NP Sierra Leone Limited, a leading indigenous business entity, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors in Sierra Leone. With a rich success story and a firm foothold in the oil industry, NP (SL) Ltd continues to thrive and provide valuable lessons for independent business ventures.
Founded in 1977, the company underwent several transformations before rebranding as NP (SL) Limited in February 2011. Since then, it has operated as a privately owned entity, free from Government influence. This independence has allowed NP (SL) Ltd to focus on implementing lucrative business initiatives and achieving impressive results.
One of the key factors behind the company’s success is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. NP (SL) Ltd prioritizes excellent service delivery and customer care, resulting in a broadened customer base and heightened brand reputation. With 133 regional dealer distribution outlets, the company ensures its operations are anchored in achieving positive business outcomes.
NP (SL) Ltd has also introduced innovative solutions to enhance convenience for customers. The company offers ultra-modern calibrated pumping machines that accurately dispense fuel while displaying the price. The introduction of the NP Smart Card allows for cashless fuel purchases, eliminating the need for customers to withdraw money from the bank. Additionally, NP (SL) Ltd provides NP Gas in various cylinder sizes, offering affordability and environmental friendliness.
By exclusively championing the interests of Sierra Leoneans, NP (SL) Ltd has solidified its position as a dominant force in the oil industry. The company not only guarantees a continuous supply of petroleum products but also serves as a prime example for aspiring entrepreneurs and potential investors.
Experience the unparalleled convenience of NP Smart Card for on-the-go fuel purchases and enjoy exceptional customer care with NP Sierra Leone Limited. With its inspiring success story and commitment to excellence, NP (SL) Ltd continues to shape the entrepreneurial landscape and dominate the oil marketing industry in Sierra Leone.
In the wake of a reported cluster of deaths of cattle in neighbouring Liberia, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Food Security (MAFS) and partners in Sierra Leone have instituted the following preventive measures with immediate effect:
The temporary ban of movement of cattle, goats, and sheep along the Liberia Sierra Leone border coupled with prohibiting the entrance of meat and meat products from Liberia into Sierra Leone.
Restriction has also been placed on the movement of cattle, goats, and sheep from Kailahun, Kenema and Pujehun to other districts in Sierra Leone as well as a temporary ban the movement of meat and meat products from Kailahun, Kenema and Pujehun to other districts in Sierra Leone.
That beside, there is also a temporary closure of all livestock markets in Kailahun, Kenema and Pujehun as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and partners step-up surveillance in slaughterhouses, for sick animals and humans with signs and symptoms of anthrax in Kailahun, Kenema and Pujehun.
It could be recalled that 36 cows were found dead on Thursday, July 6, 2023, in the cow fields along the Foya- Mendekorma Highway at Kelima Bendu Town four miles from the border with Kailahun district.
For further information or clarification, please contact Director of Livestock and veterinary services Division on +232 78 354828 or the Agricultural information and communication unit on +232 76 497412 or +232 76 722 772.
The Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation, a prominent youth-led organization dedicated to societal development and national transformation, is preparing to publish a detailed magazine chronicling its five years of successful operations. Titled “Showcasing Five Years of Development Strides,” this publication will signify the Foundation’s commitment to documenting and sharing impactful stories resulting from its interventions.
From what this medium learnt, the Foundation’s operations revolve around seven key thematic areas: youth empowerment, education, health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), agriculture, citizens’ recognition, culture, and tourism.
Headquartered at #3 Ballie Drive, Off Water Works Road, in Port Loko City’s Northwest Region, the organization is said to be driven by a passionate group of like-minded young individuals who strive to maximize their contributions and that of other youth towards societal development and nation-building.
In the understanding of this news medium, the forthcoming magazine will feature a comprehensive account of the Foundation’s journey, allowing readers to understand its humble beginnings and remarkable progress in serving the most vulnerable communities. Each thematic area will be highlighted through success stories, demonstrating the positive impact the foundation has made in various sectors.
The magazine will also include a special section known as the “Blue Pages,” dedicated to individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the Foundation’s development initiatives, activities and programs. Those pages, it was also learnt, will showcase the exemplary efforts of those who will be contacted by the organization’s Executive Director, Amb. Unisa Fofanah.
Publication of the “Blue Pages”, it was intimated, will serve as a token of appreciation and recognition, honoring the adage that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging those who contribute to development.
Furthermore, the magazine will reserve “Yellow Pages” for featuring notable personalities interested in participating in the publication and for advertising purposes. Individuals wishing to be part of the magazine or seeking advertisement opportunities can contact the Executive Director using the provided contact information below.
With the production of the first edition of the magazine nearing completion, interested parties are encouraged to act promptly to secure their spot for publication or advertising.
It was understood that the Foundation’s team firmly believes that this milestone will be etched in Sierra Leone’s history, marking a community organization’s achievement in producing a comprehensive magazine documenting five years of outstanding development strides.
The Foundation, it was stated, takes great pride in its work and remains unwavering in its commitment to reshaping the trajectory and perspectives of community development.
For inquiries and further information, please reach out to the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation at +23230087623 or +23279070999, or via email at bbhf1808@gmail.com.
During a conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, titled “Catalyzing and Globalizing Actions to End FGM Conference”, which brought together donors and grassroots activists from five continents to discuss strategies for eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) globally, the erudite Country Director of the Amazonian Initiative Movement (AIM-SL) in Sierra Leone, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay, served as the keynote speaker.
In her address on the impact of grassroots movements in ending FGM, Madam Rugiatu Neneh Turay highlighted the negative health, social, economic, psychological, and environmental consequences of the harmful practice which targets women and girls. She expressed concern about the lack of awareness regarding its harmful effects and emphasized the conference’s goal of promoting common objectives among countries across continents to hold duty bearers accountable for protecting women and girls and ultimately ending FGM.
Madam Turay also shed light on the spiritual and cultural aspects associated with FGM, explaining that the practice instills fear and maintains its status quo through intimidation. She addressed prevailing myths surrounding FGM, such as the belief that it prepares girls for adulthood, womanhood, and marriage, or that it preserves their virginity and also debunked misconceptions that regard the removal of certain female genital parts as a means to beautify or purify them.
Highlighting the work of AIM-SL and the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), Madam Turay emphasized their commitment to a culturally sensitive approach and a united campaign message with the objective of zero tolerance for FGM. She commended the organizers for the informative and beneficial conference, stating that it would empower numerous countries striving for zero tolerance on FGM.
Madam Turay called on campaigners at the conference to break the vicious cycles of FGM and protect the rights of women and girls worldwide. She also criticized politicians who exploit FGM for electoral gains, urging them to prioritize building schools rather than supporting FGM initiation practices. Moreover, she encouraged women in different continents to embrace alternative rites of passage for girls, citing Sierra Leone’s successful implementation of Bondo initiation without bloodshed. She further advocated for the relocation of the Bondo society to natural settings and the cultivation of a sense of ownership among women in reclaiming their society.
She ended by encouraging participants to disseminate the knowledge gained from the conference to their respective continents and communities, leveraging the opportunity to effect positive change in the fight against FGM.
The convivial Deputy Finance Minister II, Bockarie Kalokoh, is widely acclaimed to be a game changer, who is said to carry with him the Midas’s touch everywhere he has created lasting footprints and legacies, in educational institutions, workplaces, in communities and the State as a whole. A workaholic, who likes to see impactful results, he has been influential in turning the tides and fortunes of institutions as well as individuals through the meticulous and innovative ways with which he always do things.
His twenty-five years plus wealth of experience in the banking and financial sectors in the country as well as serving as a KPMG Financial Analyst in Nigeria has placed him at a vantage position, in his current position as Deputy Minister, to immensely contribute in finding a durable and sustainable panacea to the myriad socio-economic problems that this country is currently grappling with.
It came as no big surprise to see him being re-appointed by the re-elected President, Julius Maada, to continue to serve as the Deputy Finance Minister 11 in the Ministry of Finance as he has demonstrated proven abilities to handle his main responsibilities, which include but not limited to, formulating and implementing Public Financial Management reforms aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the public financial management system, improve revenue generation, debt management and review the Financial sector.
Indisputably, his private sector experience makes him equal to the task as he has demonstrated proven abilities to handle them with the support of colleagues in the Ministry and other line Ministries, Departments and Agencies with whom, he has a very good rapport, being a very friendly personality who is approachable and can listen attentively before expressing his opinions.
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Minister 11, Bockarie Kalokoh was the endearing Deputy Managing Director of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), said to be the leading commercial bank in the country, where he manifested sterling brilliance and initiatives that saw the rapid transformation of that banking institution by bringing it up to speed seen in the production of tangible results of the dividends that were multiplied.
Through his contributions, latest banking innovations were introduced and popularized which modernized commercial banking offering various portfolios to numerous customers including individuals and entities. Up to the time of leaving the bank, a sad experience to his colleagues there and then, his name was synonymous with the innovative transformation that the bank went through and has positioned it as a credible bank that became endearing to many.
On the 14th January, 2023 whilst the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) was celebrating its 50th Anniversary at the Bank’s Headquarters Car Park on George Street in Freetown he made mention that the landmark celebration was an opportune time to renew the bank’s pledge and strength.
He further enjoined members of staff to demonstrate that strength, notably, in the sector of capitalization adding that the Bank has indeed maintained the leadership of financial services in the country despite competition from foreign commercial banks.
The indefatigable personality stressed that SLCB must therefore continue to play a leading role in nation building in the future as had been in the past, noting that it must commit itself to be the key player in the inclusive financial system to stimulate economic growth.
He urged the Bank to provide the financial literacy to its esteem customers, access to credit in order to contribute to the growth of their businesses, noting that the Bank must also exploit the imminent introduction of the national switch and continue to leverage internal technologies to increase customer access to existing and new products.
Bockarie Kalokoh disclosed that the environment in which SLCB operates is anchored on nine principles including Liquidity, Profitability, Loan and Investment, Savings, Service, Secrecy and Efficiency and therefore admonished the Staff of the Bank to maximize the potential in the next fifty years.
Impressively, such admonitions and projection can only emanate from someone who means well for his country and fellow human beings.
As a patriotic Sierra Leonean, who has all that it takes to comfortable reside overseas, Bockarie Kalokoh chose rather to stay here and help make his country great by serving in-country.
Being a selfless personality, his love for country really became prominently noticeable when he decided to throw weight behind our darling Leone Stars. In 2022, through support from Sierra Fishing Company, Bockarie Kalokoh fulfilled his promise of gifting $28,000 to Leone Stars after challenging the 28-man squad of at least getting a draw in the country’s first AFCON 2021 match against defending champions Algeria, a game that finally ended in a 0-0 draw.
In a privilege chat with him , he intimated that the task of turning around the country’s economy does not only lie on the shoulders of public officials but on all and sundry. He averred that in as much as Government will provide the policies and resources but it is also equally important that all must put hands on deck by doing what is expected to move the country in a positive direction. He said things like honouring tax obligations, reporting graft etc will contribute in one way or the other in boosting the economy.
It must be noted that Bockarie Kalokoh has a rich and enviable academic background as he holds a Bsc with Honours in Accounting from Fourah Bay College, an MBA in Leadership from Jack Welsh Management Institute in USA and is currently a Ph.D candidate in Business Administration from Waiden University in the USA.
Kalokoh, as he is fondly called, is a man with great repute and possesses an outstanding pedigree in Banking and Finance, Leadership, Marketing, Accountancy and General Administrative Management.
In a bold statement, prominent lawyer Sorie Tarawally, known as “De Pa,” voiced his concerns regarding the recent electoral loss of his party, calling for a change in strategy and a more inclusive approach.
Tarawally did not hold back as he addressed the disappointing election results, comparing them to the party’s previous loss in 2018 but with an even wider margin. He emphasized that relying solely on regime change would not secure victory in future elections. Instead, he urged his fellow party members to engage with the Sierra Leonean people, transcending regional boundaries and incorporating diverse perspectives.
Expressing his frustration with the party’s modus operandi, Tarawally criticized what he described as a prevalence of mediocrity and complacency within its ranks. He advocated for a departure from the status quo, acknowledging that the party’s current course of conduct had proven unsuccessful in securing electoral success.
Tarawally also raised a concern about recent calls within his party to boycott Government and governance after the 2023 elections. Despite his sympathy for such sentiments, he cautioned against such a move, stating that it would only strengthen the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP). He emphasized that the SLPP did not hold a two-thirds majority in a full Parliament and that boycotting would essentially hand them more power on a silver platter further revealing that the party leadership had disregarded the advice of the former Attorney General to challenge the election results in court.
Responding to critics, who opposed taking legal action, Tarawally questioned their reasoning and called attention to the potential consequences of not challenging the matter in court. As a legal expert himself, he expressed disappointment in the arguments put forth by those who dismissed the idea.
The outspoken lawyer concluded his statement by highlighting the personal attacks and insults he has faced for expressing his honest opinions based on his conscience, experience, and knowledge. He reiterated his commitment to praying for the best interests of Sierra Leone and his party, despite the challenges he has encountered.
Sorie S Tarawally, Esq, known as “De Pa,” has gained a reputation as a prominent legal figure in Sierra Leone, respected for his principled stance and insightful commentary on socio-political matters.
In a significant accolade for Orange Sierra Leone (Orange SL), the CEO and Founder of Shout Climate Change Africa (SCCA), Finnex John Asibor, has lauded the company’s stellar environmental efforts. Asibor affirmed that Orange SL’s exceptional commitment to environmental conservation makes it a deserving recipient of the Environmental Care Award.
During the recently held Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Week, Orange SL showcased a variety of sustainable initiatives, reflecting its strong commitment to combating climate change. The company has made headway with the solarization of 70% of its sites and a remarkable accomplishment of planting 3,000 trees in the Mud Slide community at Mortomeh.
Asibor’s recognition of Orange SL underscores the company’s conscious efforts to minimize its environmental impact. Orange SL is fully committed to environmental protection and preservation, acknowledging the potential implications of its operations on the environment. In line with this, the company is proactively taking sustainable measures to reduce its carbon footprints to contribute to the Orange group’s ambitious target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040.
PAVI Fort Operational Director, Jowel Bernard Lawson, addressed public concerns on Sunday, July 16, 2023, over the recent damage to the under-construction Sani Abacha Street, a key development project undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Lawson assured that the project was an ongoing effort, with further plans to concrete the Roundabout area, extend 100m into Guard Street, 60m into Fourah Bay Road, and 150m into Goderich Street. He highlighted that this approach was specifically designed to be more accommodating to heavy water flow than asphalt.
The director acknowledged the unfortunate timing of a heavy downpour, which coincided with the early stages of the construction when the asphalt was still fresh and the concrete work had not been completed. He stressed that the rainfall was an unforeseen event that temporarily disrupted the project’s progress.
However, in the face of these challenges, Lawson confirmed that PAVI Fort had taken swift corrective measures. He announced that the company would soon be initiating concrete work specifically designed to absorb the heavy flow of water, thereby preventing future similar incidents.
The Government of Sierra Leone had launched the rapid development project on the renowned Sani Abacha Street on July 10, 2023. This initiative was part of a larger countrywide development scheme, which was well-documented by bloggers and social media commentators who shared ongoing progress pictures and videos.
Unfortunately, heavy rainfall just five days later caused significant damage to the newly constructed street, sparking concerns about the construction’s credibility and effectiveness. Social media quickly became a platform for public debate, with commentators questioning the expertise of the government and other stakeholders involved in the project.
In response to this, PAVI Fort’s assurance of their ongoing commitment and swift action towards addressing the issue presents a reassuring stance. The company remains confident and committed to the task at hand, ensuring the successful completion of the Sani Abacha Street project despite unexpected setbacks.
Legal Aid Board has secured the discharge of eighteen accused persons from separate High Court sittings across the country from 5 June to 12 July 2023.
Four of the accused persons were discharged by Justice Sulaiman Bah in Freetown; three by Justice Cosmotina Jarrett in Freetown; five by Justice A.R Mansaray in Kabala; five by Justice Mohamed Bawoh in Magburaka and one was acquitted and discharged by Justice A K Musa.
Speaking to the seven accused persons discharged by the courts in Freetown at the Legal Aid Board office in Freetown prior to their return into mainstream society, the Executive Director of the Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles admonished them to work hard for a living, be law abiding and seek redress through local authorities and the Police.
‘When you return to your community make sure you contribute to its wellbeing’ she said, adding ‘Involving in crime in the name of fighting for survival is totally wrong, you must desist from it.’
Ms. Carlton-Hanciles expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice, Justice Babatunde Edwards and the entire judiciary for dispensing justice without any fear and favour in releasing the innocent accused persons.
She thanked the Legal Aid Counsels for a job well done despite the enormous pressure they were under in the period leading to and after the elections. She assured of the Board’s continued commitment in ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are represented in the courts.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, one of the beneficiaries, Ramadan Bah who was discharged on charges of fraudulent conversion thanked the Board for its intervention, noting that they were pleased with the outcome of their matters. He assured the Board of their commitment to be peaceful and law-abiding citizens.
The clients in Freetown were represented by Legal Aid Counsels Morrison Karimu and Abraham Kargbo, while those in Kabala, Magburaka and Kono were represented by Counsels A.T Jalloh, J.E Turay and A.O Kamara respectively.
The CSO Working Group on Elections and Human Rights on July 13th, 2023, fulfilled its electoral mandate by submitting both its Activity and Election Observation reports to the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The reports provide a comprehensive overview of the group’s efforts before, during, and after the June 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone.
The submission ceremony took place on July 10th, 2023, at the ECSL headquarters in Tower Hill, Freetown, and was attended by members of the CSO Working Group on Elections and Human Rights.
Rashid Dumbuya Esq, the National Coordinator of the CSO Working Group, expressed gratitude to the ECSL for their support in educating the people of Sierra Leone about the proportional representation (PR) system and the electioneering process. Despite limited funding, Dumbuya highlighted the group’s dedication to reaching out to vulnerable communities and raising awareness about the PR system and voting procedures.
Dumbuya emphasized the importance of ECSL carefully considering the findings and recommendations outlined in the Election Observation report. He called for legal and regulatory reforms to enhance the electioneering process in Sierra Leone. The CSO Working Group recommends the following reforms:
Increase Transparency: The ECSL should enhance transparency throughout the election process, especially during the counting, tallying, and computation phases. Transparent procedures build public trust in the electoral system.
Strengthen Voter Education: Further efforts should be made to educate voters, particularly in vulnerable communities, about the PR system and the electioneering process. This will ensure a better-informed electorate and promote meaningful participation.
Enhance Election Monitoring: The ECSL should improve its mechanisms for monitoring and observing elections, ensuring comprehensive coverage and effective oversight.
Ensure Electoral Security: It is crucial to address and prevent incidents of violence and reprisals against political party supporters. Strengthening security measures during the electoral period will help maintain peace and order.
Foster Collaboration: Continued collaboration between the CSO Working Group and the ECSL is essential for the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Sierra Leone. Joint efforts can strengthen the electoral process and ensure a level playing field for all participants.
Allocate Sufficient Resources: Adequate funding and resources should be allocated to the ECSL to support their work in organizing and administering elections effectively. This includes voter education campaigns, training programs, and logistical arrangements.
Implement Reforms: The Government, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, should prioritize the implementation of legal, institutional, and policy reforms based on the recommendations provided in the Election Observation report. These reforms will contribute to the continuous improvement of the electoral system.
Albert Massaquoi, Director of Media, Communications, and External Relations, received the reports on behalf of the Commissioners and staff of the ECSL. Massaquoi commended the CSO Working Group for their unwavering efforts in supporting the Commission’s work and assured them that the findings and recommendations would be thoroughly examined. Massaquoi encouraged continued collaboration between the Working Group and ECSL to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections in Sierra Leone.
The CSO Working Group was called upon on January 30th, 2023, to assist with public education, sensitization, and election observation during the June 2023 multi-tier elections. At the time of report submission, the Working Group consisted of approximately 25 independent Civil Society Organizations.
The objectives of the Working Group encompass monitoring and ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, raising awareness about elections and electoral processes, advocating for increased support to the ECSL and other Elections Management Bodies, conducting observation and reporting on elections and human rights, and making recommendations for legal, institutional, and policy reforms related to elections management in Sierra Leone.
Throughout the election period, the CSO Working Group engaged in various activities, including voter education seminars for university students, stakeholder training on the PR system, the development of informative media content, media engagement, community outreach, non-violence campaigns, election day observation, and post-election engagement on preventing violence and reprisals against political party supporters.
The CSO Working Group extends its profound gratitude to the Sierra Leonean Government, the ECSL, election management bodies, the Sierra Leone Police, political parties, civil society organizations, the media, and all Sierra Leonean citizens for their contributions to a peaceful and non-violent 2023 multi-tier election.
While acknowledging the relatively peaceful electoral environment, the Working Group expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency observed during the counting, tallying, and computation phases of the election process conducted by the ECSL. The Group hopes that ECSL will accept the recommendations outlined in the observation report to improve the conduct of public elections in Sierra Leone in the future.
The CSO Working Group would like to extend a special thanks to all its members for their selfless dedication to the nation.
