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NP-SL Ltd is an Epitome of Selflessness with a Strong Passion to Serve

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is an irrevocable fact that NP-SL Ltd continues to optimize Customer Care on a high pedestal everywhere the company has a presence. In no way can it be disputed that NP-SL Ltd is currently the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country.

One of the attributes which NP-SL Ltd has harnessed, over the years, to the advantage of many is its no nonsense stance in enhancing customer care as the Shareholders and Management of the company are very keen on that and are doing everything within their ambit to optimize it with a view of giving maximum satisfaction, in terms of high grade petroleum products and cutting edge services, to its numerous and cherished customers.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has ensured the actualization of enhancing customer care, which as a business entity it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care.

It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as proffer recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are to be taken geared towards the development of the company.

It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of availing customers the opportunity to make use of what is known as NP Smart Card.

This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can.

This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and posing other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against that backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to make such easier they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne.

Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country.

Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volume of a serious business entity that is determined to contribute to national development.

In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

NP-SL Ltd indeed has become the face of Sierra Leone and to a large extent making Sierra Leoneans proud as the entity continues to be the epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to serve diligently and professionally. Truly, the company is a trailblazer as far as petroleum importation and marketing are concerned.

Help Save the Life of Nurse Mattu Nyuma; the Dying Nurse that has Saved Countless Lives

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

One of the most painful experiences in life is to haplessly witness a loved one’s life gradually waning or coming to an end, when it should not, more especially in need or longing for the required resources and the wherewithal to prevent such from occurring  by accessing qualitative medical treatment, an odd feeling that can only be replaced with happiness when something is swiftly and positively done to save that individual’s life.

That experience becomes very much unbearable and psychologically traumatizing when cognizance is taken of the importance and usefulness of the individual, whose life is hanging in the balance, to his or her family members, friends and the society at large.

Wanting to rescue someone known to be very caring, trustworthy and relevant in society, but who now finds him or herself in a terrible life threatening situation and on the other hand, being extremely powerless to do so will obviously rob one of the joy and happiness that would have flowed if only the means and ability were available to give a helping hand.

Lamentably, relatives and friends of a young lady, who goes by the name of Mattu Nyuma but commonly referred to as Nurse Mattu Nyuma are currently facing this ugly situation as they are trapped in this quagmire of being unable to facilitate qualitative medical treatment for their beloved daughter, sister and friend who is currently seriously ill as she is suffering from a liver disease and currently admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Connaught Hospital in Freetown. Her condition has been really confirmed critical and after various medical treatments in the country it was finally concluded that she needs urgent medical treatment outside Sierra Leone.

Mattu Nyuma is a certified, trained and qualified mid-wife who, over the years, has selflessly worked within the health sector and during times of active service has contributed immensely, especially with regards to the reduction of infant and maternal mortalities in the country. She is held in high esteem by many for her humility, kind nature and her firm religious tenacity.

A close friend of Mattu, during a privileged chat with this medium, passionately narrated an incident in which she tried to bring out the good qualities that Mattu possesses by clearly portraying the type of kindhearted and supportive person she is.

According to the friend, she first met Mattu on the 25th of November 2021, when she (the friend) was pregnant with high blood pressure as a young lady struggling with her second supposed surviving pregnancy.

She revealed how her fiancée and her looked forward, with great hope, towards the day their bundle or joy will arrive, but said she had too many complications and was referred to see a doctor at the Princess Christian Hospital also known as Cottage hospital in Freetown.

The friend continued that upon arrival at the hospital when her blood pressure was checked it was high beyond control and so she was referred for an emergency where she was given some doses of medications.

However, they were then informed that the baby was at risk and her life too was at risk if they allowed her wait and undergo normal labour and delivery. She was to undergo an operation to get the child out before time to avoid the risk of kidney failure. Lamentably, the pregnancy wasn’t due and few days to 8months, the Dr made it clear to them that the tendency of the survival of the child was slim.

The friend said they told her that the child might not make it through and narrated how she and her husband broke as she felt it was the end of the world for them.

“We cried beyond control and then I was left alone to think and consider,” she recalled adding that fortunately Nurse Mattu , being the first Good Samaritan, God sent Counsellor came in the ward where she was admitted, looked at her ,but said by that time  she had far gone as she  was almost dead as a result of the medications and bad news.

“She actually met me saying goodbye and my last prayers and she asked me in a cool tone, “I thought your name is FAITH?”, “Where is thy FAITH and thy GOD?”. She also said these words: “Doctors administer but God endorses it”, “Doctors give treatments but God endorses total Healing”, “I believe God is not yet late, you can talk to Him”.

The friend, in her narration, underscored that Nurse Mattu’s words of encouragement arose the confidence in her, revived her spirit, soul and body stressing how those words came with power and strengthened her.

She also pointed out how Nurse Mattu prayed with her and from that very moment the warrior spirit in her came alive and she began to counter or pray against all the prescriptions, diagnosis, disclosing that with that foundational counsel from Nurse Mattu Nyuma, she and her baby survived all the heavy doses of medications,

She said she used her faith to challenge the Doctor’s diagnosis and backed it up with heavy warfare prayers which, according to her made it possible for the operation to be set aside and she went into normal labour only to deliver a premature baby on the 30th November.

Mattu’s friend revealed that even when the baby and her were at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), Nurse Mattu, will visit them, pray and encourage her to be steadfast in her faith.

She said on the day of their discharge from SCBU Nurse Mattu was with them and was so happy as if the baby was hers and as if she was her sister adding that since that time she has been in constant touch with her to know how the baby is doing.

Mattu’s friend said emotionally:  “She’s too kind to remain in such a condition without help”.

Against the aforementioned backdrop, Mattu’s friend is passionately appealing to the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and well meaning individuals to intervene and render assistance to Nurse Mattu Nyuma in order for her to get specialized treatment overseas and regain her health for the benefit of all and sundry.

According to the friend, who has shown so much concern, it’s good for contributions to be made now than wait for Mattu’s funeral.

The friend reiterated how she is joining other midwives and the Class of 2021 Bsc COMAHS to kindly ask for individual or institutional support in raising the sum of $40,000 for a liver transplant.

“We’re calling on President Bio and the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, humanitarian organizations, companies, individuals etc.to please help in saving our colleague ‘s life,” she appealed saying nothing is too small to help save a life further adding that whatever little will be appreciated as God will bless anyone who does so.

She said to get in touch anyone could please feel free to contact these numbers for further enquiries: 078277851 & 078344046.

PPRC Implores All to be Law Abiding During Campaign Periods 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Pursuant to its constitutional and statutory mandate, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) says it would like to draw the attention of the leadership and general membership of all the fourteen Political Parties certified to partake in the June 24th 2023 to the provisions of Section 39 of the Political Parties Act No 25 of 2022 relating to the conduct of political parties in the course of their campaigns.

The Commission furthered that it is imploring all and sundry to be law abiding and peaceful throughout the campaign period and on polling day expressing hope that all will work towards ensuring the conduct of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, joining hands for a better Sierra Leone by putting Sierra Leone above all else.

The PPRC wished all fourteen Political Parties certified to partake in the June 24th 2023 general election well and the best of luck in their campaign.

Sierra Rutile Prioritizes Local Content

A new development in the mining sector took place in the Conference Hall of the Sierra Rutile Limited Company in Moyamba District on the 17th May, 2023 as the company signed a One Hundred Million mining contract with Mano Mining Company.

Theuns De Bruyn, Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile Limited disclosed how they have been engaged on in-source mining but decided to out-source that activity a year ago to an international company.

He highlighted that this is the first time they have awarded such a contract to a 100% owned Sierra Leonean company in the history of their operations in Rutile further expressing optimism that the Mano Mining Company will enhance safety standards for workers and cause no destruction to the community during the course of their operations requesting for Government’s support  to prove to the shareholders that Sierra Leone is a safe jurisdiction for business as they embark on their new projects in Sembehun.

The CEO noted that the project will give competitive value to the Mano Mining Company within and outside Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Mining Manager of Sierra Rutile, Kenelm Walter Hughes, stated that Sierra Rutile Limited contracted 50% of its core body to Mano Mining Company, revealing that the bidding process for the contract was competitive as Mano Mining competed with four other companies but came out successful.

“In awarding the contract, we looked at experience, equipment and the capability which deals with safety. We hope that Mano Mining will meet its target year by year till the three year ends,” he explained and expressed hope.

He added that part of the evaluation has to do with local content and 99% of what Mano Mining submitted has to do with local content.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mano Mining Company, Ibrahim Mansaray, underscored that the mining agreement between them and Sierra Rutile Limited will create at least 250 direct jobs for a start.

“We have been mining in Sierra Leone for about 60 to 70 years, this the first time a mining company has given such a huge responsibility to a Sierra Leonean-owned company,” he stated.

He maintained that the decision taken by Sierra Rutile  Limited is not new as they (Sierra Rutile Limited) have employed many Sierra Leoneans in their top management.

According to him, it is not surprising that Sierra Rutile has been taking the lead when it comes to embracing Local Content, adding that the decision taken by the company to award them the contract shows that from the level of a very big job to a small one, they have considered Sierra Leoneans.

He committed that they will ensure that Sierra Leoneans are trained in order to capacitate them with the required skills to gain employment in the company stressing that they will preference to women.

Speaking to the press, Pastor Francis Rogers, Chairman of the Community Development Agreement, said that the agreement is unprecedented in the history of mining activities in his community.

He assured both Sierra Rutile Limited and Mano Mining of his community’s commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere, disclosing that the company has been helping his community and many students have been awarded scholarships.

He said that the community people are pleased with the said agreement because it will promote the local content policy within the mining sector.

He thanked Sierra Rutile Limited for awarding the contract to a local company noting that this will promote peace among the community residents.

Africell-SL Conducts Health &Fitness Walk to Improve Employee’s Health & Wellness

By Abubakarr Harding

Africell-Sierra Leone conducted a Health and f Fitness Walk in which members of staff from various parts of the country actively participated in commencing at the company’s headquarter at Wilberforce, going through designated areas and ended at Leicester Peak on Saturday the 20th May ,2023.

Addressing participants at the finishing point, the Chief Corporate Affairs Manager of Africell ,Jose Abass Bangura ,said every employer knows that the most important assets of any company are the employees maintaining that the ultimate goal employers want from employees is to reach maximum productivity levels and in a quest to accomplish such, supporting fitness is one of the most beneficial choices any employer can make to encourage their workers to reach their full potentials.

Joe Abass Bangura furthered that as a company they decided to organize the Africell health and fitness walk to improve employees’ health and wellness, reduce healthcare costs, and increase engagement and job satisfaction.

He said during the exercise, Management of Africell provided some first aid treatments as well as vehicles for those whom might get hurt during the walk but, however, thanked God there was no casualty during the process.

Joe Abass Bangura continued that the initiative will help employees not to get sick easily as when an employee uses less sick days, they contribute more to overall productivity and reduce the hassle of trying to find replacements at the last minute.

He added that employees who are fit creates a sense of confidence, which allows them to set higher goals and to always strive for excellence further stating that encouraging exercise is a good way of promoting teamwork which as well encourages personal growth, increases job satisfaction and reduces stress during and after work.

The Media Manager of Africell, John Konteh, in his statement  said as a company they decided to embark on lots of sporting activities like the health and fitness walk, the LELEMU inter-departmental football tournament, the Sports meet and the Africell Freetown Marathon as a way to keep their workers fit physically and psychologically which help reduces employees’ stress levels as a good exercise has the phenomenal ability to lessen the amount of stress felt from physical and emotional tensions in life.

John Konteh furthered that it is obvious that employees who are not stressed are more focused as they contribute to a much higher levels of productivity.

Similarly, John Konteh said that involving in sport helps you stay in shape, teaches you how to organize your time, boosts friendships, and builds relationships with your peers and adults in and outside places.

John Konteh added that as a company they are very passionate about sports as there are lots of empirical evidences of their support to some  sporting disciplines such as football, volleyball, crickets as the list goes on.

John Konteh continued that the Africell inter-departmental LELEMU tournament will commence on Sunday the 28th May 2023 at the SS Camp X-tray Arena and therefore called on their valued subscribers to witness football at its best as they have talented players that have the skills and enthusiasm to play football.

John Konteh concluded by thanking all those that made it humanly possible to attend the epoch-making Africell Health and Fitness Walk initiative.

The event was climaxed with the taking of group photos and merriment in a quest to show gratitude for making it a success.

Africell is the leading telecommunications company in Sierra Leone that has invested in various sectors in the country such as entertainment, education, health, infrastructure etc. and as well gives local talents the platforms they deserve by bringing them to a wider audience.

WHH Promotes Organic Cocoa at BIOFAC 2023

L-R:George Muigai (ADORE Head of Project), Yayah Mansaray (Focal Person for NGOs at MAF), Yatta Sama (Director of MOAWOMA Women’s Cooperative) and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry- Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim at BIOFAC 2023 in Nuremburg, Germany.
L-R:George Muigai (ADORE Head of Project), Yayah Mansaray (Focal Person for NGOs at MAF), Yatta Sama (Director of MOAWOMA Women’s Cooperative) and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry- Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim at BIOFAC 2023 in Nuremburg, Germany.

By Tamba Borbor(Public Relations Officer WHH Sierra Leone)

Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone has successfully promoted the country’s Organic Cocoa at this year’s BIOFAC Trade Fair through its “Agribusiness Development from Organic Resources (ADORE) Project implemented in Eastern Sierra Leone with funding from the European Union (EU) under the Boosting Agriculture and Food Security (BAFS) Project portfolio.

The annual Event was held from 14th to 17th February 2023 in Nuremburg, Germany and is the World’s leading Trade Fair for Organic Food producers, buyers, marketers, policy makers, academics and others involved in the organic food supply value chain.

This year’s participation of Sierra Leone was sponsored by ADORE Project and the Team comprised the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)- Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim, Focal Person for Non-Governmental Organisations in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry- Yayah Mansaray and Yatta Sama who is the Executive Director of MOAWOMA Women’s Cooperative in Kenema District.

Speaking to George Muigai,the Head of ADORE Project about event, he stated that it was very successful and served as an opportunity to meet with different stakeholders and cocoa buyers in Europe and other parts of the world in a bid to better position Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa at the international stage; adding that their participation was exciting.

He maintained that organic cocoa produced in Sierra Leone is acclaimed as one of the best internationally in terms of quality while also stating that as a project, ADORE aims to ensure the country practices organic agriculture by design and not by default.

“While our main focus and objective was to source international buyers and marketers, we also had the chance to meet different companies that are undertaking cocoa value chain development, financing for cocoa producers in addition to Government officials that support cocoa producers in third world countries like Sierra Leone,” George Muigai said.

He however recommended to the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) the need for the country to have a permanent Booth at all future BIOFAC Exhibitions to enhance visibility of the Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa potential in addition to other organic products.

“This will open up a lot of opportunities which the country can tap into for development of the agricultural sector,” the Head of ADORE Project stated.

He thanked Sierra Leone for maintaining the organic integrity of cocoa production in the country and make organic cocoa production by design not by default in other to keep up with the emerging dynamics in the sector.

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Abu Bakarr Karim expressed how “greatly honoured” he was to be at the 2023 edition of the world-renowned BIOFAC Trade Fair in the historic city of Nuremburg, Germany, and to be chosen as one of the speakers to discuss and engage with key policymakers and advocates at the highest level for a sustainable food system in the African continent.

Dr. Karim noted that agriculture is the largest contributor to Sierra Leone’s GDP, accounting for about half of the economy, and employs 65 to 70% of Sierra Leoneans; adding that ADORE’s three key outcomes are aligned with his Ministry’s Sector Strategic Plan.

The Minister stated that historically, cocoa and coffee have constituted two of Sierra Leone’s main crop-based foreign exchange earners; adding that the 2015 Census Results states that a total of 3,164,472hectares of land was under tree crop production (Coffee, Cocoa, Oil palm, Citruses and Cashew), with cocoa accounting for 235,749 hectares of land.

Dr. Karim maintained that the support of Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Sierra Leone and other partners has been central to “our achievements in most of those initiatives.”

He informed that with WHH projects  in five years 40,000 families will be able to live from their harvests stimulated by the successfully piloted cocoa cooperatives systems that have seen farmers selling harvested cocoa directly to the exporter, circumventing the exploitative middlemen system.

The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry however appealed to WHH, and other international partners “to help us to build and market Sierra Leone’s organic and agro-ecological credentials, particular in relation to Cocoa, Coffee, Oil Palm and Cashew,” while urging all to make Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa world better and, support a transformation of organic cocoa and other cash crops value addition in the country.

Yatta Sama, the Director of MOAWOMA Rural Women’s Cocoa Development Cooperative Society thanked WHH for the support to participate in the BIOFAC 2023.

She disclosed that the Exhibition provided an invaluable platform for her Cooperative to interact and meet with international organic cocoa buyers and marketers which has added value to their work.

“Most of the international organizations and companies like Cocoa Source, International Trade Centre were impressed with and interested in our cocoa as it was tested and confirmed to be one hundred percent organic. Most of them have expressed commitment to provide financial support to us to undertake early buying of cocoa this year,” she explained.

The MOAWOMA Cooperative Director highlighted the challenges faced through unhealthy competition with foreign buyers in the Sierra Leone cocoa market who do not adhere to the regulations of the Produce Monitoring Board (PMB).

“BIOFAC has really opened new doors to our Cooperative which has undoubtedly added value to our operations both nationally and internationally,” Yatta Sama stated.

WHH focuses on Waste Monitoring Strategy Trainings

Participants drawn from various sectors at the Kenema City Council Hall including WHH M&E Officer (Philip Tengbeh) first from right in the front row.
Participants drawn from various sectors at the Kenema City Council Hall including WHH M&E Officer (Philip Tengbeh) first from right in the front row.

By Tamba Borbor (Public Relations Officer WHH Sierra Leone)

The Waste Management Project of Welthungerhilfe Sierra Leone has on Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th May 2023 conducted One-day Trainings on Waste Management Monitoring Strategy Implementation in Kenema and Makeni Cities respectively.

The two Trainings were conducted for staffs of the City Councils of Kenema and Makeni that are involved in the management of waste in their respective municipalities.

Speaking at the opening of the Training in Kenema, the Chief Administrator of the Kenema City Council (KCC) –Joseph Gando expressed profound gratitude to WHH for conducting such a training aimed at building the capacity of staff of the Council, Waste Management Department, Metropolitan Police, and others working in the waste sector.

“It is no secret that Kenema City Council is moving in the right trajectory when it comes to waste management which is a critical component of our service delivery. As a Council, one of our core mandates is to maximize revenue generation and service delivery to our taxpayers. A training of this nature is geared towards improving and capacitating key players in the waste management sector,” Joseph Gando stated.

He stressed that the training is coming at the right time as the population of the Kenema City is going to increase because of the coming elections which consequently increases waste in the communities.

Gando recommended that such training should be conducted on a quarterly basis to sharpen the skills and knowledge of staff and those involved with managing waste in the municipality.

Dr. John Williams, the Head of WHH Waste Management Project stated that the trainings in Kenema and Makeni are about data management in relation to waste collection and disposal.

“These training will provide the skills and knowledge needed to measure the progress made in recycling, composting and other activities relating to waste,” Dr. Williams stated.

He noted that there is wealth in waste management and urged participants to take advantage of the financial opportunities lurking at the dumpsites.

Training Participants pose in front of the Makeni City Hall after the Training including WHH Head of Waste Management Project (Dr. John Williams) first from left.
Training Participants pose in front of the Makeni City Hall after the Training including WHH Head of Waste Management Project (Dr. John Williams) first from left.

 The Deputy Chief Administrator of the Makeni City Council (MCC), Abdul Mansour acknowledged that indeed there is wealth in waste management. He thanked the Head of WHH Waste Management Project for opening their eyes to the opportunities that abound in the waste sector.

He urged WHH to provide the trainings and knowledge to the Council to empower them undertake the tasks themselves as all projects are time bound.

“With the rights skills and knowledge, we can make millionaires from waste I n our communities in Makeni City,” Mr. Mansour stated.

The Development Planning Officer at the MCC, Yusifu Tejan Kamara thanked WHH for undertaking the training and noted that as the Council is a sub-national Government, it is their responsibility to provide services to the people. He noted that WHH has impacted Makeni City a lot through its previous and current project.

Mr. Kamara maintained that data collection in the area of waste management is critical to assessing progress made or otherwise; urging participants to take advantage of the knowledge to be gained during the one-day training.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of WHH Waste Management Project, Philip Tengbeh facilitated both trainings in Kenema and Makeni respectively with support from the Head of Waste Management Project- Dr. John Williams and WHH Waste Technicians of Kenema and Makeni Cities, Patrick Tengbeh and George Tucker respectively.

Unlocking Africa’s Digital Potential: Africell and U.S. Agencies Promote Connectivity and Mobile Payments

The growing African telecoms service provider, Africell Mobile Company has entered into partnership with U.S Agencies to empower rural communities in Sierra Leone, Angola, DR Congo and The Gambia with improved internet facilities and mobile money services.

These U.S Agencies together with Africell Mobile Company are supporting investments in digital infrastructure and improved access to digital services and mobile money services in Angola, DR Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

With this partnership, the U.S Agencies such as DFC, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), aim to better place the Africa continent on the digital transformation drive; especially in Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Angola and The Gambia.

This partnership has been widely acclaimed as it is expected to boost internet connectivity and financial inclusion in rural communities in Sierra Leone, Angola, DR Congo and The Gambia. This will also enhance digital transformation in the continent as it will be replicated in other countries in Africa.

“Expanding on the DFC’s existing financing for telecom provider Africell in the DRC, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia,” the report stated, adding that, the U.S. EXIM is continuing its due diligence for a new transaction supporting the expansion of wireless services and the USAID is announcing a digital payments initiative with Africell in Angola and other Africa countries. “Together, these projects aim to provide fast and reliable internet,” the report added.

In the DRC, USTDA and USAID are providing early-stage support to advance the expansion of last-mile connectivity with Jenny Internet, fiber network expansion to connect more than 30 towns with Bandwidth and Cloud Services Group, expansion of rural internet connectivity for half a million people Internet gets.   While expanding on the DFC’s existing financing for telecom provider Africell in the DRC, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia. These projects aim to provide fast and reliable internet to individuals and companies across the Lobito Corridor and expand access to mobile money services in rural areas.

QNET TO PROSECUTE PEOPLE SCAMMING OTHERS USING THE COMPANY’S NAME

Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer
Trevor Kuna, Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer

QNET, an international lifestyle and wellness focused direct selling business has announced that it is willing and ready to prosecute scammers using its name to defraud people in Sierra Leone and other places. The Chief Transformation and Reputation Officer of QNET, Mr. Trevor Kuna made this known to journalists.

For a while now, the company has been unfairly bombarded with news of overseas travel and job scams, allegedly committed by some of its recalcitrant independent representatives and other scammers, who are not associated to the company in any way.

Mr. Trevor Kuna explained that the company has been in existence for 25 years and it sells its products to different parts of the world through direct selling. He said the direct selling industry is worth more than $200 billion globally and very pervasive in the United States. According to him, direct selling helps eliminate the barriers that prevent people from entrepreneurship. When people sign up to direct selling ventures, they are not required to own a shop or retail space. They scale over the cost of setting up a business. They only register and buy products and sell other people directly or refer other people to buy products so they can earn a commission on whatever is sold.

From the explanation given by Mr Trevor Kuna, the direct selling industry is simple and offers a lot of opportunities for people to have additional source of income. He was quick to add that direct selling will not make anyone a millionaire overnight, but if people put in hard work, professionalism, honesty and dedication, they could be on their path to changing their own life stories.

Mr. Kuna mentioned that aside the entrepreneurial opportunities that the company presents to people, its products are carefully manufactured to function optimally. The company sells a wide range of products from wellness, healthcare, jewelleries, holiday packages to educational courses. Based in Hong Kong, the company belong to many reputable and recognised associations.

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.

Pres. Bio Commissions 261km Kabala-Krobola-Kono Road to be Recommenced by Pavi Fort

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a well attended event held on the 19th May, 2023 in Dogoloyia Town, Koinadugu district, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio commissioned a 261-kilometer road linking Koinadugu with Falaba and Kono Districts with a view to reducing travel time and cost, improving service delivery time and promoting the health condition of residents in that part of the country. While commissioning the 261km Kabala-Krobola-Kono road President Bio told those in attendance that the road is not about Politics but about improving people’s livelihoods.

Pavi Fort Road Construction Company, a  renowned civil engineering entity, that has etched its name in the sand of times as the leading indigenous road construction company in Sierra Leone that many have copiously commended for always delivering qualitative road construction works, was the company that was awarded the contract of constructing the road during the tenure of the erstwhile APC Government under the leadership of former President Ernest Bai Koroma but work came to a halt when there was a change of Government and funds not forthcoming despite the fact that the contractor has pre-financed the project.

However, due to the persistent reminders forwarded to the Ministry of Finance by the astute, result oriented and charismatic Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pavi Fort Road Construction Company, Alimu Sanu Barrie, Government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, decided that Pavi Fort should be given the opportunity to continue construction work on road contracts he had started in the last dispensation.

He noted that when a good and forgiving leader like President Bio is in control of the affairs of the country all the people who are beneficiaries of his policies and actions need only to re-elect such a leader.

He also used the opportunity to prevail on the people of the three districts to support President Bio because he not does only care for them but because he is consciously taking development to every nook and cranny of Sierra Leone.

In his statement during the programme, Alimu Sanu Barrie, thanked President Bio, the First Lady, Fatima Bio and all those present for gracing the occasion maintaining that it is indeed a remarkable day for the Kabala Township.

He lamented that one thing that is lacking within the governance structure or architecture of the country is continuity. The CEO revealed that construction work was around 40% to 50% when the halt took place as a result of a change of Government. According to him, he was initially having fears that the money he has used in pre-financing the project has gone in vain.

However, he expressed gratitude to President Bio for allaying that fear when he gave the green light for Pavi Fort to continue with the remaining 60% left and to release payments of funds. Alimu Barrie profusely commended President Bio for that singular decision as well as the Resident Minister, Abu Abu and the Deputy Minister of Justice, Umaru Napoleon Koroma for helping to facilitate the process.

Alimu Barrie then asked the residents a rhetorical question bordering around what should they do for President Bio in return for what he has done for them vis-à-vis the June 24 Elections.

The Pavi Fort boss then committed himself that if the road is not completed within the stipulated timeframe then residents should not blame President Bio but rather him, an assurance which he reiterated.

Host Paramount Chief Sorie Konko Jawara of Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom thanked President Bio for his intervention saying since he was born this is the first time that he will witness such a development. He said he is happy that he is welcoming the President and First Lady to see what the SLPP has done in that part of the country.

He commended the Free Quality Education Initiative saying for the first time the district emerged with the best BECE result and expressed appreciation for providing them with a medical clinic with personnel disclosing that such has saved them from the hassle of traversing nine miles to access a medical facility.

The Paramount Chief disclosed that Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom is a productive settlement that offers employment opportunities and is agriculturally resourceful but their biggest challenge was the road.

He said when the road should have been completed the benefits will be huge further expressing the conviction that the chiefdom will serve as an international market as it is close to Mali. He said all these are coming into fruition because of good thinking and astute leadership on the part of the President.

Paramount Chief Sorie Konko ended up praising descendants of the Chiefdom who were appointed by the President saying they are really working in their interest. In a subtle way he asked the President to appoint more soldiers maintaining that starting with him the President who is a retired Brigadier, he said he believes because of discipline, people with military backgrounds are adept to rule or do things better. He especially commended one Dr Abdulai Jalloh for his tremendous support to the chiefdom.

He urged his people to support President Bio for a second term and further called on them to ensure that they own the road project and discourage saboteurs.

Earlier when commissioning the ongoing road works, President Julius Maada Bio stated:

“I am here because I want to ensure that my Government is able to link you and the rest of the country upon completion of the construction of this road. This infrastructure, when it is completed, will benefit your districts and other users in such a way that it will ensure that life is easy for you in this part of the country. We don’t have the money readily available for use, but I believe we can search for and secure funds for such a laudable investment.

“With you in this part of the country alone, we don’t need to import onions from other countries because that which you have been producing is by far better than what we have been importing since independence to date.

“Let us ignore bad politics and concentrate on the development of Sierra Leone. I am making this road because we should not be limited to traveling across the country because of limited resources. With tangible infrastructural development, we can travel freely at any time.

“As the President, I believe that you don’t need to divide the people for political scores, but rather, I believe in working for the people, which is why we are here today to formally commission this very important infrastructure construction work to link our people,” the President said.

First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, thanked the Paramount Chiefs and other stakeholders in the district for supporting President Bio’s agenda to transform the country, pointing out the fact that they were able to monitor the ongoing work for the construction of the road which demonstrated how development-oriented they were.

She thanked the President for considering Koinadugu and Falaba Districts as part of Sierra Leone, as the two districts are among the highest producers of agricultural products in the country.

“My husband is more concerned with taking tangible development to Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, including this road, which prompted him to come for the commissioning of the commencement of active work of the 261 km road. I want to join my parents and the people of Koinadugu and Falaba to say thank you to His Excellency for addressing the neglect and social injustice these two districts have suffered,” the First Lady said.

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