ICC Holds Agric -Financing Seminar for Farmers & Potential Investors

December 20, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Investment Conglomerate Corporation (ICC) conducted a one day Agric-Financing and Corporate Farming Seminar on Saturday 16^th December, 2023 at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex at Kingtom in Freetown on the theme: “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Through Agric-Financing and Corporate Farming”.

The event emanated from a promising initiative to empower 5,000 farmers across Sierra Leone through agric-financing and corporate farming.

It is worth noting that currently ICC has a 2,500 acre of land in the five districts where they are working namely: Bombali, Kenema, Port Loko, Moyamba, and Tonkolili Districts.

Engineer Amadu Sesay, Operations and Managing Director of ICC, intimated that the objective of the seminar was geared towards encouraging investment in agriculture in alignment with Government’s “Feed Salone” Game Changer Initiative. Sesay emphasized the Corporation’s role in addressing longstanding challenges in the agric sector by establishing a collaborative partnership among farmers, landowners, communities and the Government.

He disclosed how ICC is a corporation that encompasses several businesses ranging from agriculture, infrastructure, real estate, cleaning services amongst others adding that the mission of the company is to make investment available to everyone.

The Managing Director maintained that their vision is to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem furthering that the company has a five year plan called an ‘Establishment’.

“Corporate farming is an idea that brings together the investor, the land owners and the company with all farms in a particular district in one place and divided into plots,” Mr Sesay stated.

Engineer Sesay also pointed out that the company shall support the investors in the processes of land clearing, planting to harvesting stating how they will also buy the harvests from them.

He revealed that they are growing different crops like cassava, sorghum, rice, pepper, groundnuts and corn amongst others. According to him, they have cassava plantations in all the five districts they are working.

Ing Amadu Sesay explained that they are focusing more on growing cassava and decided to invest in it more because the value chain is huge underscoring how cassava can be used for medicinal purposes, in manufacturing paper, starch and used as food for livestock amongst others.

He noted that the price to invest in one acre is NLe4, 000 and after harvesting the investor will derive a profit of NLe11 million.

The Managing Director further disclosed that after harvesting a plot, the funds the investor used will be refunded and after which the profits will be shared accordingly.

Underlining the profit-sharing structure, Ing Sesay detailed the method of distribution: “The investors will receive 45% of the profits, the farmers 30%, the company 20%, and the community 5%.” He emphasized the Corporation’s involvement in marketing and exporting of harvested produce both for national consumption and export.

Interested investors were encouraged to engage by demonstrating an expression of interest through filling forms, tour the farming locations and signing an agreement.

He added that to facilitate participation, the Corporation is offering a flexible investment plan and individuals without immediate investment capital can engage in planting, deferred payment until after planting.

Yusuf Ibrahim, Director of Finance at NaCSA, emphasized the imperative of achieving rice sufficiency and crop diversification. He advocated for private sector involvement, highlighting the necessity for prudent private investments to achieve an agricultural milestone.

Joseph Mose, one of the farmers from Bo Town, revealed how the seminar ignited his passion for farming, affirming its impact in solidifying his commitment to the agricultural profession.

NP-SL Assures its Esteemed Customers & the Public Higher Quality Products this Festive Season

December 20, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is now well known that, NP-SL, being very compassionate in enhancing Customer Care recently made frantic moves to ensure the shipment of 44,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products prior to the festive season, a step in the right direction geared towards averting any form of shortage during this important period. Such a laudable move is indeed a clear indication and manifestation that the indigenous importing and marketing entity of high standard petroleum products is one that is not only caring but doggedly committed to national development.

Management of the company wants to assure its numerous esteemed customers across the nation and the general public that as we are about to bid farewell to 2023, it will avail them quality products during this festive season and will continue to do all within its purview to make available such petroleum products in the New Year, 2024.

It also wants to take the opportunity to wish the Government and People of Sierra Leone a Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2024 further promising that as we are about to enter into another year, it will endeavour to be at a vantage position to continue to roll out more goodies, encapsulated in its Social Corporate Responsibility, that will positively impact lives and communities.

Undoubtedly, the privately owned petroleum marketing company stands as a shining example of indigenous success, its enduring resilience a testament to its robust foundation and adept management.

It is worthy of note that over time, NP-SL’s shareholders and managerial team have consistently fueled the company’s ascent through visionary ideas and strategic initiatives.

A key driver of such an achievement lies in the unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction which NP-SL has demonstrated through exceptional dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its esteemed clientele across the nation, fostering an environment of trust and reliability.

With a solid foundation in place, NP-SL has expanded its horizons by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia. The success of these branches not only mirrors the company’s domestic achievements but also showcases its capacity to thrive on the international stage.

Recognizing the critical role of revenue generation in supporting development projects, NP-SL has consistently contributed as one of the Government’s largest taxpayers. Despite challenges, NP’s Management ensures timely tax payments, reflecting a steadfast dedication to its civic responsibilities.

Also, a standout achievement for NP has been the introduction of NP Gas cookers, providing a safe and hygienic alternative for cooking purposes. These cookers, available at NP’s filling stations and authorized dealers, offer a practical solution for health-conscious consumers looking to move away from traditional cooking methods.

In terms of fostering local talent, NP-SL’s commitment shines through as a beacon of success. The company proudly employs 100% Sierra Leonean workers, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s Local Content Policy. This approach not only promotes skill development but also empowers indigenous individuals through comprehensive training programs.
NP-SL Ltd’s exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed, earning the company the prestigious title of “Best Company of the Year” at the Annual National Business Awards Ceremonies, a testament to NP’s enduring commitment to excellence.

In the realm of business, NP-SL stands tall, growing stronger by the day. Its expansion across borders and unwavering dedication to both its customers and the nation’s development paints a promising picture for its future.

As NP-SL continues its journey of progress, it remains poised for further expansion, solidifying its position as a driving force for positive change and prosperity.

Africell Receives a Prestigious Certificate of Appreciation from CKC

December 20, 2023

By Theresa Kef Sesay

Christ the King College (CKC) in Bo District, Sierra Leone, celebrated its momentous Platinum Jubilee with a profound recognition and gratitude extended to Africell Sierra Leone for its steadfast support and invaluable contributions to both the institution and the broader national development landscape.

In a grand ceremony held within the school premises, CKC presented Africell Sierra Leone with a prestigious certificate of appreciation. This gesture acknowledged the telecommunications company’s pivotal role in fostering educational growth within the institution and the wider community. The certificate honored Africell’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives and their impactful contributions to nurturing youth development and educational excellence.

Kwame Yankson, President of Christ the King College Old boys Association, emphasized Africell Sierra Leone’s instrumental role in empowering the school through various initiatives and donations that directly influenced students’ educational experiences. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude for Africell’s continuous partnership in realizing the school’s vision of nurturing future leaders and fostering academic excellence.

Representing Africell Sierra Leone, Chief Admin and Human Resource Officer, Andrew Fatorma, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition. He reaffirmed Africell’s dedication to investing in education and youth empowerment as a fundamental aspect of their corporate social responsibility. Fatorma reiterated Africell’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and improving educational standards across Sierra Leone.

The ceremony not only commemorated CKC’s illustrious 69-year journey in education but also underscored the vital collaboration between educational institutions and corporate entities in propelling national development. The acknowledgment bestowed upon Africell Sierra Leone symbolizes appreciation for their impactful contributions to educational enhancement in the region and their unwavering dedication to national progress.

As CKC reflects on its history of excellence in education, the acknowledgment of Africell Sierra Leone stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the school and corporate entities dedicated to advancing education and societal development in Sierra Leone.

The Platinum Jubilee celebration continued with joyous cultural performances, exhibitions showcasing CKC’s history, achievements, and notable alumni. Attendees, including distinguished guests, alumni, students and community members, lauded Africell’s commitment to education, acknowledging the significant impact of their contributions in improving access to quality learning resources for CKC students.

Africell Sierra Leone seized the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to supporting education for societal progress. They announced plans for future collaborations aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure, scholarships and innovative learning programs within CKC and neighboring educational institutions.

The celebration concluded with a sense of pride and optimism for the future. The partnership between CKC and Africell Sierra Leone serves as a shining example of how collaboration between educational institutions and corporate entities can drive positive change and elevate education standards in the nation.

As CKC looks ahead with determination and Africell Sierra Leone continues its support for educational initiatives, the bond between these entities remains poised to create pathways for educational excellence and national development in Sierra Leone.

The Platinum Jubilee celebration at Christ the King College marked a crescendo of appreciation towards Africell Sierra Leone, acknowledging their remarkable support and commitment to education and national development. It emphasized the transformative power of education and the significance of robust partnerships for societal advancement. This bond signifies a promise for a brighter future, driven by collaboration and shared visions of progress for Sierra Leone and its youth.

AWWO Children Foundation Illuminates Smiles on 3,500 Underprivileged Children

December 20, 2023

By Alpha Sesay (Pen Pusher)

The Always Walk With Others Children Foundation (AWWO), a local charitable organization situated in the East-End of Freetown, has brought radiant joy to the countenances of 3,500 underprivileged children. Their hearts and bellies were warmed through a thoughtful feeding program conducted on Saturday, December 16th, 2023, at the Grassfield Community Playing Field. This heartwarming initiative catered to children hailing from 20 low-income neighborhoods and marginalized communities, both within and outside Freetown.

Gracing the occasion as the Guest Speaker was Dr. Kadija Grace Kamara, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, who commended the invaluable efforts of the AWWO Foundation. She lauded CEO Amb Umar Fuad Bawoh, hailing him as an industrious and exemplary figure in society. Minister Kadija Grace Kamara not only urged parents to actively engage in their children’s development but also pledged full support to the Foundation. Additionally, she advocated for the establishment of vocational training institutes aimed at empowering children and youths.

Ambassador Umarr Fuad Bawoh, the Founder and CEO of the AWWO Children Foundation, passionately addressed the children, emphasizing the significance of empowering and bringing joy to the lives of underprivileged children in slum communities.

Bawoh stressed that these children deserve living conditions akin to those enjoyed by children from more affluent backgrounds. The Foundation, dedicated to feeding needy children for the past three years, extended its generosity this year to 3,500 children from various communities including Thunder Hill, Grassfield, Portee, Waterloo, Lungi, Brima Lane and Rokupa. Some of these children will also benefit from the Foundation’s scholarship and award scheme. Bawoh pledged to expand this annual feeding program to the provinces and low-income neighborhoods, underscoring his commitment to the cause of humanity.

The impact of the AWWO Children Foundation in the East-End part of the Capital City has been profound. Their provision of educational materials, financial aid to parents and the electrification of the Grassfield Community Playing Field and surrounding area stand as testament to the tangible difference community action can make in people’s lives. The F Foundation’s ongoing initiatives are creating a transformative impact in the lives of numerous children.

First Lady Advocates for Women & Girls Amid Instability Threats

December 20, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a compelling address, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, underscored the critical role of stability in safeguarding the rights and future of women and girls in the country. Speaking on the theme: “Women and Girls in the Face of Instability” ,Dr. Maada Bio emphasized the strides made in advancing women’s rights while highlighting the potential risks posed by instability.

Commending the nation’s progress in protecting women and girls’ rights, Dr. Fatima Bio credited her husband’s leadership for positioning Sierra Leone as a global advocate for female empowerment. Notably, President Bio’s initiatives on girls’ education and promoting women in leadership roles have garnered international recognition.

As a staunch advocate, Dr. Maada Bio reiterated her commitment to the ‘Hands Off Our Girls’ campaign and recently spearheaded a United Nations resolution addressing the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

However, amidst celebrations of achievements, Dr. Maada Bio cautioned against the looming threat of instability, highlighting its historically devastating impact on women and girls during conflicts. Recalling Sierra Leone’s past, she vividly portrayed the harrowing plight endured by women and children, emphasizing their vulnerability to abuse, torture and exploitation.

Citing alarming statistics from UN Women, Dr. Maada Bio highlighted a 50 percent surge in the number of women and girls affected by conflicts globally since 2017, underscoring the mounting challenges in safeguarding their rights.

Quoting the United Nations Human Rights Commission, she outlined the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls in conflict zones, including heightened gender-based violence, limited access to education, and increased economic pressure on women as primary providers for their families.

Dr. Maada Bio called for collective action, stressing the pivotal role of stability in sustaining progress. She applauded ongoing Governmental efforts, led by her husband, aimed at critical development agendas such as food security, climate change and women’s empowerment as catalysts for Sierra Leone’s prosperity.

Expressing her conviction in rewriting Sierra Leone’s history, Dr. Maada Bio urged continuous efforts to protect the hard-won gains and ensure a stable environment conducive to women’s advancement.

In a poignant conclusion, she invoked blessings upon the nation and called for unwavering commitment to safeguard Sierra Leone—an unequivocal home for all its citizens.

The address by Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable necessity of stability in securing the rights and future of women and girls in Sierra Leone.

CHRDI Urges Urgent Action on Climate Change & Human Rights in Sierra Leone

December 20, 2023

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised a clarion call for immediate attention to the intertwined challenges of climate change and human rights in Sierra Leone. Known for its relentless advocacy for human rights, CHRDI’s recent policy brief underscores the critical need for comprehensive policy measures to tackle the vulnerabilities faced by the nation.

CHRDI, a non-profit organization advocating for social policy and human rights, operates from Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom. With a core mission to bridge the gap between social equity and justice, the organization highlights the duty of those in power to uphold human rights while empowering individuals to claim their rights. Accredited by several UN agencies with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, CHRDI’s influence extends globally.

In December 2023, CHRDI sounded alarms over citizens’ rights violations in Sierra Leone. The organization also condemned the attempted seizure of Wilberforce barracks and armories in November 2023.

Experts widely agree that Governments hold a pivotal role in combating climate change, differing in opinions on the most effective strategies. Sierra Leone, despite participating in climate change summits for almost four years, lacks a concrete policy. Efforts have been ongoing for years in developing the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP), set to supersede the previous policy once approved in 2023.

Today, CHRDI unveils a comprehensive six-page policy brief containing nine robust recommendations addressing human rights and climate change in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone, renowned for its diverse landscapes and rich natural resources, faces imminent threats from the rapidly evolving impacts of climate change. With a majority of its 7.9 million citizens dependent on agriculture and natural resources, the effects on food security, infrastructure, and the environment are increasingly dire.

CHRDI emphasizes the urgency of policy interventions focusing on poverty-environment integration, intertwining environmental concerns with poverty alleviation strategies. Effective environmental management, as stressed by CHRDI, plays a pivotal role in bolstering health, resilience, and opportunities for marginalized communities.

Central to CHRDI’s advocacy is the need for inclusive policy frameworks fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This approach involves active engagement from Government bodies, businesses, environmental advocates, and local communities. Stakeholder input, according to CHRDI, is crucial in tackling the complex challenges posed by climate change.

The pending National Climate Change Policy development in Sierra Leone prompts CHRDI’s call for expedited approval, citing the urgency to address new challenges, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate climate-related adversities.

CHRDI’s policy brief underscores the responsibility of states and private entities in combating climate change. Beyond preventing future environmental harm, these entities must take accountability for past and present damage caused by their actions.

Emphasizing core principles like non-discrimination, justice, participation, transparency, and accountability, CHRDI links Sierra Leone’s economic development with its natural resources, making it highly vulnerable to climate change.

The recommendations proposed by CHRDI encompass diverse actions, from enacting a Climate Change Bill to imposing carbon emission taxes and promoting green investments. The organization advocates for private sector involvement with human rights perspectives, emphasizing institution strengthening, public education, data collection, and empowering women as vital in fighting climate change.

CHRDI underscores the interdependence of human rights and sustainable development, urging Sierra Leone to adopt a holistic approach intertwining these aspects in its climate policies and strategies.

Sierra Leone stands at a critical juncture where safeguarding human rights and addressing climate change are imperative for sustainable progress. CHRDI’s policy brief stands as a rallying call for immediate, inclusive, and determined action to protect both the environment and the rights of its citizens.

West African Journalists Dispel Negative Perceptions About QNET After Attending V-Convention

December 20, 2023

In September 2023, a select group of journalists from West Africa received an invitation from QNET’s top management to attend the annual V-Convention in Malaysia. Before this invitation, prevailing negative perceptions, fueled by media reports in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria, had cast doubts on the credibility of QNET’s operations.

Reports had highlighted alleged fraudulent activities associated with QNET, involving promises of lucrative jobs abroad, scholarships at prestigious universities, and quick wealth generation. These schemes required substantial payments upfront, leaving many disillusioned victims seeking recourse from law enforcement agencies.

However, the firsthand experiences of these journalists at the V-Con event significantly dispelled these misconceptions, fostering confidence in QNET’s authenticity and products among many.

The journalists attested that witnessing QNET’s operations in Malaysia eradicated their prior negative beliefs. They revealed QNET as one of Asia’s foremost direct-selling companies, offering a diverse range of health, wellness, and lifestyle products designed to enhance lives.

QNET’s grassroots business model, centered on e-commerce, was highlighted by the journalists as empowering millions of entrepreneurs across 100+ countries for the past 25 years. They emphasized how this model, notably inclusive of women, allowed individuals to initiate businesses and generate income by selling QNET’s products.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, QNET maintains a presence in over 25 countries through various subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees. The company’s affiliations with associations like the Direct Selling Association in multiple countries underscore its commitment to ethical business practices.

During their engagement at the Amari Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, the journalists interacted with QNET officials, delving into pertinent questions and clarifications regarding alleged fraudulent activities in their respective countries. Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional General Manager SSA, reiterated the company’s zero-tolerance policy towards any representative violating its ethical marketing standards. He clarified that QNET neither offers employment nor guarantees returns, investments, or scholarships in exchange for payment.

The journalists highlighted their firsthand experience with QNET’s products showcased at the QNET Tower in Malaysia. They emphasized the quality and benefits of these products, including the Home Pure Nova Water Purifier, known for its nine-stage purification process, along with air purifiers, watches, jewelry, supplements, and lifestyle products.

Their attendance at V-CON, hosting 15,000 to 20,000 Independent Representatives and partners, exposed them to motivational speakers and testimonies affirming the credibility of QNET’s offerings.

Sharing their post-event experiences, these journalists have played a pivotal role in dispelling negative perceptions about QNET. They affirmed that punitive actions await any representative found misrepresenting the company, reinforcing the fact that QNET does not engage in fraudulent schemes.

Their testimonials stand as a testament to the authenticity and value of QNET’s products and ethical business practices.

West African Journalists Dispel Negative Perceptions About QNET After Attending V-Convention

December 19, 2023