclaimed NP Gas. It has been rated for its high speed precision, safer to use and above all environmental friendliness. NP Gas is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and could be purchased at all the company’s filling stations and authorized agents. The Gas to refill it can also be secured at Filling Stations.
Moving away from the traditional way of transacting business through using physical cash or chits, which at times lead to controversies, it was thought wise by the shareholders and Management to introduce the use of NP Smart Card. With these cards, customers do not need to have huge cash in their possession to procure petroleum products, which is of course risky. They could purchase any quantity of petroleum product based on how much they have in their smart cards and want.
“I have been enjoying purchasing petrol for my car through the use of my smart card because I have been doing so in terms of other transactions and so this one fits in,” Frank Kposowa, a Banker, frankly intimated noting that such is how developed countries operate within the business realm.
For its exceptional service delivery to numerous esteemed customers right across the country, the company has over the years gained accolades and recognitions evident in bagging awards from institutions.
Without shouting it from the rooftop, NP is undoubtedly a true Sierra Leonean pride.
If there are two institutions in this country that should be incessantly commended with regards supporting Youth Empowerment then the Africa Youth Voices (AYV) and Africell-Sierra Leone do deserve such. It is no gainsay that these two institutions, over the years, have tremendously and magnanimously extended humane gestures to boost sporting activities, the entertainment industry, incorporating young people as Brand Ambassadors, offered job opportunities and rolled out mapped out programmes that have seen growth in those sectors and help tap the innate and hidden talents that young people possess, make them become millionaires overnight ,promoted entrepreneurship and on and on.
Still within the realm of enhancing youth empowerment, these two institutions have again teamed up to stage or present Housemates Salone-Season 2 (2020), “The Last Standing Couple” with the theme ‘Quarantine Drama’ after bagging widespread thumps up for the successfully completion of Season 1 that was widely viewed in and out of the country.
It is indisputable that in any given society young people are key to any development process. They are energetic with fresh minds, are curious, always trying to discover new things and can serve as role models. Young people are contributing diversely towards nation building and their invaluable contributions in various spheres of life cannot be overemphasized. However, what these young people really need, talking in this context about the ambitious ones and not those who bask in laziness, crime, always building castles in the air, is POSITIVE EMPOWERMENT in order to sharpen their skills, improve or tap their potentials so that they could become very productive citizens in society.
This is exactly what AYV and Africell-SL have once again embarked upon by fusing entertainment and empowerment, which some may call ‘Edutainment’, via Housemates Salone-Season2. Twenty Housemates, staying under the same roof for 60 days, physically cut off from the rest of the world, socializing, learning useful skills like cooking, singing, going through trials on how to articulately express themselves in different situations, setting goals they want to achieve, learning how to resolve conflicts, playing games, swimming and so on will definitely transform them more than they were before.
Some may be tempted to just want to dismiss the aforementioned as things that are infinitesimal vis-à-vis youth empowerment but when we consider them critically, some of those attributes that will be imbibed by the Housemates will obviously contribute greatly in making them later on in life become successful and productive citizens that could positively impact the lives of other young people thereby leading to a healthier nation.
But let us look at it again from another perspective. The Housemates will be in the spotlight. People from near and far will come to know them. Such an exposure could create a situation wherein influential people would spot their talents and later decide to bring them on-board certain projects and the rest could be ‘heaven’s way’.
If we can go down memory lane, Kenchin Palmer was exposed during the Housemates Salone Season 1. As the winner of that competition, he bagged the covetous prize and because of his exposure, together with some stakeholders he was able to stage a show in London. He was signed as Brand Ambassador for the Sierra Juice Company in Freetown and now advertising the company’s products. Some of the other participants in that Show were earmarked to be casts in documentary films that try to bring out societal ills, especially those relating to young people with the aim of effecting change.
Besides, for the winner to bag the mouth-watering prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and to undertake a round trip to Dubai is really an opportunity many young people would like to achieve in life. For some, they would vow that bagging such money will make them never poor in life poor. As a matter of fact the winner will be empowered to such an extent that he or she will come up with a project to be rolled out that could impact the lives of other young people. In other words, the show will have a cascading effect.
As was stated by the pragmatic and result oriented Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AYV, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, who was recently recognized as one of the most reputable Africans out of one hundred African personalities assessed by Reputation Poll International, a leading global reputation management firm, during the closing courtesies of Big Sister Salone in 2018, “Big Sister is an amazing show which has brought a sense of direction and uplifting in the entertainment industry in Sierra Leone. The show has brought social cohesion and unity to Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad devoid of their political, cultural and other biases.”
He furthered, “I feel very proud to have provided this platform to give opportunity to our young women to rediscover their potentials and add meaning to their lives, and I wish on behalf of the entire team, to register our thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this success.”
Ambassador Navo continued, “Firstly, I would like to thank our amazing housemates- who have been true role models; we are proud of their great time in the House. They have demonstrated the true meaning of women’s empowerment. I appreciate that everyone is a winner and we stand ready to work with all the housemates on a long term basis beyond Big Sister and support them to achieve their dreams.”
Application forms are now available, going for a price of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Le150, 000) and could be paid for via Afrimoney and transaction IDs will be given to access the forms. It is advisable for those who have plans to secure forms to do so now as time is running out especially as it is anticipated that it is going to be a hotly contested show.
For interested participants in Sierra Leone, the number to access their forms is 088 201020 (Afrimoney number) and a ‘fast track’ for those in the diaspora is available on line. Interested persons can apply on line through Africell and AYV websites; do their videos and send them to the judges on line. Interviews will be conducted on line.
And for the benefit for those in the diaspora who may want to participate in the show they may contact the following www.africell.sl or www.ayvnews.com.
The closing date for receipt of all applications is the 21ST August 2020, and audition will take place in the first week of September. On 21st September 2020, auditions will close and 40 finalists will be chosen who will then battle for the final 20. The final 20 will go into the House on the 14th October 2020.
For voting through Africell network the lines or numbers will be announced or disclosed in due course.
Indeed, Housemates Salone-Season 2 is a solid platform that will create the space for Youth Empowerment as the participants as well as the entire nation stand to immensely benefit from the empowerment that it will impart.
Today, August 7th, we mark four years since the passing of Ambassador Gibril Santigie Moseray Fadika, fondly called ‘Super’, a remarkable journey of life completed, and a positive legacy that still inspires and motivates all of us.
Moseray Fadika was internationally recognised as Africa’s Global Icon, Business Magnate, Investor, and Philanthropist. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who touched as many lives as Moseray Fadika. He had a profound effect on people from all walks of life, and his outstanding work motivated and inspired a generation. His incredible work for humanity was cross-cutting and powerful.
Moseray Fadika’s inspirational work to help poor people walk their way out of poverty, his work for a prosperous, peaceful and United Sierra Leone permeates throughout the country and beyond. His ideals live on in the good deeds of ordinary people across the country –from the streets of Freetown to corners across the country. He was indeed a man of the people.
As Moseray Fadika said: ‘’We Are Born Poor. We Must Not Die Poor”. This powerful message has left a lasting impact. His memory, his work, and his beliefs live on in the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life and the global community, in people playing their part to make the world a better place for all of us, and for our children’s children.
EARLY LIFE AND FAMILY.
Moseray Fadika came from a humble background and said this of his childhood, ‘’I was born in poverty and struggled to pay my school fees. Despite these difficulties growing up as a child in Sierra Leone, I never lost hope, but continued in my efforts to seek a better life. I graduated from university and took an interest in business…’’
Moseray Fadika was born on the 25 of March 1963 at 23 Magazine Court Eastern, Sierra Leone. He is sixth in line in his family born to Alhaji Gibril Fadika and Haja Tigidankay Fadika with an extended family from around the world. Moseray Fadika married Mrs. Cathy Kadiatu Fadika and had three daughters: Tigidankay, Nancy and Marie.
Moseray Fadika was a man from humble beginnings and remained humble in his generosity and immense sense of national development.
DEVOTION TO GOD.
Moseray Fadika was a devoted Muslim. At a young age, Moseray Fadika built a mosque in his community where he was born. Despite being a Muslim, he was seen as a person of high religious tolerance as he supported people and institutions from all religions including Muslims and Christians alike. He helped churches and mosques in the country and Sub-Saharan Africa.
EDUCATION.
Moseray Fadika attended the Holy Trinity Primary School, and later enrolled at the St Edward’s Secondary School in Freetown.
He proceeded to the Victoria College in the Republic of Egypt where he furthered his education.
Moseray Fadika later traveled to the United States of America and attended the Washington International University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Diplomacy and a Master of Art Degree in Political Science.
BUSINESS MAGNATE.
Moseray Fadika was the Executive Chairman of Africa Minerals Limited (AML) Sierra Leone. He also served as Executive Director and Co-founder of the company; and Non-Executive Director of African Petroleum and Pan African Minerals Limited, with a cumulative investment portfolio of over 3.1 billion United States dollars, in Africa.
With promising investments in iron ore, oil and gas and related resources in nine West African countries including Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Cote D’ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Liberia and Niger; Moseray Fadika provided direct and indirect jobs to thousands of people including youth in the region.
Moseray Fadika served as the Vice Chairman of Shandong Steel Sierra Leone Limited, the company that took over AML. His companies contributed greatly in boosting Sierra Leone’s economy, and helped create employment opportunities for thousands of Sierra Leoneans.
SPORT AND CULTURE.
Moseray Fadika was a man of the game. He was a leader and big supporter of the East End Lions (EE Lions) Football Club. His love for football was well known and anyone connected to the game is keen to pay their respect to Moseray Fadika. Sports stakeholders described him as someone who came to move the country’s game forward because of his love for youth and the country.
Moseray Fadika’s outstanding contribution to humanity and sport inspired us all, and his legacy will continue to provide inspiration for generations to come. Moseray Fadika was remembered with a tribute at the opening of the Sierra Leone vs Ivory Coast match for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, held on the 3rd September 2016 in Bouake, Ivory Coast. The world of African football came together to pay special tribute to Moseray Fadika’s stunning legacy in sport.
Culturally, he was a major sponsor of the most popular entertaining annual PADDLE masquerade in the country which attracts Sierra Leoneans at home and aboard. He was also a big sponsor for many other cultural activities in Sierra Leone.
AWOL- ALL ‘WORKS’ OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION.
Moseray Fadika served as Chairman and later Godfather of AWOL- All ‘Works’ of Life Development Organisation. The organisation was formed in 2001, by a group of Sierra Leoneans from various walks of life; most of them returning from the Diaspora who wanted to contribute to the post-civil war national rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts,
Moseray Fadika supported the AWOL National Achievement Awards scheme and the first awards ceremony was held in December in 2002. The AWOL Award honours deserving individuals and organisations who are contributing their talents/resources for the enhancement of the common good.
Through AWOL, Moseray Fadika supported and empowered a lot of individuals and institutions including the Sierra Leone Movie Industry, the Entertainment industry, and sport, Friends of Super in Sierra Leone, Germany, UK, and Holland and across the world. Moseray Fadika invested millions of Leones in helping venerable children to access quality education in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels.
The current Chairman of AWOL, who is also the President of the African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and who was a very close confidant of Moseray Fadika, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr. said that he has lost a friend, brother, father and even referred to him as his own ‘Mandela. Ambassador Navo said he has been with Moseray Fadika for about two decades and their friendship has been solid as a rock. He said, “Moseray Fadika is my Mandela and life will not be the same without him (Super). He was a people’s person, very modest and down to earth. He taught us to be respectful and humble and that was why he was so successful in life.”
Ambassador Anthony Navo said three of them, including Lawyer Kweku Lisk have been together and ‘Super’ was like their father wherever they are. He said they were together always and that what Moseray Fadika achieved on planet earth will never be forgotten in a while.
ENTERING POLITICS.
Moseray Fadika aka ‘Super’ took his commitment and love for Sierra Leone to another level. Moseray Fadika threw his hat into the political ring and became the Lead Contender, and he was a Presidential Hopeful for the 2028 Sierra Leone Presidential elections.
Moseray Fadika entering into politics was a national call by Sierra Leoneans and he came with a clear vision to help the country with his slogan “WE ARE BORN POOR. WE MUST NOT DIE POOR”. Moseray Fadika was committed to promoting better governance in Africa, and strengthening the capacities of people and communities to achieve a fairer and a more peaceful world.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION.
For graciously and profoundly touching the lives of many and selfless service to humanity, Moseray Fadika received several national and international awards. He was internationally commended for his outstanding leadership and service to the people of Africa.
Moseray Fadika was among the few Sierra Leoneans/Africans to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone at the Commonwealth Memorial during the 2016 Commonwealth Africa Summit in London and also attended the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London, on the invitation of her Majesty the Queen of England.
ORDER OF THE ROKEL AWARD: Moseray Fadika received The Order of the Rokel, a state award reserved for high achieving individuals in Sierra Leone and people who have immensely contributed to nation building. Moseray Fadika received awards from two Presidents of Sierra Leone including President Ahmed Tejan Kabba, and President Ernest Bai Koroma.
THE AFRICA ECONOMY BUILDERS AWARD 2014: Moseray Fadika, was amongst foremost entrepreneurs in Africa and other distinguished regional and global figures, who received the Africa Economy Builders Award – 2014.
CIVITAN AWARD: Moseray Fadika was recognised and awarded with the coveted ‘Civitan’ Award. That honour was for being one of the best builders of the continent’s economy; his exemplary good citizenship and dedication; and his immense contributions to individuals and communities across Sierra Leone. Civitan, a US based charity and an international organisation with a worldwide mission to build good citizenship and is dedicated to serving individuals’ and community needs, with emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities.
COMMONWEALTH AFRICA GOODWILL AMBASSADOR: Moseray Fadika was appointed as the first Goodwill and Business Ambassador for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative in London 2016 and presented with an international award for outstanding leadership and service to the people of Africa. The summit brought together world leaders and personalities from across the 53 Commonwealth countries.
Among those who attended the Summit were Presidents, former presidents, ministers, High Commissioners, Members of Parliament, policy-makers, representatives of the private sector, civil society, diaspora organisations, youth groups, Commonwealth agencies, academia, celebrities and the media. Ambassador Fadika’s appointment was announced by the former president of Nigeria – Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the Co-chair of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, alongside Dr. Caroline Harper OBE and Baroness Flather. It was expected that Ambassador Fadika will be a critical voice for the Commonwealth Africa Initiative, in advancing Africa’s agenda in the Commonwealth and globally.
CIVIC FUNERAL AND STATUE FOR MOSERAY FADIKA
Moseray Fadika passed away at a hospital in London. He had arrived in the United Kingdom for a series of meetings, to engage people in diaspora and promote sustainable development in Sierra Leone/Africa.
Moseray Fadika received national honour and was accorded a civic funeral. A statue of Moseray Fadika was erected along Fourah Bay Road, in front of PCMH (Cottage Hospital) east of Freetown, in memory and tribute for his service to the people of Sierra Leone.
The statue was unveiled by the then President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma. This was supported by Moseray Fadika’s wife, his children, family and friends.
KEEPING MOSERAY FADIKA’S LEGACY ALIVE THROUGH THE MOSERAY FADIKA TRUST FOUNDATION.
Moseray Fadika is missed by many people from around the world for his incredible humanitarian work, and love for his people and country. Moseray Fadika invested a lot of his money in businesses which placed a high priority on the welfare of poor people, and despite running large companies across Africa, he also dedicated a lot of time to helping those less privileged in local communities across Sierra Leone and globally.
Moseray Fadika’s generosity and kindness are legendary and unquantifiable, he created jobs and supported thousands of Sierra Leoneans across the world, providing scholarships for pupils and students in schools and university, liberal contribution to the Hajj community.
In a speech in London to Sierra Leoneans from across the world, Moseray Fadika said he was committed to championing the cause of eradicating extreme poverty and creating millions of jobs, support education, health in Sierra Leone.
To advance his charitable work, Moseray Fadika established the Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation. The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation’s commitment, like that of the founder, Moseray Fadika, and the movement he spearheaded, is to contribute to the making of a just society that engages and empowers young people, listens to them, and help them work their way out of poverty.
The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation is mandated to promote Moseray Fadika’s legacy and work by delivering sustainable development programmes and creating platforms for engagement around critical issues to eradicate poverty, create jobs, empower young men and women, advance education and health, and promote social justice.
Since the passing of Moseray Fadika, and with support from his wife, children and trustees, the Moseray Fadika Trust, have embarked on several activities in ensuring that the legacy of Moseray Fadika lives on. The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation has engaged people from all walks of life, both in Sierra Leone and internationally, committed to this non-profit organisation dedicated to keeping Moseray Fadika’s legacy alive. The organisation is also understood to have international development experts as its strategic partners including the international humanitarian Mr Messeh Leone.
In partnership with the international organisation- Waves For Change based in South Africa, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, National Tourist Board, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation currently runs the Aberdeen Surf Therapy programme, working with children and youth between the ages of 10 to 18 on a weekly basis at the Aberdeen beach community and as well as supporting other local communities. These young people are exposed to some social, economic and environmental challenges.
The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation provides a safe space, caring mentors, fun activities, copying and lifelong skills, and uses an evidence-based surf therapy programme to support these young people to become bold, confident, and positive role models in their community as well as being able to overcome challenges in their life and have good mental health.
The Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation continues to deliver important work in local communities; albeit this is not reported in the media. It is understood that trustees are keen to respect the privacy of the family and protect the legacy of Moseray Fadika, while quietly focusing on helping people in the communities.
Moseray Fadika has left people from all walks of life — in Sierra Leone and from around the world — an incredible legacy of peace, love, unity, support for the poor. To the people of Sierra Leone, and his family we thank you for sharing Super with the rest of the world.
We stand with you today in prayers, remembrance and, in honouring the legacy of this great man, to be remembered as a great human being, a real person, Africa’s Global Icon who helped changed many lives – and that makes him our beloved global citizen.
May His soul rest in perfect and eternal peace! Amin/Amen.
Freetown, 7th August 2020.
By the Salone Messenger
This work was compiled by Sallu Kamuskay from the Salone Messenger, with references from AYV Media Empire and the Moseray Fadika Trust Foundation media platforms.
Appeal’s Court Judge, Justice Alhaji Momo-Jah Stevens has sentenced one 38-year-old commercial bike rider, Morlai Turay, for sexually penetrating a 15-year-old pupil. This is the first ruling since the official commencement of the Sexual Offences Model Court last week.
According to the particulars of offence, the convict on an unknown date in July, 2020 in Freetown engaged in an act of Sexual Penetration with Mabinty Kanu (not real name), a 12-year-old-pupil contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012, No. 12 of 2012.
In her evidence, the victim said she recognized the convict residing in the same community. She said sometime in July, she was sent by her Aunt to collect a pan when she met the convict who confronted her at a nearby gutter at Patton Street around 8:00pm.
“She called me and forcefully pushed me in a gutter and removed my pants,” she explained in tears, adding that, “I screamed loudly but he threatened to kill me if I didn’t keep quiet so I kept quiet whilst he sexually penetrated me.”
She explained that she later saw blood oozing down her legs. Within the process, she continued, she later overheard her Aunt who came in search of her. She said she was told by the convict to use another route to home and she complied in tears. According to her, her Aunty later came and questioned her.
“I was in panick and fear so I told my Aunty that I fell in a very deep gutter,” the victim added and stressed that, “My Aunt later saw the blood and noticed I had been sexually penetrated and the matter was reported to the Family Support Unit, Eastern Police Station.”
According to the Medical Report, “the hymen was completely ruptured and there was copious offensive yellowish discharge in the vagina.”
In his ruling, the Court of Appeal’s Judge, Justice Alhaji Momo-Jah Stevens said the accused is guilty as charged and he has also asked for mercy. He therefore sentenced Morlai Turay to 15 years imprisonment.
By Manal Ghazzawi, BPharm (Hons), PharmD, FPCP, MPH
Hepatitis B is claiming lives of Sierra Leoneans, it is becoming a public health problem. Already it is a global health concern. Globally 350-400 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (defined as hepatitis B surface antigen positive for at least 6 months). Worldwide, more than 686,000 people die every year due to complications of hepatitis B, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Though data does not exist to verify this, Sierra Leone has a higher prevalence of hepatitis B than C. Due to the paucity of research in Sierra Leone, we do not know the current prevalence of hepatitis B in the country. However few statistics exist for different population groups; for children affected with hepatitis B ranges between 1.3% – 1.6%, health care workers 8.7%, pregnant females 11.3% and blood donors at Connaught hospital 15.2%.
During my training as a clinical pharmacist, I came across many patients infected with the virus at the Joint Medical Unit within the military hospital. To make matters worse most of these patients are co- infected with HIV. Adding more burden to the disease, because they will have to deal with the side effects of their drugs, and debilitating symptoms of both diseases. Statistics in Sierra Leone has confirmed, that up to 22% of those infected with hepatitis B are also living with HIV/AIDs.
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is transmitted through blood and body fluids such as vaginal fluids and semen. Hence, it is transmitted through sex, sharing of contaminated sharp object (needles, razors e.t.c), blood transfusion, and mother to child during birth. There is not much evidence to show whether it is transmitted by sweat or sharing of kitchen utensils or even by kissing. The hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body for at least 7 days. During this time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the body of a person who is not protected by the vaccine.
The incubation period of the hepatitis B virus is 75 days on average but can vary from 30 to 180 days. Due to the long incubation period, it is possible for an infected individual to be spreading the disease because he/she is asymptomatic. This is how the virus might be spreading at a faster rate, among many other factors. The virus may be detected within 30 to 60 days after infection and can persist and develop into chronic hepatitis B after 6 months.
People at risk of developing hepatitis B are:
Infants born to infected mothers
Sex partners of infected persons
Persons with multiple sex partners
Persons with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Men who have sex with men
Injection drug users
Household contacts of infected persons
Healthcare and public safety workers exposed to blood on the job
Hemodialysis patients
Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled persons
Travelers to regions with intermediate or high rates of Hepatitis B (HBsAg prevalence of ≥2%)
Signs and Symptoms:
Fever
Loss of appetite
Muscle pain and joint pain
Upper right abdominal pain
Dark urine
Clay colored stool
Complications of chronic active hepatitis include chronic liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B infection continues to rise among Sierra Leoneans and will continue to rise if precautionary measures are not taken among already infected patients and uninfected individuals. Also, some health facilities misdiagnose the infection on clinical grounds for malaria and typhoid since these infections manifest mimicking symptoms like fever, malaise, joint pain, loss of appetite etc. This translates into infected patients being treated wrongly with antimalarial agents, IV fluids and antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance, increased cost for patient, and reduced quality of life.
Consistent misdiagnosis of this infection will lead to increased viral load, causing chronic infective hepatitis B with symptoms showing early or late signs of liver damage. The national hepatitis task force, has formulated a treatment guideline in the management of viral Hepatitis (VH). Until that guideline is released to all health care facilities in the country, it is important that most health care workers educate themselves about prevention and proper management of VH, instead of over prescribing antiviral drugs when it is not needed and when they are not authorized to do so.
I cannot overemphasize the fact that not all those infected with the virus need an antiviral medication. I advise the public to seek the right health care advice, from specialists before accepting treatment not only for hepatitis but for any other disease.
For clinicians to decide whether to commence therapy or not, certain diagnostic criteria according to international guidelines must be met. Diagnostic tests such as liver function tests and identification of stage of the hepatitis B infection are available in Sierra Leone (but not easily accessible at all public hospitals nationwide).
More sophisticated tests like viral load determination, which is a diagnostic criterion in the management of hepatitis B is provided by a private facility, which costs about $160. This is nerve wrecking for people who cannot afford it and might need more than 3 months of their salary to pay for that. Thanks to Partners in Health at the Koidu Government hospital which is offering tremendous support in diagnosis and management for free.
Hepatitis B can only be managed but not curable. Those that are lucky with a strong immune system, can get infected and clear the virus completely and recover. Supportive treatment is only required for managing acute hepatitis B infection. Less than 4% of those infected become chronic, within this 4% some will become immune tolerant or have inactive chronic infection without evidence of active disease, hence asymptomatic and can be non-infectious. Those with chronic active infection can have symptoms of liver disease which is treated with antiviral medications to suppress viral load and disease progression. Patients infected with this virus should continue to eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid drinking alcohol and drugs that are toxic to the liver.
The best way to prevent hepatitis is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is not widely available and affordable, but can be accessible at some facilities, especially in Freetown. For those that cannot afford buying the vaccine, the best they could do, to stay out of trouble is sticking with one partner, use of condoms during sex, avoid sharing of sharp objects and blood transfusion from unscreened blood.
Introduction of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine for all babies have been introduced in many countries including Africa. China CDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) is to implement that in Sierra Leone. However, the MOHS already provides HBV vaccine which is included in the pentavalent vaccine given at 6th, 10th and 14th week of a baby’s life.
Adoption of the birth dose is part of the global elimination strategy, to prevent mother-to-child transmission where a baby needs to be vaccinated within 12-24 hrs. This strategy is particularly important in prevention of new infections, because 90% of babies born from infected mothers will develop chronic hepatitis B which eventually could lead to liver cancer at their adult age.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) needs to have a Viral Hepatitis (VH) elimination action plan where its focus is on 4 main goals:
Goal 1: To prevent new viral hepatitis infections, through awareness raising, capacity building of HCWs, address data gaps through surveillance, preventive for vulnerable groups,
Goal 2: Reduce deaths and improve the health of people living with VH by swift identification of those infected with VH. Improved access to quality care and treatment among those infected with VH, those coinfected with HIV/AIDS and intravenous drug users,
Goal 3: Reduce VH health disparities by partnering with and educating priority populations and their communities about viral hepatitis and the benefits of available prevention, care, and treatment.
Goal 4: Coordinate, monitor, and report on implementation of VH activities by strengthening timely availability and use of data.
Government and private health facilities should be able to provide more sophisticated laboratory investigations, which will aid in the proper management of Hepatitis B in Sierra Leone. Moreover, all health professionals should be dedicated to educating the public by increasing awareness about the disease and its prevention.
This is not only Government’s fight, but all of us, it takes the support and commitment of a broad mix of stakeholders i.e. the scientific community, community leaders, policy makers and the private sector. It is amazing how our national collective effort can create a massive impact towards elimination of VH by 2030.
A training for Chairpersons, Deputies and Committee Clerks on the need for effective and efficient Parliamentary Oversight on Wednesday 5th August 2020 at the State Hall of Parliament Building.
Giving his keynote address, the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu thanked the Leader of Government Business and the Clerk of Parliament for the training programme, adding that the greater part of parliamentary work is done at Committee level and urged MPs to take their oversight function very seriously.
He said the Executive is accountable and answerable to Parliament and Parliament in turn is answerable to the people and recalled the 80 percent attrition rate in the last election to Parliament largely due to dual citizenship and likely poor performance on oversight.
The Speaker said that all over the world parliamentary practices and procedures are hinged on effective monitoring of the work of the executive. Speaking on the need for the provision of adequate funding to Parliament for oversight, he decried the idea of Parliament receiving support to do oversight from the very institutions it is supposed to oversee to ensure the judicious use of funds for the development of the country.
Hon. Speaker also congratulated MPs for the work they are doing, but cautioned that it should be done in a manner devoid of friendship and other considerations. He emphasized that Parliaments are rated all over the world on certain benchmarks including robust oversight engagements for development of those countries.
In his statement, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas said that Parliament has three major responsibilities including legislation, representation and oversight. He praised the Leadership of Parliament for the smooth running of the business of the House. He also said that Parliament must be respected by other branches of Government and re-echoed the need for checks and balances so as to enable Parliament and the other arms of Government to effectively perform its oversight role.
The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma said that it is the vision of the Leadership of Parliament to ensure that Chairpersons and Deputies have detailed information about their work. He said that all Committees this time round would undertake oversight in order to effectively hold the Executive to account; and encouraged MPs and Clerks to work amicably in view of responsibility and respectability for the advancement of the House and development of the country. He promised that necessary support would be given to Committees in the course of discharging their oversight duties.
The Main Opposition Leader in Parliament, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah agreed with earlier submissions by Leaders aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight. He encouraged MPs to take their committee work very seriously by attending its sittings as well as the plenary. He also called on MPs and staff to respect each other for the smooth and effective running of the House. Speaking on transparency and accountability, he called on the Ministry of Finance to provide adequate funds to Parliament to carry out her oversight function to meet the expectations of the people; adding Committees should synergize their oversight work by holding joint hearings with the ultimate aim of achieving their objectives.
On his part, the Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said he is delighted to have a say in the training session for Chairmen, Deputies and Committee Clerks. He said an effective planning process is a major task in the operational work of Committees and registered his support by commending the Leadership of Parliament for this laudable initiative geared towards strengthening the oversight muscles of Parliament.
The Clerk of Parliament, Hon. Paran Umar Tarawally acknowledged that this time round the work of Committees would be effectively carried out with support from Parliament as 80 percent of its work is done through oversight.
The Deputy Director of Public Relations, Sheku Lamin Turay moderated the programme and Julius Moriba Songa, Acting Director, Department of Committees called the training session to order.
Following the various presentations to strengthen oversight in Parliament, questions and answers by MPs and Staff present climaxed the day’s training after the House had reconstituted its Committees in the third session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone.
