Angels to Angels Doles out Radio Sets &Facemasks to Girls in Examination Classes

August 5, 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their contributions towards the development of the Girl Child in the country and in order to complement the Government’s Free Quality Education Initiative, Angels to Angels-Sierra Leone (A2A) a U.S based non-profitable organization initiated by a group of visionary women with the aim of improving educational opportunity for girls in Sierra Leone, has on Saturday 1^st August, 2020 donated Radio sets and Facemasks to 35 Girls who are examination candidates (NPSE, BECE, WASSCE) within the Freetown Municipality. The donation took place at Biz Bazaar in the East End of Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, National Coordinator of Angels to Angels, Saidu Sankoh, revealed that the donation of the radio sets and facemasks to these girls was geared towards supporting them to benefit from the Government Radio Teaching program which was instituted by the Government with technical support from UNFPA as a direct response to the COVID-19 outbreak which led to the closure of schools.

He said as an organization, working in the interest of the Girl Child, they thought it fit to make the donation of radio sets on behalf of their Founder and the Board members of the organization furthering how they are doing so with the strong belief that such could be helpful to the children especially at this decisive moment.

He revealed that many children in Sierra Leone are not benefiting from the Radio Teaching Program because they don’t have access to radio sets adding that with these radio sets they can now benefit from the Radio Teaching Programme which will prepare them for their examinations.

Saidu Sankoh disclosed that as the country is still battling with the coronavirus they are also donating facemasks to these girls in order to prevent themselves from contracting COVID-19.

He urged them to make good use of these radio sets further admonishing them to adhere to all the precautionary measures that the Government and its partners have put in place also underscoring that it is only when strict adherence is maintained that we could stay safe.

Moseray Beahbum, a SSS 3 pupil of St. Joseph Secondary School, who happens to be one of the beneficiaries, showered praises on Angels to Angels for the kind gesture which she described as a timely intervention as they are currently preparing for their eternal examinations.

She admonished other pupils to see this as an opportunity in order to benefit for the Radio Teaching Program.

Moseray also encouraged them to use the facemasks in order to prevent themselves and their families from contacting COVID-19 and also adhere to all the precautionary measures that the Government and its partners have put in place in order to curtail the spared of COVID-19.

NP (SL) Ltd: Marketing Champion of Petroleum Products

August 5, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Institutions are either made thriving entities or dysfunctional by individuals who are charged with the responsibilities of managing them. Human beings by nature have the tendency to always bask in the achievements of institutions or business entities they manage thereby making them lackadaisical in the way and manner they run them sometimes with dire consequences. With the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP (SL) Ltd) it is a different narrative as any win or gain scored becomes a motivating factor to climb further higher heights.

It is indeed on record that one of the most successful business entities that are making serious headway within the business landscape is incontestably the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) which has been in operations now for considerable period of time. By all estimation it is a successful business enterprise whose success could be measured from the point of view that it started humbly only in Sierra Leone but today could boast of having branches within the West African sub-region in places like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In all these countries, the National Petroleum Company stands tall and is rated high among other competing oil marketing companies for its excellent service delivery and the keen attention paid towards optimising customer care.

Formed years back by 35 committed and dedicated Sierra Leoneans it is a private entity that deals in petroleum products, buying whole sale and retailing them at their various Filling Stations right across the country and even beyond. Through hard work, prudent business management applications the company kick-started on a fine footing and with time turned out to become a very a gigantic enterprise that has so far contributed positively ,on various fronts, to the socio-economic development of the country and it is still doing so excellently.

The pro-activeness of the company vis-à-vis its importation and distribution of petroleum products cannot be overemphasized as such is done in a timely manner which has ensured that for a very long period of time now there has not been any form of shortage and even when such is imminent the company steps in robustly to address such in collaboration with its partners. This unique attribute that the company possesses has earned it respect and lured many to it which is one of the underlying reasons why NP’s customer base keeps soaring although there is much to be desired for.

Naturally, people like to conduct business transactions with entities that are trustworthy and in that regard the company has made its mark. The name of the company is really synonymous with 1^st For Customer Care which is not merely dressing itself in borrowed robes but has been recognized by reputable organizations that have bestowed on it prestigious awards for outstanding performances within stipulated periods.

Putting the company’s customer care excellence in perspective, the company is on record for dealing with its numerous customers in a very transparent manner which is why modern calibrated pumping machines were installed at the company’s Filling Stations displaying the quantity of fuel required as well as the price. These sophisticated modern machines have been instilling confidence in customers that they are doing business with a very open company devoid of playing games that will cheat them in order to amass as much profits. When customers have such an optimal satisfaction coupled with being treated courteously by the company’s employees then it is obvious that they will stay glued.

In order to be on top of situation, the company thought it very prudent to factor the concerns and suggestions of members of the public into its decision-making processes and such have effectively guided NP-SL Ltd to make the right choices that have helped it in its development.

Going further to give maximum convenience NP-SL Ltd introduced the use of NP Smart Card which is a latest technological gadget or device that customers can use, through financially topping up, to procure the aspired quantity of petroleum products on any working day thus making it possible to get fuel in a quick way without going through the hassle of having to wait in long queues. With this latest device one is assured of having one’s fuel on Smart Card.

Many have attested that they find using NP Gas very convenient saying it is environmentally friendly, quick and could be refilled with gas that could be bought from the company. Manufactured in various cylinders this modern cooking device could be secured at the various NP Filling stations across the country and they are going at affordable prices that can fit the pockets of many households and institutions. Those who are using it recommended it as a very useful household gadget underscoring that there will be no regrets procuring one.

In the area of enhancing the Local Content Policy it is hard to come across a company like NP-SL Ltd that is effectively doing so. This could be justified by pointing out that the company has made it a hard and fast rule that as long as there are competent Sierra Leoneans capable of performing certain tasks then they should be given priority in terms of employment opportunities instead of bringing on board foreigners who at the end of the day move out of the country with large amounts of money creating economic dislocations.

From all indications NP-SL Ltd is a very successful business entity although it is not all smooth riding as there are challenges to be overcome. However, despite all the successes scored over the years the company has not become complacent by basking in them. Rather it is poised as always to continue to climb higher heights.

Housemates Salone Season 2: Set to Change the Face of the Entertainment Industry

August 5, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The official launching of Housemates Salone Season 2 (2020) by Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, at the prestigious Lagoonda Complex in Aberdeen on the 30^th July 2020 would not have come at any other better moment than the time it took place.

Without crying it loud, it is well known that we are in the midst of combating the deadly coronavirus which unprecedentedly engulfed the entire universe wrecking serious economic dislocations. Every aspect of life has been affected not even sparing the entertainment industry.

Preventive and restrictive measures placed by the World Health Organization and Governments, one of which is restraining access to entertainment or social events in order to promote social distancing have made life quite a little bit boring and monotonous.

For a country like Sierra Leone, the advent of the coronavirus seriously dented the tourism sector, which before the virus began to spread was growing exponentially and offered the beacon of hope of becoming a prime source of earning foreign exchange. Watching live football matches, another primary way from which most Sierra Leoneans derived entertainment has become an impossibility due to the restriction that has to do with avoiding body contacts. Though we have seen certain relaxations of some of these restrictive measures yet the ban on sporting and entertainment activities are still in place until such a time when the experts would advise otherwise that they must be lifted.

It is within this kind of scenario, when life seems to be dull and uninteresting, that two great institutions, Africell-Sierra Leone and the Africa Young Voices (AYV) again teamed up and decided to come together to stage Housemates Salone Season 2 after a successful Season 1 which was widely viewed in and out of the country and bagged a lot of commendation far and wide for the way it was properly organized.

Housemates Salone Season 2 (2020), “The Last Standing Couple” with the theme ‘Quarantine Drama’ is really very apt as the show is going to avail viewers the opportunity to reduce all the stress brought about as a result of the marauding coronavirus . As a matter of fact, from what have been heard so far, this year’s show is going to be spectacular and superb as it will have people glued to their TV screens or android phones just to focus on watching the show, which will be broadcast live on a 24hours basis on AYV Channel 34.

In as much as the tourism sector has somehow contracted, the Reality TV show will once more put Sierra Leone in the spotlight and as well further expose it to the outside world. It will also, in one way or the other, help to promote the adherence to Stay Home, Stay Safe within the context of social distancing as more and more people get interested with the strong urge to keenly watch as the show progresses.

This year’s show is indeed going to be bigger, juicy, more entertaining and fantastic as the twenty (20) contestants who will finally make it to the House would have to “competitively battle” it out or try to woo the support of viewers who have the ultimate prerogative to vote for the Housemates of their choices out of the conviction that those they vote for truly deserve their votes. However, the biggest focus and yearning on the part of the contestants will be to emerge the victorious winner in order to grab the Le 250 million Leones prize and a round trip to Dubai. The big dream also, is to emerge as a star and a role model who would have already gain national and international recognition.

Reality TV Show is quite new in this country but seemingly it has now become part of our social fabric as it gains popularity and currency. A Reality TV Show depicts actions of people close to life situation. In other words, it shows natural life and interaction of an isolated group of characters in a particular setting in a situation that develops freely without any predetermined script. A viewer is convinced that he or she is witnessing real scenes of life.

Without any gainsay, Housemates Salone Season 2 (2020) is going to be part of the process of changing the face of entertainment in the nation. Participants will obviously come from various parts of the country just to be on-board as was the case with Season 1 and even the disable are eligible to qualify. In this country it has been identified as a conduit for youth empowerment.

The physical beauty and sex appeal of the contestants, especially female contestants, could be projected during the show. There is the tendency that the show will enhance the appearance of the participants, especially female participants, their beauty through which popularity could be derived.

It is also obvious that the show will reveal inappropriate behaviour with peer groups often promoting interpersonal drama, aggression and bullying. The expression of relational aggression between females seen across several reality shows gives girls the idea that gossiping is a normal part of a female relationship that it’s in girls’ natures to be divisive and competitive with one another, and that being mean earns respect and is often necessary to get what you want.

Housemates Salone Season 2 will serve as a good platform for parents to critically learn about the behaviours of their children, as they are mirrored, accept that it is natural in the way they are behaving out of which approaches could be mapped out as to how to react to errant behaviours.

The overarching advantage of having such a show organized is the mere fact that it helps in the area of youth empowerment. Contestants are availed the opportunity to learn and display how to verbally express themselves, to socialize, get used to do certain chores like cooking ,singing, dress as well as other etiquettes and coping mechanisms.

As a matter of fact, as the Show progresses the Housemates will be visited by officials from certain corporate institutions or business enterprises who will explain to them about different products and brands which will surely as well as broaden their knowledge horizons. Besides, they will be financially empowered because, apart from the winner bagging the covetous Le250 Million prize money, for each day a contestant stays in the House, he or she earns Le100, 000 which cumulatively will be handed over to him or her whenever evicted from the House. It goes without saying that after coming out of the House their lives will never be the same again.

On the other hand, the show will provide the platform for interested corporate institutions to showcase their products through advertisements. Taking into consideration the fact that AYV Television has a wider viewership in and out of the country, such is an opportunity many corporate institutions could not afford to miss.

From what has so far been gathered, Africell the leading telecommunications company in the country, with an improved network and a wider subscriber base will enable many viewers cum followers to be able to vote as it is through their network that voting will be done and the link will soon be made available.

Without any form of gainsaying, Africell-SL and AYV has again taken the bold step to come forward and take the entertainment industry to another level with the launching of Housemates Salone Season 2, 2020.

With the intervention of these two corporate institutions, ambitious young and confident young Sierra Leoneans now have at their doorsteps a golden opportunity to participate and emerge victorious in a once in the year Reality TV Show set to commence on the 14^th October 2020.

As it is currently slated, the closing date for receipt of all applications is 21^STAugust 2020 and audition will take place in the first week of September. After three weeks, audition 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 14^th October 2020.

Forms are now going for Le150, 000 and all application forms could be paid for via Afrimoney. 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.

As far as the outcome of a random survey revealed, Sierra Leoneans are now eagerly looking forward to be the lucky contestants after the audition as well as to watch what is expected to be the most popular to-be watched show internally and externally.

What, however, is quite definite and certain is that Housemates Salone Season 2 will obviously elicit a lot of discussions and gossips in many quarters; homes, workplaces, business places, ataya bases, taxi, poda-podas and generate arguments provoked by the performances of the mates in the House.

Amb. Maria E. Brewer Awarded Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone

August 3, 2020

United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria E. Brewer

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Thursday 30 July 2020 President Julius Maada Bio conferred and presented the Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone Award to the United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Maria E. Brewer for her role in solidifying the bond of history, culture, and friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Sierra Leone.

According to the citation, the US Ambassador was honoured for her exemplary role in fostering democracy and good governance, building resilience in national institutions, supporting disaster preparedness and management, enhancing human capital development especially through the education and health sectors, improving energy access, promoting women’s empowerment in Sierra Leone.

Receiving the award, Ambassador Brewer, who arrived in Sierra Leone in 2017, said that she was honoured and humbled by the ceremony, saying that she truly loves Sierra Leone and was glad that her love had been received so well.

While accepting the honour, she also recognised the work of her colleagues who had supported her over the years and spoke of the friendship between the two nations.

Stakeholders Consultative Forum On Proposed Cyber Security Bill Ends

August 3, 2020

Mohamed Rado Swarray, Minister of Information and Communications

By Bampia James Bundu

A Stakeholders Consultative Forum on the proposed Cyber Security Bill organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications on Thursday, 30th July 2020 at the Country Lodge in Freetown has come to an end.

The Chairperson of the program, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Madam Mamadi Gobeh-Kamara, underscored the significance of the Cyber Crime Bill, saying it touches on almost all aspects of transactions and activities involving the Cyberspace.

While maintaining that every action and reaction in the Cyberspace has some legal and Cyber angles, she noted that the forum will give stakeholders the opportunity to evaluate the draft bill before it is deliberated on by Parliament.

She appealed to all present to treat the proposed bill with the seriousness it deserves.

Speaking on behalf of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, a member of the Information and Communications Committee, Hon. Boston Munda, expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the Minister of Information and his team for putting together such a wonderful document and also organizing the consultative and validation forum.

He assured that as a member of the Committee on Information and Communications, they will give the necessary support to the Ministry for the proposed bill to become law.

Speaking on behalf of the main opposition APC, Hon. Abdul Kargbo pledged their commitment to ensuring that the document is given the required attention once it is brought before them in Parliament, calling for the bill to be in tandem with other Cyber laws in the sub-region.

In her address, the Chairperson of NATCOM, Madam Madiana Samba, expressed appreciation to the Minister of Information and his team for their efforts made so far in ensuring that there is sanity in the Cyberspace.

She stated that the issues of Cyber Security and Cyber Crime are treated seriously globally and stressed that it is very important as a nation to have a law that will regulate Cyber issues.

Madam Samba appealed to stakeholders to go through the proposed bill line by line and make their inputs so that it can stand the test of time once enacted into law.

“The significance of this national engagement is to set standards and controls to govern the actions of people in private and public. It is also aimed at addressing the issues that affect order & good governance,” she underscored.

In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, said the stakeholders’ consultative meeting seeks to build a consensus on the draft Cyber Security Bill which the Ministry had worked with the Office of the Attorney General and the Law Officers Department to draft.

He urged the stakeholders present to fearlessly debate the proposed bill and ask the tough, right questions that will enrich the debate and enhance the potency of the proposed law to address current and emerging challenges facing the country in the Cyberspace.

Minister Swaray entreated all to support the Ministry towards enacting the proposed bill in Parliament.

A Power Point presentation of the draft Cyber Security Bill was done by the Director of Communications in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mohamed M. Jalloh, followed by discussions before drawing down the curtains to end the fruitful one-day engagement.

New Mines Minister & Five Other Nominees Approved by Parliament

August 3, 2020

Musa Timothy Kabba-Minister , Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources

By Amin Kef Sesay

Six Presidential appointees were approved on Thursday 30th July 2020 by Parliament after members debated the Fourth Report of the Third Session of its Committee on Appointments and Public Service, chaired by the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma.

The following presidential nominees were approved by Parliament:

Musa Timothy Kabba-Minister , Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Ann-Marie Baby Harding-Deputy Minister, Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, David Nyamakoro Borbor-Director, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Rev. Joseph Philip Khanda-Member, National Commission for Social Action (NACSA), Aiah A. Thomas-Member, National Commission for Social Action (NACSA),Madam Gladys Hasting-Spaine-Member, National Commission for Social Action (NACSA) and John Caulker-Member, National Commission for Social Action (NSCSA)

Seconding the motion, the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie urged the nominees to work in consonance with the agenda of President Bio for the development of the country. He singled out the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and described him as “a young and dynamic leader”, whom he hoped would contribute more to development of that sector. He also commended the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and encouraged her to apply all her energy to change the narrative relative to teamwork and effective collaboration. He referred to Mr. Borbor as “a very determined person”, and thanked President Bio for appointing qualified persons to serve in high offices of State.

Hon. Williams Joseph Lamin of SLPP congratulated President Bio for appointing his constituent, Mrs. Harding to serve and that he had no scintilla of doubt that she would perform in her new appointment. He used the opportunity to advise the nominees to work as a team for national development. He also called on nominees to make Sierra Leone attractive to investors.

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara of APC informed the House that under the current dispensation, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources had changed three Ministers in less than three years; adding they are concerned as opposition who believes in the concept of continuity in governance. He described the new Minister of Mines as a “humble servant”, whom he hoped would succeed in his new appointment; whilst reminding the House of the closure of mines in Lunsar. He appealed to the Minister to reopen and revamp the Marampa Mines again; saying “the development of a third world economy is dependent on mining”, which has the potential to create employment opportunities for indigenes.

Hon. Neneh Lebbie of SLPP said the nominees are qualified and that their approval bears no controversy. She referred to the Deputy Minister of Mine as a “woman of substance”, who has the capacity and a proven record to perform. “She is a game changer”, she revealed and said that the Ministry has a lot of challenges for which she urged her to use her acumen to transform the situation and make the women proud. “With your success in that Ministry, more women will gain appointments from President Bio”, she concluded.

Leader of NGC, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella recalled the geological survey conducted by Government relative to identifying, exploring, and managing the minerals in Sierra Leone in light of communication, transparency, and accountability to the people of Sierra Leone. Expressing concerns on transparency and accountability, he called on the Minister to restore the dignity and rights of the people by reviewing some of the mining regulations.

Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina thanked President Bio for appointing one of the nominees who hailed from Kono District. He used the opportunity to call the attention of the Mines Minister and his Deputy to review the mining regulations for national benefits. He expressed admiration for the current Minister for being a multi-linguist and encouraged him to use such a flare to attract more investors and promote development in the country. He asked them to ease bottlenecks on artisanal mining and review mining contracts to benefit the people of Sierra Leone.

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Chernor Bah said they endorsed the approval of the nominees, and reminded nominees to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources of the critical nature of their appointments. He urged the Minister and deputy to under-study the problems that have caused the quick removal of previous ministers before taking their seats. The Opposition Leader assured the other nominees of their support, saying that “their doors are always open”.

He also called the attention of the Ministers to the altercation engendering between National Minerals Agency (NMA) and their Ministry for serious consideration. He advised the Minister to use consultation and negotiation to solve problems and assured him of parliament’s support as and when necessary.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Nyuma thanked the opposition for their support during the approval of the nominees. He noted they are aware of an issue regarding insubordination of NMA to the Ministry of Mines, the supervisory body to NMA; adding the Committee on Mines in Parliament should intervene and correct this anomaly. He said they have no iota of doubt in the Minister of Mines in respect of managing the affairs of the Ministry.

He asked the Director of FIU to work hard like his predecessor, and emphasized on team work and collaboration. He said the Deputy Minister of Mines has the capacity to support the Minister to transform the mining situation for national development. “Mr. Minister be responsible enough to look at some of these mining agreements”, he stated and urged the Deputy to give him administrative support.

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu congratulated the nominees on their approval and urged them to execute their duties in the best interest of the State; and particularly called on the Minister of Mines in light of revelations made by MPs to address the daunting challenges in that sector.

Relating to the leadership brouhaha in C4C, the Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Chernor Bundu had earlier ruled based on a correspondence he had received and examined that in line with provisions in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone and the House’s rules of procedure; “the content of that correspondence is not properly seated, void and is of no effect and that Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina is still recognized as the Leader of C4C in the current Parliament assembled”.

In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday 30th July 2020 debated and committed the Bill entitled: “The Consumer Protection Act, 2020”, to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.

The Act is seeking to provide for the protection and promotion of the interest of consumers and provide for the establishment of the National Consumer Commission and other related matters.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy said the objective of the Bill is to enhance the protection and rights of consumers in a free market economy; to address issues surrounding a restricted market, and to allow a free flow market in respect of consumer protection in Sierra Leone.

Contributing, Hon. Veronica K. Sesay described the Bill as “a good initiative of Government” relative to consumer; adding it is non-controversial and in line with international best practices.

Other MPs who spoke to the Bill commended the Ministry of Trade for bringing it to the House in order to address issues relating to consumer rights and that it bears no controversy.

Leaders of the House welcomed the initiative of Government to protect the rights of consumers and spoke on the need of a “consumer court” to seek the welfare of the consumers.

A Call For Young People To Stand Up

August 3, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

Are Sierra Leonean young people of both sexes willing to put behind the degrading “bra you borbor dey ya” mentality and decide firmly and fervently to take their destiny into their own hands?

When young people are organized, focused and committed to work with the Government, the private sector, International Community and other stakeholders, the solutions that will enable them to lift themselves from mostly grass to grace becomes a looming reality.

Young people owe it to themselves to see all that is good, noble and worthy in them if they are to become the leaders of tomorrow in all spheres of their public and private lives.

This generation must see themselves as contributors to the development of themselves and the society by refusing to take a laidback attitude to life and seeing that their education, talent and skills can make the difference between a bleak or a bright future.

No doubt, one can see that this generation is the most connected, innovative and best educated. They should focus on building a world that is collaborative, diverse, inclusive and emotionally intelligent if they are not to continue to live on empty promises and unfulfilled dreams.

On the part of the Government, policies, programs and projects that directly target youth empowerment and emancipation are what will deliver the young, especially most the vulnerable youth, from idleness, poverty, despair, drugs, violence and crime.

True, the challenge for this generation remains economic independence and ownership, owning their own resources, owning the means of production, having access to technology, decolonizing their minds and equipping them with the appropriate knowledge that would make them owners and drivers of their destiny

The nation that should be created should be one in which we value our youth as entrepreneurs, innovators and drivers not subjects of development.

The nation, they must live in, should be one that is borderless, transnational, multilingual and multicultural.

Youths can be better equipped to fulfill their destiny if there is a constant, steady flow of intergenerational dialogue and co-leadership.

The future of work needs to be about dignity because young people don’t want just jobs, but jobs with dignity. The future of work needs to be about thriving in a fair ecosystem not merely surviving.

Within which context we can obviously see the crying need for an increase of investment in economic and social development factors.

In which direction, the AU has developed several youth development policies and programs at continental level aimed at ensuring the continent benefits from its demographic dividend that need to be domesticated and fully included in national development planning.

The policies include the African Youth Charter, Youth Decade Plan of Action, and the Malabo Decision on Youth Empowerment.

The African Youth Charter protects young people from discrimination and ensures freedom of movement, speech, association, religion, ownership of property and other human rights, while committing to promoting youth participation throughout society.

The Youth Decade Plan of Action focuses on 5 key priority areas namely:

Education and Skills Development
Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship
Governance, Peace and Security
Youth Health and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights
Agriculture, Climate Change and the Environment

The TVET Continental Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for the design and development of national policies and strategies to address the challenges of education and technical and vocational training to support economic development, creation of national wealth and contribute to poverty reduction through youth entrepreneurship, innovation and employment.

With Le 250 M & Round Trip to Dubai Up for Grab… Africell & AYV Poise to Thrill Viewers with Housemates Salone 2

August 3, 2020

Africell’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi & CEO of AYV, Ambassador Anthony Navo

By Amin Kef Sesay

It was all pomp and pageantry on the evening of Thursday 30^th July 2020 at the prestigious Lagoonda Complex in Aberdeen where people from different walks of life including the crème de la crème converged to witness the fantastic launching of Housemates Salone Season 2 by the Africa Young Voices and Africell-Sierra Leone.

The Media Manager of Africell, John Konte and AYV’s Phebean Swill whilst moderating the show welcomed all guests including the Ministers of Information, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura and Tourism, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, CEO of Africell, Shadi Gerjawi and AYV’s CEO Anthony Navo Jnr., Housemates Salone Season 1 participants, including the winner, Kenchin Palmer and Miss Sierra Leone, Enid Jones-Boston, as well as other important personalities.

John Konte informed all present that though the Reality TV Show is been launched during a period when we are battling with COVID-19 yet assured that every participant will be tested in addition to all other health tests. He further intimated that all application forms could be paid for via Afrimoney and transaction IDs will be given to access the forms. 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.

Delivering a brief statement at the launching of the show, Africell’s CEO, Shadi Gerjawi, stated that the show that will be launched needs no further introduction, as the first show both entities organized in the past could still be fresh in the minds of most people. He furthered that during every stage of the show, they have put modalities in place to ensure that all the necessary health precautions are observed, as could be seen in the very event taking place.

He further encouraged individuals to continue to observe all the safety precautions outlined by the Government. Whilst recognizing the progress made so far by the Government and people of Sierra Leone in the fight against COVID-19, he divulged that consultations with the officials of NaCOVERC have been part of preparations for the show and that when it starts, all participants will be “quarantined” in the house with no contact with the outside world.

He added that whilst people stay home in observance of social distancing, they now have the quarantine drama to watch and keep time in their homes. CEO Gerjawi underscored this is the right time to hold such a show as it encourage people to stay home and watch the Reality TV show which will be broadcast 24 hours a day on AYV Television Channel 34.

CEO of AYV, Ambassador Anthony Navo disclosed that Housemates Salone Season 2 of 2020 will be packed with a lot of excitement beyond belief further disclosing how this year’s theme is captioned ‘Quarantine Drama’, carefully chosen in full realization of the fact that we are battling with the coronavirus. The charismatic CEO of AYV disclosed that the Star Prize a participant or competitors stands to bag is Le250 million and a round trip to Dubai. Ambassador Navo made it categorically clear that the daily Le100, 000 payments to each participant whilst in the House will continue and has nothing to do with the Star prize.

Amb. Navo explained that the main objective behind Africell and AYV coming together to stage such a show is to empower young Sierra Leoneans and expose them to the world. He referenced how the winner of the Season 1 Show, Kenchin Palmer was exposed with a round trip to the UK.

Forms, he said, will be available for sale on the 1^st August at Le150, 000, (same as last year) from all Africell and AYV offices nationwide. 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.

The closing date for receipt of all applications is 21^STAugust 2020 and audition will take place in the first week of September. After three weeks, audition 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 14^th October 2020.

Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, expressed joy for being able to grace the occasion saying he missed out last year.

The Minister said he believes that Stars will be born in this season. “This show sits very well with the vision of the President,” he said, adding that it gives a generation of young people the opportunity to realize their dreams and show case as well as discover their talents. He admonished all to stay focused, compete and triumph.

He eloquently congratulated the organizers for making the show possible. He stated that the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, who is very passionate about entertainment and His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, will be watching the show. He wished all participants a good time and luck.

Mohamed Orman Bangura, Minister of Youth Affairs, said that the Government has invested so much in youths and is supporting programs like this one to be launched in order to develop the youths. He also expressed the conviction that the show will help build up the necessary confidence in youths and enable them to resist being used by politicians in negative engagements.

Officially launching the show, Minister of Tourism, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, stressed that COVID-19 has had a heavy impact on the industry, but said shows like this will enable Sierra Leone to overcome the impact.

“Dealing with COVID and implementing tourism is challenging”, she maintained, “as such shows demand peoples’ presence. This event will change the fortunes of the country and attract international attention. This venture is extremely laudable, as it is a heavy Private Sector investment” Minister Pratt underscored.

According to her, Salone Housemates 2020 is going to be historic noting that Sierra Leone’s entertainment has grown .

Dr. Memunatu Pratt furthered that the Housemates Salone Season 2 is the first public event that will be staged under COVID-19 and will bring tourism alive reiterating how it is going to be an important event, as Sierra Leone has showcased ICT. She admonished participants to do their best, as it is the first rebranding show in Africa amidst difficult times. She then officially launched “Housemates Salone 2020, the Last Standing Couple”, on the theme ‘Quarantine Drama’.

Artists, female activists and members of the Fourth Estate were all part of the audience that witnessed the launching ceremony.

Convergence of Good Initiatives Keeps NP (SL) Flying

August 3, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL) Ltd) is right on the top of the petroleum marketing business in this country. This fact is well established when we take cognizance of the timeliness in which the company ensures that various petroleum products are imported and distributed to different parts of the country where it has Filling Stations for onward sales to members of the public.

It is no gainsay that for far too long the company has been steadily operating in this manner in order to make sure that its products are easily available for its subscribers to gain access to them.

Indeed, it has come out very clearly that for any business venture to thrive there must be a convergence of good initiatives bordering on brain storming, strategizing and thorough implementation of sound policies which will finally culminate in tangible realities on the ground. In Sierra Leone, the National Petroleum Limited has cautiously tread along that pathway with its shareholders recruiting managers with the requisite qualifications devoid of favouritism and sentimentality who have been applying the right managerial skills and leadership that today have helped catapulted the company to one of the most dominant entities in the business landscape of the country.

The shareholders of the company has maintained that stance over the years and one thing they placed premium on is keeping the company as an indigenous business stressing that majority ,if not all , of its staff must be Sierra Leoneans which is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy. Ensuring that members of staff are highly motivated, the company is getting the best out of their performances with the cascading effect of excellent outputs.

Besides having employees that are highly motivated, the company also ensures that they benefit from different forms of training programs in order to improve on their competencies. When this is looked at within the context of human capital development then it is considered apt and in the best interest of the country’s development trajectory.

If today much emphasis is placed on human capital development, for NP-SL Ltd it has been part of the DNA of the company and from what this medium learnt, the company has produced seasoned individuals with requisite skills, some after leaving setting up successful business ventures or are now excelling in other institutions.

Having the right brains in the right offices has placed the company at a vantage position to always bargain with its business partners when negotiating petroleum deals. Undoubtedly, the company is the leading petroleum marketing company in the country with its branches located in various parts of the city and provinces. Because of effective service delivery and rated as 1^st For Customer Care, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many in and out of the country. One important thing that the shareholders of the company have seriously guarded against is to avoid a situation where its customers and members of the public will express bitter dissatisfaction about the quality of the products it is marketing and the services it renders.

Against such a backdrop, the company has a customer care unit that primarily interface between the company and members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channelled through it are raised in certain management meetings, discussed and the way forward mapped out.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd ensured that to give them optimal satisfaction value must be derived from their monies spent. It was thinking along that line which prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines to calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the ambit of optimising customer care, the company introduced both NP Gas and NP Smart Card. The former is a cooking gadget, which is now in vogue, going like hot cakes because it has been proven to be very effective in terms of performance, cost and non-hazardous to human health. The latter is a card that has a memory chip and could be credited with money. This NP Smart Card is used to purchase fuel without carrying physical cash and it is very advantageous for personal safety and accountability purpose because the balance remaining on it, after using it, will determine how much was used during a given transaction.

With regards rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility, it has been doing so in ways that had been and are positively contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation. Though the shareholders and Management are not averse to making news about such gestures yet they are not too keen about bragging about them because, according to them, they are doing such for the sake of humanity.

With sound brains at the helm of affairs of the company, many are getting the best of petroleum products as well as services for which the company has bagged so many accolades.

Big Idea of the Week in Combating the Spread of COVID-19 is… Wearing Our Masks Correctly Helps Protect Us all

August 3, 2020

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC) and Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) under their : #Corona Fet Na We All Fet bring Big Idea of the Week 2nd – 8th August, 2020 ‘’Wearing Our Masks Correctly Helps Protect Us all’’.

Although some have denied the presence of coronavirus in the country, however, it has been medically and scientifically proven that indeed COVID-19 is in our midst. Among the various preventive or precautionary measures that were put in place to prevent contracting the virus is the wearing of face masks.

Most people with coronavirus have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It is possible that you, or the person near you, have the coronavirus and do not even know it.

While most people who have the virus feel fine, they can still spread it to others. Some people who get the virus can get very sick and even die, especially people who are older or have other health conditions. We all have loved ones who are older and have other health conditions.

Sometimes, people do not know they have other health conditions until they get worse and they get sick. Those other health conditions, even when we do not yet know about them, can make our bodies weaker in fighting other sicknesses, like coronavirus. Let’s all do our part to wear our masks correctly and protect our own and each other’s loved ones. Corona fet na we all fet! How does a cloth mask help stop the spread of coronavirus?

Wearing a cloth mask correctly over your mouth and nose helps catch the small liquid droplets from going into the air or onto surfaces that could then spread to other people and make them sick.

Coronavirus spreads easily from person to person. If one person has the virus and spreads it to others, and then each of those people spreads it to others, within a short time, the virus can spread throughout a community.

When someone coughs, sneezes, sings, or even talks, they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If someone is close to a person with coronavirus who coughs, sneezes, sings, or talks, they can breathe in the droplets and also get the virus. Wearing a cloth mask correctly over your mouth and nose helps catch the spray of those small liquid droplets from going into the air or onto surfaces that could then spread to other people and make them sick.

That is why wearing a cloth mask correctly, even when we feel healthy, helps stop the spread of coronavirus and protects our loved ones.

Chiefs, Councilors, and Mammie queens, Community leaders are key to promote and/or enforce the use of cloth masks in their communities.

Religious leaders who are leading in-person religious services must ensure compliance of wearing masks in their places of worship.

Police Officers or security officials who are involved in enforcement of mask use must be very proactive.

Community champions must always use cloth masks such as market women and traders, bafa/ataya/bar/restaurant owners, and traditional healers.

It is important that wearing of cloth masks alone do not stop the spread of coronavirus, but they can help when used together with other actions. The most effective actions to protect yourself and others against coronavirus are to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve, and keep a safe distance of at least 1 meter or arms-stretched length from others.

These are other vital suggestions to adhere to :Masks made of cloth should be used by members of the public, Masks that you typically see worn by health workers in hospitals should only be used by health workers, people with symptoms of coronavirus, people caring for others with symptoms of coronavirus, and people who are more likely to get seriously sick from the virus including older people and people with other health conditions must mask up.

An effective cloth mask should be held to the head by ties or ear loops. Masks multiple layers of fabric are preferable, fit close against your face,fully cover your mouth and nose and not fall down when talkin, allow for breathing without problem , wash without damaging the mask.

There are different ways to make a cloth mask. You can sew one yourself or give measurements to your tailor to make masks for you. You can make one yourself that does not require sewing. Make sure the size of the mask will fully cover your mouth and nose even when you are talking.

It is important to know how to wear a cloth mask correctly and care for it safely. Always wash a cloth mask before trying it on or wearing it. Before putting on a cloth mask, wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based.

Cover your mouth and nose with the cloth mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

Tie the mask behind your head or place the elastic loops over your ears. Make sure the mask fits well. Move it around using the ties or elastic loops to get the best fit. Do not touch the cloth part of the mask. Once you have put on the cloth mask, do not touch your face again until you take it off.

Any Government official found not wearing a mask in a public office building may be fined five hundred thousand Leones (Le500,000) or suspended from duty. Any private business office found to have people inside who are not wearing a cloth mask may be fined five hundred thousand Leones (Le500,000) the first time and closed if found a second time.