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Sunbird Bioenergy Empowers Staff Through Digital Excellence Training

By Augustine Koroma

Sunbird Bioenergy Sierra Leone has launched a companywide digital training programme designed to strengthen staff capacity, improve efficiency and align the business with international best practices. The initiative, which focuses on practical Excel skills, is already making a visible impact across multiple departments.

The training sessions, held weekly at the company’s offices, are directed by Human Resources Manager, Ibrahim Jah Sesay and delivered by Budekah Gunathila, Audit Manager and digital solutions specialist from Selenkay. By targeting employees in Finance, Audit, Agriculture, IT and the Weighbridge, the programme is broad in scope, reaching both frontline staff and Managerial teams.

According to Ibrahim Jah Sesay, the initiative is a deliberate move to position Sunbird Bioenergy as a modern, efficient and globally competitive business. He explained that the programme goes far beyond computer literacy.

“Our people remain the most important investment we can make. This is not just about learning Excel. It is about giving our staff the confidence to use technology to solve problems, make accurate decisions and work more efficiently. By empowering our team, we are ensuring the sustainability of Sunbird Bioenergy in the global energy marketplace,” he said.

Budekah Gunathila, who is leading the training sessions, described the programme as a culture-shaping exercise.

“Digital excellence is a discipline. The more we integrate technology into our daily tasks, the more accuracy, efficiency and accountability become part of our work culture. These are qualities that strengthen a company and prepare it for growth,” he noted.

Even though the programme is still in its early stages, staff across different departments say they are already reaping benefits.

From the Agriculture Department, junior executive Ms. Fatmata Kamara said the training has simplified data recording and analysis. She explained that what previously took hours to calculate can now be completed in minutes, with greater accuracy.

In the Finance Department, Ms. Janet B. Young, Acting Finance Manager, highlighted the role of Excel in improving precision.

“In finance, accuracy and time management are critical. The new skills we are acquiring make it easier to process large volumes of financial data with reliability and speed. This helps us deliver better results for the company,” she stated.

In Audit, supervisors have welcomed the training as a turning point in strengthening compliance. Mr. Bala S. Kamara described it as “an eye-opener” that enhances the ability to analyze data effectively and improve reporting standards. His colleague, Eshaka S. Kanu, said the training is transforming audit processes by boosting efficiency and aligning the department with international compliance benchmarks.

Beyond internal efficiency, Sunbird Bioenergy believes its staff development programmes contribute to Sierra Leone’s wider economic and social progress. Mr. Sesay reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting government efforts to build a digitally skilled workforce.

“Sunbird Bioenergy is proud to stand as a partner in Sierra Leone’s growth story. By providing our employees with modern skills, we are not only strengthening our operations but also contributing to national goals of digital transformation, job creation and sustainable development,” he remarked.

The programme also signals Sunbird’s readiness to embrace innovation and its recognition that technology plays a decisive role in driving competitiveness in the energy sector.

Observers say the company’s initiative could serve as a model for other large businesses in Sierra Leone, many of which still face challenges in staff training and digital transformation. By investing consistently in capacity building, Sunbird Bioenergy is showing how private companies can combine business growth with national development.

From farms to finance offices, the impact of the digital training is beginning to change how staff approach their work. With each session, employees are not only acquiring new skills but also gaining confidence in applying them to deliver faster, more reliable and more transparent outcomes.

For Sunbird Bioenergy, this represents more than a short-term project. It reflects the company’s long-term vision: building skills, empowering people and driving productivity for both corporate success and national progress.

Agriculture Minister Lauds Bombali’s Role in Sierra Leone’s Food Self-Sufficiency Drive

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka

By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has praised Bombali District for its remarkable contribution to President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship Feed Salone initiative.

Speaking during the Civic Day Series held at the University of Makeni campus on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka underscored the importance of agricultural self-sufficiency to Sierra Leone’s independence.

“When President Bio declared Feed Salone, he wanted to ensure we are food self-sufficient. Without food self-sufficiency we are not independent as a people,” he emphasized.

The Minister highlighted Bombali District’s central role in advancing the initiative. “Makeni hosts the only premier rice milling facility in the country. Bombali has the only commercial hatchery in Sierra Leone and is the second-highest producer of eggs nationwide,” Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka stated.

According to him, the district has cultivated more than 5,000 hectares of rice in the past two years and currently produces at least 5,000 eggs daily, sold at prices lower than in other parts of the country. He attributed those successes to Government-backed policies that encourage both farmers and private sector players to invest in agriculture.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka revealed that the Government has introduced a flexible credit line of up to $10 million, accessible to farmers and agri-preneurs at very low interest rates. Farmers in Bombali, he noted, have seized the opportunity, producing enough to sell directly to the World Food Programme for the national school feeding programme.

While acknowledging challenges in the sector, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka assured farmers and entrepreneurs that the Government would continue to provide additional support to further boost production and strengthen Sierra Leone’s agricultural economy.

Japan Grants $1.3M to Boost School Feeding for 27,000 Children in Pujehun

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Japan have renewed their partnership to support education and food security in Sierra Leone through the signing of the 2025 Kennedy Round (KR) Food Assistance Grant. The agreement, sealed at a ceremony held at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown, commits JPY 200 million (approximately USD 1.3 million) over two years for a comprehensive school feeding initiative in Pujehun District.

The new programme, “Improving Educational Outcomes and Food Systems Resilience through School Feeding in Pujehun,” is expected to benefit more than 27,000 primary and pre-primary pupils across the district’s most food-insecure communities. The initiative will fund the procurement and delivery of nutritious school meals, prioritizing locally sourced rice and strengthen food system resilience in the region.

Speaking at the event, Aminata Tall, WFP Representative and Country Director, hailed Japan’s continued commitment. She described the grant as “a powerful act of solidarity with Sierra Leone’s children,” emphasizing that school meals are increasingly central to boosting learning outcomes, supporting household incomes and advancing the Government’s Feed Salone strategy.

Japan’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Yoshimoto Hiroshi, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to inclusive education. He noted that the grant reflects Japan’s belief in empowering countries to lead their own development. “This support ensures that children not only have access to education but also receive timely and adequate nutritious meals essential to their growth and retention in school,” he said.

Japan has been a longstanding partner in Sierra Leone’s school feeding sector. In 2024, a similar KR grant reached nearly 28,800 pupils in Pujehun and over the past decade, Japan has contributed more than USD 37 million to WFP’s programmes in the country, making it the single largest donor to Sierra Leone’s school meals portfolio.

Conrad Sackey, Minister of Basic Senior and Secondary Education, welcomed the grant as a crucial step toward ensuring no child in Pujehun has to “choose between hunger and hope.” He added that the initiative aligns directly with the Government’s Big Five Game Changers, particularly its focus on human capital development.

The ceremony also marked the closure of a previous USD 1.61 million project, which provided meals to schoolchildren in Kambia and Pujehun districts during the 2022/23 academic year.

This latest commitment by Japan and WFP signals a renewed effort to strengthen education, improve food systems and safeguard the welfare of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable children.

Njala University Partners with Key Ministries to Strengthen Maritime Education and Civil-Military Ties

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Njala University, on Friday, 19th September 2025, signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three key ministries, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, marking a new phase of collaboration in education, research and civil-military cooperation. The signing ceremony took place in the Senate Room of the University Secretariat at the Njala Campus.

The agreement sets out a framework to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity in maritime education, security and research while fostering civil-military cooperation. It outlines joint academic and research programs in marine sciences, environmental studies, cadet training and security-related disciplines, with Bonthe District as a focal area.

Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., described the agreement as a milestone in capacity-building. “This agreement strengthens our work in national security, maritime research, cadet training, environmental stewardship and institutional development, with Bonthe District as a central focus,” he explained. He emphasized that the MoU would enable knowledge exchange, collaborative training and shared use of infrastructure.

Each institution has been assigned a distinct role. The MTHE will provide policy guidance, accreditation and ensure alignment with national education strategies. Njala University, through its Bonthe Campus, will develop and deliver academic programs in partnership with the Navy. The Ministry of Defense will coordinate Navy involvement and enforce security compliance, while the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Navy Detachment in Bonthe will provide technical expertise and logistical support for sea-based training. The Ministry of Transport and Aviation will contribute through maritime logistics, safety oversight and facilitating port access.

To ensure accountability, the parties agreed to establish a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) to monitor progress, address challenges and oversee implementation. The MoU is set to remain in force for five years.

Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education commended Njala University for its foresight. “We are compelled to respond to the urgency of Njala University in its transformation to become a leading institution ready to contribute to nation-building,” he said, describing the MoU as a symbol of renewed commitment to partnership and education reform.

Chancellor of Njala University, Professor Sahr Moses Gevao, hailed the signing as a landmark moment. “I take great pride in witnessing Njala University taking bold steps towards relevance, resilience and responsiveness to Sierra Leone’s development needs. This agreement is not just a formality; it is a shared commitment to nation-building, expanding opportunity and fostering innovation,” he remarked.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, reaffirmed the institution’s vision for its Bonthe Campus. “At Njala University, we remain committed to serving as a hub for transformative research, inclusive education and public service. With this partnership, we aim to position Bonthe Campus as a model for specialized tertiary education in maritime studies, eco-tourism, coastal conservation and management, in line with national and global standards,” he stated.

The MoU, described as both strategic and forward-looking, is expected to create opportunities for students, researchers and the wider community, while strengthening Sierra Leone’s role in maritime education and civil-military collaboration.

CHRDI Condemns Suspension of Supreme Court Judge, Raises Alarm Over Judicial Independence

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has on18 September 2025 strongly criticized the suspension of Supreme Court Judge A.B. Halloway (JSC), describing it as a grave threat to judicial independence, human rights and the rule of law in Sierra Leone.

According to CHRDI, Justice A. B. Halloway was suspended shortly after he raised serious allegations of human rights violations, abuse of office and maladministration within the Judiciary. He had also questioned the Chief Justice’s alleged disregard for the rule of law. Despite sending three letters outlining those concerns, CHRDI noted that instead of a response to the issues raised, the judge received only a suspension letter.

“This suspension is unjust and blatantly disregards his fundamental rights and dignity,” CHRDI said in its statement, stressing that Justice J. B Halloway had requested the establishment of an Ethics Committee to investigate the conduct of the Chief Justice, a request that remains unaddressed.

CHRDI argued that the Government’s action undermines procedural integrity, calling on the State to immediately revoke the suspension under Section 137(6) of the Constitution. The organization further urged authorities to thoroughly investigate Justice Halloway’s complaints and uphold constitutional provisions to ensure fairness and accountability.

“The role of administrative law is to hold Government accountable,” the statement emphasized. “Human rights and fundamental freedoms establish crucial safeguards against an overreaching judiciary. Suspending a judge without addressing his grievances is unjust and threatens these protections.”

The human rights body also warned that the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, eroding public trust in the judiciary. It pointed to Section 137(8) of the 1991 Constitution, which requires that allegations against judges, including the Chief Justice, be properly and transparently investigated.

CHRDI further cited international standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees every individual the right to address grievances before an impartial tribunal. The group highlighted past concerns expressed by the United Nations over similar suspensions of judges in other countries, stressing that Sierra Leone must adhere to global principles of judicial independence.

Concluding its statement, CHRDI called on the Government of Sierra Leone to “reconsider Justice Halloway’s suspension, investigate his concerns against the Chief Justice’s Office and safeguard the integrity of the judiciary for the sake of justice and the rule of law.”

NP (SL) Redefines Petroleum Marketing with Innovation and Community Impact

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

From humble beginnings as a small indigenous venture, NP Sierra Leone Limited has risen to become the country’s leading oil marketing company and a respected regional competitor, with operations extending to Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. Its growth is rooted not only in expansion but also in groundbreaking innovation, robust safety measures and a strong commitment to national development.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Energy Pass Card, a pioneering digital payment system that has revolutionized fuel purchases in Sierra Leone. Launched at a time when cash transactions dominated, the card allows motorists to buy fuel seamlessly without physical cash, while generating instant receipts and detailed transaction records. Businesses and individual motorists have widely embraced the initiative for its transparency and efficiency. For companies managing fleets, the system has become a crucial tool to monitor fuel use and reduce wasteful spending, raising accountability standards in the sector.

Equally transformative is NP Gas, the company’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) product. Designed to provide Sierra Leoneans with a safer, cleaner and affordable alternative to traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood, NP Gas has improved household safety, reduced indoor air pollution and contributed to the fight against deforestation. Available in different cylinder sizes, the product has made modern cooking solutions accessible to a wider population.

NP (SL) has also demonstrated leadership in safety and national resilience. Recognizing the hazards of petroleum marketing, the company has invested in infrastructure that goes beyond national safety regulations. Additionally, it has supported the Sierra Leone National Fire Force with boreholes and standby generators to boost emergency preparedness, reflecting its broader responsibility to protect lives and property.

Unlike foreign-owned competitors, NP (SL) employs a workforce that is overwhelmingly Sierra Leonean, from frontline staff to senior Management. Its emphasis on local recruitment and procurement has empowered Sierra Leonean businesses and workers, reinforcing the company’s role in driving local content and economic inclusion.

Beyond business, NP (SL) continues to make its mark through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Its contributions range from health to education and sports, including the establishment of a burns unit at Connaught Hospital and the renovation of Kingtom Police Primary School. Most recently, on September 5, 2025, the company handed over refurbished facilities to the Government Independence Memorial Secondary School in Kissy, Freetown. The project featured a solar-powered borehole, modern classrooms, disability-friendly sanitation facilities and 200 new desks and chairs. Education officials hailed the initiative as a landmark in private sector support for learning.

NP-Sierra Leone’s success story demonstrates how a homegrown enterprise can combine regional competitiveness with deep national roots. By introducing innovative solutions such as digital payments and LPG products, while championing community development, NP (SL) has proven that Sierra Leonean companies can lead with resilience, ingenuity and social responsibility.

More than an oil marketer, NP (SL) stands today as a symbol of national pride; fueling not just vehicles and industries, but also progress, opportunity and hope for Sierra Leone.

KADAT Food and Beverages Defends Integrity, Denies Allegations of Expired Products

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Management of KADAT Food and Beverages, headquartered in Grafton, has strongly refuted recent social media allegations that the company is selling expired drinks, describing the claims as baseless. The company further cautioned business entities that purchase its products not to keep beverages in stock for prolonged periods until they expire, emphasizing that it will not be held responsible should such situations arise.

In a statement issued to the Press, KADAT described the reports as deliberately misleading and harmful to the image of a company that has consistently complied with Sierra Leone’s business and consumer protection regulations.

“Our customers are the heart of our business and their safety will never be compromised. The suggestion that we would ever put expired drinks on the market is not only false but also a direct attack on the integrity of our brand,” the Management said.

According to KADAT, no expired products have been identified in its factory or across its distribution outlets. The company further criticized the originators of the story for failing to verify their claims or to seek clarification from Management before publishing damaging content.

Independent observers have also questioned the credibility of the accusations noting that the supposed evidence cited by detractors was never found within KADAT’s premises.

KADAT underscored its contributions to national development, pointing out that the company not only pays significant taxes to the Government of Sierra Leone but has also created thousands of jobs for young people. Many staff members, the Management said, continue to benefit from steady employment, salaries and benefits that support their families.

Beyond employment, the company has built a reputation for strong Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), regularly providing support to local communities, assisting the underprivileged and maintaining a culture of respect and fairness with both employees and customers.

The Management expressed disappointment that instead of celebrating the achievements of a homegrown company, certain individuals are attempting to smear its name for selfish purposes.

“We cannot stand by and allow falsehoods to damage the trust we have built with Sierra Leoneans over the years. If this smear campaign continues we will have no option but to pursue legal action,” the Management warned.

KADAT reaffirmed its commitment to continue producing and distributing only safe, high-quality food and beverage products that meet all national and international standards. The company assured its loyal customers that their health and satisfaction remain its highest priorities.

Concluding the statement, the Management declared: “KADAT is a Sierra Leonean success story built on trust, quality and service. We will continue to stand tall as a brand that values every single customer, contributes to the nation’s progress and upholds the highest standards in everything we do.”

Mercury International Rewards Loyal Customer with All-Expense Paid Trip to Kenya

Sierra Leone’s premier Sports Betting and Lottery Company, Mercury International has once again demonstrated its commitment to rewarding loyal customers through its Exclusive Festival Promotion, which culminated in the presentation of a star prize; an all-expense paid trip to Nairobi, Kenya. The lucky winner, Solomon Davies, a worker at the Sierra Leone International Airport, will enjoy a five-day fully sponsored trip, complete with accommodation and a guided sightseeing tour.

Solomon Davies, who disclosed that he has been playing Mercury games for more than five years, admitted he was stunned when informed of his win after being randomly selected by Mercury International’s service providers and partners in the United Kingdom. He described the experience as both shocking and humbling, saying it was a blessing to emerge the overall winner from among millions of players across the country. “I know millions of people play more than I do, but I was fortunate to win. This will be my first time travelling out of Sierra Leone and I am very grateful to Mercury International for this opportunity,” he said. He also praised the company’s transparency and reliability, urging other customers to remain loyal and hopeful, noting that Mercury International has proven itself trustworthy.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mercury International Online Department Deputy Manager, Octavus Jackson, said the company was proud to offer Solomon Davies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He explained that the promotion was created to provide customers with more than just material prizes, offering them a chance to experience new horizons outside Sierra Leone. “Not everyone has the chance to travel abroad, so we decided to give our customers an opportunity to explore and experience life elsewhere,” Octavus Jackson stated. He revealed that the Exclusive Festival Promotion, which ran from May to July 2025, was intentionally designed to keep customers engaged during the off-season when major football leagues were inactive. Unlike earlier campaigns that limited participation to a single game, this promotion broadened opportunities by including both sports betting and Vegas games (Casino). Customers qualified by either spending a minimum of NLe 20 daily on sports betting or by turning over NLe 500 on Vegas games, with winners randomly selected in the UK.

Also present at the event was Mercury International’s Deputy Public Relations Manager, Sahr Morris Jr., who congratulated Solomon Davies on his win and encouraged customers to continue embracing the wide range of products offered by the company. He reiterated that Mercury International’s promotions are not just about entertainment but also about building meaningful connections with customers and rewarding their loyalty.

With yet another satisfied winner, Mercury International continues to strengthen its reputation as a customer-focused company whose promotions not only bring excitement but also change lives in tangible and memorable ways.

Peace Commission Holds Peace Walk to Mark International Day of Peace

By Ibrahim Sesay 

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC-SL) on Saturday organized a nationwide peace walk to mark the International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21. Held under the theme: “Leh we do Somtin Now-Now for Salone E Kolat Wan,” the event drew broad participation from the Sierra Leone Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the National Fire Force, the Office of National Security, Civil Society Organizations and international development partners.

In Freetown, participants marched from Up-Gun Roundabout to Kallon Car Park at Beach Road, Aberdeen, while similar processions took place in Port Loko, Kenema, Bo and Makeni. The show of unity underscored the significance of peace as a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.

Speaking during the event, Salia Kpaka, Deputy Director of Communications and Outreach at ICPNC-SL, explained that the walk was the first in a series of activities to commemorate this year’s Peace Day. He reminded Sierra Leoneans that peacebuilding requires collective effort. “We want to demonstrate to Sierra Leoneans and the world that irrespective of our differences, we are one family. The work of peace is not a one-man show; it is a collective responsibility,” he stated. Salia Kpaka further noted Sierra Leone’s progress in being ranked the fifth most peaceful country in Africa and 57th globally, but stressed the importance of striving toward becoming the continent’s most peaceful nation.

The Embassy of Ireland, a key development partner of the ICPNC, was also represented. Carju Hannon, Head of Development, stressed the direct connection between peace and national prosperity. “If we want the country to grow, if we want our children to have a bright future, we need to continue to strive for peace; in our homes, our communities and our country,” she said, adding that initiatives like the Peace Museum are crucial for deepening understanding of peace.

Security agencies reiterated their support for the initiative. Ibrahim Turay, Research Officer at the Office of National Security, pointed out that peace and security remain the foundations of national development, calling for similar activities across the country. Lieutenant Colonel Simeon Beahai of RSLAF affirmed the military’s dedication to peace, highlighting its impact on both national stability and family life. “Peace is our primary focus because without it we cannot even spend time with our families. We also hope next time MPs and top Government officials will join us, because peace is everyone’s responsibility,” he remarked.

The Sierra Leone Police echoed this sentiment, with Superintendent Samuel Saio Conteh, Deputy Head of Community Relations, commending the coordination among stakeholders. “Today we have seen a masterpiece, a perfect coordination among all stakeholders working for peace. As a force, we believe in and stand for peace,” he said.

According to the ICPNC, the peace walk will be followed by a symposium on Monday at the Bintumani Conference Centre, where experts and stakeholders are expected to engage in panel discussions on peace and development in Sierra Leone.

President Bio Joins Global Leaders for UN General Assembly High-Level Week

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has on Friday, 19th September 2025 arrived in New York to take part in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week, marking the 80th anniversary of the global body in New York, USA.

President Bio’s visit underscores Sierra Leone’s active role in multilateral diplomacy, with the Head of State expected to participate in a series of high-level summits, bilateral engagements and to deliver a statement before the General Assembly.

This year’s participation carries added significance as Sierra Leone currently serves as a member of the UN Security Council and President Bio continues his responsibilities as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform. In addition, his leadership position as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority further strengthens his diplomatic weight at the gathering.

The UNGA high-level week traditionally provides a platform for world leaders to address pressing global challenges and engage in strategic dialogue and President Bio’s presence places Sierra Leone firmly at the center of those international conversations.

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