Information Ministry Signs MoU with Smart Africa Digital Academy

April 5, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

Sierra Leone has taken another giant step towards enhancing the digital space in the country with the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Information and Communications and Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA). The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Tower Hill.

The event was organized to launch the Smart Africa Digital Academy and to speak to their joint commitment in ensuring that people have access to digital technologies and making sure that they have connectivity within the nation.

In his welcome address, the Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, Solomon Jamiru Esq, expressed his delight for embarking on a journey with SADA adding how the Ministry would not let this opportunity slip away but would ensure that they utilize it to the fullest to achieve the desired outcome.

The Deputy Minister also stated that much of what was crystallized was anchored on the privacy and vision of President Julius Maada Bio, who gave specific instructions to the Minister to ensure that they build a digitally inclusive society.

It must be noted that the Information Minister, Mohamed Rahman Swarray has been rolling out that vision, and the MoU signed with SADA is a significant step towards achieving that.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the African Union’s digital transformation for 2020 to 2030 urges all of Africa to ensure that people on the continent have access to at least 6 gigabytes per second of internet speed in a safe and secured manner.

He also noted that the African Free Trade Content Area offers prospects that will not be profitable in the future if Africa does not take steps to actualize it underscoring that the philosophy drives Smart Africa.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Smart Africa, Lacina Kone, stated that he met the Minister at the UN General Assembly in July and also in Paris. He added that the Minister had been asking him to come to Sierra Leone whenever they meet. Mr. Kone emphasized that Smart Africa was at the service of Sierra Leone and not the other way round. He noted that the digital future of Africa is promising for the development of digital skills and crucial for social and economic growth on the continent.

Kone stressed the need to transform Africa into a single digital market, saying that to be transformed, one must be informed. He added that statistics show that about 5% of the jobs by 2030 have not been created. He emphasized that the partner continents in the Global South have the youngest populations, making it imperative to equip their citizens with different digital skills.

By 2030, approximately 230 million jobs in Africa will require digital skills. The statistics show that Africa needs to create 22 million new jobs every year from now to 2030.

According to Kone, basic digital skills are essential for entering the workforce to ensure that African citizens are ready for the future of digital jobs. They must have the necessary digital skills and must act promptly to prepare them for successful socio-economic development. Policymakers must alert people to the latest advanced knowledge to create a behavior environment for policymaking in digital transformation.

Kone concluded by announcing the formal model to bridge the critical digital skills gap in the country and support Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

The climax of the event was the signing of the MoU.

As Only 3 Parties Fit for 2023 Elections… No Political Street Rallies

April 5, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Confirmed reports from the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) indicates that only three registered political parties have satisfied all the criteria needed to contest in the June 24, 2023 elections. The report states further that these parties are the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and the National Grand Coalition (NGC).

But as was being expressed by majority of Sierra Leoneans that the coming elections could turn out violent and are therefore calling on Election Management Bodies (EMBs) to ban street political rallies as these can be fore-runners to full-blown violence on Election Day – June 24, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) has finally let the cat out of the bag, that unless political parties display maturity, responsibility and care in managing their respective political street rallies, the PPRC will have no option other than to ban ALL political street rallies.

It is no hidden fact that whenever it comes to elections and election campaigns, that is the time when violence is unleashed between and among political party rivals and unfortunately it is the innocent people who have no hands in the affairs of the political parties that are rallying are the ones who ultimately suffer. And most times, they have no recompense for whatever they suffer at the hands of supporters of political parties taking part in rallies.

It is against this background that even though it is being mooted that the Executives of both the SLPP and APC are busy accusing each other of being afraid of political street rallies because it would show which party truly has the numbers to win the June 24 elections, the PPRC has come out strong to caution them.

But if we should critically look at the prevailing circumstances and the fact that rallies haven’t even been declared open and already the two main political parties are having disagreements about which has the bigger crowd, then the fears of Sierra Leoneans that the run-up to the elections could be violent and even the elections are justified and the PPRC can go ahead to declare a ban on all political street rallies across the country.

Maybe political parties can resort to holding meetings in secure areas with police protection. This could be a better, safer, more secure and more acceptable option to especially those people that have no business with political rallies but fall victims.

Gento Visits Slum Communities to Assess & Plan Against Natural Disaster Risks

April 5, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Gento Kamara, the outstanding SLPP contender for the Mayoral position in the Freetown City Council, commendably on the 4^th April, 2023, single handedly facilitated the electrification of the Madina Community (Back of Cockerill) in the West End of Freetown and at the same time refunded the initial costs that residents incurred to ensure that the electrification project is actualized.

From what this medium learnt, the renowned Civil Engineer decided to bear the cost or foot the bill for the implementation of the project which is said to worth NLe74, 000.

The reaction of residents was one that could be best described as the expression of profound and sincere gratitude for coming to their aid, heaving sighs of relief as they optimistically welcome the availability of electricity supply. A moving episode that emanated during the celebration was when an ardent APC supporter commented that there is every need to vote for Gento in the coming elections as the Mayor of the Freetown City Council and passionately called on other residents to vote for him. As a matter of fact majority of the residents of that community endorsed the candidacy of Mohamed Gento Kamara.

Prior to his good gesture in facilitating the electrification of a whole settlement, Gento, in his ubiquitous and humanitarian tailored interactions paid working visits to the Moa Wharf and Kanikay Communities in a bid to inspect work-in-progress in respect to the implementation of a project geared towards the construction of a drainage system at the Moa Wharf Community and as well to view the current status of the two communities after a recent heavy downpour of rain in the Municipality of Freetown in order to identify areas or communities that are prone to natural disasters with a view of proffering and implementing recommendations as to how to mitigate flooding and other related disasters during the rainy season.

Moa Wharf and Kanikay Communities, two disaster prone communities, have benefited somehow in the past from his humanitarian gestures.

At Moa Wharf, he thoroughly inspected the building materials procured so far which include bags of cements, tons of iron rod, trips of stones and many more, for the construction of a drainage system with the view of swiftly curbing the disastrous flooding that has affected that community.

When he visited the Kolbot Community at Kanikay in the East End of Freetown he surveyed the community and engaged the residents during which he assured them of swift response to their need as that will help in protecting lives and properties.

Gento disclosed that the move to rescue those communities emanated from the need to cater for the protection of his fellow Freetonians because he understands how painful they feel during the rainy season.

The leading SLPP Mayoral aspirant lamented that despite the huge funding from the Central Government and international organizations, including the World Bank, plus the huge funds that the Council mobilizes on a daily, monthly and yearly basis Freetown continues to be one of the most deprived cities in the West African sub-region.

He underscored, while addressing residents of the communities that his visit was not politically motivated but rather purely humanitarian, intimating how it has been part of his normal activities even prior to the manifestation of his political aspiration.

He optimistically informed residents that with their maximum cooperation, support and blessing he will endeavour to the best of his ability to positively transform their communities and by extension the Freetown Municipality.

Gento also promised how he will proactively work with the central Government, Non –Government Organizations, other international organizations to ensure that the majority of residents of Freetown safely, easily and conveniently access clean and safe drinking water for all.

Gento also stated that the regular cleaning exercises will be restored and as well create green spaces in order to improve air quality and the environment.

He also told residents that he will provide unity and political stability furthering how he will also maximize SLPP votes in the West if elected while concluding that such a strategy is very key to an SLPP breakthrough and control of APC heartlands if elected.

A development Consultant, in his estimation and assessment remarked that: “Gento has proven delivery records in road construction in Sierra Leone. I am not in any way doubtful that ‘Freetownians’ will massively vote for him as the Mayor of the Freetown Municipality maintaining that he is the best choice with realistic plans to develop Freetown”.

Stakeholders of the communities spoke in glowing terms and commendably about the various development interventions he has facilitated and clearly stated that, had it not been for his swift intervention over the past years the communities would have recorded more loss of lives and properties.

The highpoint of his visit and engagement with residents of the Moa Wharf community was when he requested the community to provide Thirty-Six (36) youths who are resident in the Moa Wharf Community that would be placed on a monthly payroll for the community drainage to be cleaned regularly expressing the conviction that such will aid efficient garbage management in that community.

A Political Commentator intimated The Calabash that one thing which is consistently apparent about Gento is the undiluted fact that he has, on various countless occasions manifested his innate affection for Freetonians even prior to his Mayoral aspiration, noting that his tangible and impactful developmental strides in Freetown do not only exhibit his love for residents of the Municipality but speaks volumes of his innate desire to see that majority of the residents of the Freetown Metropolis live in improved standards of living.

Emblica Visits Sierra Leone

April 5, 2023

A formidable Finnish company EMBLICA, introduced to the Head of Sierra Leone’s Consulate Planning Office in Finland, Sorie Obai Kamara, by the Finnish Foreign Ministry, took a fact-finding trip to Sierra Leone in order to prepare the roadmap for possible market entry into the country. Emblica’s expertise is in the area of data collection, processing and utilization, and especially in the field of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The purpose of the visit was to enhance ideas exchange with interested and cooperating companies in Sierra Leone on a mutual benefit approach.

The company has delivered ML solutions to, among others, the Prime Minister’s office in Finland as well as several multi-million euro industrial companies. With their credible references, they have achieved a position as convincing data experts and reliable suppliers of AI solutions. The intervention of Emblica into Sierra Leone, facilitated by a market entry company REMODE and the Sierra Leone’s Consulate Planning Office in Finland, is a positive milestone in the data, ML and ICT related space as they are willing and ready to learn from Sierra Leoneans, share their experiences and find possibilities for further business cooperation with Government line Ministries and companies on a win-win basis.

While in Sierra Leone, the Emblica delegation had engagement with the following; Secretary to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr. Julius Sandi, Honorable Deputy Minister of Information Solomon Jamiru, Honorable Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Dr. David Sengeh, Honorable Minister of Health and Sanitation Dr. Austin Demby, Honorable Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning Dr. Turad Senesie, a courtesy call was paid to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone, University Innovation Pod UniPod and some mobile, ICT / data processing and management companies like the BEST Development and Management Consultancy.

According to the leader of the delegation, Vili Hätönen, “EMBLICA is in Sierra Leone to exchange ideas with relevant stakeholders and see how we could best solve critical problems together using data and ML to support decision-making and development,” he said.

VP Engages Private Sector Partners to Establish Health Private Sector Partners

April 5, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh the 3rd April, 2023 engaged Private Sector Partners that have been supporting the health sector over the years at the prestigious Radisson Blu Hotel at Aberdeen. The engagement was co-organized by the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

The engagement was co-organized by the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to improve on private sector collaboration and enhance the establishment of an official Health Private Sector Partners (HPSP) group.

In his opening statement, the Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh thanked the private sector partners for their continued support to Government’s efforts as he highlighted some major projects they have undertaken.

He, however, expressed Government’s intention to structure that support so as to better tap into the opportunities offered by the private sector.

The Minister of Health and Sanitation outlined the key achievements of the sector highlighting the numerous outcomes such as the drastic reduction in maternal and infant mortality. According to him, a structured private sector support to health care delivery is vital to improving outcomes.

At the end, a transitional team referred to as Health Private Sector Partners (HPSP) was established to lead in designing a model to better structure private support to the health sector.

The Private Sector Executive meeting was really aimed at bringing private sector stakeholders together, recognize their contributions to the country, and keep to speed with the current state of the health sector in the country.

Speaking at the meeting, the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, thanked private sector players for their continued support to the government, particularly in the health sector.

He recalled that certain companies at the height of the COVID health crisis supported Government with finance, medical supplies construction of health facilities, among others.

The main objective of the meeting, according to him, was to see how Government can structure its relationship with the private sector in such a way that it can better tap into the support they give to the health sector.

Dr. Juldeh Jalloh pointed out that when they took office, budgetary allocation to the health sector was 6% but the Government of President Julius Maada Bio has progressively increased it to 8% and presently 11.6%.

He added that this intervention has positively impacted the health sector by reducing infant and maternal death in the country, improve on hospital management and supervision and expanded on healthcare service delivery.

The Vice President encouraged private sector players to also invest in the health sector by way of service delivery in order to strengthen the collaboration and improve the health system of the country, assuring of Government’s commitment to guaranteeing and supporting such negotiations.

The meeting climaxed with the formation of an interim Executive of the Health Private Sector Partners (HPSP) group.

Elba (SL) Ltd Engages Women During a ‘Breakfast with Women in Business’ Event

April 5, 2023

On Friday 31^st March, 2023, Elba (SL) Ltd, through its Business Connective initiative, gathered 95 women together to learn, share and connect at its ‘Breakfast with Women in Business’ event held at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

SMEs in Sierra Leone are facing growth challenges, which include low access to information, limited access to finance, high taxes and cost of employment and difficulty in sourcing raw materials. In addition, women business owners sometimes face discrimination, marginalisation and sexual harassment. Despite this, they trudge along, making the most of what they have and using their small networks to stay afloat.

Elba (SL) Ltd, a multi-sector investment company, which was registered in Sierra Leone in 2020, focuses on MSME growth through compliance, by providing Compliance Advisory and Management services, as well as relevant skills development programmes for business owners and their employees. It also manages business events from conception to completion. Through its Business Connect initiative, Elba (SL) Ltd hosts networking and learning events, including Payroll Management, NASSIT, NRA and Employment related training events. Its Better Business initiative is used to ensure that business owners do better business by having access to relevant and timely information.

The event, which was a nice blend of serious discussions, fun and music, commenced with prayers delivered in a unique manner with Whitney Houston’s ‘I love the Lord’ playing in the background.

In her opening statement, the Managing Director of Elba (SL) Ltd, Ms. Edleen Elba stated that the objectives of bringing the women together were to introduce Elba’s upcoming business growth offerings – a database of service providers, a space where products and services by Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad can be found and a repository of laws, policies, regulations and other information relevant to doing business in Sierra Leone – to inspire guests by showing them what others are doing, to meet and network with other amazing women in business and to discuss how women can grow their businesses through intentional collaboration.

During the sumptuous breakfast, guests watched a short film produced through Elba’s Better Business initiative, which featured Founders of Susue Finance, Susue Chilli Oils and Susue Pemahun – Ms. Naasu Fofanah, Arch Designs – Mrs. Kathleen Jah Davies and Little Lamb, Mrs. Andrea Koroma. Guests were inspired by the drive, passion and ambition of these three female entrepreneurs. Naasu Fofanah was invited to speak to guests about developments that followed the filming of the feature, which included collaboration with Sierra Leone Commercial Bank to open its first women’s banking unit.

To discuss collaboration, guests were asked to answer four questions revolving around intentionally working together to raise finance for bid or growth opportunities, effectively sharing lessons learned, using digital tools for better collaboration and ensuring their collective voices are heard in policy, law and regulation development and review. Some practical solutions were shared, which will be followed up on.

In her keynote address, Gender and Peace Activist, Dr. Nana Pratt, talked about her experience as a business person and shared some of the lessons she learned. She also encouraged women to work together to occupy the spaces they wanted to.

The event closed with guests introducing women-owned businesses to each other by presenting them with gifts made or sold by them.

Guests expressed their appreciation and called for more regular meetings of this nature. They described the event as being unique, amazing and inspiring. It was the perfect close to Women’s Month.

Election Street Rallies Banned

April 5, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release issued by the Political Parties Regulation Commission it was disclosed that on Monday the 27th March 2023, the Commission convened a meeting of all registered Political Parties, Electoral Management Bodies, Security Sector Actors, Civil Society Organisations and the Press, with an invitation extended to its development partners in attendance.

Purpose of holding the meeting was said to be twofold: To evaluate the essence of Street Rallies and to discuss the requirements Political Parties are to meet, to enable them effectively execute the third limb of the purpose for their establishment, as encapsulated in Section 35(1) of the 1991 Constitution, which is to sponsor candidates for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council elections.

According to PPRC, the Public may recall that, over the years, Street Rallies have occasioned immeasurable hardship on the peace loving people of this country as they threatened public safety, public peace, public morality and infringed on fundamental rights of others, inclusive of the primary right, which is the right to life.

The Commission furthered that the unfortunate death in Tonko Limba, the attack on the person and property of a Political opponent in Constituency 110, the debasing obscenities in Koinadugu and Kono and the affray in Samaya Bendugu and Koya, are some of the disturbing disquiet the public is made to endure, in the course of Street Rallies.

Also instructive to note, in the estimation of the Commission, is the fact that, the ethno regional rhetoric, tribal slurs, hate speech and intemperate languages peddled by some politicians and their attack dogs on social media, have rendered politics in the country very toxic adding how tensions are rife and it is thus imperative for all to adopt appropriate measures to defuse them.

Strongly underscored was that electioneering periods are no time for dancing and merriment but rather are times for deep reflections and evaluation of politicians.

Also stated was that cognizant of that fact and freeloading on the gullibility of people, Politicians have over the years, effectively used those Street circuses, to blur the thought process of the electorates, particularly the young ones, by the use of narcotics and other intoxicants.

According to the PPRC, the young ones get to the campaign designations in drunken stupor, completely devoid of any intellect, to comprehend the messages (if any), from their candidates.

The PPRC said, consequent upon the above, the Commission is of the view that people deserve better from their Political Parties maintaining that nobody deserves to die or suffer incalculable loss, because of the political aspirations of another.

It stated the need for a National discourse on street Rallies, with a view to according Political Parties the opportunity, to critically examine their effects on Public safety, public peace and public morality and the observance of the fundamental rights of others.

The PPRC disclosed how the question was therefore put to all in attendance, whether to maintain them and own up to their outcome, in line with the sanctions now prescribed in the Political Parties Act No.25 of 2022,against those conducts complained of or in the alternative, we ban them and rally in designated areas.

After extensive deliberations, the Political Parties in pursuit of public safety, public peace and public morality, in protection of the Rights of others and the preservation of the State, as envisioned in Section 26(2)(a)(i&ii) of the 1991 Constitution, unanimously resolved as follows: That Street Rallies be banned in the forthcoming elections, that Political Parties assemble and conduct their campaigns in designated areas, with appropriate security coverage, that the Electoral Management Bodies and the Security Sector Actors develop guidelines on the enforcement of the ban, with a view to ensuring fairness and parity of interest, that Government evenly makes available appropriate State infrastructure to all Political Parties and at no cost, for the conduct of their campaigns and that Political Parties adopt appropriate actions geared towards the fulfillment of the nomination criteria.

APC Former VP Foh, Moijue Kai Kai, Hon Shaka Musa Sama Defect to the SLPP in Pujehun

April 5, 2023

In Pujehun District, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, on the 1^st April, 2023, received more declarations from former opposition All People’s Congress (APC) former Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh, former Resident Minister South, Moijue Kaikai, and Independent Member of Parliament, Hon. Shaka Musa Sama.

Other political heavyweights in the district who declared their support for the President and his ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party, SLPP, were Alhaji Ken Kamara, Mustapha Sheriff, all of the main opposition APC and others, all assuring President Bio of the highest district level votes in the general elections slated for June 24 this year.

Moijue Kaikai, who also served the last Government as Minister of Social Welfare, brought along his supporters, saying: “His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio, these are my people in Pujehun District and they are trusted supporters of mine. Today is a special and great day in the lives of residents in our district. For those of you that know me, I am that person nobody forces or tells what to do. Whatever I am doing here today is of my own free will”.

He added that he was officially declaring for the ruling SLPP because he believes in the President, whom he referred to as his brother, not because they both attended the same Holy Trinity Primary School in Pujehun Town, but because he was trustworthy and deserving of the leadership he was providing at party and Government levels.

“I want to tell all the citizens of Pujehun District, those who believe in me, those I have personally assisted and all those who believe in what I stand for and do, that henceforth my family and all of you should join me as I declare to join the SLPP with a target of reducing the APC votes in this district by more than 90 percent,” he promised.

Former Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh said, “His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, my people of Pujehun District, I have to follow the steps of Moijue Kaikai and others. After President Bio took over the leadership of Sierra Leone, I told the nation that as State man I am taking the back seat in all political activities”.

“I am personally informing the public that the Southern, Northern, and Eastern regions of Sierra Leone have spoken and they have joined the SLPP. His Excellency President Bio, I am here to join all those who have declared their support to say rest assured that our actions and decisions to join the SLPP are sincere.

“I was the Secretary General of the APC in 2007 when they won the national elections. I was also there in 2012 when the party won the elections for the second term. But since I have personally decided to leave the APC to work with the ‘Talk and Do’ President, by the grace of God the APC will never win elections in Sierra Leone,” he said.

The Independent Member of Parliament, Honourable Shaka Musa Sama, in his declaration message said, “I am here with my constituency members to honour the call of all the good people in the SLPP who encouraged me to return to the party. Today, I am here to talk about the many good things that President Bio has done for our country, from education to women’s empowerment, protection of the girl child, taking development across the country to his open door policy for all disgruntled party members to return to their beloved party.

“Today, I am making a very important declaration. I am reiterating here as well that I am not under any pressure to take this decision. I took it willingly and with all my heart to declare for the SLPP and to support President Bio’s development agenda. I only required the consent of the Almighty Allah and my supporters in my constituency”.

In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio, welcomed his people, saying, “I want to take this opportunity, as the leader of SLPP to welcome you all to the great party for good and positive thinking Sierra Leoneans. For me, all human beings are likely to make mistakes, but after a while, if they came to their senses and showed remorse, we should welcome them wholeheartedly.

“The good thing our brothers and their supporters have done for themselves is to come back to the party that stands for development, peace, and national cohesion. The SLPP is the only party that, when in power, takes tangible, life-changing development beyond borders. As a party, we stand for nothing but the development of Sierra Leone, which I am sure has encouraged you all to come back to your party. You are all welcome to the party, and we are praying that you will work with the district and national structures to ensure that the election in June ends before 2:00pm”.

Legal Aid Board Gives Out 12 Motor Bikes for School Anti-Violence Election Campaigns

April 5, 2023

During a short ceremony took place at the Legal Aid Board head office on Wellington Street in Freetown on Friday, 31 March 2023, 12 motorbikes were given out to staff mostly Paralegals drawn from 12 of the 16 sixteen districts in the country.

The motorbikes are part of a support from the UN Peace Building Fund through the UN children’s agency, UNCEF to the Board’s Anti Election Violence Campaign. The six months funded project is dedicated to school outreach to educate pupils on the electoral laws and for community outreach events. 432 Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in Kono, Port Loko, Bombali, Kenema, Western Area Rural and Western Urban Districts are targeted for the project. 253,432 pupils in these schools will benefit from the project.

Schools in the other 10 districts will equally benefit from the campaign. 753 schools in the remaining 10 districts will also be targeted for the campaign. 458,219 pupils in these schools will benefit from the campaign.

This will help pupils in both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools understand the electoral laws more so the offences and rights contained therein and by extension become less prone to falling foul of the electoral laws.

Those who are minors (below 18 years) and therefore ineligible to vote will avoid participating in the elections while those who are of voting age will engage with the electoral processes in a peaceful manner, knowing full well the consequences of breaking the electoral laws.

Speaking to the Paralegals during the handing over ceremony, the Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles challenged the Paralegals to use education as an effective took to ensure the elections are free, fair and peaceful in their respective districts and chiefdoms. She noted that their achievement in the campaign will be measured through; voter participation in the electoral processes, number of electoral offences committed, number of disputes among members of the community resulting for political differences and affiliations, incidence of elections related violence including the number of pupils used to perpetrate election related violence.

She urged Paralegals to go into the schools and teach pupils about the electoral laws. She added that they should surmount whatever obstacles or constraints that may stand their way. ‘As we all know, young people including pupils are the most prone to electoral violence, we must therefore pay utmost attention to them if we should have free, fair and peaceful elections before, during and after the elections in your communities,’ she said. ‘Your strength lies in the fact that you understand your communities and command a lot of respect from the people, make sure you pay special attention to the remotest schools and communities because most times they are left out during election outreach.’

The Regional Programme Manager for the North East and North West Region Mohamed Alpha Jalloh described the motorbikes as a major boost to the campaign noting that access to some communities outside the district headquarter towns is a huge challenge not least the cost involved. ‘The bikes he promised will be used for their intended purpose and will go into lengths to address the challenges and by extension achieving the objectives of the campaign,’ he said.

The Senior Paralegal from Pujehun, Kakpama Lansana expressed delight at the allocation of a bike to Pujehun noting that his Wanjama people will see him a lot more. ‘I have been energized, services delivery will increase in folds and delivery time will also improve,’ Kakpama said.

The UN Peace Building Fund through the UN children’s agency, UNCEF had also donated Loud Speakers (MP3 players), Tablets, Laptops and Printers to the Board under this project.

The handing-over ceremony follows a two-day training of trainers of Legal Aid Board staff on the electoral laws at the City Council Hall in Freetown on the 17 and 18 March 2023. The training was replicated in the regional headquarter towns of Makeni, Bo and Kenema for staff upcountry. These trainings in turn follow the launch of the Anti-Election Violence Campaign at a ceremony at the Freetown City Council marking International Women’s Day in Freetown on 8 March 2023.

NP (SL) Ltd Conducts Two-Day Training for Non-Financial Managers on Finance

April 5, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

With the primary objective of building the capacity of members of staff, the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country, NP (SL) Ltd, concluded a two-day training programme on Finance for Non-Financial Managers. It was organized by First Corporate Services in collaboration with PKF Sierra Leone.

It has been proven times without number that a highly and well trained staff in any workplace produce excellent results when it comes to the performance of assigned tasks.

Whether permanently employed or an auxiliary staff high and impressive performance hinges on competency. Against such a realization, competent Management teams prioritize periodic trainings.

From time to time, Management of the company has facilitated the training of Station Managers and Pump Attendants with the avowed objective of improving their competencies in the course of performing their duties. As a forward looking company, Management believes that it should not rest on its oars basking in achieved glory but rather to make new breakthroughs geared towards capacitating its staff through trainings for effective service delivery.

It must be noted that to make the purchase of petroleum products very simple, NP(SL)Ltd introduced the use of NP Smart Card which makes it possible for individuals and entities to purchase, especially fuel, without the exchange of physical cash. AS long as the Smart Card contains money transactions can be easily conducted.

The company places high premium on enhancing the Local Content Policy by making it a policy to offer employment opportunities to only indigenous Sierra Leoneans thereby contributing to the reduction of employment.

NP (SL) Ltd markets what is popularly called NP Gas which is a cooking gadget that has been proven to be environmentally safe and has a high performance quality with gas available at Filling Stations to be used for refilling purpose. It is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at Filling Stations and by authorized dealers.

It has been confirmed by this medium that NP(SL)Ltd will continue to optimize the capacity building of its members of staff with the firm belief that such will continue to positively impact on the performance output of the company.