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NP Sierra Leone Limited: Leading the Digital Revolution in Petroleum Sector

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd has emerged as a frontrunner in the petroleum industry, setting new benchmarks through its commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. As the leading company specializing in providing top-tier petroleum products in Sierra Leone, NP has cemented its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy supplier.

Central to NP’s success is its unwavering dedication to delivering petroleum products of the highest quality. The company understands the significance of adhering to stringent quality standards and conducts rigorous testing through the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency. This ensures that customers receive petroleum products that align with vehicle specifications, underscoring NP’s focus on precision.

In addition to its exceptional quality service, NP-SL Ltd  places a strong emphasis on operational efficiency. The company consistently invests in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to optimize its processes and boost productivity. Through the modernization of its Kissy Terminal and other operational enhancements, NP ensures the timely and cost-effective delivery of petroleum products.

NP’s core ethos revolves around customer satisfaction. The company prioritizes building enduring customer relationships and continually seeks to exceed expectations. A dedicated customer service and sales team is available 24/7 to address inquiries and concerns. NP actively values customer feedback and leverages it to enhance its products and services, emphasizing a customer-centric approach.

Environmental sustainability is also at the forefront of NP’s priorities. The company proactively adheres to stringent environmental regulations and invests in eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimize its carbon footprint and promote a greener future.

Embracing the digital revolution, NP has embraced innovation to enhance its operations and customer experience. The company recognizes the potential of technology and has made substantial investments in practical applications. Smart cards, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and an upcoming Video Tracking System (VTS) represent some of the cutting-edge technologies NP has adopted to optimize its services and operations.

NP’s digital revolution extends to customer engagement, offering user-friendly digital fuel pumps for convenient access to petroleum products. These innovative digital pumps are being piloted, with the first roll-out at NP’s Sanders Street station.

Internally, the digital revolution has streamlined NP’s operations, boosting efficiency and reducing errors. Automation and digital platforms have elevated overall productivity, resulting in significant cost savings.

To foster seamless communication with customers, NP has established a user-friendly website and social media presence, enhancing customer service responsiveness and strengthening the brand image.

As NP continues to embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity remains paramount. The company has implemented robust measures to safeguard customer data and thwart potential cyber threats, ensuring data privacy and security.

NP’s embrace of the digital revolution has redefined its operations and customer interactions. By embracing technological advancements, enhancing customer experience, streamlining operations, prioritizing innovation, and fortifying data security, NP has solidified its status as a trailblazer in Sierra Leone’s petroleum sector. As technology evolves, NP remains steadfast in its commitment to leading the digital revolution while delivering unparalleled services to its esteemed customers.

Taninihun Incorporated Empowers Fritzwa International to Train 50 Female Prison Inmates with Skills

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a collaborative effort to empower some incarcerated female inmates serving various sentences, Fritzwa International, led by Naana Djan from Ghana, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) and with sponsorship provided by Taninihun Incorporated, on the 11th August, 2023 completed a vocational skills training exercise in bead-making and fabric craft, which benefitted fifty of them. Earnest training for these fifty female inmates, currently incarcerated at the Female Correctional Centre in Freetown commenced on the 7th August, 2022 and it was intensive.

The partnership between the two organizations, among other things, was geared towards equipping these young female inmates with marketable skills and knowledge that will empower and put them at vantage positions to become self-reliant and financially independent after regaining their freedom.

The initiative came in the wake of a meeting that was held between representatives of Taninihun Incorporated, Fritzwa International, and the Correctional Centre authorities overseeing or in charge of the Female Correctional Centre at the former Special Court for Sierra Leone at Brookfields in Freetown on Friday, July 28, 2023.

During the meeting, representatives of the various organizations expressed their plan and commitment to empower or train Fifty (50) inmates behind bars. After following due diligence, the Prison authorities presented a list of the 50 female inmates which they stated should benefit from the skills training.

Training commenced in earnest and the targeted beneficiaries were so excited and interested to the point that they were able to quickly imbibe most of what they were taught and impressively demonstrated admirable craftsmanship in the sample production of beautiful ladies handbags made using beads , otherwise known as beaded bags , as the training exercise was drawing to a close.

The CEO of Taninihun Incorporated, Madam Hawa Kobi-Walker expressed her delight to be part of the training exercise or programme , which according to her, sought to empower these female inmates to become self-reliant and financially independent by marketing their newly acquired skills or trade. According to her what they have gained could have cascading effects as there are possibilities of trickling down knowledge within communities.

She  further pointed out that they decided to train the female inmates in bead-making and fabric craft ,from which different products or crafts could be produced,  with the main objective that handcrafted materials are highly needed in the tourism and hospitality industry making reference to Events Management  Entities like the one she as well  now manages, T-Events.

On the part of the Head of Fritzwa International, Naana Djan, the mission or purpose of the two organizations partnering together, to implement the project, was to give marketable vocations to female prisoners who were willing to learn trades so they can be financially independent upon their release.

She pointed out that during the training sessions they incorporated certain elements which were aimed at building the self-esteem and confidence of the trainees.

Naana Djan noted that providing a supportive and nurturing environment where women can develop their skills and express their creativity can help them regain confidence in their abilities and foster personal growth.

She said Fritzwa International’s dedication to empowering women across Africa is evident in their ongoing efforts to support vulnerable women in various countries and foster their economic empowerment. Madam Naana Djan made mention of how prior to the training of the fifty female inmates, her organization, with support from Orange telecommunications company, rolled out a skills training programme that benefitted 150 young people in Sierra Leone adding that the organization initially started the capacity building exercise of young people in Ghana.

She intimated that teaming up with an organization like Taninihun Incorporated was quite a pleasurable experience which made it easier for the training exercise to be conducted without facing much challenges. She commended the CEO of Taninihun Incorporated, Madam Hawa Kobi-Walker, for her insightful and meaningful contributions saying she was highly instrumental in motivating the inmates and went on to express gratitude for the immense support they provided.

“By Taninihun Incorporated providing  the much needed support, Fritzwa International  successfully implemented the vocational skills training as well as counseling, mentorship, and coaching and it is hoped that such will create opportunities for  these young women  to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Naana Djan underscored.

The successful training program by provided through collaboration and support exemplifies the passion and remarkable work that the parties involved are committed to be making with the aim of positively transforming individual lives and communities. These organizations have demonstrated that they are really dedicated to creating a better world for the underprivileged and marginalized, one where the beneficiaries can thrive and be empowered to reach their full potentials.

Rokel Commercial Bank Counters Malicious Intent: False Video Exposed

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release dated 12th August,2023 , Rokel Commercial Bank has vehemently refuted claims circulating on social media that depict bundles of allegedly incomplete bank notes. The bank’s Management addressed the issue in an official statement, dismissing the video as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the bank’s reputation.

The video in question showcases individuals displaying unwrapped bank notes while asserting that these are incomplete withdrawals from Rokel Commercial Bank. Despite the gravity of such allegations, the bank has conducted a thorough analysis of the video and determined it to be a fabrication aimed at discrediting the bank’s dedicated and expert cashiers.

The bank’s statement highlights its belief that the video forms part of a wider strategy orchestrated by individuals or groups with ulterior motives to undermine the bank’s hard-earned prestige. The bank expressed its confusion as to why the individuals did not report the alleged anomaly to the bank directly but instead chose to disseminate the claims through social media. Additionally, the bank underscored its standard policy, which urges customers to verify their funds before departing the bank premises.

This incident is not the first of its kind. Earlier, another video surfaced, falsely attributing similar withdrawals to ECOBANK, despite the bank notes being wrapped in Rokel Commercial Bank’s branded packaging. The bank considers these videos part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish its reputation.

Rokel Commercial Bank is taking a firm stance on this matter. The bank has announced its intention to collaborate with the Sierra Leone Police to identify and pursue legal action against the individuals responsible for spreading the misleading videos. The bank urges the public, particularly its esteemed customers, to disregard the videos and views them as baseless attempts to undermine the credibility of the institution.

The statement reiterated the bank’s unwavering commitment to its core values of integrity, customer service, and the establishment of strong, lasting relationships with its clientele. As the “Bank of Choice,” Rokel Commercial Bank reinforces its dedication to providing exceptional financial services while maintaining its reputation as a trustworthy institution.

 

Caritas & Partners Empower Youth to Build a Sustainable and Harmonious Future

By Alpha Good Kamara

As the world faces urgent environmental challenges, the role of young people in driving positive change takes centre stage. This year’s International Youth Day, which was the 12th August, 2023, sheds light on the transformative potential of the younger generation in shaping a sustainable future. This year’s theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” highlights the crucial contribution of youth in building a greener planet.

Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Trocaire and Agiamonde, marked International Youth Day 2023 with a meaningful event at the Youth Development Movement (YDM) Center in Calaba Town, Western Area Urban.

The event aimed to harness the energy and potential of youth to promote peaceful communities, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections. It aimed to ensure that the spirit of harmony persisted among diverse communities, and that the younger generation remained steadfast in their commitment to peace.

During the event, youth participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on peace, conflict management, and resolution. Through candid sharing of personal experiences, they shed light on innovative approaches to handling conflicts. An exercise involving forming a circle to symbolize unity, followed by attempting to move in different directions, served as a poignant reminder that conflicts are inevitable. However, by standing together, a collective sense of tranquility can prevail. The core lesson underscored the need for mutual understanding and effective conflict management among the youth.

Unisa Sesay, a youth leader from Calaba Town community, delivered a succinct statement stressing the importance of nurturing peaceful environments and strong communities. Both youth participants and stakeholders expressed gratitude to Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, Trocaire, and Agiamonde for enlightening them about the significance of peaceful coexistence. The insights gained equipped them with valuable tools for conflict management and the application of transformative justice.

In her address, the Project Officer for the Project Preventing Violence against women and promoting women’s participation in the just concluded 2023 elections Caritas Justice and Peace Commission, Cecilia Bintu Sesay, said International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August, bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

She said as part commemorating this year’s International Youth Day Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Trocaire and Agiamonde decided to engaged young people within the Calaba Town community on the importance of commemorating the International Youth Day.

Cecilia Bintu Sesay maintained that as part of the event they are using the opportunity to engage them as young people to see the need to maintain peace in their community especially after the just concluded elections that has left so many grievances among citizens.

The Civil Peace Servant at Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, Tobias Max Grosse, expressed appreciation to all attendees for their presence. He highlighted their role as the foundation of peace within their respective communities.

He referred to the earlier exercise as a reminder that diverse perspectives on peace and conflict exist, but unity, togetherness, harmony, and collective responsibility are crucial for nurturing lasting peace. He encouraged participants to continue their efforts in promoting peaceful structures.

Against the backdrop of the 2023 general elections, the event underscored the youth’s pivotal role in upholding peace within their communities. Through discussions, exercises, and candid reflections, the youth demonstrated their commitment to conflict management and resolution. The event’s poignant message centered around unity as a cornerstone of enduring peace. As the celebration concluded, it left an indelible mark: the youth possess the power to cultivate harmonious communities and pave the way for a more peaceful world.

East End Lions Fan Club Presents Portrait to President Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In recognition of his tireless support to the East End Lions Fan Club, members of the Fan Club on Friday 11th August, 2023 presented a photo portrait to the President of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe. The photo portrait, depicting the true replica of the President himself was handed over to him during a presentation ceremony that was held at the organization’s Adelaide Street office in Freetown.

Presenting the Portrait, the Administrative Secretary, East End Lions Fan Club, Alusine Vandi, said that on behalf of the East End Lions Fan Club they are very happy to recognize the efforts of President of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe towards supporting the East End Lions Fan Club, adding that when the announcement was made for the rehabilitation of the National Stadium, and East End Lions home games were transferred to Wusum Field in Makeni, fans were very concerned to be securing buses to transport them to the location whenever the team had matches.

He furthered that he is very proud to announce that Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe was among the individuals who supported them in that regard.

“Today on behalf of the East End Lions Fan Club we are pleased to present this photo portrait of Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe to Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe as a sign of appreciation for his support towards the Fan Club,” Alusine Vandi maintained.

Receiving the portrait, the President of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe expressed appreciation to the East End Lions Fan Club for recognizing his efforts towards them.

He said that he was born at the house where East End Lions Football Club was started and while growing up the only team, they knew was East End Lions, stating that since then he has thrown his support behind the football club.

Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe said East End Lions Club is a club which they inherited from their parents of which he reaffirmed his support to the East End Lions Fan Club and by extension the East End Lions Football Club.

Climaxing the snappy ceremony was the official presentation of the portrait by members of the East End Lions Fan Club comprising the Administrative Secretary, Alusine Vandi, the Team Manager, Alhaji Alpha Rasheed, and a member Amadu Koroma to the President of  Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe.

Tabital Pulaaku Western Area Students Present Plaque to President Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

To demonstrate appreciation for the good work that the President of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe has been doing, members of the Students Section of the organization (Western Area), on Wednesday 9th August 2023, presented him a plaque at the organization’s Adelaide Street office in Freetown.

The presentation programme was graced by members of the Students Wing of the organization, Executive Members of Tabital Pulaaku and the media.

Prior to making the presentation, the President of the Students Section of the Tabital Pulaaku International, Sierra Leone Chapter, Abu Bakarr Bah, revealed how a cross section of students of the Organization in the Western Area decided to show appreciation to the Executive and President for their support.

He furthered by also disclosing that thousands of students have benefited from the organization, noting that the current President of the Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, has been supporting the youths even before becoming President.  He praised Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe for his relentless efforts in holding the organization together disclosing that in recognition of those efforts, they decided to make the presentation openly in the presence of other members, adding that the presentation was designed to be a surprise.

Abu Bakarr Bah echoed the call of the students for Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe to be the President of the Tabital Pulaku Sierra Leone Chapter for Life.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Sanusi Bah, Deputy Education Secretary of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, admonished the young members of the organization and intending members that they will be awarding scholarships to university students and a criterion for eligibility is a Membership Card.

He expressed appreciation to the students for being thoughtful and taking such a bold move to recognize the role of the organization’s President in the development of the Fullah Ethnic group in the country.

In his appreciation, President of Tabital Pulaku International Sierra Leone Chapter, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe, said he was really surprised to know that he will be receiving such a gift, further expressing appreciation to the students for the kind gesture.

He divulged that they now have some 350 graduates in various fields of study from the University, adding that this is a huge achievement, and admonished others to at least help one to three people to progress.

He maintained that this is first time that people have shown appreciation to them, and called on all to work together for the benefit of Mama Salone. He stressed that he is at a loss of words due to the surprise gift, and is hopeful to see their youths in top professions nationally and internationally.

A message of appreciation from Executive Members and students expressing appreciation and recognition of the role of the organization’s President in the development of youths in the organization was made.

The Executive members said that what Tabital Pulaku is doing forms part of their key vision to promote education for the development of the nation, and admonished their members to help each other, as such will strengthen the group, and make the Pulaaku ideology contribute to  the development of human capital in the nation. They called for a committed membership in terms of contributions and upholding unity.

The engagement was climaxed by the presentation of the plaque to the President of Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter’s President, Alhaji Amadu Juldeh Sowe by the President of the student section of the organization, Abu Bakarr Bah.

NCRA Commemorates Africa Civil Registration & Vital Statistics Day  

By Foday Moriba Conteh

August 10th every year is celebrated as Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day. The day is set aside to increase public awareness on the importance of the timely registration of vital events, particularly births and deaths, through well-functioning civil registration and vital statistics systems.

It was against this background that the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has on Thursday 10th August, 2023 joined other Africa countries to commemorate this year’s Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day in the country on the theme: “The Potential to Increase Coverage, Improve Quality and Timeliness of Data through Digitization of Civil Registration Systems.” An event to commemorate the day was held at the 34 Military Hospital on Wilberforce in Freetown.

Speaking during the event, the Director General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, intimated how the Africa CRVS Day was adopted during the 32nd Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in 2018 to be the vehicle to enhance advocacy on the importance of CRVS Systems for Africa’s growth and development and the event serves as an occasion to voice support to country, Regional and Global commitments to strengthen CRVS Systems and increase stakeholder coordination by maximizing available CVS resources.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to transforming and modernizing CVS Systems in Sierra Leone and across the African Continent through digitalization of which he used the opportunity to intimate how Sierra Leone has made monumental strides in achieving the desires of the APAI CRVS, the AU and UNECA. The Director General pointed out that from the darkness a light thus emerged from uncertainty out of which they have built hope saying from small beginnings greater things are beginning to come.

He said that with support from UNICEF, NCRA launched and introduced Electronic Registration as well as putting in place a Securitized Certificate System, noting that over 200,000 citizens and other residents have had their Births, Adoptions, Marriages, Divorces and Deaths registered and linked digitally to the ID Management System of NCRA.

The Director General said the APAI CVS and other Experts have provided clear guidance and recommendations on integrating and digitalizing CRVS and ID Systems.

He used the opportunity to express gratitude to UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, Irish Aid and the EU for supporting the GoSL to integrate the CRVS and Identity System and Digitization Process they are currently undergoing.

The Deputy Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Sibeso Mululuma, said the theme for this year’s commemoration underscores the need to strengthen the civil registration system through digitization in order to improve quality and timeliness of data.

She added that a well-functioning CVS system is the best source of continuous and up to date information on birth, death and population statistics, stating that these statistics in turn serve as the denominator for a wide range of population-based targets and indicators in the SDGs.

Sibeso Mululuma concluded her statement by reaffirming UNPA’s commitment to collaborate with the Government, alongside other stakeholders in strengthening the country’s civil registration system, which will in turn steer Sierra Leone towards the effective measurement of progress towards the aspirations of the SDGs and the Africa 2063 Agenda.

The UNICEF Representative, Rudolf Schwenk, described the efforts by the Government as very important towards driving positive change in civil registration and improving the quality of vital statistics maintain how such will go a long way in securing a brighter future for all.

He said that only last year the birth of 155,725 children (78,985 girls and 76,740 boys) under five years of age was registered, and Sierra Leone is proudly among the 20 African countries on track to meet the targets of 16.9.1 on assuring legal identity for all.

Rudolf Schwenk called on all to strive to chart a course toward comprehensive, efficient and inclusive civil registration systems to accelerate progress towards universal CRVS coverage by revising laws and policies to address all discriminatory provisions and extend the timeframe for timely and free registration of births up to 1 year , adopting a one-stop approach for new-born registration and certification that is entirely interoperable with health and immunization systems, including in humanitarian contexts, gradually and optimally digitalizing CRVS systems ( having a combination of paper based and digitized system).

Giving the keynote address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, said that the implications of inadequate vital statistics cannot be underestimated, adding that for women, the lack thereof increases their vulnerability to gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, property dispossession, sexual violence, and restricted child custody rights.

Similarly, for young girls, incomplete vital statistics pose obstacles to accurate age determinations, exacerbating issues such as child marriage, adolescent pregnancies, female genital mutilation, and other forms of child cruelty.

She maintained that the digitalization of civil registration systems in Africa has the potential to greatly increase coverage, improve data quality, and enhance the timeliness of vital statistics and that civil registration is the process by which vital events such as births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and adoptions are officially recorded and documented by the Government.

She informed that Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to bolstering Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) systems resonates within the larger tapestry of regional and global progress.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, we stand in harmony with our fellow nations, each striving to enhance CRVS mechanisms as a cornerstone of social development,” the Minister underscores and called on all to resolve to strengthen coordination and collaboration in the collection of vital statistics to enhance human capital development.

The Minister ended noting that vital statistics hold the potential to catalyze the realization of the transformative goals outlined by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in the pivotal “Big Five Game Changers.”

Chinese Medical Teams Collaborate to Enhance Pregnancy Care for Sierra Leonean Patient

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Hawanatu, a patient from Freetown Sierra Leone, was admitted to the gynecology department of the China-Sierra Leone Friendship Hospital two years ago due to, “primary infertility, increased menstrual volume and secondary anemia”. At that time, Sun Xin, the Deputy Chief Physician, also a gynecologist of the 22nd Batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone, personally received the case and after completing the relevant examination, she concluded that the primary infertility and increased menstrual volume were caused by multiple uterine fibroids.

A laparotomy of multiple uterine fibroids was performed under spinal canal anesthesia in mid-August 2021, and the postoperative menstrual volume of the patient was significantly reduced and as well the anemia was corrected.

One year later, Hawanatu tried to get pregnant and soon had good news. Yu Ling, Deputy Chief Physician and obstetrician of the 23rd Batch of China Medical Team to Sierra Leone, checked her regularly and asked her to supplement vitamins, calcium and iron on time, closely monitoring her and the fetus.

After the Deputy Chief Physician, Yu Ling, returned to China, Dr. Wu Yu, the obstetrician of the 24th Batch of Medical Team, became the doctor in charge of Hawanatu. Hawanatu had signs of pre-term labor at 32 weeks+ of pregnancy, and Dr. Wu Yu told her to rest, avoid strenuous activities and gave drugs to promote fetal lung maturity.

It was reported that by August 3, 2023, Hawanatu had reached 35+ weeks in her pregnancy. After afternoon activities, Hawanatu gradually developed lower abdominal labor pains, which showed a trend of aggravation and more frequency. Dr. Wu Yu found out that Hawanatu had relatively regular contractions and slight tenderness in the abdominal scar, so she immediately arranged an emergency cesarean section operation.

The child was born at 23:30 on August 3rd, 2023. The operation went smoothly and both mother and child were safe. The operating room medical staff that witnessed Hawanatu’s two operations also highly affirmed the medical ethics and skills of the medical teams.

In this case, the experts of the medical team successfully performed multiple uterine myoma removal surgery on the patient, guided contraception and pregnancy preparation after surgery, and escorted her during pregnancy; finally, the cesarean section was implemented to help the patient successfully give birth to a healthy baby. The whole process is liken to a precious seed which falls to the ground, takes root, germinates, spits out leaves, blossoms and bears fruit under the care of several medical teams.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China sending medical teams to Sierra Leone. Over the past 50 years, China has sent more than 500 long-term and short-term medical and health experts to Sierra Leone, treating more than 800,000 patients and performing more than 100,000 operations.

Generation after generation of medical team members have demonstrated  selflessness, loyalty to their duties, willing to contribute in difficult conditions to provide quality medical services to the local people.

WIMSAL Holds Fruitful Discussions with First Lady

By Abubakarr Harding

In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and addressing pressing concerns, a delegation from Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) on Tuesday August 8th 2023 paid a courtesy visit to the esteemed office of Her Excellency Madam Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone.

During the meeting, Madam Eastina Taylor, President of WIMSAL, eloquently elucidated the organization’s mission and applauded the impactful endeavors undertaken by the First Lady’s Office, notably the influential “Hands Off Our Girls” flagship initiative along with other commendable programs. In her address, Madam Taylor underscored the pivotal role of amplifying women’s voices, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender parity.

Since its inception, WIMSAL has remained actively engaged in promoting awareness and advocating for various issues affecting women, including the critical subjects of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and domestic abuse.

Yet, the organization has encountered persistent challenges, including hurdles related to institutional frameworks, access to vital data and information, and the capacity to effectively address these issues. Recognizing these obstacles, Madam Taylor graciously appealed for the First Lady’s collaborative support through strategic partnerships to surmount these impediments and foster a secure environment in Sierra Leone where women and girls can flourish, even in leadership roles.

Responding with grace and enthusiasm, the First Lady commended WIMSAL for its unwavering commitment and expressed her keen interest in actively engaging with the organization’s endeavors. She underscored the significance of capacity building and pledged her backing through initiatives such as scholarships and other empowering activities.

Urging WIMSAL to leverage their platform effectively, the First Lady emphasized the importance of collective action to address women’s challenges. She specifically highlighted President Bio’s unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and his intent to address the critical matter of child marriage within the national policy framework this year.

The First Lady’s message was one of unity, encouraging WIMSAL to transcend political divisions and stand united in their efforts to amplify the struggles faced by women and girls across the nation. She hailed recent achievements, including the successful passage of the 30% gender quota bill in Parliament and the notable increase in women’s representation within the Government under President Bio’s leadership.

Underscoring a vision for a prosperous future, the First Lady exhorted WIMSAL to remain steadfast in their advocacy efforts, unencumbered by political or societal barriers. She concluded by reiterating her commitment to addressing child marriage through policy reforms and urged WIMSAL to continue employing their powerful mediums of communication to drive positive change.

As the productive meeting drew to a close, both parties conveyed their shared enthusiasm for future collaboration and a mutual dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls throughout Sierra Leone.

Commonwealth Urges Political Parties

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a significant development, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, in a statement, has  emphasized the importance of upholding commitments to peace and democracy in Sierra Leone.

The statement, issued on the 9th August, 2023, looked back at a pivotal moment on the 25th May, 2023 when political parties in the country came together after months of harmonious and productive discussions. She stated that in a show of unity, the leaders of these parties pledged to work towards maintaining peace and tranquility within the nation calling upon all stakeholders to honor the terms of that critical commitment.

Central to the democratic process, Secretary-General Scotland underscored, are several key elements. These include the necessity for calm and responsible leadership, the presence of well-functioning institutions, an unwavering dedication to justice and the rule of law and a collective endeavor to unite rather than foster division among the populace.

Despite acknowledging the challenges that accompany these imperatives, Secretary-General Scotland highlights their indispensable role in establishing the foundation for both peace and progress. Drawing on Sierra Leone’s own historical narrative, the statement underscores the critical significance of these principles.

In a time fraught with challenges, the leadership of Sierra Leone emerges as a pivotal factor. Secretary-General Scotland urges the nation’s leaders to partake in constructive and peaceful dialogues, ensuring that the commitments made before the people in Freetown remain steadfast and by doing so, Sierra Leone can guarantee a robust democratic legacy for generations to come.

The Secretary-General iterates the steadfast support of the Commonwealth, emphasizing a commitment to actively facilitate peaceful and constructive dialogues. With a shared optimism, the statement resonates with the aspirations of countless individuals across Sierra Leone, the African continent, and the global community. The resounding hope is that Sierra Leone’s exceptional attributes of courage, integrity, and unity will continue to shine, even in the face of adversity.

As the nation navigates its path forward, the words of Secretary-General Patricia Scotland serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative to safeguard the values of peace and democracy for the prosperity of Sierra Leone and its citizens.

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