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Recognizing the Efforts of Health Workers… Sierra Network Foundation Donates Food Items to Connaught Hospital

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Network Charity Foundation (SNCF) from Sierra Network Media living in the diaspora on Friday, 10th July 2020, presented food and other assorted items to the management of Connaught Teaching Hospital, in recognition of their relentless efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

Delivering the presentation, Madam Haja Fanta Kakay, Chairlady of the Charity, explained that the Foundation was formed by a Sierra Leonean family in the diaspora to help people in need and in recognition of the good work the health workers in Sierra Leone have been doing in the fight against the coronavirus that has ravaged the whole world, they thought it fit to extend their hand to the hospital and show their appreciation.

She further told her audience that they have distributed hygiene materials including face masks to hospitals in the East End of Freetown, to the less privileged people around the Eastern Police Station and other areas, so as to help people fight the disease.

She stated that in consultation with Dr. Balde, they were able to visit the Connaught  Hospital to offer the little gesture, which is worth a little over Le50 million. She expressed appreciation to the health workers, whom she described as the front line workers in the fight against the virus and admonished them to continue the good work. Among the items donated were, 30 bags of rice (25kg), 7bags of sugar, 15 cartons of cooking oil, 15 cartons of tin tomatoes, bottles of Grafton water and Sierra Juice.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Connaught Hospital, Dr. Bawoh, Senior Pharmacist, expressed deep appreciation to the Foundation, maintaining that the gesture is very big in their eyes as it demonstrates an appreciation for the work they are doing in the fight. He assured her that the items will be evenly distributed across the board and no one will be left behind. He furthered that a list will be presented to Management for an even distribution of the items, so that every department in the hospital, including cleaners will benefit.

Mohamed Yokie, Hospital Secretary, on his part told the donor that he is representing the Hospital Manager, who was attending another engagement and would not be present for the ceremony, but that he sends his appreciation and thanks to them. He reechoed the view of Dr. Bawoh that Management will ensure that every department will benefit from the gesture. He also showed extreme appreciation for the recognition by the Foundation of their services to humanity and stressed that this donation will further fuel their determination to engage the invisible enemy that has plagued the whole world.

The meeting was climaxed with a symbolic handing over of the items to Dr. Bawoh.

It could be recalled that the Sierra Network Charity Foundation on April 3, 2020 supported the nation in the fight against COVID-19, by donating 20 handwashing stations with  veronica buckets to the Portee and Rokupa communities.  The donation was sponsored by Abraham A. Akempta (Triple-A), founder and CEO of SNM; and Isatu Kakay-Diallo, Lead Director for the Sierra Network Charity Foundation (SNCF).  The members of the Foundation sensitized residents of these two communities about the precautionary measures needed to protect themselves their families, the communities they live in, and the country as a whole.

SNM and SNF emphasized that it is paramount, for citizens to adhere to all precautionary measures that are in place by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Government of Sierra Leone in the fighting against Covid-19.

With that statement and mission in mind, SNM and SNCF went further by donating five set of 200-liter Milla tank handwashing stations at different locations starting with the Waterloo Health Clinic, Kissy Ferry Terminal, across the ferry in Lungi, Eastern Police, and PZ central business district, as these are among the busiest parts of the country. Thirty-two members from the SNF sponsored the Milla tank donations to ensure that Sierra Leoneans are taking hand washing very seriously in combating COVID-19.

On that note and recommendation, officials at Sierra Network Charity Foundation (SNCF) from Sierra Network Media living in the diaspora donated 5,000 cloth facemasks to support the nation in the fight against Covid-19 on Friday May 1, 2020.

SNCF targeted the following communities with facemask donations: Waterloo business district, Rokel container community, Rogbangba Hastings, Rokupa, Portee, Brima Lane, Ferry junction, Eastern Police, and PZ central business district.  In addition, the following communities were also targeted: King Jimmy market area, Lumley junction, Regent, Bombay market, Mammy Yoko Street, Wellington Old Road Market, Allentown, Jui Junction, Shell Company Kissy, Murray Town, Tombo Park Ataya Base, etc.  Other communities that were targeted  include Bumbuna, Makeni, BO, Kenema, Moyamba, Bike riders at Gaza Hill, H.E.P.P.O at Pademba road, Ministry Of Health & Sanitation and the Freetown City Council.

Launching Kiddies & Next-Gen Accounts… UBA Promotes Financial Inclusion

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA in Sierra Leone, Chinedu Obeta

By Amin Kef Sesay

Amidst the ravages of COVID-19, the United Bank For Africa (UBA) is not deterred, as on Friday 10th July 2020, it launched its latest products: the Kiddies and Next-Gen Accounts. These accounts are geared towards encouraging parents and youths to embark on savings.

Speaking during the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA in Sierra Leone, Chinedu Obeta, disclosed that the launching of these new products is to ensure that no one is left behind and foster financial inclusion. Both products cater for people from age zero to 25 years. The Kiddies Account embraces kids from age zero to 13 years, whilst the Next-Gen Account caters for young people between the ages of 18 to 25 years old.

Chinedu Obeta observed that the African tradition observes ceremonies like naming of a child after birth and during such ceremonies well-wishers donate cash as well as other items to the parents of the newborn baby.

It is the desire of the bank to encourage parents of kids to open a savings account for their kids’ future, instead of using the money on other issues. This act by the parents will further ensure the encouragement of kids from those early years to start saving money. He noted that there are many ceremonies and occasions during which financial gifts are given to kids from friends and relatives like: Christening, birthdays, etc. He is of the view that if parents are determined to see a better future for their kids, they will embrace this Kiddies Account product of the bank.

On the Next-Gen product, Chinedu Obeta said that it is intended to encourage youths to learn how to save for the future. This Account caters for young people between the ages of 18 to 25 years. Both accounts, the MD said, have beautiful benefits for all account holders. He then gave a brief history of the UBA. The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been in existence for some 70 years and has offices in over 20 countries, with its Headquarters in Nigeria and it is the only Sub-Saharan Bank with presence in the United States of America, UK and France, he disclosed.

UBA came to Sierra Leone in 2008 and now has 7 branches. Today in digital products, UBA is leading and at the forefront of bringing exciting products that attract people and enhance their participation in banking services. He encouraged parents to develop the habit of saving and embracing these products.

Making a powerpoint presentation on the two accounts, Joseph Kemoi, IT expert of the bank, took the Press through the stages of opening an account in respect of the two products and the benefits account holders will derive. He disclosed that the opening amount of the Kiddies’ Account is Le200, 000 and parents should produce birth certificates of their children, passport pictures of the persons opening the Accounts for the kids plus copies of utility bills that are not more than 3 months old. The children stand to benefit from scholarships and thirteen month bonuses, depending on the criterion of no withdrawal from the account for 12 months. Interest of 3.75% will be given to every account on a monthly basis, provided there are not above three withdrawals per month from the account.

The Next-Gen, Joseph Kemoi said, is an account designed for the next generation, meaning upcoming young people leaving school, in tertiary institutions. They are being encouraged to cultivate the habit of saving for the future. The account will offer them the opportunity to become interns in the bank, own personal debit cards and engage in free mobile banking. All the procedures for opening this account are similar to that of the Kiddies, with the notable difference of the opening amount of Le250, 000 and the absence of a birth certificate.

The Kiddies Account is being opened by a parent or guardian for a child, whilst the Next-Gen is being opened by the particular youth for him or herself. In concluding, Kemoi stated that these products will benefit all holders of such accounts as their benefits are unprecedented in the history of banking in the country.

The ceremony was climaxed by a question and answer session.

“Easing of restrictions Does not Mean Easing of the Threat of COVID-19…”   -President Bio Averred

President Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a statement delivered by President Julius Maada Bio and broadcast live for the attention of members of the public on the 9th July 2020, he revealed that in the country’s fight to protect against and curtail COVID-19, his Government has taken well-considered measures to protect lives and also sustain livelihoods through an inclusive and rigorous consultative process with stakeholders and experts.

He said throughout, the Government has also urged strict compliance with all public health directives.

“Citizens must take personal responsibility for protecting themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19,”President Bio cautioned adding that persons who are refusing to comply with health directives are exposing themselves, their loved ones, and their communities to the grave risk of infection and possible death.

He revealed how he has strongly urged the leadership of the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Centre (NACOVERC) to take all necessary actions to enforce full compliance with all public health directives.

The President told the nation that based on expert advice on the aerosol transmission of COVID-19 and the possible risk of rapid community infection among congregations, they advisedly closed all places of worship. He intimated how he has since then held multiple consultations with the Inter-Religious Council, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Health officials, NACOVERC officials, experts, and other stakeholders.

He said the leadership of the Inter-religious Council drafted proposals covering infection prevention protocols, capacity management, social distancing, and social mobilisation, among other things.

“Experts have closely examined the proposed measures and advised no objections to those proposals,” President Bio highlighted.

He said he is therefore pleased to announce that effective Monday, 13th of July 2020, all mosques, churches, and other places of worship shall be open for congregation and worship also stating that additionally, starting Monday, 13th of July, curfew hours will be eased from 2300hrs to 0500hrs (or 11PM to 5AM).

“NACOVERC will announce a comprehensive list of enforceable measures as proposed by the Inter-religious Council and congregation leaders are expected to help enforce full compliance with all measures at their places of worship,” the President disclosed.

He said the Ministry of Transport and Aviation officials, Ministry of Health officials, experts, and engaged stakeholder groups have audited proposed new processes and simulated all possible scenarios for arrivals and departures at Lungi International Airport.

The President also informed that it has pleased him to announce that the Lungi International Airport will be re-opened for all scheduled commercial flights on Wednesday, 22nd July 2020 and that NACOVERC will soon announce a comprehensive list of guidelines and protocols for air travel to and from Sierra Leone.

President Bio emphasized that the easing of restrictions does not mean an easing of the threat of COVID-19 stressing how COVID-19 is still highly infectious and deadly.

“I urge every Sierra Leonean to continue to strictly adhere to all healthcare directives and to continue to play his or her part in protecting against and curtailing the spread of COVID-19,” the President further cautioned.

Assets Commission Launches ‘088’ Free Toll Line

By Fatmata Jengbe

With a view to receive vital information or credible reports relating to instances of misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Property without lawful authority, the National Assets and Government’s Property Commission has on Friday 10th July, 2020 launched a ‘088′ Toll free Line across all mobile network operators in Sierra Leone. The event took place at the Commission’s conference Room at New England Ville in Freetown.

Speaking during the launch, the Chairman of the National Assets and Government’s Property Commission, Abu Hindolo Moseray disclosed that the Commission is mandated to receive and process any information relating to the misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Assets or Property pursuant to Section 7 (b) of the NAGPC Act (No. 2) of 1990. He added that there is no doubt that we have all witnessed instances of deliberate damage of public property by corrupt individuals and arsonists in the guise of holding demonstrations or protests.

He said even recently, they are privy to attempts by certain members of the public to exploit the prevailing State of Emergency in the fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic, to illegally acquire properties belonging to the Government of Sierra Leone in complete disregard for the NAGPC as the statutory body responsible for handling such issues.

Abu Hindolo Moseray stated that consequently, as part of efforts to fulfil that specific aspect of the mandate of the Commission, the Board and Management decided to approach the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), with a request to help establish a TOLL FREE LINE that would cut across all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Sierra Leone, for the purpose of receiving vital information or credible reports relating to instances of misuse, abuse or disposal of Government’s Property without lawful authority.

He therefore, on behalf of the NAGPC, took the  singular opportunity to thank the Board, Management and Staff of NATCOM and all Mobile Network Operators for not only approving their request to establish a TOLL FREE LINE, but for also going the extra mile to make it operational.

Abu Hindolo Moseray pointed out that the operationalisation of the TOLL FREE LINE will enable them make on-the spot visits to any Government property at short notice and to initiate or follow-up on useful information from the public, with a view to institute appropriate actions against defaulters.

He assured the members of the Public of utmost confidentiality and the protection of their identity at all times.

Abu Hindolo Moseray further disclosed that in addition to the TOLL FREE LINE, they have also produced coloured stickers which will be displayed at strategic locations in Freetown and other parts of the country, and also developed a Jingle in the local parlance (Krio as part of their Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials.

He used the opportunity to advice the general citizenry to desist from all illegal practices bordering on Government’s property, so as to avoid falling foul with the law and also encouraged members of the Public to feel free to visit their offices whenever they are privy to any information that would help the Commission to effectively fulfil its statutory mandate.
The  Board Chairman of the Commission, Barrister Saidu Will , also delivered a similar statement during the launch of the tool free line.

SALCAB Launches Internet Connectivity on 50 School Buses

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In line with the vision of President Bio to promote science and technology and enable digitalized teaching and learning, the Managing Director of SALCAB, Ishmael Kebay in partnership with Africell-SL, Ministry of Basic and Secondary School Education, Freetown City Council and the Ministry of Information and Communications has on Friday 10th July, 2020 launched a nation-wide internet connectivity on 50 school buses. The launch took place at the Sierra Leone Road Transport Corporation (SLRTC) situated close to PWD Junction on Blackhall Road, Kissy, Freetown.

In his statement, Managing Director of SALCAB, Ishmael Kebay, noted that SALCAB is undertaking the project in collaboration with other partners like the Freetown City Council which is in charge of coordinating the school buses ,the Ministry of Basic and Secondary  Education and the Ministry of Information and Communications which is SALCAB’s supervisory Ministry .He stated that his company would be providing the bandwidth for the connectivity while Africell would be providing the routers for use on the 50 school buses which would be targeted nationwide.

SALCAB’s Managing Director further noted that the Ministry of Basic Education is working on the educational contents which would be made available to pupils while the Ministry of Information would create log-in portals for pupils .He added that the connectivity would be restricted to pupils and that the internet access would not be open to the many forms of social media misuse.

While talking on the benefits of the project, Kebay stated that Freetown is a congested city and during traffic hold-ups, pupils who would be travelling to or from school would use the time to log on using their smart phones or tablets to view educational materials as the facility is going to be exclusively limited to the area of education materials.

Speaking on the internet facility and sustainability, the Managing Director said that his company had engaged Africell in technical discussions and negotiations. He assured that the mobile company would provide two routers which would aggregate the bandwidth for the pupils on the buses to avoid congestion. On the issue of sustainability, he said they had worked on a maintenance model which would be taken care of by SALCAB and Africell .He praised the Ministers of Information and Basic Education for the support.

The Sierra Leone Cable Network, through its young and dynamic Managing Director continues to make access to internet connectivity easier and impressive, and with this latest development, the Free Quality Education could be positively impacted.

EU Supports CSOs & Local Authorities for Local Development

Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 10th July 2020 President Julius Maada Bio,  Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens, and the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development  launched the “Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for Local Development in Sierra Leone” programme at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) Hall, in Makeni City.

In attendance were also the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, the Resident Ministers, the Chairpersons and Chief Administrators of the targeted councils of Bombali, Kambia, Kenema and Pujehun, traditional authorities and other dignitaries.

The ceremony marked the official launch of the European Union funded Programme “Support to Civil Society and Local Authorities for local development in Sierra Leone”, valued at over 23.000.000 EUR (Le258 billion ) and aimed at supporting effective decentralization and efficient service delivery to the citizens of Sierra Leone, especially in remote areas.

During the occasion, 4 grants of a value of 2.500.000 EUR (Le27 billion) each were signed with the District Councils of Bombali, Kambia, Kenema and Pujehun. Those districts were selected to pilot pioneering approaches to local participatory development across the four administrative regions of Sierra Leone.

It was also revealed that the pilot actions foreseen under the grants seek to strengthen service delivery by local authorities notably in the agriculture, water and sanitation sectors, through infrastructural and rural development, financing of priority investments projects, strengthening resources mobilization, social accountability and local Government effectiveness.

Also stated was that dedicated support is also provided to gender and youth sensitive solutions, improved access to sustainable energy sources and natural resources management. These actions, according to what was learnt, will also complement the Government’s efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating its negative impact in the targeted areas.

They mentioned that in delivering their services, local authorities are encouraged to pilot innovative people-centred solutions in partnership with private sector and civil society organizations.

It was disclosed that the four grants supplement the EU programme component in support to local civil society initiatives. However, following a highly competitive procedure, seven projects valued overall at 7.000.000 EUR were awarded to civil society initiatives promoting local participatory development in the targeted districts. These projects stood out for their gender and environmental sensitivity and high impact prospects on local development.

It was highlighted that technical assistance will be provided by the European Union to accompany the implementation of the programme, foster partnership development and build human and technical capacity of local authorities, notably in the areas of resources mobilization, public finance management, participatory development and budgetary planning.

Both parties foresee that the experiences of the 4 pilot Councils will be shared with other neighbouring Councils including the City Councils of Makeni and Kenema. Engagements between the European Union and the Government of Sierra Leone are ongoing to extend the programme support to Falaba and Karene Districts.

They intimated that the contribution is the result of the strong and continuous partnership between the European Union and the Government of Sierra Leone and the firm commitment towards effective decentralization.

Key Government functionaries expressed commitment to the development of local governance and strengthening decentralization.

In his statement, the Chairman of the Local Government Committee in Parliament underscored the need for greater devolution including capacity building of staff. He called on the pilot Councils to use the grants to become a model for other Councils. The Chairman pledged the support of the leadership of Parliament and his Committee to ensure that the grants are effectively monitored and the resources serve the needs of the people.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development highlighted the critical need for development encapsulated in the National Development Plan and that “the signing ceremony of the grants represented a forward match to the country’s development goals”. He however acknowledged “the challenges of weak capacity, funding, overlapping roles between Councils and chiefs, lack of transparency and accountability and weak engagement.” He assured the audience that his Ministry will ensure that these grants contribute to ameliorating these problems.

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, drew attention to the need for legal and policy clarity in decentralization and in particular the need for policy guidance in the area of tax reform in local governance. He assured the audience of the urgency to come up with a policy direction on property tax in order to enable local councils to mobilize local revenue. He furthered that in demonstrating its commitment to decentralization, the Government has been consistent in not only ensuring increase in transfers to Local Councils, but has started paying salaries and other benefits to Chairpersons, Mayors and Chief Administrators.

In his statement, EU Ambassador Tom Vens emphasized: “Only if we are close to the people, can we deliver the services that matter. That is what decentralization is about: to do locally what is best done locally. This is not just about relevance and efficiency, but it also allows for greater accountability. Resources should always be to the benefit of the people”.

The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development lauded the EU and the President for their immense support to his Ministry and outlined key programmes and achievements towards effective devolution. He particularly indicated that the Ministry, in collaboration with the National COVID-19 Response Committee, had successfully established functional District COVID-19 Response Committees to fight the pandemic at the local level.

Other activities in support of effective devolution as elaborated by the Minister are the review of the national  decentralization policy which is nearing completion, the formulation of a strategic plan to guide the Ministry’s strategic direction and efforts, a capacity building strategy development and the transfer of staff to man the various departments and units of the councils.

The ceremony was climaxed with the official launch of the project by President Bio. In his keynote address, the President expressed his gratitude to the EU Ambassador for his support and for the continued partnership between the European Union Delegation and the Government and people of Sierra Leone. He committed to strengthening capacity and revenue mobilization in the local councils.

The President was particularly heartened by what he referred to as ‘the insistence that most of the project activities will be managed by women’. The President also called on civil society to ensure accountability and more “evidence-based advocacy in the implementation of the project”.

The Local Government Act 2004, the devolution of functions from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to local councils and the clarification of public institutions’ roles and empowerment of local actors in the implementation of the decentralization process, reflect the intention of the Government of Sierra Leone towards fulfilment of the tenets of decentralization.

Since 2019, the EU project has also been supporting the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in the review of the decentralization policy and Local Government Act 2004. This support included the provision of assistance to the Local Council Association Sierra Leone and the Local Government Committee in Parliament in view of conducting extensive consultations and convening an expert group meeting in order to enhance the quality, depth and consistency of the decentralization and local governance reform proposals.

The EU funded programme represents a major contribution towards strengthening decentralized structures and ensuring that quality services are delivered to the people. As the President has noted, the combined effort of every citizen will be required to ensure that the project succeeds.

A Letter to the Sierra Leone Entertainment Industry

Mohamed M. Conteh (Dj Med Silver Voice), Co-Founder And CEO (SLMTV)

By Mohamed M. Conteh (Dj Med Silver Voice)

Anyone that could address the struggles of the Sierra Leone Entertainment Industry without a quailing sensation has more nerves than us. With the many discussions that have taken place, I have yet to hear the mention of one of the greatest pioneers in the Sierra Leone music business – Sierra Leone Music TV (SLMTV). A feeling has crept over me, quite unfavorable to the exercise of my unlimited thoughts regarding the entertainment industry.

Sierra Leone Music Television is the first to have done it, and continue to promote Sierra Leone music without the support of our people. The fact ladies and gentlemen since the 2000s we have created a medium that has seen many imitators come to fall. While imitation may be the highest form of flattery, we recommend having them continue to try.

We were the first to create an online radio station, LIVE TV broadcasting on Facebook, phone to dial-in and listen to Salone music on our radio station, and awards show. Regardless of no contributions from other deejays, promoters, management, we stand tall and still exist. Without the ass-kissing, we have continued to promote Sierra Leone music in decorous, respectful, and loyal manner.

We have Deejays all over the globe doing LIVE radio shows, contributing to promoting Sierra Leone music. I shall not presume to dwell at length on the associations that cluster the derailment of our entertainment industry – but rather give a positive take on how we can rebuild and grow toward a prosperous entertainment industry.

Accusing deejays of not playing Sierra Leone music is a far cry from the fact. The gruesome truth is – deejays would play good music. Regardless of what genres they fall in. The size of the country does not always determine the success of the artist. Many high profile Hip-Hop artists started underground and distributed their music from the trunk of their cars. Sierra Leone music used to top the chart of Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, to name a few – and today – these countries are at the top of the Afro beat chart.

What went wrong? Instead of putting all the blame on the deejays, why can’t we start making good music? I hope the conversation about our entertainment industry will continue to gear toward a positive trend. To say our artists had never had opportunities to branch out for success, would be a lie. To fix this issue, we have to put the thoughts of not hurting our friends aside.

Entertainment is a gruesome business and one that needs the truth about artists. One of our Hip-Hop artists ventured out to express his thoughts going against other Hip-Hop artists, where were you to support him. I am going to assume you all know with whom I’m referring to. The truth does not fear to hurt one’s pride. Let us ask our selves this question: looking at the top 50 African music charts, where does Sierra Leone artists rank? Be honest and place your vote. To be the best – means you have to produce the best. Here in America, you can listen to Nigerian, Jamaican, and other African music on prominent radio stations.

Food for thought – what happened to Sierra Leone music? What happened to the days when we used to create our rhythm instead of imitating those of our competitors? What happened to producers like – Sahr Issa, Sound Boy Richie, Teh Teh, Sam Kargbo, Sammy The Bull, Alimamy Conteh, Wilbert, Lord Mo, King Fisher, Ital Production, Mozin & F-Town, Big Jay, and Specialist? Sierra Leone Beat (SALONE BEAT), rhythm that once stood tall, has now been depreciated.

Until we refrain from imitating others, we will struggle to find our lost rhythm.The struggle to be relevant exists. One might consider money to be the main factor, but what is to it if you cannot make good music? Yes, it helps to have money to market your product – but other variables make that product profitable. The first thing people listen to is the beat, then the words to the beat. There are many songs with good beats without favorable wording, but people dance to the tune. It would take a united front to recapture our glory days.

Blaming one factor (money) cannot solve the problem. Let’s put the variables together and then find ways to improve on them. Pride cannot solve this issue, perhaps Pride and patriotism, not less than gratitude, can prompt us to come together. We need to fix ourselves, and maybe we can tackle this issue together. In closing, we hope that we will work together to one common goal. We open our doors to work in unison with everyone.

Thank you.

Mohamed M. Conteh (Dj Med Silver Voice)

Co-Founder And CEO (SLMTV)

240 Youths to Benefit from IOM, ILO & Government Entrepreneurial Training

From left to right:: Entrepreneur, IOM, MOYA, NAYCOM, Trainer engaging in Q&A during pitching event at IOM office in Freetown

By Alfred Fornah

Three institutions have worked out modalities to train young people on entrepreneurship. They include the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization, Ministry of Youth Affairs (MOYA) and the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM).

Recently IOM, ILO, MOYA and NAYCOM concluded pitching events and selected two hundred and forty (240) youths among more than 3,000 applicants with feasible business ideas from Bo, Kono, Kailahun, Western Area Urban and Rural districts respectively. These young people will be trained and coached/mentored in entrepreneurship for three months.

The training will be done within the framework of the project ‘Reducing the Risk of Irregular Migration through Promotion of Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone’ implemented by IOM and partners with support from the Government of Japan.

Youth unemployment in Sierra Leone has remained stubbornly high. This situation has compelled unemployed young people to venture into irregular migration.  Some have embarked on self-employment in the informal sector but lack the necessary entrepreneurial skills.

The training will provide these youths with the requisite knowledge and skills to launch and effectively run their startups or existing businesses to create jobs and income for themselves and other young people. It will help build their capacity to overcome obstacles to growth through access to finance, proper business planning and entrepreneurship skills, among others.

“Some participants of this training, especially those with viable business plans upon completion of the program, will be provided with startup kits. They will be evaluated through a subsequent pitching event,” stated Akao Kunikazu, Project Manager Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) /Entrepreneurship, IOM Sierra Leone.

Late last year, IOM and ILO organized a training of trainers’ (TOT) workshop for trainers by ILO Master Trainers. Therefore, the valuable trainers who have gone through the TOT will deliver training of entrepreneurs (TOE) to the selected trainees/entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, the training for young entrepreneurs is expected to kick off soon after an online refresher training for trainers.

2nd Extraordinary ECOWAS Parliamentary Session Will hold via Videoconference

Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament

By Abdul Malik Bangura

This medium was reliably informed that  the Second Extraordinary session of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is due to hold from July 20th to July 25thth 2020, virtually (online).

Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament has said in Freetown that he directed for the conveying of the extraordinary session to get the participation of the entire membership of the ECOWAS Parliament to discuss important referrals received from the ECOWAS Commission and also to consider the Parliament input in the implementation of the community levy.

His Excellency Sidie Mohamed Tunis confirmed that there are certain documents which are going to be tabled by the ECOWAS Commission at the Heads of States meeting, but procedurally these documents are to be reviewed by the ECOWAS Parliament for the opinions of the members.

He added that though the Bureau of ECOWAS Parliament, which consists of the Speaker and his four (4) Deputies has the power to review and approve the documents on behalf of Parliament in line with the supplementary Act 2016, but he says he feels it right to get the input and thorough scrutiny from all the Parliament’s 115 (one hundred and fifteen) members.

Meanwhile,  it could be recalled that the first inaugural session of the Parliament this 2020 was held in Niamey, Niger, in March this year and was convened by the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and President of Niger, His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou. That session saw Sierra Leonean Member of Parliament Honourable Sidie Mohamed Tunis unanimously elected as Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.

The second extraordinary session of the Parliament in 2020 which is going to take place virtually from 20th to 25th July 2020 will have the composite activities lined up as follows:

  1. Meeting of the Bureau: 20th July 2020
  2. Meeting of the Conference of Bureau: 20th July 2020
  3. Extraordinary Session: 21st to 25th July 2020

Meanwhile, it is prudent to note that the Bureau of the ECOWAS Parliament is the governing organ of the Parliament. The meeting of the Bureau on the 20th July 2020 shall consist of the Speaker and all the four (4) Deputy Speakers of the Parliament. At their meeting, they will determine the draft agenda and all programmes or business of the extraordinary session.

Furthermore, the meeting of the Conference of Bureau on the 20th July 2020, shall consist of the Bureau, the Chairmen and the first Rapporteur of each of the Standing Committees. They work with the Bureau of the Parliament to prepare the draft annual work-plan taking into account the priority Community programmes.

The ECOWAS Parliament is composed of 115 seats from each of the 15 Members States. States have a guaranteed minimum of five seats. The remaining seats are shared on the basis of population. Consequently, Nigeria has 35 seats, Ghana 8 seats, Cote d’Ivoire 7 seats, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal have 6 seats each. The others – Benin, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo have 5 seats each.

The ECOWAS Parliament, also known as the Community Parliament, is a forum for dialogue, consultation and consensus for representatives of the people of West Africa with the aim of promoting integration. It was established under Article 6 and 13 of the ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993. The Protocol relating to the Parliament was signed in Abuja on 6th August, 1994 and entered into force in 14th March, 2002. It provides for the structure, composition, competence and other matters relating to the Parliament. At its 25th session held in Dakar, Senegal on the 21st and 22nd December, 2001 the Authority of Heads of State and Government decided that Abuja should be the headquarters of the Parliament.

Normally, based on directives from the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, the Parliament chooses a venue to convey their meetings. However, this particular 2nd extraordinary session is to hold via videoconference apparently because of the dreadful impact of Coronavirus in the West Africa sub-region. So far as at Tuesday 7th July 2020, according to estimates from the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO) 88,453 (eighty eight thousand four hundred and fifty three) cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in the region, with 51,535 (fifty one thousand five hundred and thirty five) recoveries and 1,473 (one thousand four hundred and seventy three) deaths and still 35,445 (thirty five thousand four hundred and forty five) active cases in the region.

The Coronavirus Pandemic has caused all ECOWAS Members to shutdown airports and because of social distancing, individual conveying for the 2nd ECOWAS extraordinary session is impossible. However, the Parliament based on the directive of the Speaker, His Excellency Sidie Mohamed Tunis has resolved to hold a videoconference 2nd extraordinary session from the 20th to 21st July 2020.

UBA Group Appoints Deputy Managing Directors for Nigeria and Africa

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA)

By Amin Kef Sesay

The leading pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), announced on the 7th July 2020 the appointments of Ayoku Liadi and Oliver Alawuba as Deputy Managing Directors in charge of UBA’s Nigeria and Africa businesses, respectively.

The creation of the new positions, reporting to Group CEO, Kennedy Uzoka, represents further strategic recognition of the growth of UBA’s pan-African business, now representing in excess of 40% of Group revenue, and the critical importance of Nigeria, the Group’s largest market.  Combined with UBA’s unique International Business, operating from New York, London and Paris, UBA Africa and Nigeria, offer an unparalleled service offering to clients across Africa and globally.

Commenting on the appointments, Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu said:

“In 2005, we set out our pan-African vision.  Fifteen years later, we are present in 20 African countries, serving over 20 million clients, leveraging our service culture and technology platform, to provide an integrated and seamless customer offering across the continent.  In Africa, we lead in innovation and service, whilst our International Business, operating from New York, Paris and London, provides global and African clients access to treasury, trade finance and corporate banking products, uniquely tailored to the African opportunity.  These senior appointments represent our commitment to optimize our management structure to best serve our clients and drive our business success.”

Oliver Alawuba has worked with the UBA Group for almost 20 years and was appointed in January 2020, CEO for the Group’s Africa operations.  Oliver’s knowledge of UBA’s business in Africa is unrivalled.  He previously held the role as CEO of UBA in Ghana and more recently, as Regional CEO for UBA in Anglophone Africa.

Ayo Liadi joined the UBA Group in 2014 and was appointed the Executive Director of Lagos and West bank in Nigeria, two years later.  Ayo is widely recognized for his innovation in driving business development.

Also announced by the UBA Group Board, was the retirement from the Board with effect from August 01, 2020, of Dan Okeke who has been with the UBA Group for 22 years.  Dan served on the Board as an Executive Director for three terms and a total of nine years. According to the Group Chairman, ‘Dan was born for UBA.  He has worked tirelessly for the Group and achieved so much in the past two decades. We will miss him, but he will still be very much around us’.

UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with approximately 20,000 employees group wide and serving over 20 million customers. Operating in 20 African countries and globally in the United Kingdom, the United States and France, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge products such as the first ever banking chat bot in Africa, LEO.

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