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Using 2713 Short Code to SMS via Africell to vote for an AWOL Nominee… Add another Feather to the Cap of your Personality or Institution

By Amin Kef Sesay

The All Walks of Life (AWOL) is now in top gear to host its annual Awards Ceremony which many are eagerly looking forward to with expectations that their nominees will bag one of its prestigious awards , adding another feather to their caps for being honorably recognized for outstanding contributions to humanity and nation building.  This is a day many are waiting for to be part of the crème de la crème of society in a relaxed social atmosphere that will be full of glitz, good music, food exuding an ambience of life worth living.

Indeed, as usual, in the immediate wake of the event indisputably tongues will be left wagging as to whether indeed a particular personality or institution truly deserves to be awarded. But that is natural as we sometimes disagree to agree. But one thing that is really obvious is that AWOL prides itself on selflessness and integrity which is why its award programmes have always been characterized by fairness. It is not AWOL that determines who should be a recipient of an award as a voting process is currently ongoing for people to vote their consciences for nominated personalities and institutions whom they truly believe should be recognized for their immense contributions to humanity and nation-building. You are at liberty to vote now by using 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution whom one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

In just  about three weeks from now, to be specific on the 29th December 2019, all roads will be leading  to the Bintumani International Conference Centre where at 7pm the highly regarded All Walks of Life (AWOL) will commence its programme of dishing out its annual prestigious 2019 awards to deserving personalities and institutions in various categories.

Already,  the Technical and Organizing Committees of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) as both are working doggedly behind the scenes to put all the necessary arrangements together to stage a non-forgettable awards ceremony which will be laced with intriguing moments of fun, laughter, good music, food and drinks. It goes without saying that the after –awards nite feeling will for a long time definitely linger on the minds of many that will take them into a brand new 2020. From all indications and judging from the nominations that have been done for the different categories it seems that this Awards Ceremony is going to be the Mother of all AWOL Awards Ceremonies but as some have already maintained that is yet to be determined.

However, what for now is really certain is that AWOL has etched a name in history for doing BIG THINGS and this time round there will to be an exception nor is it going to be the last as we have been hinted. In order to reiterate the message loud and clear the widely acclaimed National Achievements Awards (NAAs) will be dished out to deserving individuals and institutions on the 29th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre starting at 7pm with the theme “Education is the Key to National Cohesion and Development” under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

As it had been over the years it is planned to be an unforgettable ceremony that will be laced with pomp and pageantry bringing together under one roof the crème de la crème of society to socialize. It is going to be a nite of fun, jokes and laughter; a moment that will be lively when the spotlight will shine on individuals and institutions that have been recognized for their exemplary contributions to nation building and as such bestowed prestigious awards for their efforts.

Already, on the 22nd November 2019, the launch of the National Achievement Awards was done at the Radisson Blu Hotel and it was graced by individuals from various walks of life including the Chief Minister who on that day described AWOL as an organization which has as its aim and objective to celebrate ‘change-makers’ whom he referred to as those people who are doing their utmost in their little corners to put Sierra Leone first and set bright examples for others to emulate.

During the occasion the President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr informed the audience that AWOL was formed 20 years ago to serve the country in a distinct fashion. He added that coming from an 11 year war, as young people, they decided to form a group with a distinct mission to recognize distinguished Sierra Leoneans, as well as to complement and serve as an auxiliary to government and this they have been doing successfully since the founding of AWOL.

Indisputably, AWOL’s National Achievement Awards have now become an important feature in the calendar of annual events in Sierra Leone. Come as it does towards the close of the year, most Sierra Leoneans see it as part of their Christmas and End of Year entertainment recipe. During the course of the year, AWOL keenly watched Sierra Leoneans in their various works of life as well as institutions with the avowed objective of recognizing them for their good works.

As a family, AWOL considers that approach as a trend as “it adds worth and meaning to our efforts, and brings fulfilment to our dreams; for over and above recognizing and awarding merit, effort, achievement, ability, devotion, commitment and scholarship, to deserving Sierra Leoneans.’

AWOL is also working in underprivileged communities through its various social, educational and humanitarian interventions.

Contrary to what some may want to believe, it should however be noted that AWOL is a non-political and non-profitable organization, which focuses on national development. AWOL’s philosophy is to be selfless, to serve, to give back to society and expect nothing in return as reward or profit.

AWOL is hinged on determination to complement government’s effort in nation building; regardless of which democratic government is in power.

It is on record that AWOL has stayed together as a group, worked together as a family, and pursued its goals and aspirations as patriotic Sierra Leoneans who care and love their country. As may be the case in other organizations, AWOL may have its own internal problems, for no group or organization exists without conflict; but AWOL has been able to resolve its differences amicably without any threat to the developmental aspirations of the organization as a whole.
One thing that makes AWOL very outstanding and as part of its constitution is the fact that no individual member is bigger than the organization. AWOL is bigger than each one and their leaders are charged with the responsibility to always bring members together as a family, maintain and promote the traditions that have held AWOL together since the founding and current members became one family 18 years ago.

President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., maintains that over these eighteen years AWOL’s contributions to national development have been immense.

He says AWOL supports Sierra Leone’s development and transformative drives to build a new Sierra Leone which is the dream of every Sierra Leonean. AWOL shares in that dream of every Sierra Leonean to see our small but naturally blessed country develop into a paradise on earth:
AWOL further seeks to see a nation with improved social amenities for the enjoyment of young people and also to see a nation able to grow its own food and able not only to feed itself but its neighbours as well. The organization also wants to see a nation that is less dependent on donor funds for its survival and become a nation that idolizes her past, present and future leaders and heroes; and also to see functioning, responsible, pro-active and delivering State institutions.

From all indications, it is going to be an unforgettable nite that will linger in the minds of many here and abroad.

Below is the list of nominees that could be voted for by sending a text message on Africell line to 2713:

AWOL NAAs 2019 CATEGORIES & NOMINEES
—————————–

EDUCATION

1. TERTIARY INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– IPAM
– Njala
– UNIMAK

2. SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dele-Peddle International School
– Sierra Leone Grammar School
– Providence International High School

3. PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Gateway Preparatory Primary School
– International Primary School
– Modern Elementary School

4. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018- NPSE
– Menjor, Esther Sia (Leone Preparatory Prim. School)

5. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –BECE
– Hooke Johan Harmonette D. (Providence Int. Snr High, F/Town)
– Taqi Hafeez Othman (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Jalloh Khadijatu (Annie Walsh Memorial Sch., F/Town)

6. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –WASSCE
– Saffia Kai (Hermann Gmeiner Int. Sch., F/Town)
– Turay Abdulai S. (Dele-Peddle Int. High, F/Town)

7. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –NPSE
– Russell Affuah (The International School Ltd., Prim)

8. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –BECE
– Manyeh Kaiwanday Nova (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Koroma Umu B. (Modern High, F/Town)

9. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –WASSCE
– Gbakima Aiah (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)

SPORTS

10. SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Buya Turay
– John Keister
– National Swimming Team

GOVERNANCE

11. MINISTRY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Ministry of Health and Sanitation
– Ministry of Tourism and Culture
– Ministry of Information and Communications

12. PARASTATAL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
– National Revenue Authority (NRA)
– Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL)

13. PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella
– Hon. Abdul Kargbo
– Hon. Ibrahim ‘Tawa’ Conteh

MEDIA

14. PRINT MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Awoko
– Sierra Eye Magazine
– Standard Times

15. RADIO MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Radio Democracy 98.1 FM
– SLBC Radio
– Kiss 104 FM

16. TELEVISION MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018 2019
– AYV TV
– SLBC TV
– Star TV

17. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (FEMALE)
– Stella Bangura (AYV TV)
– Zainab Joaque (Awoko Newspaper)
– Khadija Bangura (98.1)

18. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (MALE)
– Amadu Lamrana Bah (AYV TV)
– Mohamed Asmieu Bah (SLBC TV)
– Kemo Cham (Politico Newspaper)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

19. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MUSIC)
– Rozay Sokota
– Arkman
-Drizllik

20. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MOVIE)
– Desmond Finnie
– Henrietta Mbawah
– Phebean Swill

21. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (COMEDY)
– Desmond Beinya
– Kindo Armani
– Richie Obama

22. ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (FINE ART)
– King Dus Art
– Alusine Conteh
– Cyril Oronto-Cole

FINANCE & BUSINESS

  1. BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
    – Ecobank SL
    – Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)

    24. INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Union Trust Bank (UTB)
    – Gento Group
    – NP-SL

    MEDICINE

    25. MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha
    – Dr. Francis Lansana
    – Dr. Aiah Lebbie

    HUMANITARIAN

    26. HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sick Pikin Project
    – Pikin Bizness
    – Melqosh Mission

    LAW

    27. LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Musa Mewa Esq
    – Ibrahim Fayia Sawaneh Esq
    – Joan Bull Esq.

    THE FORCES

    28. MILITARY OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Brig Gen Victor Samba
    – Lt Col Roland Robin Gbondo
    –

    29. POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Mr Francis Musa Hazeley (Chief Supt of Police)
    – Mrs Juliette Kumba Kondoh (Supt of Police)
    – Mr Edward Tamba Keimbay (Asst Supt of Police)

    30. FIRE FORCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Sahr I. Aruna (Sub Officer)
    – Abu Bakarr Fofanah (Sub Officer)
    – Adebayo Williams (Sub officer)

    31. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Mohamed Santigie Turay (Director of Corrections)
    – Rev Mrs. Josephine R.M. Findlay (Chief Supt of Corrections)
    – Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Manley (Chief Supt of Corrections)

    AGRICULTURE

    32. FARMER OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Kabia Farm
    – Jam Jay Enterprise
    – Madam Haja Sundu Marrah

    CIVIL SOCIETY

    33. CSO/CBO OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Campaign for Good Governance
    – CARL- SL
    – CHIRDI- SL

    HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

    34. HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
    – The Place- Tokeh
    – Radisson Blu
    – Lagoonda

    FASHION

    35. FASHION DESIGNER 2019
    – Madam Wokie
    – Hudsons
    – J & F Fashion

    PETTY TRADING

    36. PETTY TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019
    –  Isatu (Plasas Seller, Aberdeen Market)
    – Abdulai Jalloh (Butcher, Krootown Road)
    – Sarian Karimu (Shenge Market, Bo)

    NATIONAL SERVICE

    37. PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR 2019
    – Lara Taylor-Pearce (ASSL)
    – Francis Ben Keifala (ACC)
    – Micheala Mackay (CAC)

    COMMUNICATIONS

    38. TELE-COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF THE YEAR
    – Orange SL
    – Africell SL
    – SIERRATEL

Vote now for individuals and institutions you deem deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

Amidst Challenges… NP-SL in Top Gear to Continue Marketing of  High Quality Petroleum Products

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has its footprints solidly planted on the sands of time since its establishment years back by resolute Sierra Leoneans, who at that time had the utmost ambition to succeed within the business landscape not only in this country but even beyond. Indeed, through hard work and the sheer determination to make a successful breakthrough or headway a small entity turned out become a towering company that is greatly contributing to the socio-economic development of the country.

Without any iota of exaggeration, it is a 100% indigenous company that many Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad are very proud of  simply because it is a living testimony of the germination of a simple venture which transformed into an enterprising entity having branches in different parts of the country as well as in some countries within the West African sub-region that are really rendering qualitative services that give utmost satisfaction to those who transact with it.

The mere fact that the shareholders and Management of the company ventured to operate beyond the shores of this country in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia , Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of  how aspiring the entity is to serve humanity honestly and sincerely.

NP-SL Ltd is synonymous with 1st for Customer Care as research has proven that it is a top priority which the shakers and movers of the company consider to be very instrumental with regards widening its customer base. The pragmatic application of various platforms geared towards enhancing customer care is yielding fruitful dividends.

To give its numerous and esteemed customers the best 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.

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, one of which is recovering debts owed it by other institutions but it is undaunted to forge ahead while trying to surmount them. The strides taken so far by the company are worthy of emulation and which many Sierra Leoneans must be very proud of.

Although the company is presently grappling with accessing the required amount of foreign exchange that it needs to vibrantly continue its importation and marketing of petroleum products coupled with having to recover long outstanding loans yet many are very proud of it for its positive contributions to nation building.

 

 

Choithram donates Le100M to 140 Scholarship Beneficiaries

By Amin Kef Sesay

Choithram International Foundation has on Tuesday 10th December, 2019 donated one hundred million Leones to the Choithram Scholarship Fund in order to award 139 scholarships to school going pupils across the country. The handing over ceremony took place at Choithram Office on Wilberforce Street in Freetown.

In his address, the Financial Comptroller of Choithram International Foundation, Harish Agnani ,said the donation is a regular gesture from Choithram International Foundation set up by Late Mr. T. Choithram Pagarani. He pointed out that every year funds are allocated to assist needy school going children in line with the vision of the of the late Mr. T. Choithram Pagarani in order to improve the education & health sectors in Sierra Leone.

He said this year Choithram International Foundation allocated Le 100, 000, 000 Million to the Scholarship Fund and a total of 139 children will benefit from this gesture.

He said that Choithram International Foundation has been regularly funding the Choithram Scholarship Fund since its inception in 1967.

Harish Agnani said prior to this gesture, Choithram & NATCO donated Le 40 Million for the construction of a fence at the Koya Town Health Post in Wellington, noting that this year they have a special case of a medical student from upcountry who needs assistance to pay his fees and they have decided to pay Le 7,500,000.00 as his fees for the 1st year.

“Choithram Int’l Foundation also provides funds not only for the day to day running of the Choithram Memorial Hospital but also to procure modern medical equipment to upgrade the facilities at the hospital to international standards,” he emphasized.

He noted that apart from these gestures Choithram Charity Trust also donates foodstuffs to Old Peoples Home and Children’s home every month all of which is considered as part of their Social Corporate Responsibility by the Choithram group.

He expressed appreciation on behalf of Choithram Int’l Foundation to the members of the Choithram Scholarship Fund Committee for their relentlessly efforts over the years to ensure that their venture is a success.

Commenting after receiving the Cheque, Chairman of the Choithram Scholarship Trust Fund Committee Eastline Palmer expressed appreciation to the Choithram International Foundation for the support the Foundation has been giving them all these years in order to undertake the exercise.

She said that Le 100, 000, 000 Million had been allocated to the Scholarship Fund that will benefit a total of 139 children including  one year fees for the Medical Student, adding that the scholarship caters for all Sierra Leoneans regardless of tribe, region but as long as the individual meets the scholarship criteria it will be awarded.

She said they targeted 32 pupils from different Primary schools and 107 pupils from secondary schools across the country for this year’s scholarship.

She assured the Choithram International Foundation that they will make good use of the Fund and the scholarship will be awarded to the right beneficiaries.

 

Orphan Empowerment Society- SL to Empower 300 Orphans

Country Coordinator of Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone Amb Alie Conteh

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone, a non-governmental and humanitarian organization is poised to empower 300 orphans with vocational skills, free medical care, food and non-food items to orphans within the Freetown Municipality. This disclosure was made on Tuesday 10th December, 2019 during an exclusive interview with the Country Coordinator of the organization.

Speaking to this medium, the Country Coordinator of Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone Amb Alie Conteh disclosed that according to a UNICEF report there are 153 million orphans worldwide with 310,000 in Sierra Leone, adding that many orphans do not have access to clean water, sufficient food or basic sanitation and that most orphans rely on seasonal freewill donations, living on less than $1 a day.

He said that these children face enormous challenges to their health and development and it is estimated that  95% of orphans & vulnerable children do not receive any type of medical, emotional, social, material or school related assistance and as a result up to 20% of orphans develop a serious disability and without intervention, most child orphans born into poverty will die in poverty and their children after them.

It on this backdrop, he said as part of the empowerment program orphan empowerment society will be organizing 5 days Orphan Life Line empowerment program from the 16th -20th December, 2019 which will enhance the development of orphans in Sierra Leone, adding that the said project will empower 300 Orphans.

He called on humanitarian organizations and individuals to support them in order for the proposed event to be a success as their approach is to end orphan poverty in Sierra Leone and Africa as a whole.

“Donating to this project you are helping orphans find their feet, Not only do you make the world a better place to live in but also leave  a legacy for generations yet unborn by breaking the cycle of poverty,” he maintained.

Director-General of NCRA Gets another Award

Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi

By NCRA Communication Unit

The Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi was internationally recognized by the ID4 Africa Movement for the invaluable work he is performing in Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and ID Management in Sierra Leone. Massaquoi has been appointed to the prestigious position of Ambassador of ID4 Africa Movement for Sierra Leone effective 1st January, 2020.

ID4Africa is an ID-4-All Movement founded in 2014 that accompanies African nations on their journey to develop robust and responsible ID ecosystems around digital identity in the service of development and humanitarian action. It is a tripartite organisation with representation from African Governments, International Agencies and Industry. The aim of the Movement is to share experiences and establish real-world best practices that set the correct expectations for what is involved in launching and sustaining successful identity programs.

The Movement is driven by the need to establish identity-for-all, not just as a legal right (consistent with UN SDG 16.9), but also as a practical necessity to enable inclusive access to services in Africa. ID4Africa believes that service-oriented identity ecosystems built on the respect of privacy and human rights are essential for the growth of digital economies and will become even more crucial as African countries move to implement the provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA).

Massaquoi’s appointment as an ID4Africa Ambassador is not only a testament to the excellent work he is performing at the NCRA on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, it is also a recognition of the significant progress that the Government of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone, Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio has made by adopting modern digital identity systems as drivers of socio-economic development and financial inclusion. This accolade further highlights Sierra Leone’s approach to identity management as a blueprint that other African nations can learn from, validating His Excellency’s vision of technology for development and positioning Sierra Leoneans to be productive citizens of the fourth industrial revolution rather than being excluded.

Massaquoi’s landmark appointment caps a plethora of laudable achievements of the NCRA in recent times which includes the cleaning of the payroll of Civil and Public Servants including Subvented Agencies  in order to make it transparent and accountable; utilizing its Digital Identity Management  system to help pilot the Biometric Time and Attendance Reporting System of the Ministry of Finance, Accountant General’s Department and the HRMO that is tied to the Payroll System to inform decisions that contain absenteeism and tardiness from work thereby increasing productivity in the Civil and Public Service.

The NCRA, under Massaquoi’s watch, conducted the UN led Comprehensive Country Assessment on CRVS and ID Management in Sierra Leone that informed the development of its five year costed Strategic Plan (2019-2024) which won endorsement from the UN Director of Africa Center for Statistics that “Sierra Leone’s CRVS and ID Management System meets the UN Guidelines and international best practice”.

Most recently, the NCRA provided the technology infrastructure through which His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio launched Africa’s first Blockchain National Digital Identity Platform. This Platform allows citizens to use their national identity digitally, providing approved institutions like banks and microfinance institutions with a one-time permission to look up and verify their identity digitally.

Massaquoi on commenting on this appointment stated that aided by the vision of His Excellency President Bio, the NCRA is going to continue to innovate strategies for ensuring that it helps every citizen and other residents in the country exercise their right to a nationally and international recognized identity.

It has been a year of solid achievements for the NCRA Boss. In addition to the ID4 Africa Ambassadorship, Massaquoi was in October, 2019 at the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for CRVS elected Regional Vice Chairman of the Bureau of Civil Registration, Vital Statistics & Identity Management hosted at the African Union Commission and the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Mr. Massaquoi will serve as Chief Liaison between the West Africa Region and the AU/UNECA on all matters relating to the management, implementation, coordination and reporting on all CRVS & ID Management programmes in West Africa. Similarly, Massaquoi will serve as Principal Liaison between all Identity Management Institutions in Sierra Leone and the ID4 Africa Movement and would lead the coordination and reporting on Identity Management Programmes in Sierra Leone in line with International guidelines and best practice.

All of these Ambassador Massaquoi said are done with the committed and focused leadership of His Excellency President Bio that is guiding his work and engagement with national and international players involved in the CRVS and ID Management ecosystem that assures inclusiveness and good governance where everyone is visible and accounted for.

 

NPPA Boss Bags Prestigious Award

Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Brima Swarray.

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The National Public Procurement Authority, an institution which was regarded as dysfunctional and not an important institution for the past 14 years has now got a new lease of life in the last 18 months under the leadership of a home- grown Procurement Specialist from IPAM in the person of its result-oriented Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Brima Swarray.

His dedication to serve country and his workable transformative drives as well as incisive initiatives have given the Authority a new face in the public domain with regards enhancing good public procurement practices and saving the country a huge chunk of public funds that would have hitherto gone down the drain which restored hope and confidence in the World Bank, IMF and other financial institutions that indeed Sierra Leone is ready for development.

Swarray was recognized for his immense contributions to nation building by the Diaspora Focus organisation over the weekend at the Golden Tulip Essential Kimbima Hotel  where he was bestowed a prestigious award for his exemplary leadership in the public procurement sector of the country.

Before dishing out the award, one of the officials of Diaspora Focus,  Dr. Stanford, in reading the citation disclosed that within the past year the NPPA boss saved Sierra Leone almost 100 million dollars.

He further highlighted that under the watch of the NPPA CEO, modalities have been almost completed for an electronic procurement to come into force and will soon commence. The citation also mentioned the introduction of a Price Norm for the first time in Sierra Leone to ensure uniformity in the prices of goods and services. During his tenure, it was cited, he enforces the review of annual procurement plans of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enhance planned and organized procurement processes. Again, it was mentioned that the institution has trained more than 200 procurement specialists all-over the country within Local Councils to MDAs and other key parastatals.

Asked how he feels to receive the award he responded by stating  how it gives him the motivation to do more. He pointed out that the award avails the opportunity to sit up straight and review what one has achieved, the level of professionalism they have displayed so far and how they can do things better. He said fighting corruption from a preventive arm is beyond party boundaries. “It is cheaper to prevent corruption than to fight corruption,” he said furthering that any award bagged by the institution will be used as a stepping stone to climb higher heights. He said fighting corruption by the preventive arm is like reducing political tensions in the country  and ensuring that everybody is better off .

He promised that come 2020 they will do more as an institution to bring a lot of sanity within the public procurement domain in order to derive value for money.

Many Sierra Leoneans have heaped praises on NPPA for bagging this award stating that the institution truly deserves it. Some attested that it was indeed wise on the part of President Bio to appoint a person with a sound pedigree to head such an important institution.

The NPPA CEO dedicated the award to his dedicated members of staff of the institution and expressed determination that they are willing to do more in order for the New Direction Government under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President Dr Julius Maada Bio to succeed in improve the economy and by extension the overall standards of living of the vast majority of Sierra Leoneans.

Orange- SL Partners with F.C Johansen & Top comedians 

By Fatmata Jengbe

On Tuesday 10th December 2019, during a ceremony held at its Hill Station offices, Orange-SL signed Partnerships with FC Johnson and three top comedians in the country namely: Abubakarr Kindo Armani Sankoh, Edward Saio Sesay and Shiaka Kamara. The signing ceremony was graced by senior officials of the company and members of the press.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Head of Communications at Orange-SL, Mohamed Kallon, disclosed that the partnership between Orange-SL and FC Johansen will last for seven months, during which period the team will be provided with media support, internet mifi for their office and a cash donation of fifty million Leones 50,000,000. He said Orange is also going to brand their jersey with its logo.

On the reason for choosing the football club as against the others, Kallon said that FC Johansen was considered because of the potential of its young players, and assured them of their commitment.

He disclosed that prior to this signing, they had also signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the premier league board and pledged Le100 million as support to the league, adding that whoever emerges as ‘man of the match’ for this year’s premier league will be given 182 phones valued at over Le 92,000,000 and a recharge of over Le182, 000,000.

Underscoring the total package of their support to the premier league, he said it is over 500,000,000 Million Leones.

Chairman of FC Johansen, Malik Pascal, expressed appreciation to Orange- SL for the partnership, which he said will not only support FC Johansen but the entire league, adding that the just concluded premier league had some challenges, because there were not enough private companies to support the league, but further stated that the support from Orange-SL will enhance the smooth running of the league.

Speaking in respect of his team’s preparedness, Pascal said that they are determined to ensure that they put on their best to emerge as winners by the end of the Premier League.

Spur Loop Community Bad Roads fixed by the Chinese

Sierra Leone Government and Chinese Officials at the event in Freetown

By Abu Bakarr Kargbo

As a kind of goodwill gesture, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Sierra Leone has collaborated with the China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) company to embark on major maintenance work in the Spur Loop Community. The work, which started on Thursday 4th December 2019, entails major repairs on the road surface, roadside work, potholes, ditches, etc.

Wang Xinmin, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone said before now the road was in a very bad shape thereby causing difficulties and inconvenience for the local people and road users. Sierra Leone, he said is fast developing which requires good roads to meet the current trend. Counselor Wang said the event is tied anchored by CRSG to live up to its corporate social responsibility. He lauded the effort of the Freetown City Council and Sierra Leone Roads Authority for supporting the process. “I hope that more people will come on board to develop the community,” he remarked. “The neighborhood is a good place for all; to develop,” he said. The project costs over US$100, 000 and it will benefit thousands of local residents and visitors.

China’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Hu Zhangliang described the event as giving back to the community and added that they are happily living in the city and so, therefore, they would want to take part in developing and beautify Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital.

Ing. Victor Juju Foh underscored the important role played by the Chinese in Sierra Leone’s development and described the CRSG as a major partner in Sierra Leone’s road sector.

Festus Kallay, Chief Administrator of the Freetown City Council described the road maintenance project as part of their ‘transforming Freetown project’. He thanked the Chinese Embassy for the development venture and implored them to continue supporting Sierra Leone’s development.

The China Railway Seventh Group is keen at supporting national development since it starts operation in the country and has been embarking on its corporate social responsibilities in a number of communities across Sierra Leone. CRSG is a subsidiary of the construction conglomerate, China Railway Group Limited (China Railway Engineering Corporation).

In Sierra Leone, the company started work in December 2011 on the Regent to Grafton and Kossoh Town road, using US$30 million in development assistance funds from the Chinese government. Other major projects include the construction of the 35 km Makeni-Matotoka highway, the 65 km Bo-Kenema Highway, 62 km Port Loko-Lungi axis, and major urban thoroughfares, including the Wilkinson Road and Spur Road.

Maintenance work in progress

Tengbeh Town Fire Victims Receive Hope from Excel School

By Theresa Vamboi

In order to give succour to the distressed, the Excel Daycare and Primary School with motto, “Building a Firm Foundation”, has donated rice, clothing, shoes, bags and food  provisions to residents of Tengbeh Town who were devastated by a fire incident.

The donation, which was made possible by the children, their parents and the school authorities, was geared towards consoling the fire victims and a means of expressing love.

Proprietress of Excel Day Care and Primary School, Mrs Onike King, while presenting the items consoled the victims by telling them not to lose hope because of the ugly incident but to give God praise for saving them.

She said at Excel School they teach the children to show love at all times. They should love their neighbors just as they love themselves. She expressed thanks to God for the provision, as they are encouraging the children to care for one another.

“I am happy we were able to do this. You are not alone. We are all together in this. Thank God no life was lost,”she consoled.

Mrs. King went on to say as a school they have been rendering help to the community in various ways especially those that can’t afford quality education for their kids disclosing that through a scholarship program they are supporting some.

She appealed to other well-wishers to support the victims and for them to contact the Freetown City Council for the process to be well organized.

One of the Parents, Mariama S. Jalloh, thanked God because no life was lost. She said the donation was not much but encouraged them to accept it and prayed that such an incident would not happen again in that community.

Thanking the school, on behalf of 27 families, one of the fire victims, Samuel Akim Conteh thanked Excel School for their support. He said the school has truly demonstrated that they are indeed a good neighbour further expressing hope that such incidents do not happen again.

Councilor of Ward 439, Tengbeh Town Community, Ahlassan Kalokoh, thanked the school for such a gesture. He said this is what he wants to see in the community; to show solidarity for each other. He said when the incident took place he was worried but what Excel School has done brought a sigh of relief to them.

Excel Daycare and Primary School is a few yards from the incident where the fire took place. The school has been enjoying cordial relationship with the community including the market women and the youths.  The fire outbreak at Tengbeh Town Community affected 27 families.

PROCMURA Strengthens Christian & Muslim Relations In Africa

By Joenal Sesay

Sierra Leoneans have met to strengthen Christian Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA). PROCMURA meeting was held on Friday at the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone Headquarters in Freetown. The Chairperson for PROCMURA Rev. Mrs. Christian Sutton-Koroma said the program is working towards peaceful co-existence to promote unity in diversity and also working together to stand against extremism and violence and to ensure that the people work, live and support each other.

She went on to disclose how the program is a Christian one but at the same time extended to Muslims because they are living in one nation where they co-habit and co-exist.

“It all started in the 1950s when movements in Africa agitated for independence from colonialism. At that time, Christianity was seen as a religion of colonialists. So churches in Africa contemplated on how they could become self-governing and self-propagating, and how they can cope with other actors such as the State and the Muslims among other beliefs. Churches therefore saw the need for constructive engagement with Muslims as co-citizens in witnessing and building relationships for peaceful co-existence.”

She pointed out that the meeting was also meant to create awareness that the program has been in existence since 1950s in over 50 countries including Africa. According to her, despite their Christian principles they need to work together for peace, stability to prevail and how they can handle conflict for it not to escalate. She continued to reveal that PROCMURA has been working in Sierra Lone over the years but in a low key.

She emphasized that PROCMURA do not encourage destructive criticisms of one another’s faith; say negative things against another faith underscoring how they have been handling gender, health and human rights issues.

PROCMURA Area Adviser, Rev. Mrs. Bernadette Massaquoi, said the purpose of the meeting was to report on the conference held at the PROCMURA Central Office in Nairobi Kenya from the 1st to 6th July, 2019. The report on the various activities during the conference was submitted by the Area Adviser (AA) with emphasis on the Training of Trainers on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and the evaluation and future focus on PROCMURA. To make it simple, the AA prepared short note on the FoRB handbook and the PROCMURA resource handbook. As it was discussed, there was a consensus that the short note should be distributed to members before the next meeting.

In her presentation, Rev. Mrs. Bernadette Massaquoi outlined t PROCMURA’s Mission Statement :

“Faithful Christian witness in an interfaith environment of Christian and Muslims that respect the spirit of good neighbourliness and Christian constructive engagement with Muslims for peace and peaceful coexistence.”

The mission statement makes it clear that in witnessing in an interfaith environment, Christians should be faithful to God and not compromise the Gospel not even under the guise of promoting peace and peaceful coexistence. Secondly, the principal objective of constructive engagement is to enhance peace and peaceful coexistence in the society which Christians and Muslims share.

While their Vision Statement:

To see an African continent where Christian and Muslim communities in spite of their differences, work together for justice, peace and reconciliation towards the holistic development of the human family and the environment

The vision statement makes it clear that PROCMURA understands and recognizes that there are stark spiritual and theological differences between Christians and Muslims especially when it comes to the essence of God and the divine nature of Jesus above others. POCMURA advocates the acceptance of the differences and live with them in peace and not segmented pieces. These differences should not be compromised and none of the two should attempt to work the other out of existence.

The statement further commits PROCMURA to promote peace justice, and reconciliation and the holistic development of the human family in the environment of politics, economic, culture, radicalization and violent extremism among others.

This is based on the incarnation theology which looks at life before death as seen in the presence of Jesus Christ who was with us in human flesh (John 1:14) and what he did to promote existence. This explains the biblical theology of human beings as stewards of God’s creation and the environment which is a shared home for all.

The meeting saw the re-formation of a committee among other things.

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