Home Blog Page 535

QNET Supports judicial authority to arrest three fraudsters in Freetown 

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company that uses a direct selling business model, has demonstrated total commitment and willingness to repair its image and reputation in Sierra Leone by collaborating with the police and security agencies to arrest people misrepresenting the company for their own selfish gains.

QNET provided information and supported the judicial authority to end the activity of three people who were obtaining money under false pretences and fraudulently misrepresenting the company in Freetown. This is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to combat the menace of fraud and misrepresentation.

“We have reached a point where we are decisively taking strong actions against people misrepresenting QNET under false and fraudulent representations for personal gains. We are collaborating with the Police and local authorities to weed out these few people and their bad behaviours. They do not represent the ideals and virtues we stand for. We are not a ponzi or investment scheme, we are not a travel agency, we do not promise our independent representatives or distributors fixed salaries. Unethical and unprofessional actions by a few people have tarnished our image and we are committed to clearing our name and showing the good people of Sierra Leone, who we are, what we stand for and how we can improve their lives and wellbeing through our products,” Mr. Biram Fall, Regional General Manager for sub-Saharan Africa for QNET, explained.

He added: “QNET is a prominent direct selling business that prides itself in its strong value of helping people raise themselves to help mankind. Unfortunately, some independent representatives behave in unethical and unprofessional ways, thereby causing reputational damage on the company’s image. In some cases, people who are not associated with the company in any way, attempt to scam others using the company’s name. These individuals cause confusion and distrust and mislead customers and the public. QNET is taking steps to either suspend, terminate or prosecute them when they are found, depending on the nature of their unethical practice.”

QNET is encouraging people to report anyone found to be misusing its name by promising fixed income jobs, overseas travels, investment returns and other outrageous claims through network.integrity@qnet.net.

About QNET

QNET is one of Asia leading direct-selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness

and lifestyle products that enable people to live better lives. QNET’s grass-roots business model, fuelled by e-commerce, has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Since its inception 25 years ago, the company has operated a unique business model that allows individuals, including women, to start their businesses and earn an income by selling the company’s products.

QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries worldwide

through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees. QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others.

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF.

For more information, please visit QNET at: https://www.qnet.net/

72 Hours Ultimatum Expires, What Next for APC?

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Following the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum, the All People’s Congress Party Presidential Flagbearer, Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, spoke with the BBC about the potential consequences if the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s boss, Mohamed Konneh, and other commissioners do not resign from their positions.

Dr. Kamara had previously given the ECSL officials an opportunity to resign during a press conference due to their handling of issues surrounding the upcoming elections.

Additionally, Dr. Samura Kamara responded to a question from BBC Umaru Fofana about his reaction after the ultimatum’s expiration, stating that he would consult with his colleagues to determine their next course of action.

He emphasized that the All People’s Congress Party is a peaceful party and does not want the country to experience any form of violence. He stressed the importance of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone following due process and taking necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections.

During the Briefing Sessions for accredited National and International Observers and the Media at the Bintumani Conference Centre, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, announced that he and the other Commissioners would not resign.

During a press conference held on June 15, 2023, by the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), its National Secretary General, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, stated that the party would strongly reject any attempt to disrupt the upcoming June 24, 2023, elections in Sierra Leone.

In a recent development, a letter was sent to the Inspector General of Police on June 17, 2023, signed by Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the National Secretary General of the All Peoples Congress. The letter was titled “RE: NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO HOLD PEACEFUL MARCH TO THE OFFICES OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION FOR SIERRA LEONE.”

The letter referred to a speech delivered by their National Leader and Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, on June 14, 2023. In the speech, the Presidential Candidate gave the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) a seventy-two-hour ultimatum to address certain irregularities in the election process or for all commissioners to resign immediately.

Since the seventy-two hours have passed without any action taken, the All Peoples Congress is notifying the police of their intention to peacefully march to the ECSL offices to present their position paper.

Our Presidential Candidate, Running Mate, National Chairman, Secretary General and other Party leaders will guide us. We request that your personnel remain peaceful towards civilians and assist us as needed, since the event will be peaceful.

On June 18th, 2023, the Inspector General of Police replied to a letter from the All Peoples Congress Party regarding their intention to hold a peaceful march to the offices of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.

The letter acknowledged receipt of the APC’s letter, and stated that the Inspector General of Police had reviewed it.

The letter further indicated that the APC should have informed the Sierra Leone Police at least 72 hours in advance of the planned procession to allow for proper planning.

However, the letter noted that the police only received the APC’s letter on June 17th, 2023, through Whatsapp.

The police have extended an invitation to the APC leaders to attend a meeting with the Inspector General of Police and his high-level management team at Police Headquarters on Monday, June 19th, 2023 at 1 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss matters related to the upcoming procession, including the estimated number of participants, the timing, and the route, among other things.

In addition, it is suggested that the APC leaders should also review the PPRC and provide their stance to the ECSL.

The Inspector General of Police pledged to provide support and cooperation throughout the process.

However, Numerous Sierra Leoneans are contemplating what steps the APC will take next.

High Commission of India in Freetown Celebrated 9th International Day of Yoga 

The High Commission of India in Freetown celebrated the 9th International Day of Yoga-2023 in Freetown. Under the aegis of India’s ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ and with this year’s theme ‘Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the event took place at the High Commission of India on Saturday, 17 June 2023. After the welcome of guests/participants by High Commission’s officials, Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Neeraj Kumar Saini addressed the gathering. Mr. C. J. Ramchandani enlightened on the importance of Yoga in day-to-day life. Mr. Madhusagar Singh, Mr. Edward Kekura and Mr. Alfred Saffa conducted the Yogasanas which were followed and performed by all participants who attended the event.

Indian diaspora members along with a number of Yoga Institutes and instructors in Sierra Leone partnered with High Commission to present a number of yoga postures and their benefit for the body and mind, as prescribed in the Yoga protocol, approved by the Government of India. The partner institutes/companies included: Hatha Yoga Salone, ThisIsYoga Sierra Leone, Pawan Putrah, Balani & Sons, Kadco / Kadat, and Ishwari & sons.

Yoga is a five – thousand-year-old tradition from ancient India that combines physical, mental and spiritual pursuits to achieve harmony of the body and the mind. Yoga is an effective tool for holistic living and can help us promote sustainable lifestyles. In 2014, on the proposal of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UN General Assembly declared 21 June to be celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. Since then, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated all over the world every year and various events attract participants in a very large number.  Sierra Leone has always been an important partner of India to promote and celebrate the International Day of Yoga since its inception.

1000 Okada & Kekeh Raffle Winners Turn Landlords  

By Alpha Good Kamara

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning headed by Dr. Turad Senesie on Friday 16th June, 2023 allotted two (2) plots of state land for residential purposes, to one thousand Okada and Kekeh riders.

It could be recalled that the Ministry of Lands recently conducted a land raffle draw for Okada and Kekeh riders. One thousand Kekeh and Bike Riders , out of those that applied, emerged as proud winners in a process that was transparently conducted in May 2023 before the applicants, officials of the Ministry and the Press.

The Ministry invited the winners of the Kekeh and Okada Land Raffle to the handing over ceremony of the land and documents (site plans and offer letters) on Friday 16th June 2023 at Mac Donald in the Western Area Rural Peninsular (after Waterloo).

Speaking at the event, Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senesie said President Bio is always concerned about those in need and had instructed him to see how he would devise a lottery system that would make it possible for people to acquire acres of land.

He added that the only way to minimize house rent in the Western area is to make land available to those people that are without it adding that as Minister he has fulfilled the President’s command by offering land to the right people in the Western area.

He added that the SLPP Government will continue to allocate land until every Sierra Leonean owns land in the country furthering how very soon  traders will also benefit from the allotment.

Presidents of the Kekeh and Okada Riders Associations, Ibrahim Serry and Amadu Talie Bah respectively, thanked President Bio and the Minister of Lands for making this a reality. They added in their respective thank you messages that before now all they had been getting were promises from past Governments.  Both  lauded the current SLPP Government for this unbelievable achievement, adding that they will demonstrate their gratefulness to President Bio during  the election, also underscoring  that it is very difficult to obtain land in the Western Area but that with President Bio (the Tok and Do President) they are now proud owners of land.

The event was climaxed with distribution of site plans and physical allocation of the land to the winners.

Caritas Freetown Offers Educational & Skills Support to  Survivors  of Gender Based Violence

By Abubakarr Harding

Caritas Freetown donated Fifty 50 packages of educational support and skilled support items to survivors of Gender Based Violence on Friday June 16, 2023, geared towards focusing their minds to the pursuit of knowledge during an event that was held at Cole Town  in Waterloo, Western Rural District  under a project titled: “Strengthening Behavioral Change on SGBV Prevention,” which is aimed at educating and raising awareness among school pupils about SGBV and its negative impact on women and girls. Out of the 50 packages, 25 contained school learning materials and another 25 for skills training.

Grace Jones, the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer of Caritas Freetown, emphasized the critical importance of empowering survivors of SGBV by offering them opportunities for education and personal growth.

Jones highlighted that education is a powerful tool that can help survivors rebuild their lives, regain their confidence, and break the cycle of violence. She continued that their aim is to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for SGBV victims, enabling them to pursue their educational goals and unlock their full potentials.

It must be noted that Caritas Freetown, as an organization, firmly believes in the fundamental right to education and the empowerment of all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds or past experiences. It was highlighted that the organization is committed to supporting survivors of SGBV by providing them with the necessary resources to thrive academically and emotionally.

One of the officials related to the implementation of the project stressed that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but can also be used to  fosters resilience, self-esteem, and hope for a better future.

The donated educational support items included textbooks, exercise books, school bags, pens, pencils, and other essential items that will equip beneficiaries with the tools they need to engage in their studies and pursue their educational dreams.

Hawa Lansana, one of the beneficiaries from the Waterloo community, expressed her gratitude to the generous donors who made the initiative possible further acknowledging the commitment and compassion so far exhibited by Caritas Freetown in supporting survivors of SGBV.

She said through their assistance they are not only condemning sexual gender-based violence but also providing survivors with the support and opportunities they need to heal and thrive.

Lansana shared her personal experience, stating that Caritas Freetown has helped remove shame from their eyes as SGBV Survivors. She expressed her relief saying before this time she was apprehensive  of mobilizing the necessary resources to buy school materials for her child adding how support  by Caritas Freetown is helping greatly to  alleviate the burden and provide hope for a brighter future.

One of the officials of Caritas Freetown said by empowering survivors of SGBV through education, they are fostering resilience, instilling self-confidence, and paving the way for a society that supports and uplifts all its members.

Caritas Freetown’s commitment to providing educational assistance to survivors  of gender-based violence  by not only addressing the immediate needs of the survivors but also contribute to breaking the cycle of violence and fostering long-term empowerment.

It was evident that through efforts made so far they are making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and working towards creating a society that stands against gender-based violence and supports survivors on their journey to recovery and success.

Inclusive Change Makers Engages Women& Girls with Disabilities on Sexual Reproductive Health

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts towards equipping women with disabilities on sexual reproductive health rights in the country, Inclusive Change Makers Sierra Leone Chapter with support from Children’s Rights Innovation Fund, Purposeful and One Family People has on Tuesday 8th June, 2023 concluded a one day engagement with 25 women and girls with disabilities on improving access to sexual reproductive health right. The one day engagement was held at the One Family People’s Head Office on Congo Cross in Freetown.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Team Lead for Inclusive Change Makers Sierra Leone Chapter, Monica Y. Galiwa, said that Inclusive Change Makers is a group of young persons with disabilities who are in Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Rwanda

She added that the group came into existence during the 10th Africa Conference on Sexual Health Rights, a landmark moment that brought together feminist activists, Governments, UN Agencies, development partners and civil society from across the continent to learn, connect and build consensus to end violence against women and girls in our lifetimes convened by the African Federation for Sexual Health and Rights, and hosted by Purposeful in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and international collaborators.

Monica Y. Galiwa maintained that during the conference groups were asked to come together and pitch a project idea which will be funded for implementation, furthering that they decided to come together and pitch a project idea Access to Reproductive Health Rights for Girls and Young Women with Disabilities without stigma.

She stated that they were fortunate to be awarded a grant in order to implement a project .

The Team Lead said that the one day engagement with women and girls with disabilities on improving access to sexual reproductive health right which includes sex education, access to family planning etc. is geared towards bridging the gap between these women and girls with disabilities and the various health centers in the country, adding that there has been a lot of concerns from women and girls with disabilities accessing the facilities which are not disable friendly and sometimes   discriminated against.

She said that they are very pleased that representatives from some of these facilities were present at the ceremony of which they also made commitment towards ensuring that women and girls with disabilities have better treatment whenever they visit this facilities.

Monica Y. Galiwa called on participants to make good use of the knowledge acquired during the training in order to help educate other women and girls with disabilities in their various communities on improving access to sexual reproductive health right.

The Service Marketing Manager, Marie Stopes Sierra Leone, Fayia Foray, commended Inclusive Change Makers Sierra Leone Chapter for the laudable venture in bringing together women and girls with disabilities in order to engage them on improving access to sexual reproductive health right.

He said that it is evident that women and girls with disabilities need a lot of information when it comes to sexual reproductive health services especially the services provided by Marie Stopes Sierra Leone of which he described the engagement as a step in the right direction.

The Service Marketing Manager said that during the endearment he informed women and girls with disabilities present at the event on how they can access their services provided at their different clinics and outreaches.

He said that he further informed them that they can mobilize themselves in a team were their outreach team can provide some of their services especially family planning to them on a free of charge basis.

The Head of Family Planning Unit, Aberdeen Women’s Center, Hawa Koroma who was also in attendance also made statement of which she also made commitment towards supporting women and girls with disabilities on improving access to sexual reproductive health right.

Beneficiaries of the engagement used the opportunity to applaud Inclusive Change Makers Sierra Leone Chapter for the engagement which they described as not only important but very timely in helping towards improving access to sexual reproductive health right for women and girls with disabilities.

They assured all that they will put into practice all what they have learnt during the engagement in order to improve reproductive health among women and girls with disabilities in their communities.

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma Breaks Silence

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As the country gears to hold its June 24th 2023 General Elections, the Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone 2007-2018,  Ernest Bai Koroma has in a press statement dated 17th June, 2023 shed light on the Elections Related Tension and Violence In Sierra Leone.

He said that it has been five years since he graciously handed over the reins of power to the then opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), under the leadership of the current President, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio which he said was possible because, at the end of his constitutional two terms, conducted peaceful, free, fair, inclusive, and transparent elections.

Ernest Bai Koroma stated that he is a firm believer in democracy and as the President at that time, he knew he had the responsibility to protect the peace, security and stability of our beloved country, Sierra Leone. Therefore, even when there were objections to irregularities in the final results, they prioritized peace and allowed the smooth transition of power to the SLPP and he then left the capital city, Freetown, where he had lived for over 40 years, and retired to his home town, Makeni.

“Unfortunately, the transition process in the All Peoples Congress (APC) was very arduous, and despite my desire to retire from active politics, I had the obligation to support the stabilization and reorganization of the party. Once it was obvious that the party was on the path of electing a new executive, I resigned from the position of Chairman and Leader,” he revealed.

The Former President maintained that in the last four years, he has dedicated his time to supporting the noble efforts of institutions such as the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West African Elders Forum (WAEF), and the Brenthurst Foundation, in the quest to promote peace and democratic transitions across Africa and he is proud of what they have achieved so far, and he remains committed and dedicated to supporting processes geared towards achieving and maintaining peace, security and stability on the continent.

He said that however, back home, the situation has not been ideal, which is why he refrained from commenting on national issues, to avoid his views being taken out of context and that his desire has been to allow peace to reign, and for the democratic process that the country has embarked on since the end of the civil war in 2002, to evolve naturally.

“Having served our beloved nation for two consecutive terms, in the immediate post-conflict context, I understand the toll of violence and the destruction Sierra Leone has endured. The process of peacebuilding and reconstruction is very herculean, and there is still much work to be done to improve the lives of our people. It would therefore be devastating to allow our country to relapse into violence and instability,” he maintained.

Ernest Bai Koroma said it is in view of this stark reality  against all odds, the he is compelled to make this statement, because this is about a peaceful, stable, secured and forward-looking Sierra Leone; and not about any individual or group.

He called on Sierra Leoneans, not to be distracted and their focus should be on creating an enabling environment for citizens to exercise their civil and political rights peacefully instead of stoking the flames of division, hate and conflict, they should, as he always do, discourage and condemn violence in the strongest unambiguous terms, adding that political leaders and their supporters should refrain from making inflammatory and divisive statements, and should show leadership and bring an end to the tension in the country.

The Former President used the opportunity to call on all champions and defenders of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and peacebuilding; especially those who have stood with them during the darkest moments in our nation’s history, including the United Nations, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), ECOWAS, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Governments of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Nigeria, Guinea and Ghana, to pay close attention to Sierra Leone and they should make their voices heard in the protection of peace, democracy, and the rule of law in our beloved nation and to work with all parties to ensure that the current developments, and the concerns of all parties are addressed.

He further entreated civil society, including faith-based organizations and the media, to maintain a non-partisan position, be more vigilant and proactive in de-escalating the political tension and they should also continue to promote social cohesion and contribute to a peaceful outcome of the elections.

“To the elections management bodies, the security forces and the judiciary, I kindly urge you to put country first, in carrying out your constitutional duties. Your work should respect the wishes and aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone. You have a duty to ensure that your conducts strengthen the confidence and trust of the people in the sensitive jobs you are privileged to perform for our beloved nation. This is a crucial period in our country’s history, and the safety and security of our people is in your hands,” Ernest Bai Koroma concluded.

SLAJ & Partners Hold Conference to Ensure Development of a Media Gender Policy

By Abubakarr Harding

A one-day conference was organized on June 14th, 2023, at the CHASL CCSL Compound on Kingharman Road  by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with Irish Aid . The event was geared towards facilitating regional consultations on the development of a gender policy for the media.

The Financial Secretary of SLAJ, Mohamed Konneh, emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive gender policy for journalists, as it brings numerous benefits and fosters a more equitable and inclusive media landscape.

Konneh highlighted that such policies provide essential guidelines and frameworks that enable journalists to report on gender-related issues with sensitivity, accuracy, and fairness. By addressing the biases and imbalances in media coverage, a gender policy empowers journalists to contribute to a more balanced representation of gender in society.

One of the key benefits of a gender policy for journalists, as mentioned by Konneh, is its ability to counter gender stereotypes and biases prevalent in media narratives. By promoting gender-sensitive language, diverse perspectives, and inclusive story selection, journalists can challenge traditional norms and present a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of gender issues. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and fosters empathy among audiences, dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting social progress.

Konneh further emphasized that implementing a gender policy within news organizations supports the professional development and well-being of journalists. These policies can include provisions for training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support networks, creating an environment where journalists can thrive irrespective of their gender. By cultivating a diverse and inclusive newsroom, organizations can harness the unique perspectives and experiences of journalists, resulting in richer and more comprehensive storytelling.

The financial secretary also noted that a gender policy empowers journalists to tackle sensitive topics such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality with the utmost care and responsibility. It guides reporters on ethical considerations, ensuring survivor-centric reporting and respectful treatment of individuals involved. This approach not only upholds journalistic integrity but also contributes to a more compassionate society that acknowledges and addresses gender-related challenges.

Furthermore, Konneh highlighted that a gender policy encourages the representation of diverse voices and experiences in media coverage. It promotes the inclusion of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized gender identities as sources, experts, and contributors, amplifying their perspectives and ensuring their stories are heard. By actively seeking out and valuing these voices, journalists contribute to a more democratic and representative media landscape that reflects the realities of all individuals in society.

In conclusion, the development of a gender policy for journalists enhances media credibility and trust. By adhering to ethical guidelines and promoting balanced and inclusive reporting, news organizations can cultivate a reputation for fairness, accuracy, and accountability. This fosters trust among audiences, ensuring that journalism remains a reliable and indispensable source of information for societal progress. The development of a gender policy for journalists holds significant benefits for both the media industry and society as a whole. By challenging biases, promoting inclusive reporting, and supporting journalists’ professional growth, such policies pave the way for a more equitable, empathetic, and progressive media landscape. As journalists play a vital role in shaping public discourse, it is imperative to embrace gender policies as an essential tool for promoting equality and fostering positive societal change.

Dr. Williette James, the chairperson of SLAJ’s Gender Panel, who served as the lead facilitator, emphasized the importance of the training session in helping journalists understand the gender policy being developed for SLAJ. She strongly advocated for the comprehensive gender policy for journalists, as it is crucial in promoting equality and inclusive reporting within the media landscape. James highlighted that this policy provides journalists with the necessary guidelines and frameworks to approach gender-related issues with sensitivity, accuracy, and fairness. By addressing biases and imbalances in media coverage, a gender policy empowers journalists to contribute to a more balanced representation of gender in society.

She further emphasized the role of journalists in countering gender stereotypes and biases prevalent in media narratives. Through the promotion of gender-sensitive language, diverse perspectives, and inclusive story selection, journalists can challenge traditional norms and present a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of gender issues. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and cultivates empathy among audiences, dismantling harmful stereotypes and driving social progress.

Dr. James also highlighted how the implementation of a gender policy within news organizations supports the professional development and well-being of journalists. The policy can include provisions for training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support networks, creating an environment where journalists can thrive regardless of their gender. By cultivating a diverse and inclusive newsroom, organizations can harness the unique perspectives and experiences of journalists, resulting in richer and more comprehensive storytelling.

She emphasized that a gender policy empowers journalists to address sensitive topics such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality with utmost care and responsibility. The policy guides reporters on ethical considerations, ensuring survivor-centric reporting and respectful treatment of individuals involved. This approach upholds journalistic integrity and contributes to a more compassionate society that acknowledges and addresses gender-related challenges.

Moreover, Dr. James emphasized that a gender policy encourages the representation of diverse voices and experiences in media coverage. It promotes the inclusion of women and other marginalized gender identities as sources, experts, and contributors, amplifying their perspectives and ensuring their stories are heard. By actively seeking out and valuing these voices, journalists contribute to a more democratic and representative media landscape that reflects the realities of all individuals in society.

She concluded that the development of a gender policy for journalists enhances media credibility and trust. By adhering to ethical guidelines and promoting balanced and inclusive reporting, news organizations cultivate a reputation for fairness, accuracy, and accountability. This fosters trust among audiences, ensuring that journalism remains a reliable and indispensable source of information for societal progress.

David George from Awoko newspaper expressed appreciation to SLAJ for organizing the consultation on the development of a gender policy for media.

He highlighted that this initiative will help journalists work in a more comfortable and inclusive environment, ultimately leading to better reporting and representation.

NP-SL’s Proactive Stance in Driving Customer Care & Satisfaction Always Impressive

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is strongly incontestable that the leading petroleum marketing company in the country, NP-Sierra Leone Limited, is highly recognized and respected for its efforts in enhancing and optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that results into a win-win situation.

For this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways in positioning to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

With a capable and result-oriented Staff, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.

One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil-producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages. It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.

Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned the company high commendations from various quarters simply because such helps  in cushioning unrest and ensures that sanity prevails within the petroleum marketing landscape. This pro-activeness, on the part of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable means.

Some, who were not aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the continuous enhancement  of its visibility becomes really surprised to see the development and transformative changes taking place that are meaningfully impacting lives and communities.

Indeed, it was 35 former employees of British Petroleum (BP) who decided to use their end of service benefits to purchase shares from which the humble beginning of NP-SL Ltd could be traced.

Today, NP-SL is a success story of an indigenous company, with its presence in various locations of the country where there are Filling Stations and having branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

What should be noted is that the serious operations of the company right across the spectrum are contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be accessed at different Filling Stations. Based on investigation conducted, NP Gas, is rated high in terms of performance and can be refilled by accessing gas from NP Filling Stations.

In terms of matching with contemporary developments, the company introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip embedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel.

The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.

When reference is made to the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.

It must be noted in these trying times, when the Russian War continues to intensify in Ukraine for a company like NP (SL) Ltd  to be successfully making concrete arrangements in terms of easily accessing petroleum products has indeed been awesome as Management of the petroleum marketing company is doing everything humanely possible within its reach to ensure that such petroleum  products are easily available and accessible.

US Embassy Discloses 11 Winners of the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship

The U.S. Embassy in Freetown, in a Press Release dated 15th June, 2023, stated that it is proud to announce that 11 participants from Sierra Leone have been selected to participate in the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

Said to have been launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa.

Further revealed was that YALI was created in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.

It was continued that since 2014, nearly 5,800 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

According to the US Embassy, Twenty-Eight U.S educational institutions in 20 states and the District of Columbia will host Leadership Institutes for approximately 700 Mandela Washington Fellows.

Additionally stated was that  the six-week Institutes, hosted by college and university campuses across the United States, will support the development of Fellows’ leadership skills through academic study, workshops, mentoring, networking with U.S. leaders, and collaboration with members of the local community.

Against such a backdrop,  the U.S. Embassy in  Freetown stated that he is proud to announce that the following leaders will participate in the 2023 Mandela Washington Fellowship: Ebunoluwa Tengbe, Jeremiah Thoronka, Hajaratu Sama, Ahmed Sheriff, Ambalieu Barrie, Janet Kallon, Rugiatu Kanu, Alex Nallo Junior, Bashiru Koroma, Florence Roberts and Jeneba Mary-Magdalene Saidu.

Also revealed was that after their Leadership Institutes, Fellows will participate in the Summit Washington, D.C. and it is expected that up to 100 competitively selected Fellows will virtually engage in professional development with U.S. organizations in the public, private, or non-profit sector.

In addition, Fellows can participate in Alumni Programming after their Fellowships to further build their professional skills and networks.

Worthy of note is that The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX.  For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit mandelawashingtonfellowship.org.

1...534535536...1,365Page 535 of 1,365