Home Blog Page 456

12 Kush Victims Laid to Rest by Drug Law Enforcement Agency & Burial Authorities

Twelve young Sierra Leoneans were on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, laid to rest at the Kingtom Cemetery in Freetown through the joint efforts of Andrew Jaia Kai Kai, the newly appointed Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Sinneh Kamara, Head of the National Burial at Connaught Hospital Mortuary, that facilitated the burial.

At the solemn ceremony, Andrew Jaia Kai Kai condemned the detrimental effects of the illicit drug, Kush, likening it to a more significant threat than the country’s past civil conflict. He stressed the Government’s determination to combat the drug, emphasizing that Kush poses a severe danger to the present and future generations of Sierra Leone.

“These souls buried here are our children,” Kai Kai lamented, urging a united effort to eliminate the menace that threatens the country’s future leaders. He pledged unwavering commitment to eradicating Kush from society, emphasizing the need to target importers, manufacturers, and retailers to rescue the upcoming generation.

Warning about the dire consequences of prolonged Kush use, Kai Kai cautioned that Sierra Leone could face a future with a generation devoid of mental faculties if action isn’t taken promptly. He highlighted the infiltration of Kush into schools, towns, and villages, calling for collective action to safeguard the nation’s youth and support addicted children in breaking free from the drug’s grip.

Sinneh Kamara, Head of the National Burial at Connaught Hospital Mortuary, echoed the sentiment, deeming the deaths a tragic consequence of Kush misuse. He pointed out the dire situations where individuals prioritize purchasing Kush over basic necessities like food and stressed the importance of rehabilitation for addicts to reintegrate them into society.

Kamara pledged full support from the mortuary in the fight against the escalating Kush crisis and warned suppliers to cease their activities before facing legal consequences. He urged all sectors of society to collaborate in combating the drug epidemic, not merely in identifying culprits but also in support and rehabilitation efforts.

President Bio Returns Home After Successful Engagements at Saudi-Africa and OIC Summits

Returning to Freetown after a fruitful two-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio finalized his participation at the Saudi-Africa and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summits. His engagements included significant bilateral discussions with global companies, investment funds, and Saudi Government officials on the sidelines of these summits.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation including Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Foreign Affairs Minister Timothy Musa Kabbah, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby, Trade Minister Ibrahim Alpha Sesay, Agriculture Minister Dr. Musa Henry Kpaka, and Tourism Minister Madam Nabeela Tunis, President Bio showcased his government’s strategic priorities encapsulated in the Big Five Game changers.

The Saudi-Africa Summit, a platform aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Africa, provided an avenue to explore potential partnerships in agriculture, health, education and humanitarian aid. President Bio reiterated the significance of this alliance to bolster development on the continent.

Concurrently, the OIC Summit addressed pertinent matters concerning the situation in Palestine. The meeting, which involved OIC Senior Officials and Foreign Affairs Ministers, culminated in the adoption of a resolution on the matter.

Reflecting on his interactions during the visit, President Bio engaged in key discussions with Saudi officials, including the Minister of Education and the Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). In his meeting with Dr. Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, the Saudi Minister of Education, President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s strides in Human Capital Development and emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering youth with skills suited for the 21st-century industrial landscape.

The Minister extended an invitation to President Bio and his government to attend the upcoming Human Capital Development Summit in February 2024 while expressing Saudi Arabia’s readiness to support Sierra Leone in diverse educational domains, including Islamic college initiatives, e-learning, technical and vocational opportunities, and agricultural research and development.

During a separate session with Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, President Bio conveyed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended during the summit. He explored avenues to enhance bilateral relations, focusing on potential economic opportunities beyond religious ties. President Bio emphasized Sierra Leone’s rich natural resources and sought viable partnerships for investments in agriculture, food production and the entire value chain.

Ministers Timothy Musa Kabba and Dr. Musa Henry Kpaka offered insights into Sierra Leone’s abundant mineral, oil, gas, and agriculture sectors, resonating with Governor Al-Rumayyan’s interest in exploring investment prospects in these areas.

Both parties expressed willingness to further discussions, including exchange visits and developing a joint framework encompassing agriculture and extractive industries. The President reaffirmed his G overnment’s commitment to protecting foreign investments and addressing challenges that might arise during the course of collaboration.

The delegation’s presence underscored Sierra Leone’s eagerness to forge robust collaborations and explore investment avenues, leveraging the nation’s vast potential and attracting foreign partnerships for sustainable growth and development.

Commit and Act Foundation in Partnership with German Doctors Empowers 400 Girls in Anti-FGM Project

Bo and Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone – Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, supported by the German Doctors, successfully concluded its My Body My Right Project on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. This initiative provided financial aid, medical examinations, and counseling to 400 girls, marking a crucial step in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and addressing school dropout rates in Sierra Leone.

The overarching goal of the My Body My Right Project is to curtail the prevalence of FGM practices and reduce school dropout rates among 800 girls across 69 communities spanning 6 Chiefdoms in Bo, Tonkolili, and Bombali Districts.

Madam Hannah Bockarie, the Founder and Country Director of Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, highlighted the project’s multi-faceted approach. She emphasized that the financial support provided will empower parents, enabling them to engage in viable businesses that sustain their families. Bockarie underscored the importance of instilling business skills in parents through training sessions, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, she emphasized the project’s focus on educating girls about the adverse effects of FGM, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and education rights.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of her daughter, Aminata Kondeh, a beneficiary mother, lauded the donors, particularly the German Doctors and Commit and Act Foundation. Kondeh expressed how the financial support has positively impacted her ability to provide for her daughter’s livelihood. Additionally, she credited the project for contributing to her daughter’s academic success, emphasizing the project’s role in aiding her daughter’s educational journey.

Chinese Medical Team Performs Successful Uterine Fibroids Surgery

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a recent medical intervention at the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital in Freetown, Liu Qiuhong, a gynecologist from the 24th Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone and Deputy Chief Physician of Hunan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, conducted a complex hysterectomy to alleviate the suffering of a Sierra Leonean patient plagued by multiple uterine fibroids.

The 38-year-old patient had endured heavy menstruation, fatigue, infertility and dysmenorrhea for over two years, hindered by limited access to healthcare due to transportation challenges and financial constraints. Liu Qiuhong discovered the patient’s irregularly enlarged uterus, akin to a pregnancy at six months, with the largest fibroid measuring nearly 10cm in diameter. Prolonged blood loss caused anemia, further complicating the condition. Despite the patient’s desire to retain her uterus, surgery became inevitable due to the severity of the fibroids.

After prior treatment to address anemia, a detailed surgical plan was devised, with the operation conducted during a stable power supply on November 13, 2023. Dr. Liu Qiuhong navigated through the complexities of the surgery, communicating extensively with the patient before performing the hysterectomy. Despite the surgical challenges posed by the enlarged uterus and dense fibroids, the medical team successfully completed the procedure in under two hours, providing relief to the patient from her prolonged suffering.

Dr. Liu Qiuhong highlighted the prevalence of uterine fibroids and emphasized the need for timely medical intervention to avoid such advanced conditions, stressing the importance of regular check-ups and prompt treatment upon symptomatic recognition. He underlined that, during their tenure of more than eight months in Sierra Leone, several similar cases required uterus removal due to delayed medical attention.

In the context of the 60th anniversary of Chinese medical teams sent abroad and the 50th anniversary of medical assistance from Hunan Province to Sierra Leone, the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital continues to offer high-quality medical services.

The gynecological team additionally focuses on aiding local doctors in establishing standardized women’s health care protocols and raising awareness about early screenings and interventions to safeguard women’s health in Sierra Leone.

Orange Empowers Young Entrepreneurs at NYEEF 2023 with Lucrative Opportunities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a laudable move, Orange Sierra Leone, a prominent player in the mobile industry, is taking significant strides to support the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF) 2023 through substantial financial backing. Recognizing the pivotal role of empowering youth in their entrepreneurial endeavors, Orange is committed to fostering innovation and creativity among the country’s young talents.

As part of its engagement in NYEEF 2023, Orange Sierra Leone is set to host a “Pitch Your Business Idea” event on November 15th, from 2 pm to 4 pm. This platform provides a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas, with a chance to win Le 10,000. The initiative aims to encourage and recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth, offering a platform for their creative endeavors.

The NYEEF program, running from November 13th to 16th, 2023, holds additional opportunities for young participants. The Orange Esport experience, a thrilling gaming competition, promises a prize of Le 7,000 for the winner and Le 4,000 for the second-place contestant.

Furthermore, Orange Sierra Leone introduced the Orange Digital Center Hackathon 2023, offering substantial rewards for participants. Winners stand a chance to win Le 7,000, Le 5,000, and Le 3,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively. The Hackathon 2023 is designed to harness and showcase the digital skills of the youth.

To participate in these exciting programs, interested youth are encouraged to register their business ideas during the NYEEF program. Registration can be completed by visiting the Orange booth or through the provided link: https://forms.gle/mCDpURKNLM6WuW4cA

Orange Sierra Leone’s dedication to nurturing youth entrepreneurship is evident through these initiatives, underscoring its role as a socially responsible corporate entity investing in the future success of Sierra Leone’s young business leaders.

US Ambassador Awards $40,000 to Five Non-Profit Organizations

In a ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy in Freetown, on the 14th November, 2023 the Ambassador, Bryan Hunt, awarded grants totaling $40,000 to five Non-Profit Organizations who are undertaking year-long projects to improve economic and social conditions in their local communities.

These grassroots-led projects are spread throughout Sierra Leone and support Sierra Leonean aspirations for democracy, health and prosperity.

In was disclosed that this year, U.S Government funds are supporting programs to create sources of clean water, conduct campaigns to promote hygiene best practices to reduce the risk of water-borne diseases, create better teaching and learning environments for children and provide access to improved healthcare facilities to strengthen service delivery.

Ambassador Hunt congratulated the grantees and emphasized the central role of the beneficiary communities in the planning, implementation and sustained impact of each project.

These initiatives are funded by the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help (SSH) Program, which supports small, community-based projects throughout Africa.

The projects are designed in cooperation with community members, who contribute their own resources, usually in the form of labor and in-kind donations.

In his remarks to grantees, Ambassador Hunt said, “Through the Ambassador’s Special Self-Help Fund, the United States Government supports economic development in Sierra Leone by responding directly to requests from grass-roots leaders to support projects which will address pressing barriers to wellbeing and prosperity in their communities, helping Sierra Leoneans to help themselves.”

NP-SL Leads in Marketing High Grade Petroleum Products & Caring for Customers

By Ranger

In a remarkable journey spanning several years, NP Sierra Leone (NP-SL) has emerged as a vital force in the nation’s progress, significantly contributing to job creation and poverty reduction. As governments worldwide grapple with the challenge of providing ample job opportunities, NP-SL’s steadfast dedication to this cause has been invaluable.

NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) stands as a shining example of indigenous success, its enduring resilience a testament to its robust foundation and adept management. 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 this achievement lies in the unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. NP-SL has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its esteemed clientele across the nation, fostering an environment of trust and reliability.

Central to NP’s ethos is an unwavering focus on customer care. The management remains actively engaged with customers, actively seeking feedback and promptly addressing concerns. This practice not only strengthens customer relationships but also underscores NP’s commitment to continuous improvement.

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.

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’s strategic business approach, allowing entities and customers to secure fuel and defer payments, further cements its reputation as a customer-centric entity. This approach has fostered a mutually beneficial relationship, endearing NP to its wide-ranging customer base.

Recently, NP’s exemplary service delivery caught the attention of the Petroleum Directorate, the regulatory body overseeing petroleum companies in the nation. The Directorate’s recognition underscores NP’s efficiency and dedication to excellence within its operational sphere.

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. This accolade is 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.

Undoubtedly, NP-SL Ltd’s unparalleled dedication to customer care warrants its reputation as a pioneer in this realm, earning the distinguished title of “1st for Customer Care.”

2nd NYEEF Promotes Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Young People

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to bring job seekers and young entrepreneurs face to face with employers and experienced entrepreneurs in the country, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Vice President will on Thursday 16thNovember 2023 conclude four days of the second edition of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair on the theme: “Creating Employment, Entrepreneurship and Growth Opportunities for the Development of Future-Ready Youth,” at the Freetown International Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown.

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair, which is hosted in collaboration with the Ministries of Employment, Labour & Social Security, Technical & Higher Education, Trade & Industry, and Youth Affairs brought together over 500 promising young Sierra Leoneans from across the country.

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship was officially declared opened on Monday 13thNovember 2023 by His Excellency the Honourable Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

In her welcome address, the Minister of State, Office of the Vice President, Manty Tarawalli, emphasized the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair’s crucial role as a platform for youth to learn, gain exposure, and assess skills for personal development and self-employment.

She underscored the pivotal role of the fair in the Government’s broader strategy to address youth unemployment, announcing the ambitious goal of providing 500,000 jobs for the nation’s youth, furthering that this initiative encompasses a diverse range of opportunities, including both formal and informal employment, waged work, and self-employment with a comprehensive approach aimed at catering to the varied skills and aspirations of the youth population.

Minister Manty emphasized that these 500,000 jobs were strategically crafted to uplift citizens from poverty and that the Government views the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair as a potent instrument to propel economic growth while nurturing individual prosperity as it acts as a channel for the Government’s dedication to providing the youth with the skills and opportunities essential for sustainable development.

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, underscored education’s pivotal role in fostering job creation and entrepreneurship adding that aligning education with market demands is crucial to bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring the youth are equipped with pertinent skills.

The Deputy Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Lansana Dumbuya shed light on the youth employment struggles while highlighting the Fair’s role in connecting them to potential employers and diverse career paths. The Fair acts as a beacon of hope, offering avenues for a promising future.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Fatmata Wurie stressed the necessity of a supportive business environment and the burgeoning potential in the entrepreneurial sector saying by showcasing various opportunities, the Fair encourages the youth to embrace their creativity, fostering economic growth.

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, shared his personal journey, illustrating how he conquered obstacles to attain education. His story inspired the youth, emphasizing the possibility of overcoming challenges to craft a brighter future. He stressed the need to shun blame and view challenges as transformative opportunities, while the Government’s duty is to nurture an environment conducive to youth success.

Giving his keynote address at the opening of the event, His Excellency the Honourable Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said he is pleased to officially open the second edition of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair as a four-day networking and learning event for young women and men aged 18 to 35 organized by his Office.

He said that he is thrilled to see over 500 young Sierra Leoneans committed to realizing their full potential and contributing to the development of Sierra Leone.

Honourable Vice President said that the success of the 1st edition of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair is no doubt a call to the hosting of the second edition. He assured all that Government will continue to support NYEEF as it serves as a building bridge between skills set and opportunities by bring young people, graduates and people with skills face to face with potential employers and entrepreneurs so that they can have a platform where their opportunities will be tapped into so it will be become a starting point for them either to gain access to a decent job or for them to start their own businesses.

Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said Government is aware of the challenges related to job creation, youth unemployment and as a result His Excellency Julius Maada Bio decided to include job creation as a key pillar for the creation of 500,000 jobs for young people as part of his Big Five Game Changers.

He stated that the NYEEF is in no doubt a practical session in trying to realize Government’s vision of creating 500,000 jobs for young people in the country for the next five years, adding that the event is viewed as a building block for job creation.

“Therefore, in line with his vision for a cohesive, integrated and sustainable job creation strategy, this year at NYEEF Sierra Leone will have a Job Creation Conference which will bring stakeholders together to contribute towards developing the first draft of the National Job Creation Strategy that will lay the ground path for how Government intends to provide opportunities for young people to access job in the future,” the Vice President revealed.

Employers Federation Enlightens Rokupa Residents on ‘Women for Water and Peace Project’

By Abubakarr Harding

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Sierra Leone Employers Federation (SLEF) announced the launch of the ‘Women for Water and Peace Project’ on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This collaborative effort, supported by various partners, the International Labour Office, and funded by the UNCDF and UN Peacebuilding Fund, aims to address water scarcity challenges in five communities: Mayenkineh, Rokupa, Dwarzack, Crab Town-Aberdeen, and Lumley Community.

The primary focus of the project is the construction of water wells to provide purified water, with a particular emphasis on addressing challenges faced by women and girls.

Addressing residents of the Rokupa Community on the 14th November, 2023, Albert Ojo Collier, the Executive Secretary of SLEF, highlighted the significant role of women in water-related activities and the risks they face, including physical violence and sexual exploitation during late-night water fetching.

“The ‘Women for Water and Peace Project’ is a crucial step towards ensuring that women and girls no longer suffer in their pursuit of water,” emphasized Collier.

He stressed the importance of placing women’s groups in charge of the wells, not only to address water-related issues but also to empower the community economically.

In a presentation on the role of women in the water kiosk business, Fatmata Kamara from the West Africa Network for Peace Building emphasized the employment opportunities it provides for women in the community.

Kamara expressed hope that the kiosk business would contribute to women’s self-reliance, boost confidence, and reduce child pregnancies.

Salifu Mansaray, Youth Chairman in the Rokupa Community, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the project’s importance in alleviating the burden of water-fetching on women.

He urged community residents to take ownership of the wells, ensuring proper maintenance and transparency in handling funds generated through water sales for broader community development.

Hawanatu Sesay, a student in the Rokupa community, expressed gratitude for the proposed wells, anticipating a positive impact on their daily lives. She highlighted the challenges students face when fetching water, causing delays in attending school, and urged swift commencement.

Commit and Act Foundation & German Doctors Empower 400 Girls in Anti-FGM Project

Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, supported by the German Doctors, successfully concluded its My Body My Right Project on Saturday, November 11th, 2023. This initiative provided financial aid, medical examinations, and counseling to 400 girls, marking a crucial step in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and addressing school dropout rates in Sierra Leone.

The overarching goal of the My Body My Right Project is to curtail the prevalence of FGM practices and reduce school dropout rates among 800 girls across 69 communities spanning 6 Chiefdoms in Bo, Tonkolili, and Bombali Districts.

Madam Hannah Bockarie, the Founder and Country Director of Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, highlighted the project’s multi-faceted approach. She emphasized that the financial support provided will empower parents, enabling them to engage in viable businesses that sustain their families.

She underscored the importance of instilling business skills in parents through training sessions, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, she emphasized the project’s focus on educating girls about the adverse effects of FGM, empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and education rights.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of her daughter, Aminata Kondeh, a beneficiary mother, lauded the donors, particularly the German Doctors and Commit and Act Foundation.

She expressed how the financial support has positively impacted her ability to provide for her daughter’s livelihood.

Additionally, Aminata Kondeh credited the project for contributing to her daughter’s academic success, emphasizing the project’s role in aiding her daughter’s educational journey.

China & Sierra Leone Deepen Ties in 2023 Media Seminar: Constructive Journalism in Focus

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The diplomatic relations between China and Sierra Leone are taking a new turn as the two nations join forces in a media seminar. The 2023 Media Seminar, organized by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) in collaboration with the Research and Training Institute (RTI), is hosting 25 press officers and media professionals from Sierra Leone. The event, which began on November 5, 2023, is set to conclude on November 27, 2023.

The seminar’s primary aim is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of media, with a particular focus on radio and television industries, social and cultural conditions, and constructive journalism practices.

Constructive journalism, a departure from traditional media ideals emphasizing objectivity, has become the focal point of the seminar. This approach, which emphasizes a positive spin on news while supporting the government’s stance, is a significant part of China’s growing influence over Africa’s media landscape.

Development communication, another core topic, takes center stage during this seminar. This field of study and practice revolves around the use of communication processes and strategies to promote social and economic development. It involves the exchange of information, ideas, and knowledge to create positive social change and improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

A participatory approach that emphasizes the active participation of individuals, communities, and stakeholders in the communication process.

Encouraging dialogue and engagement among different stakeholders to foster a two-way communication process.

Adapting communication strategies and messages to the local context, taking cultural, social, economic, and political factors into account.

Building the communication skills and capacities of individuals, communities, and organizations.

Advocating for policy change, social justice, and human rights to address power imbalances, promote social inclusion, and reduce inequalities.

The application of development communication spans various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, environmental sustainability, governance, and poverty reduction. It is instrumental in disseminating information, raising awareness, mobilizing resources, facilitating behavior change, and promoting social and political participation.

The seminar also delves into the significance of positive and negative news. Positive news focuses on uplifting stories, while negative news highlights conflicts and problems. Striking a balance between the two is essential for a well-rounded understanding of the world.

1...455456457...1,362Page 456 of 1,362