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Citywide Geo-Mapping Project Launched by Mayor Aki-Sawyerr

November 29, 2019

By Sam Pratt
The Freetown City Council’s citywide property geo-mapping has started after a successful pilot in three wards earlier this year. The geo-mapping initiative, which is funded by DFID, started as a pledge during Mayor Aki-Sawyerr’s Fo Wi Komyuniti, Fo Wi Progress, Fo Wi Fritong campaign. It was launched by the Mayor in the presence of Councillors and staff of FCC, and our partners DFID, IGC, ICTD and WARC.

The property geo-mapping exercise will require FCC’s enumerators to go into the compounds (but not buildings) of all properties to collect data on the physical attributes of the property, the access to public services, and the owner of the property. GPS coordinates and photographs will also be taken.

The geo-mapping exercise serves three purposes for FCC:

1. It will help us develop a comprehensive database of all properties in Freetown so everyone is liable to pay taxes
2. It will help us calculate property tax more fairly
3. It will help us distribute demand notices more efficiently

Capturing information for all properties in the city is crucial to FCC’s #Transform Freetown Revenue Mobilization efforts and will improve our ability to deliver services to residents. (Less than 30% of all properties in the city were previously captured in the FCC property tax database).

The Council is kindly asking residents to allow enumerators into compounds to collect the necessary data and to pay their taxes.

Government Signs Agreement with IATA

November 29, 2019

By Cyril Barnes

The Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) Agreement for the establishment of a single standard interface for invoicing and payment between travel agents and airlines.

Operating in 181 countries, the Billing and Settlement Plan is set to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting and remitting procedures of IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents, as well as improve financial control and cash flow for its approximately 400 participating airlines.

Signing the agreement, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Kabineh Kallon described the initiative as a laudable venture that will create the enabling environment for tourism and trade to blossom, adding further that the Government of Sierra Leone spends an annual fortune on foreign travel due to huge variances in ticket sales to the same destination.

“Having a BSP in Sierra Leone will allow for the domestication of global standards that ensures the security and reliability of funds among participants in the air travel and trade value chain. It will also enhance accountability in revenue management for the National Revenue Authority and the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA),” the Minister said.

In his statement, the Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Moses Tiffa Baio said the signing of the BSP agreement is a testament of government’s commitment to make the aviation industry competitive in the sub-region. He added that the BSP is another step taken to reduce air ticket burden on Sierra Leoneans as it strives to stabilize the fluctuation of the exchange rate.

“I am happy to announce that Sierra Leone is the first country to sign the BSP agreement within the Sub-region. The BSP will provide immense benefit for the government and the people of Sierra Leone in that it provides predictability, certainty and sanity for ticketing, reporting and remittance generated from Foreign Travel Tax (TAX) and other taxes levied on airlines, travel agents and other aviation service providers,” he said.

IATA’s Head of Account Management for West and Central Africa, Dr. Samson Fatokun expressed his appreciation to all players involved, commenting further that the BSP will boost Sierra Leone economy greatly as more jobs will be created, more airlines and travel agencies would be established which would improve the Freetown International Airport (FNA) and other sectors. He concluded by stating that the Government has already taken the lead to improve the aviation industry which in itself is a great achievement.

While commending the Government for the agreement signed, the Head of Sierra Association of Travel Agencies (SLATA), John Rogers said that Government has demonstrated that in the introduction of BSP, Small and Medium Enterprises have not excluded from the process. “The BSP will not only benefit travel agencies, but also the country and those tourists who would want to visit Sierra Leone. While we commend the SLCAA Boss for his effort, we assure the government of Sierra Leone that the BSP will be a success,” he said.

The Secretary of the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), Mr. Edgar Lacle thanked the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, noting that it is a step in the right direction. He assured the government and the people of Sierra Leone of the board’s continued support to not only BSP initiative, but also any project that seeks to develop the aviation industry.

MRU Sub-Regional Meeting on Peace & Security Ends with signing of a Communique

November 29, 2019

Officials and members attending the conference

By John Marrah

On the 25^th November 2019 the Chief Minister, Professor David Francis opened the four day Mano River Union (MRU) peace and security conference in collaboration with UNOWAS at the Golden Tulip Kimbima hotel.

In his address, he said, the MRU States have often been characterized as volatile and the spillover effects of the past civil wars justified the establishment and operationalization of the joint border security and confidence building units for effective border security, and to prevent illegal movement of weapons, human trafficking, contraband drugs and criminals.

“Therefore, the role of the joint border security and confidence building units is pivotal in maintaining peace and security from the community right to the national and sub-regional level within the MRU states.”

Giving the keynote address, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr Francis Kaikai said the reason for the formation of MRU was to facilitate trade and social mobilization across the countries.

He said the government of Sierra Leone is looking forward to this joint meeting to develop proactive and effective policy initiatives to strengthen border security and prevent the movement across the borders of foreign terrorist fighters and their ideologies in the sub-region.

“It should be recalled that, in accordance with the expressed directives of the Heads of States and government, the MRU has adopted a legal and regulatory framework, the 15^th Revised Protocol, to deal with and promote all issues related to peace, security and stability within the Member States.”

Dr. Kai Kai said MRU should always promote peace and security because they have gone through conflicts that have affected these countries. He said in 2014 these countries were affected by the Ebola outbreak, but now that they have been able to eradicate these problems but still there are cross border challenges that this meeting will look at and find lasting solutions.

The Mayor of Freetown Yvonne Aki-Sawyer welcomed all the delegates that came for the conference and told them that Freetown is going through a transition as they are pushing to rebuild through the Transform Freetown.

She said the reason why the plans are going on fine is because of peace and security that exists in the country. “Without peace and security there is no development and it is the reason why this conference has been called to strengthen and stabilize the sub-region so that continued growth will be effected.

Minister of Internal Affairs ,Edward Soloku, said since 2009 UNOWAS with the MRU with a focus on peace and security related initiatives to stabilize the sub-region that has been challenged by the porous nature of its borders that is undesirably facilitating unmerited movement of armed and criminals groups.

“Against this backdrop, the Security Council resolutions 2000, 2062 and 2066 of 2011, 2012 and 2012 respectively encourage ECOWAS and the MRU develop a sub-regional strategy to address the threat of cross-border movements of armed groups and weapons as well as illicit trafficking.”

He said in order for us to improve the functionality of the JBSCBS, emphasis must be placed on the importance of a robust policy on border management at the national and sub-regional levels.

Minister Soloku averred that the continued capacity enhancement of law enforcement agencies and their allied institutions in Member States, and the involvement of border communities in border management processes, since they are a haven for all kinds of criminal activities.

Secretary General of MRU Madam Medina Wesseh told all participants this meeting will enable stakeholders and government entities to draw lessons from more than seven years of existence of the 38 installed JBSCBUs, to identify urgent actions to improve their operational activities, and to review the current socio-political situation of the sub-region in relation to the electoral context of each of the Union’s Member States.

She said the four day conference will definitely strengthen the peace and security in the region so that development will prevail.

Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Madam Ruby Sanghu Rojon said UNOWAS has been mandated to, inter alia, contribute to efforts to promote peace and stability in West Africa and Sahel. She said a key aspect in the implementation of this mandate is the collaboration and support to regional and sub-regional institutions such as ECOWAS and the MRU.

“It is worth noting that the countries in the MRU, blessed with abundant natural resources have, over years, been taking concrete steps to promote democratic consolidation, peace and stability in the region. We have seen the holding of regular elections, putting in place of institutional frameworks to enhance democratic values, human rights and the rule of law and undertaking efforts to promote governance and development, which are all key attributes for sustainable peace, stability and development.”

Mr Sunil Saigal the UN Resident Coordinator said there are significant commodities across all four countries should recognize that the results achieved so far in the sub-region are impressive.

“The four countries have made great strides towards political stability, with legitimate authorities established through democratic elections. This progress has contributed to further consolidate the sub-regional and regional stability as well as to give new impetus to integration across the MRU and ECOWAS.”

The conference is expected to end on Friday 28^th November, 2019, after a roadmap for the implementation of the recommendations of the meeting is adopted. A final communiqué was drafted at the end of the meeting.

The Communiqué says the Mano River Union Secretariat (MRU), and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) organized a high level sub regional meeting from 25 to 26 November 2019, in Freetown, Republic of Sierra Leone.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the role of the Joint Border Security and Confidence Building Units (JBSCBUs) In order to draw lessons from the current status of the units and to analyze ways to improve and make them fully operational on a sustained basis, taking into account the socio-economic and political situation of its Member States in the sub-region; as well as to review the various existing MRU peace and security frameworks and make proposals for joint activities.

They called for the conduct of peaceful elections in Guinea and C6te d’Ivoire in 2020.

Secondly, development of a strategic framework of cooperation between the UN system and the MRU that will identify joint initiatives within the peace, security and development nexus;

Thirdly, consideration of upgrading the capacities of the JBSCBUs to function at an optimal level as an early warning and response mechanism, and create a framework for member States to take ownership of these mechanisms, and expanding partnership engagements at multilateral and regional levels that will enable member states to address external threats and other cross-border crimes.

Also they should create a platform to increase advocacy on human rights issues, related to women and youth empowerment, as well as peace building with a particular focus on strengthening the capacity of MARWOPNET.

They further reiterated the strong need to take all measures that would promote regional peace and stability, prevent and reduce tension in pre and post electoral context in Member States, enhance the capacity of the JBSCBUs to address cross border challenges and ensure socio-economic development and regional integration in the sub-region.

UNOWAS Mme Rojon, MRU Mme Wesseh and Minister Kaikai

MPs Frown at Establishment of Procurement Directorate

November 29, 2019

Chief Executive Officer, National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) Ibrahim Brima Swarray

By Amin Kef Sesay

APC Member of Parliament Hon. Abdul Kargbo and certain development partners have frowned at a particular clause in the 2020 Finance Bill that was tabled by the Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, in Parliament which makes provision for the establishment of a Procurement Directorate at the Ministry of Finance arguing that such will really amount or be tantamount to usurping some of the important functions that the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) is legally mandated to perform.

This vociferous school of thought has strongly pointed out that for the removal of vital functions from the NPPA, such as training and recruiting of practicing procurements officers, is completely out of tune with best practice. “What is rather preferable is to fully capacitate the NPPA logistically ,by recruiting more professionals and through conducting intermittent training programmes for members of staff to raise high the bar of the institution in trying to ensure that due processes are followed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in conducting procurement processes of goods, services and works,” a top official within the Finance Ministry ,on condition of anonymity, opined adding that to set up a separate Procurement Directorate to perform important functions that the NPPA is currently doing will only leave the latter somehow redundant. He argued that if the mandate of reviewing procurement contracts is removed from the NPPA then there will be little left for the latter to do.

A seasoned lecturer of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) maintained that it will be a big mistake, on the part of the Ministry of Finance and Government as a whole, to shift the authority of granting sole sourcing to the Office of the President. “This could be a recipe for corruption to rear its ugly head in terms of granting procurement contracts as the main legal institution having the wherewithal to do so could have been side-lined,” he added.

An independent investigation mounted by this medium revealed that the NPPA, under the astute leadership of the Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Brima Swarray and its Board have been doing extremely well to instil best procurement practices in Ministries, Departments and Agencies. “We have witnessed how of late the NPPA has blocked leakages from taking place through bad procurement processes and by extension saving the country huge sums of money simply because of putting firmness in place in getting things done in the right ways,” Hon.Abdul Kargbo, a Member of Parliament averred furthering how the Authority has made frantic efforts to ensure that some-time next year e-procurement(electronic procurement) commences, how it has succeeded in decentralizing the tasks of the NPPA by opening up offices in the provinces, uniform price norms were put in place to guide MDAs in determining their procurement plans and how the Authority is collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure that donor confidence is reposed with regards the judicious utilization of public funds.

From feedbacks received so far in as much as President Julius Maada Bio has not yet append his signature on the 2020 Finance Bill in order for it to become law then it is high time that a thorough consideration or look should be given at that particular clause by Parliamentarians so that modifications could be made or for it to be totally expunged.

After Hon. Tawa & Hon. Paran’s Outbursts… Public Welcomes ACC Probe Of Parliament

November 29, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

To the ears of the public, it is unbelievable that the country’s anti-graft institution, the ACC, has said that it will look deeper into the allegations made by Hon. Tawa Conteh that Parliament is corrupt. The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) and the entire nation welcome the news of a full-scale ACC investigation into alleged mismanagement of public funds by Members of Parliament wholeheartedly.

“It is about time that the fight against corruption was taken to our elected representatives in Parliament”, said Ibrahim Tommy, Executive Director for Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law, adding, “It is commendable that the ACC felt that it was not enough to investigate only the two officials who traded the accusations on public radio, but has chosen to look into the financial management practices of all MPs and the parliamentary administration”.

With both Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh and Hon. Paran Tarawally who were summoned past Monday by the ACC to substantiate their allegations of corruption in the House having made statements to the ACC, CARL urges every person of interest in the ongoing investigation to cooperate fully with the Commission.

Previous efforts to hold MPs and the parliamentary administration accountable for public funds managed by them were either futile or stoutly resisted by the MPs.

Citizens note that, in spite of efforts by former President Koroma and the current Bio administration to fight against corruption, the virus is still endemic in all sectors of the economy, with many maintaining that until the three arms of government are held accountable, public trust in state institutions and public officials will continue to erode.

Orange- SL holds 7th Ethics and Compliance Day

November 29, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

With the main objective of complementing Government’s efforts in the fight against corruption and raising awareness on ethics and compliance in the private sector one of Sierra Leone’s leading GSM mobile operators, Orange Sierra Leone, has on Wednesday 27^th November, 2019 held its 7^th Ethics and Compliance day on the theme: “The Management of Conflict of Interests and Whistle Blowing System Within Our Work Environment” at their headquarters on Hill Station in Freetown.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, Aminata Kane, noted that the Ethics and Compliance Day is set aside for the purpose of raising awareness among all employees about Ethics and Compliance challenges and risks and to strengthen the company’s approach to Ethics and Compliance within all Orange operations which will strengthen the momentum of Orange action plans, mitigate the associated risks, build a consistent and structured communication on Ethics and Compliance.

She added that as part of the celebration they will also raise consciousness on the related matter of fraud awareness, adding that as in a matter of corruption, they will have a role to play to create a climate in which any act of fraud will meet zero tolerance and that any instance of fraud will be identified and reported.

She said that as part of their message to show zero tolerance to fraud with everyone being a partner they would believe that- when you see something, you say something and it is against such a backdrop they are pushing to make sure that they focus on their processes as fraud is perpetrated where there is no processes or weak processes.

She stated that businesses all over the world continue to encounter numerous ethics and compliance challenges and are exposed to several risks, adding that there has been an increased pressure on businesses to strengthen their legal and compliance framework in line with international standards to fight corruption.

Underscoring their strengthen on ethics and compliance, she disclosed that Orange as a group has set up a code of ethics and anti-corruption policy adding that Orange is committed to conduct its activities in accordance with set principles and ethical behavior to fight corruption.

She added that Orange-SL therefore undertakes to comply with all national, European and International legal and regulatory provisions applicable to businesses related to fight against corruption, notably amongst others, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act, the French “Sapin 11” law.

She revealed that this year’s ethics and compliance day focuses on two prevention themes: “The Management of Conflict of Interests and Whistle Blowing System Within our Work Environment”.

She emphasized their commitment to the fight against corruption, influencing peddling and to lead a working environment with Zero Tolerance to corruption at all levels.

Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kelfala, in his statement during the occasion expressed appreciation to Orange SL for such a move, adding that GSM Company is the first private sector that has invited him to give a talk on such sensitive topics.

He maintained that as a Commission they are committed to the fight against corruption in the country furthering that institutions like Orange have their main goal to maximize profits but said in the aspect of achieving that they should not forget to do so within the confines of the laws of the land.

He spoke on the management of conflict of interests which he said in most cases employees are faced with within the process of executing their duties in their various positions, but encouraged them to ensure that they put their country fist while they should be also loyal to their institutions.

The Commissioner also revealed that they are working with key sectors in the fight against corruption saying ethics and compliance are very key and in that regard he applauded the staff of Orange for taking into consideration such key issues giving assurance of their support in developing a policy that will enable a fair equitable system that will promote transparency, accountability etc.

Head of Compliance at Orange SL ,Gerald Cole, disclosed that the Ethics and Compliance Day is a key event for Orange in its work as a responsible operator, adding that the company is underlining its commitment to create the digital world of the future by building the trust of its stakeholders.

Underscoring the objectives of the ethics and compliance celebration he said it is to raise awareness among all Orange employees regarding ethics and compliance challenges, to highlight the associated risks and control mechanisms implemented by the Ethics and Compliance Networks, to make each employee accountable regarding ethics and compliance programmes and corruption prevention.

Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, Aminata Kane

Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Francis Ben Kelfala

Brewery is Poised to Make this Festive Season Lively

November 29, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) now has a new Managing Director in the person of Laurent Bukasa who replaced Van Dan Tilburg at the helm of affairs of a thriving company that is renowned for manufacturing qualitative alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in pints and cans which many have testified are truly rich, refreshing and very tasty.

Officially, on Wednesday 20th November, 2019 SLBL bade farewell to Daaf Van Tilburg during a ceremony that took place at the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel, Aberdeen in Freetown. Van Tilburg left a buoyant company that recently invested billions of Leones geared towards upgrading its manufacturing plant at the Wellington Industrial Estate to match up with modern standards of manufacturing and to meet the growing demands of both old and new customers. It is the expectation that with the new MD the company will continue to grow by leaps and bounds and to magnanimously contribute to overall socio-economic development.

One honour that the company has bagged long ago is its pro-active rolling out of its Corporate Social Responsibility which has improved communities not only within its operational area of production but even beyond thereby positively impacting lives. It is on record that SLBL, in close collaboration with the Heineken Foundation, has facilitated and championed the construction of state-of-the-art water wells in communities close to its Wellington Industrial Estate where the company is located. These are communities where, hitherto, accessing pure water supply was a serious nightmare as clean water supply points were non-existent giving rise to various societal ills such as teenage pregnancy, children dropping out of the educational system simply because they moved from one place to another just to fetch water and even when they access one they would spend hours on end before finally getting water. At the end of the day they have become so tired to an extent that there is no time for concentration on their studies. The commendations that have been heaped on the company for giving them respite are very overwhelming and speak volumes of how SLBL is giving back to communities and complementing Government’s development interventions.

The company has been doing the same in terms of giving supports to education, health, sports etc thereby beefing up those sectors and help in identifying local talents.

One of the well placed famers’ groups in the country constitutes Sorghum farmers who plant and harvest sorghum which is an essential ingredient that the company is using in its production chain. SLBL buys sorghum from these farmers who have formed an organization that is constantly supplying the Brewery with sorghum with an exponential numerical strength of over 25,000 farm families spread in different parts of the country. These farmers are now benefitting immensely and as a matter of fact SLBL has been embarking on tours just to encourage more people to come on-board and grow sorghum. The relationship between the farmers and SLBL could be best described as symbiotic and is growing from strength to strength.

Timely honouring of taxes to the National Revenue Authority has been done on a regular basis and such is contributing in helping Government to amass the necessary revenue to finance development programmes.

It therefore came as no big surprise for many to understand that SLBL has been nominated for Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among several other institutions and companies nominated for the upcoming National Entertainment Awards (NEA) 2019 slated to take place at the Bintumani International Conference Centre on the 29^th December 2019. The nomination comes as the Brewery is gearing itself to provide abundant beverages Star, Guinness, Mutzig etc. for the benefit of its customers during the coming festive season.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has dispelled rumors that there is going to be shortage of its favorite beverages saying such comes from the figment of the imagination of individuals who have no business with the company. As far as Management of the company is concerned there will be enough manufactured drinks on the market to last over time further assuring the public that there is cause for any mad rush to buy and hoard.

To translate its preparedness, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) on the 8th November 2019 cleared four massive storage bright beer tanks from the Queen Elizabeth 11 Quay meant to be installed at its Wellington Industrial Estate production site in the East end of Freetown. The four massive storage beer tanks are meant to further expand the company’s capacity as well as to help improve the quality of its beer products.

From what this medium gathered so far the company is set and ripe to receive a plethora of votes and as voting is now in progress esteem customers in particular and members of the public in general should send an SMS to 2713 via Africell. The ball is now in your court.

With Voting Earnestly in Progress for AWOL’s 2019 Awards… Use 2713 to Send SMS via Africell

November 29, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

Currently a special committee is working round the clock to put all the necessary arrangements in place to ensure that everything is intact for an eventful 2019 AWOL Awards Ceremony, widely known as the National Achievements Awards (NAAs) slated to take place on the 29^th 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, when the spotlight will shine on individuals and institutions that have been recognized for their immense contributions to national development and as such bestowed prestigious awards for their efforts.

Already, on the 22^nd 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.

Below is the list of nominees whom 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

23. 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.

NP-SL Truly Deserves Profound Commendation

November 29, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

If the majority of residents in the country are today gaining access to high quality petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, gas, kerosene as well as lubricants like Castrol then there is every need to be grateful to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) for making available those items. Some may want to ask grateful for what when in actual fact the company is only doing business to make profits. But when looked at from the flip side it dawns that to invest and conduct business of such nature in petroleum products is not as easy as selling peanuts because it not only demands huge capital but prudent managerial initiatives.

According to what we were informed from our tender ages, this country is endowed with a huge deposit of crude oil but since time immemorial that deposit has not been meaningfully tapped to bring economic benefits. One could recall some of our elders telling us that at one point in time the Government that was in power wanted to enter into an agreement with an oil company to extract crude oil but gave a condition that whatever they discover while undertaking exploration work will not be accounted for. Knowing that apart from the said oil there are other minerals below the sea beds the President of this nation by then backed out of the negotiation simply because if an agreement is sealed it will be inimical to the economy of the country. That was how and the main reason why the country’s said oil deposit still remains in a virgin state. Whether this is a fable or not will only be known from an authoritative source.

However, what is very certain and true is that Sierra Leone still depends on the importation of refined petroleum products especially when the country’s only oil refinery company was completely vandalized during our 11 years senseless war. For years now the most outstanding oil marketing company that is importing and marketing petroleum products in the country is indisputably the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited and it has been doing so effectively and efficiently to the delight of many.

Established years back by 35 ambitious Sierra Leoneans, former workers of British Petroleum company, who bought shares when that entity was folding up, NP-SL ,through prudent managerial competence and the selflessness of its shareholders, is today one of the most successful indigenous companies that has left its footprints on the sands of time. The success of this enterprising business institution is indeed a living testimony that a small idea could germinate and grow into a cotton tree with branches that will provide shelter for many.

As a mere seed that was planted by the original shareholders, NP-SL has indeed grew up to become an Iroko tree with branches extended to neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In those countries one will find NP vibrantly alive and kicking. Job opportunities have been provided to those who were hitherto unemployed. National Governments in those countries are deriving timely payment of taxes by the company and lives have been positively transformed by benefitting in one way or the other through the resultant effects of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Being the most vibrant oil marketing company operating in the country NP-SL is well known for First for Customer Care, as the company has etched its name for what some have described as having the magic wand to capture and impress old customers and making new ones. Our investigation however revealed that there is nothing like a ‘mystical connect’ within this context, but rather the nice manner in which employees of the company are responding to the needs and concerns of customers is always exceptionally unique to such an extent that many are left magnetized and attached to it. It could be said with all amount of certainty that the company operates an open-door-policy, which creates room for business negotiations with private individuals, entities and public institutions in order to enter into a win-win relationship that are less burdensome in more fiscal advantageous ways. Such negotiations may take the form of supply and pay later as well as giving discounts.

With the main objective of enhancing transparency at the company’s countrywide and sub-regional branches, NP-SL ensured that the latest calibrated pumping machines are installed and when in operations, the quantity of fuel bought is displayed as well as the prices. This has reposed much confidence in customers that they are doing business with a very sincere company as against past experiences recounted, whereas customers get less than what were paid for, leaving in its trail, widespread dissatisfaction. But with NP, it is completely a different story.

In the same realm of optimizing customer care, NP-SL puts on offer for sale NP Gas, a modern domestic cooking device, that is fast and environmentally friendly without posing any health hazard as could be encountered when using firewood and charcoal. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas could be accessed at the various filling stations and from authorized dealers all going at affordable prices..

With NP Smart Card, there is the saying that “ Your fuel on your smart card” as one can get access to fuel at any given time as long as the filling stations are opened. Loaded with cash, these NP Smart Cards could be used to purchase the right quantity of fuel required by customers without producing physical cash. In a world that is gradually becoming cashless, the use of NP Smart Cards brings with it many advantages, one of the greatest being that of avoiding the excruciating pain of queuing, not to talk of the security that it guarantees the user, as it features make it quite difficult for someone else to deceptively use it. Of course it falls among one of the latest technological devices in modern times.

When we talk of implementing the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL is considered to be at the top as the company has always maintained the practice of first considering Sierra Leoneans in terms of offering employment opportunities, unless otherwise.

If presently many continue to enjoy the consumption of high grade petroleum products in the country then such could be largely attributed to the pro-activeness and commitment of NP-SL Ltd ,which always ensure that individuals get the best out of the rest despite the fact that all is not smooth riding as the company is contending with certain challenges which it is trying to overcome. Go NP and continue to manifest your patriotism to the Land That We Love.

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