Sierra Leone News: Denis Jusu Pioneers Launching Biggest Farm in Sierra Leone

May 19, 2019

JAMJAY Agricultural, Construction, Estate & Logistics Company Ltd, on the 18th May 2019 facilitated a grand launching of 1200 hectares of land for agriculture and cultivation of sorghum at Malompoh village in Tonkolili District.

Pastor Deffi introduced the Chairman the occasion, Dr. Ahmed Nanoh, as well as other key personalities including the Minister of Agriculture, Joseph J. Ndanemah, Deputy Minister Local of Government, Melrose Koroma, Paramount Chief of Yoni Chiefdom, Member of Parliament of Constituency 081, Joseph William Lamin, General Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Daaf Van Tilburg, Albert Ojo Collier, Corporate Relations Manager ( SLBL), Unisa Conteh of Sierra Leone Brewery and the Chief Executive Officer of JAMJAY Agricultural Company –Mr. Denis Jusu etc.

In his welcome address, on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Yoni Chiefdom, Kapri Kargbo thanked everyone for leaving their busy schedules to attend the programme and pleaded with them to give their fullest support to ensure that the farming land is well utilized calling on the stakeholders to send a message to President Bio to address the road issues in their various constituencies.

Representing the Hon.Member of Parliament of Constituency 042- Hon. Aeron Koroma, Councillor James Sidique Bangura delivered a brief statement in which he said they are highly appreciative of the development assuring all that they will make proper use of the project at hand and do all within their reach to ensure it to benefits residents in that part of the country and the nation as a whole.

He noted that the launch of the Jamjay Agriculture farm is a testimony of SLBL’s efforts to change the lives of sorghum farmers and develop agriculture in the country, thereby creating more employment and support Government’s efforts to make Sierra Leone a food sufficient country.

“We are particularly delighted when a top farmer, Denis Jusu, who has excelled in sorghum cultivation, decided to extend into large scale agricultural pursuits in the country. We congratulate him and we are looking forward to continue working together for many years to come,” he highlighted.

Chairman Ahmed Nanoh entreated his audience to forget about politics and support Government to develop the country and also advised the MP to talk to his people to support the Bio led administration to develop the country.

In his brief statement, the Agriculture Oversight Committee Hon. Member of Parliament, James William Lamin, dilated on the significance of maintaining law and order quoting “Sections 13 B & 13F” of the Constitution which talk of loyalty of the State.

He praised Denis Jusu for his hard work and applauded him for a job well done and officially handed over Denis Jusu to the people of Yoni Chiefdom and admonished everyone to come together and work with him for national cohesion saying they should be patriot and development oriented.

Councillor Abdulia Sesay of Ward 164 Constituency 042 expressed his appreciation for this new development and revealed to his audience that there are hopes for more development to come as his Ward and Constituency are the least developed in the country. He assured Mr. Jusu that they will support this development and also advised the Minister of Agriculture to support JAMJAY further calling on the Minister of Local Government to improve the lot of the Girl Child in that part of the country.

General Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Daf Van Tilburg, expressed his utmost satisfaction for what he termed as a fine initiative and development underscoring how he believes that agriculture is the driver of development assuring that with no doubt they will support Mr. Jusu to actualize his vision and development strides noting that the nation will surely benefit from it.

He disclosed that the Brewery has been operating for 57 years in the country but its operations was thwarted by the Ebola outbreak in 2013 highlighting that Mr. Jusu is a major sorghum contributor to the Brewery. He mentioned how the company has spent over 278 billion Leones in the last 2 years to improve the Brewery adding that they are working with sorghum farmers and SLARI.

“Mr. Jusu’s organization is the major supplier of sorghum to the Brewery with over 25,000 farmers countrywide,” he pointed out. He called on the Government to support this development drive and improve the capacities of sorghum farmers.

Daaf Van Tilburg said the project is a move to bring Sierra Leoneans together to develop the country reiterating that Mr. Jusu is the head of farmer planting sorghum countrywide and thanked JAMJAY for the new development as well as everyone for their inputs and willingness to give support.

M.B Kallon from the Civil Society Organization made mention of their role in monitoring Government on development saying they are providing the platform for the people to maximize their aspirations adding that they are engaging the Government to ensure that the interests of farmers are seriously addressed.

He said they are participating to promote the Local Content Policy for the benefit of the people of this country which is why they are present to support Mr. Denis Jusu for this wonderful development adding that Jusu has created job opportunities for many and is contributing to provided food for the citizenry buttressing how they he will do all their best in advocating for this project to be successful and sustainable.

Mr. Sam Kpaka from the Ministry of Finance said he stands to support JAMJAY because the project is really poised to enhance development and called on Government to support it. He talked about empowering the private sector.

CEO of JAMJAY, Denis Jusu thanked everyone and his wife because her name is on the company’s registration documents saying more importantly he recognizes the person who contributed for the Company’s inroad in the village, Mamie Yeabu Koroma, revealing that she is the back bone for the development.

He talked about his passion for agriculture as well as JAMJAY which he said was formed by certain people also dilating on sorghum cultivation. He said he took the adventure to travel to the USA to study more how to develop agriculture. He thanked Sierra Leone Brewery for their unflinching support for Sorghum farmers saying the Brewery is purchasing over 50 million Leones worth of Sorghum every year and praised Mr. Albert Ojo Collier for his relentless efforts to ensure that Sorghum farmers are empowered.

He assured the Minister of Agriculture and everyone that their story will change by next year and called on the Minister to consider his Farm Manager by paying his salary because he has now retired from SLARI. He thanked the media and the Civil Society for supporting him to reach this far.

According to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Joseph J. Ndanemah, he said that when President Bio declared his pronouncement in Parliament about agriculture he started making the difference and actualized the President’s speech into action.

He said there is money put aside by Government to support farmers explaining the need for enhancing farming reiterating the support of Government to this project.

James Bio, Project Director, Ministry of Water Resources, made a brief speech on behalf of the Minister of Water Resources.

The Minister launched the JAMJAY Agricultural farming and thanked everyone.

In her closing statement, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Madam Melrose Kargbo, said the initiative is a good example from the private sector thanking God she was appointed as Deputy Minister of Local Government because she believes in action. She promised to do more saying she is happy to be present to make the closing statement disclosing she has her own farm and she’s willing and ready to support the organization because the Ministry of Local Government is passionate to attract investors and investment in order to support local businesses mentioning she has worked before in rural communities. She promised to address the issues associated with the Girl Child admonishing that they must attend school so that they will contribute meaningfully to development in their various communities.

She encouraged all to support the Local Content Policy and thanked everyone for attending the ceremony.

The programme was climaxed by a tour around the farm/ community.

Sierra Leone News: Koroma’s Security Impasse Resolved

May 16, 2019

The Sierra Leone government has dismissed complaints by former President Ernest Bai Koroma that the replacement of his security details left him vulnerable and in fear of his safety. A government spokesman said Koroma’s security detail was only replaced as a routine practice by those in charge.

The Sierra Leonean constitution provides for up to 30 personnel, comprising police and military personnel, as security for every former head of state, as part of their retirement package.

In addition, they are entitled to domestic help in the form of a cleaner, cook and watchman.

Koroma served Sierra Leone as president from 2007 to 2018, he complained that his security details have been removed, among several other allegations against the new government, which he believes were part of a move to hound him.

The former president’s complaint was contained in a letter he wrote to the Inspector General of Police.

But Mohamed Rado Swaray, Minister of Information and Communication, who is also government spokesman, told journalists on Monday that the decision to replace the former president’s security detail was pure procedural, rather than any attempt at endangering his personal safety.

Mr. Swaray also said the government or the police did not have to consult with a former president to replace his security detail.

Swaray however assured that the Bio administration was committed to ensuring the safety of Mr. Koroma as a former president.

“As a government we have availed him the necessary security that is required. President Bio respects the statutory instruments of this country,” the minister said.

“These deployments are necessary for the all-round development of the personnel involved and for a watertight security for the former President and his family,” he added.

The issue has heightened political tension in a country already tethering on the brink, since the 2018 disputed elections.

Sierra Leone News: AIG Sovula to Face Police Disciplinary Action

May 16, 2019

Ambrose Michael Sovula, AIG of Police – North East

In a letter dated 15^th May, 2019 written by Emerlin George, Board Executive Secretary – IPCB, addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to several relevant authorities, the writer makes bitter complaint against Ambrose Michael Sovula, AIG of Police – North East.

Among other salient issues, the writer stated that on the 15^th of April 2019, the IPCB received two complaints at its their regional office in Makeni from Idriss Sankoh, a motor bike rider in Makeni City and Michael Fallah Kamanda (PC 6589) a serving member of the Sierra Leone Police attached at the Mena Police Station Makeni.

According to the letter, the IPCB initiated an investigation into the matter, with a view of determining the conduct of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) personnel involved.

According to the letter, the IPCB approached Mr. Ambrose Sovula, the AIG for North – East at his regional office, Mena Police Station and briefed him about the two complaints.

However, according to the letter of complaint, to the dismay of the IPCB, Sovula without regard to protocol ordered the arrest and detention of the complainant that was brought to the Mena Police Station by the IPCB and also ordered the indefinite suspension of PC 6589 Kamanda M. F from police duty immediately.

According to the complaint, even though the IPCB Complaints and Investigations Officer pleaded with the Sovula to withdraw his decision and look into the fact of the matter as alleged, not as a verdict due to the fact that Idrissa Sankoh was having a fracture of the jaw bone and urgently needed medical attention, Sovula insisted on his order for the arrest and detention of Idrissa Sankoh and the suspension of PC 6589 Kamanda M. F. in the presence of Mr. Richard S. Freeman, the Chairman of the IPCB.

He further complained that in the eyes of the ordinary citizens especially onlookers at the police station, Sovula demonstrated utter disrespect to the IPCB because the complainant was in the possession of the IPCB when Sovula arrested and detained him.

The complaint further states that Sovula treated the complainant like a criminal who does not deserve being treated with courtesy and humanity. There was no reason for Sovula to be so obnoxiously disrespectful to the IPCB in the performance of its functions.

The IPCB, according to the letter was astounded by the approach of AIG Sovula and his conduct.

It went further to state that ‘in light of the above, the IPCB considers this as misconduct involving an officer of higher rank under Regulation 3 (1) (e) and Contempt of the Board under Regulations 26 (e) of the IPCB Regulations, 2013, the reason why the complaint against Sovula was made.

Sierra Leone News: Adonis Aboud Vows to Do More for Kamayama

May 16, 2019

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adonis Aboud Trust Fund (AATF) and Pikin Bizness, Dr. Adonis Aboud, on Friday assured journalists and Kamayama community that he will continue to provide support to the community.

He made the above promise during the launch of the Adonis Aboud Bridge that connects the Malamah-Kamayama communities in Freetown, Western Urban.

He said the project was a joint private sector project, with the main objective of empowering the youth and creating employment by motivating them to take active part in community development.

It was noted that eleven years after it was first commissioned, this is the second time Dr. Aboud has renovated this bridge. He explained that the bridge project is a joint private sector youth initiative with the main objective of empowering the youth and creating employment by motivating them to take active part in community development thus participating in national development without recourse to government funding or external donors.

On his part, Chief Conteh explained that there are about 40,000 people behind the bridge construction site at the crossing from Malamah to Kamayama. Prior to the construction of the bridge they were subjected to daily agony in order to reach their homes, not to talk about the risk involved in crossing over at night. He saw this constraint and he promised to help and he delivered and he has proven himself a son of the soil. He said he had done a lot for the youth in this community by relocating and providing some of them with jobs.

Dr. Adonis Aboud has not only stopped at constructing the bridge at Kamayama but has also constructed a bridge at Dworzack community, Nduvuibu in Bo and has also dug several water wells.

Sierra Leone News: Plans Underway to Transform Kingtom Dumpsite

May 16, 2019

In a rare social media livestream video cast to mark her first year in office on Saturday May 11, the Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyer.
disclosed plans by the Freetown City Council to convert the Kingtom dumpsite in Freetown into what she described as “a faecal sludge treatment centre”.

This move by the Freetown City Council is part of its wider plans to manage the rate at which major dumpsites in Freetown are overwhelmed by waste, Mayor Aki-Sawyer said.

The Mayor of Freetown confirmed that there was already a roadmap which would see the construction of a landfill site at the normally unsightly Kingtom dumpsite, which is predominantly used for open dumping of sewage and other waste matter that pose possible health risk to people living in nearby communities. “FCC expects to obtain funding for the construction of a faecal sludge treatment centre at Kingtom, using a cost-effective technology which aims to stop the open dumping of sewage and the consequent poisoning of the watercourses,” Mayor Aki-Sawyer assured.

She added that based on a recent feasibility study, plans were also underway to turn the dumpsite into a planned landfill. Albert Kabbia, a resident of Kroo Town Road community around the Kingtom dumpsite described the proposed move as a “source of relief” for inhabitants in the communities around the Kingtom dumpsite. He however questioned how soon the project will get off the ground saying “This is not the first time we are hearing about plans to transform our dumpsite into landfill for the production of gas and other useful chemicals,” given that all earlier promises are yet to see the light of day.

Meanwhile, Salifu Koroma, a Bio-Chemical Expert, has called on the Freetown City Council and their partners to observe and maintain good practices saying “This is to ensure that the good intention of the Mayor and other authorities to transform the community does not end up into an even more worst environmental situation for community people.”

Sierra Leone News: Fatima Bio Continues to Give Zakat in Freetown

May 16, 2019

First Lady Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio has stated that she is thankful to Allah, for giving her the opportunity to continue celebrating his name. “I am a proud Muslim woman who believes in the teaching of our Prophet Mohammad (SAW). There is nothing more fulfilling than giving Zakat to the needy. This is part of the pillars of Islam,” she said while visiting a number of mosques to give Zakat in this Ramadan season.

Madam Bio in conjunction with the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) has over the past few days been going around donating food and other items to various mosques around the city.

This is in observance of the season of Ramadan. Madam Fatima Maada Bio and the Julius Maada Bio Women’s Wing (JMB-WW) are on this exercise to demonstrate their generosity to Muslims in different parts of the country.

H.E. Fatima Maada Bio and JMB-WW join worshippers at the Hill Station Mosque, on Wednesday 15^th May, 2019. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan and also joined worshippers at the Majid Rahman Mosque, Goderich in Freetown, on the same day. They also gave Zakat in the spirit of Ramadan.

The First Lady and JMB-WW started the tradition of giving over 5 years ago in the name of Allah and they continue to donate and ask for more prayers for President Bio and the good people of Sierra Leone.

As giving is believed to be caring and is perceived as one way to unite people and promote oneness, Fatima Bio and the JMB-WW also made donations to Muslims at the Central Mosque in Freetown and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) mosque at its headquarters in Freetown on Tuesday 14^th May 2019.

Also, quite recently, she led a group to present gifts and to mobilize women and some male loyalists to go across Kono District to do presentations to her fellow Muslims.

Muslims in Sewafe, Kamadu, Sulkudu, Peiyema, Tombodu, Koiquema, and Koidu Town, all benefited from the generosity of Fatima Bio and the JMB Women’s Wing.

A total of two hundred bags of rice, sugar, flower, salt, oil, tomatoes, kola and money was distributed.

She added: “I am also very happy to share it with my people from Kono where I come from, and to seek their blessings for my family, the government and the people of this nation on the first Friday of Ramadan,” she added.

The women in attendance that were the beneficiaries promised that they will continue to do their charity work throughout Ramadan.

Sierra Leone News: Kamarainba Plans to Switch Over…

May 16, 2019

Leader of Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray on Wednesday 15^th 2019, informed the general public that he will likely join either the All People’s Congress (APC) or the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) before the 2023 national elections.

The ADP leader made this statement while responding to questions at the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire Hot Seat program moderated by Amadu Lamarana Bah.

Kamarainba stated that after being in active politics for the past years, he has come to the realization that the people of this country are not ready to bring in a third force in the political landscape rather are still accepting and appreciate the APC and SLPP parties.

‘they two parties have been in the existence for the 50 years now so it will be very difficult to eliminate them at the moment, we have the opportunity in 1996 with John Kerry Far Smart of the UNPP but in rather unfortunately it did not work, so I have made up my mind to join either of the two because I want to serve my nation, but I have to pray for God directions before taking the decision and it a call from my supporters. The likes of Kandeh Kolleh Yokelah of the National Grand Coalition Chief Sam Sumana of Coalition for Change, I and others have tried in the past election, but it just difficult at the moment.

Kamaramba stated that there is nothing like Free Quality Education right now in the country and called on President Bio to increase the salary of teachers rather than offer scholarships to children of teachers who have taught for ten years. He added that it is the moral responsibility of parents to pay for their child’s school fees and ‘so just pay them well, and they will take care of themselves and their children,’ he said.

However, Kamarainba graded the Bio New Direction Government 9% for not doing well with the economy as things have gone worse with hike in prices and high taxation which is seriously affecting the cost of living for the ordinary citizen.

He added President Bio is a good person but must be careful with those he appoints especially those coming into governance for the first time as they might be focused only on the opportunities and luxury attached to the position.

Sierra Leone News: NP Committed to Customer Care & National Development

May 16, 2019

Feedback from the general public about the operations and contribution to national development by Sierra Leone’s foremost petroleum dealer, National Petroleum (NP) indicates that NP is committed to customer care, and prioritizes satisfaction.

As petroleum business entity, the National Petroleum Company in Sierra Leone is proud of having various filling stations in various parts of the country.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Despite the above, the selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

NP has cordially maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers’ right across the sub-region where it exists and most have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with NP.

The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

The National Petroleum (NP) of Sierra Leone is 100% indigenously-owned and has been providing various jobs to residents across the country and even in neighbouring countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

It is also on record that the NP is one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), financially empowering the Government to roll out various development projects.

The National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has been lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building up the country’s economy.

As petroleum business entity NP is proud of having various filling stations in various parts of the country and it is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia.

Without mincing the truth, NP has a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centrepiece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region. The synergy that runs through its members of staff has also contributed to the company’s growth.

If one asks who really knows NP, the feedbacks you will receive will definitely border around its commitment to customer care, which the company strongly believes must be prioritised to give satisfaction.

The selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

The company deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, Petroleum Directorate, has lauded NP for its efficient service delivery wherever it is operating.

When people talk of the steady and effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, NP stands out tall as it is truly has 100% indigenes, particularly in Sierra Leone, as workers. This is one of the factors that have made the company to be a success story.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP at the top.

NP-SL Ltd is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It can therefore be justifiably asserted that the National Petroleum Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

Sierra Leone News: 1st Lady Commended For Her Prayer Against Enemies of Progress

May 16, 2019

Concerned that there are bad minded people around the presidency with different intention towards her husband and his resolve to make good on his avowed promise to deliver the nation from its long suffering, First Lady Madam Fatima Bio has offered Ramadan prayers for her husband and the liberation of the nation from the clutches of what she called evil, demonic people.

Madam Bio prayed that these devilish people around her people who do not want to see the happiness of others, who only wish the president and the nation evil, not good, be dumped into darkness by Allah and when they die be allowed into the next world, saying if her husband is not watching, she is watching.

Many people have interpreted differently Madam Bio’s prayers to Allah to deliver her husband from people that are around him who feed him lies and made up stories about other people to perish.

There are those who firmly believe that the First Lady did the right thing, whilst there are those who say she should have been circumspect and not gone public with her advice given to her husband to beware and for Allah to open his eyes to evil minded people close to him.

It cannot be denied that there are always self-seeking people around leaders who not only “kongosah” to win favors but go as far as saying with manifest malicious intent damaging things about others to the leader in order to sow bad blood and suspicion between the leader and others he depends on.

That being the case, the entire nation – Muslims and Christians – should join with Madam Bio to pray against any evil forces that intend to bewitch the president and divert him from completing his mission of liberating this our beloved country from the shackles of poverty, illiteracy, poor health, unemployment and all the failings that continue to rank us among the poorest nations in the world, in spite of the abundance of resources that we have for rapid economic development.

Sierra Leone News: SECOND TO NONE… SLCB IS THE PRIDE OF SALONE COMMERCIAL BANKING

May 16, 2019

With mandates to achieve financial inclusion across West Africa by 2020, and with the Central Bank based on IMF and World Bank recommendations to expand financial inclusivity in diversifying economic activities, digitalized banking services is the future that the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank in its continued relentless rebranding, staying on top of the competition and quest for customer satisfaction has embraced. The innovations include the introduction of twice-monthly Saturday banking.

At the cutting edge of technological innovation, SLCB has over the past five years seamlessly adopted policies to meet the requirements of the next generation banking customer by examining the challenges and successes of financial inclusion. As such, SLCB has efficiently incorporated mobile money platforms, automated banking and tailored credit facilities for a dynamic commercial banking dynamic market to best achieve financial inclusion and sustained banking growth.

As such, SLCB has become the epicenter of branchless banking financial innovations in Sierra Leone, thus effectively attracting tens of thousands of new previously un-banked customers, interestingly from the grassroots.

The financial innovations covered by SLCB are the branchless banking models, which represent a departure from the traditional branch-based banking. More specifically, the financial innovations covered are: mobile banking, agency banking, internet banking and automated teller machines.

The results shown in the Bank’s annual balance sheet prove that financial innovations significantly contribute to bank financial performance, and that firm-specific factors are more important in determining the firm’s current financial performance than industry factors.

Last year’s returns provide concrete evidence that the recent financial innovations adopted by a forward looking SLCB management and staffs have generated good results for the shareholder – the Government of Sierra Leone. A very laudable achievement for a bank which some years back was deeply in the red and in need of a financial bailout.

Admirably, SLCB under recent management has stayed true and loyal to its vision and mission which is: to be the market leader in financial services with a mission that is enduring and fits its medium and long term strategic focus and direction which remain unchanged of being a leading financial services provider delivering value to all stakeholders.

As such, 2017 and 2018 were remarkable years with transformative results of pre-tax profits of Le79.5 billion, is equivalent to USD $10.5million, as at end December 2017. This represented a growth of 122% from 2016. SLCB proudly announced: “We achieved such historic profits and sustained our local market dominance in spite of the fierce competition and low economic outturn in a pre-election year”.

SLCB’s relentless effort to sustain market leadership earned the Bank ‘Best Financial Institution of the Year 2017’ by AWOL (All Works of Life). The financial results for 2017 and the AWOL award were testimonials of the Bank’s leading domestic brand, unique customer engagement model and deep market understanding as the People’s Bank.

Along the way, SLCB achieved industry leadership in the following:

– Customer deposit of Le1.1 Trillion; the first bank to hit one Trillion in deposits

– Recorded the highest profits in the industry i.e. 79.5 Billion

– Balance sheet size of Le1.25 Trillion; the first and highest in the industry

Remaining on track in aligning business performance with key strategic priorities to reposition the Bank as the dominant brand, over the period, SLCB embarked on an accelerated investment in digital transformation and deployed state-of-the art technologies and communications infrastructure to deliver its digital enterprise programme which started in 2016.

Consequently, the result of SLCB’s phenomenal leap in capital and customer base are the combination of its growing brand identity, a well-diversified customer deposit base, adoption of a conservative credit risk posture and the scale of premium service delivery from the new ICT infrastructure, thereby building the infrastructure for sustainable growth and now poised to increase shareholders’ value year on year.

With SLCB having taken banking to the doorsteps of the unbanked with its community banking kiosks and mobile banking services, the Bank is in the process transitioning the Bank into a digital bank by deploying capabilities to work at home and anywhere, pursue paperless environment and pushing transaction origination at the fingers of the customer; reinforce customer centricity: intensifying client care and digital experience, growing contactless banking for retail customers and rolling out branchless banking to service the unbanked and mass market, leveraging technology for growth and uniqueness: supporting 24/7 banking capabilities and maintaining a resilient, robust and secure ICT infrastructure.

At this cutting edge of banking innovation, SLCB customers can now access their accounts using our Internet Banking service. This anywhere, anytime service puts the customer in control of his/her money, no matter where you are, with just the click of a mouse. With this service you can:

Check balances
View transaction information
View statements up to two months old
Transfer money between your own accounts
Purchase Bearer Bonds and Treasury Bills
Order Cheque book for collection at counter
Order extended statement of account for collection at counter
Download forms
Effect Standing Orders
Stop Payment of Cheques
Pay utility bills
Shop
Pay advance salary, etc.

At the helm of this ongoing revolution at the SLCB is the new Managing Director who was appointed by President Bio in 2018, Abdulai Fidelis Turay. With a Bachelor and Masters in Economics and Finance and a string of professional development training courses and seminars in the banking industry at institutions in South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Zambia, Cote D’Ivoire, and in country to his credit, Fidelis started his banking career after leaving university with the Meridien BIAO SL Ltd in 1990 and rose to the position of Assistant Manager – Credit and Marketing/Credit and Recoveries Department.

Until his appointment, he was head of Union Trust Bank’s Credit Administration & Risk Management, a portfolio he held for several years. With varied experience heading banking operations, credit administration, marketing and business development, administration and personnel, internal control, project financing, risk management and corporate banking, besides special duties, he led the charge for setting up UTB’s branches in the provinces and greater Freetown, and is perceived to be an institution builder.

It is estimated that his wealth of knowledge, track record and footprints will build on the SLBC’s current team spirit to zealously roll-out the planned innovation to a next generation banking in Sierra Leone.