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Orange SL Celebrates Environmental & Safety Week

By Abubakarr Harding
Orange SL, which is a reputable and renowned telecommunications service provider, has since the 2nd May, 2023 commenced the annual celebration of its Environmental, Health and  Safety Week with the theme: “Taking Sustainable Steps to Reduce our Carbon Footprint”, which is an event set aside to help raise awareness on environmental safety and protection.
The week long activity is celebrated through the rolling out of a series of activities to demonstrate the company’s environmental responsibility such as planting 1,000 trees by employees and external stakeholders, conducting desk plant competition and holding an EHS week day symposium.
The Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, Sékou Amadou Bah, welcomed all to the Kick -off of the 2023 EHS Week furthering how it is a remarkable day for the company, as they set aside a week dedicated towards reinforcing their commitment on environmental responsibility as a company.
He disclosed that during the week they would engage in several activities such as the planting of 3,000 trees at the mud slide site at Motema, conduct a tour of the solar facility installed at their sites along with the Environment Protection Agency, observe an EHS day and stage a departmental and employee plant competition.
The Orange SL boss intimated how they launched this year’s EHS week with the theme: “Taking Sustainable Step to Reduce our Carbon Footprint” underscoring that the theme is in line with the Orange group target of achieving zero carbon emission by 2040.
He went further to state that taking sustainable steps to reduce carbon footprint is a collective responsibility also encouraging everyone to take action in their daily lives, no matter how small, towards protecting the environment.
“Simple actions such using less electricity consumption, saving on fuel consumption, planting flowers can make a great impact,” he averred adding how he wants to emphasize the importance of health and safety in the workplace and also urged everyone to take care of their mental and emotional wellbeing.
He said the time is now calling on all to act now to preserve and protect the environment for a green future.
In another event that took place at the Kamara Yokie Innovation Center in Freetown on the 26th April 2023, Orange SL Foundation & Orange Digital Centre, Plan International in collaboration with Girls Out Loud, She Leads, Kamara Yokie Innovation Center (KYIC) observed ‘Girls in ICT Day’ with the Theme: “Digital Skills for Life”.
Worthy of note is that for the past 12 years, Sierra Leone has joined over 150 countries around the world to celebrate the day every April which has now become an annual event.
Indisputably, ICT plays a pivotal role in a world that is becoming more digitalized each day making it important and imperative that digital skills are passed on or taught to young women and girls at an early age.
During the event, statements were made by various partners emphasizing on the importance of empowering young women and girls with digital skills underscoring how such will be essential in navigating different aspects of life.
Interactive workshop sessions on Digital Literacy, Introduction to Coding, Mobile Journalism and Tech for inclusion were held  for young women and girls who were in attendance from various Schools, Communities & Organisations with the objective of making them gaining  better understanding and empowering them.
The partners affirmed that they would continue to foster partnerships to ensure that young women and girls are not only equipped with digital skills and tools, but also expose them to equal opportunities in a safe space in the outer world.
Furthermore, the young women and girls were also challenged to always seize opportunities whenever they arise in life, without fear of inferiority, intimidation or discrimination as the case may be.
According to Orange SL Foundation and its partners, acquiring Digital Skills in this present day and age is the way to go for young women and girls in SL.

SLAJ President Intimates CPJ about Safety & Security of Sierra Leonean Journalists

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla met with the Africa Section of the Committee for Protection of Journalists (CPJ) at their office in New York City, USA on the 28th April, 2023.

Nasralla updated CPJ on the state of the media and the safety and security of journalists in Serra Leone and requested support in the area of training and resources ahead of Sierra Leone’s June 2023 elections.

The SLAJ President talked about the MoU between SLAJ and the security sector under the umbrella of the Office of National Security (ONS); collaboration between SLAJ and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) which led to the development of a national framework/policy on the Safety and Security of Journalists in Sierra Leone and the establishment of a National Coordinating Committee on the Safety and Security of Journalists in Sierra Leone comprising media stakeholders, the security sector, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and the Judiciary of Sierra Leone.

He also mentioned the recent training of Local Unit Commanders of the Sierra Leone Police and journalists to promote understanding of the work of both the media and security sector as well as collaboration between the two parties.

The team also discussed the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 and its potential to undermine freedom of expression and of the press.

The CPJ team represented by the Africa Program Coordinator ,Angela Quintal and the Senior Researcher, Africa Program, Jonathan Rozen stressed the need for accountability measures and commitment from security forces and politicians in light of the forthcoming elections.

They suggested that journalists must prioritize issues of their safety and security and ensure that International Elections Observers capture such incidents in their reports.

The CPJ team extended their appreciation to SLAJ and pledged their continuous support with the required resources that will help to ensure the safety and security of journalists in Sierra Leone at all times, not just during elections.

The meeting climaxed with the presentation of a gift from SLAJ bearing the logo of CPJ done in gara print and expressing warm greetings from the Association.

The SLAJ President was accompanied on the trip from Virginia to New York by a cross-section of the SLAJ Diaspora team in the US, including Santigie Sesay, Alpha Kamara and Abdul Rahman Koroma.

UNDP Resident Representative Hands Over Office Equipments to PPRC

Through the multi-donor Election Support Basket Fund financed by the European Union, the Governments of Ireland, Canada,  Iceland, as well as the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, managed by the UNDP, the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) on the 2nd April, 2023 received at its new premises on Lamina Sankoh Street, ICT and office equipment to enhance the Commission’s operational capacities ahead of the June 2023 multi-tier elections.

The material consists of 16 laptop computers for the PPRC headquarters and regional offices, an all-terrain vehicle to support field missions, internet connectivity equipment (two servers, eight routers), 75 conference chairs and tables for the PPRC conference hall, a generator, two air conditioning units, and eight sets of tables and chairs for the new PPRC office.

The handover ceremony took place at the newly renovated PPRC conference hall in the presence of UNDP Resident Representative, Pa Lamin Beyai; the PPRC Executive Director Olushogo David; the Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone H.E. Manuel Müller; the Ambassador of Ireland in Sierra Leone H.E. Claire Buckley, as well as institutional partners.

According to the UNDP Resident Representative, Pa Lamin Beyai :   “UNDP is committed to supporting the PPRC so that it can discharge its mission under optimal and efficient conditions. We are confident that this contribution will help the PPRC effectively fulfill its role and successfully meet the operational and logistical challenges of these elections.”

On his part, the Executive Director of PPRC Olushogo David stated: “The quality of the material that was provided by UNDP with support from the European Union is a testament to their belief in ensuring that the capacities of the PPRC are excellent.”

The Ambassador of the European Union in Sierra Leone H.E. Manuel Müller pointed that: “The European Union remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to undertake transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections and achieve sustainable development.”

H.E. Claire Buckley, Ambassador of Ireland in Sierra Leone said: “As we approach the 24 June election date and with the enhanced facilities made available and equipment officially handed over today, Ireland expects that the PPRC will increase its engagement with political parties to ensure their behaviour is conducive to deescalating tensions and resolving disputes, and most importantly to support peaceful elections.”

The handover was made possible by  the UNDP’s Election Project (“Fostering Peaceful, Credible, and Inclusive Elections in Sierra Leone 2022-2023”) which aims to strengthen the planning and management capacities of the country’s electoral management bodies; support the promotion of a peaceful environment for the participation of voters especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process; and to raise public awareness through a nationwide voter outreach and education drive.

The Election Assistance project is administered thanks to a multi-donor Election Support Basket Fund financed by the Government of Ireland, the European Union, the Government of Canada, the Government of Iceland, as well as the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

The PPRC is set to play a critical role during the multi-tier elections scheduled on 24 June.

154 Children Benefit from Assorted Items Donated by LIFE

The LIFE for Relief and Development Organization on the 13th April, 2023 distributed African attires, shoes, hijabs, footballs, confectioneries and other useful materials to each among the targeted 154 orphans drawn from across the country to mark this year’s global party celebration which was organized in the Western Area Rural District.

In her opening remarks, the Country Director of LIFE, Haja Mariama Fadika admonished or advised parents to instill Islamic principles and moral behaviors in to the girl child for a brighter future highlighting how women should play  pivotal roles in ensuring that their children attain tertiary or higher education.

Haja Fadika expressed willingness and optimism to continue nurturing kids by imparting Islamic knowledge and transform their lives across the nook and cranny of Sierra Leone.

Presenting donated materials to beneficiaries before the commencement of the well planned Global Orphan Party, Program Coordinator, Haja Turay prayed for the continuous success and guidance of Allah for LIFE and encouraged children who had benefitted from the initiative to relax and enjoy themselves.

She maintained that sponsoring orphans with basic educational materials, food and clothing is some of their functions or responsibilities.

Madam Turay updated listeners that the humanitarian relief organization does not only support orphans with materials but also providing them with financial support on a quarterly basis as their sponsorship.

She expressed gratitude to the entire Management and Staff of LIFE for putting smiles on the faces of orphans and welcomed parents/guardians for leaving their busy schedules to grace what she described as an important occasion.

One of the orphans, Mariatu Turay, spoke lengthily of the great things LIFE has done for her since the death of her father, disclosing how the organization has been clothing, feeding, sheltering, educating her and above all she expressed pride, confidence and optimism for the courage which has been exhibited by the Management and Staff of LIFE over the years in the aspect of taking care of them, especially at these trying times when the world is experiencing a universal crisis.

In her submission, Madam Adama Kargbo, who happened to be a guardian, deliberated on the way and manner the organization is helping both orphans and parents with materials and physical cash which, according to her, enables them to open savings account for the poor children.

Another beneficiary, Alhaji Turay prayed to Allah for the continuous elevation of LIFE to continue rendering their humanitarian relief services or programs to the poor and needy nationwide.

He made it categorically clear that many parents and guardians were unable to pay school fees for their children on a regular basis, but with the swift intervention of the humanitarian institution, the lives of those deprived children continue to excel in societies.

Alhaji Turay concluded by extending gratitude to the entire Management and Staff of the donor organization and encouraged children beneficiaries to love one another as Allah/God’s loves them so that unity and togetherness would always be a key or topical issue to be discussed in their midst.

NP-Sierra Leone & Partners End Inter Secondary School Squash Tournament

By Foday Moriba Conteh

NP Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Squash Association and the Sierra Fishing Company has on Thursday 27th April, 2023 concluded a one day Inter Secondary School Squash Tournament. The Tournament, which brought together 13 secondary schools and over 100 pupils within the Freetown Municipality, was held at the Sierra Leone Grammar School Squash Court in Freetown.

At the end of the tournament, Emmanuel K. Bright from Services Junior Secondary School Wilberforce won the Under 14 male category, Alim Fofanah from Services Junior Secondary School Wilberforce won the Under 16 female category, Brian P. Johana from St. Edwards Secondary School won the under 16 male category etc.

In his address, the President of the Sierra Leone Squash Association expressed appreciation to NP Sierra Leone for staging the Inter Secondary School Squash Tournament which he described as very important towards the development of squash in the country.

He further applauded the company for the construction and rehabilitation of Squash Courts in different schools by the company.

The President said the Association has been working towards encouraging people to find passion in playing squash in the country, adding that they have over the years supported pupils to learn squash which he said they will continue to do.

He concluded by congratulating all the winning schools and also encouraged the losing schools to intensify their trainings.

In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-Sierra Leone, Kobi Walker, said that during the handing over of the newly refurbished Squash facilities to the St. Edwards Secondary School and the Sierra Leone Grammar School the company informed the gathering that in fulfilling the company’s tradition they informed all that they will be staging an Inter Secondary School competition of which he said the tournament is in fulfillment of that promise.

He said that during the tournament he saw the passion in the pupils and applauded them for developing such a passion for the game of squash.

Kobi Walker said that he is gratified that squash is been played by pupils and that by doing so they will be able to catch them early.

He said that with the performance manifested by the pupils during the tournament he is convinced that the investment NP Sierra Leone has made in building squash courts in 4 secondary schools and one at Fourah Bay College will definitely improve the game in the country.

The Chief Executive Officer concluded by assuring all present that the company will continue its investments in squash in the country.

Pupils who participated in the competition showered praises on NP Sierra Leone, the  Sierra Leone Squash Association and the Sierra Fishing Company for staging the inter secondary school squash competition which they described as very important towards their development as squash players in the country.

They pleaded with the above institutions to continue in that regard of which they also pleaded with them to give them training opportunities as pupils.

The tournament was concluded by the presentation of trophies, medals and certificates to the participants. The Sierra Leone Squash Association also used the opportunity to award individuals as Ambassadors with medals including the Chief Executive Officer of NP Sierra Leone, Kobi Walker, who has been consistently supporting squash in the country.

AfriMoney & EDSA Unveil “Tross Me” Service

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday 28th April, 2023 at Africell’s Headquarter on Wilberforce in Freetown, AfriMoney, one of Sierra Leone’s leading mobile money institutions in the country, in collaboration with the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) has unveiled “Tross EDSA” with AfriMoney.

The launch of the “Tross EDSA” with AfriMoney will give AfriMoney customers the opportunity to loan EDSA top-up any day, any time at the comfort for their zones to be paid back within 24 hours.

In his opening remarks, the Media Manager for Africell, John Konteh said this service will help Afrimoney subscribers to recharge their meters any day, any time, adding that the “Tross Me” service will serve as a great opportunity for customers, who are in urgent need of EDSA top up anywhere, any day and any time, to loan and pay back within 24 hours.

He stated that Afrimoney customers now have the opportunity to use the service by dialing #161*2# and follow the instructions to access the service.
Addressing the gathering while launching the service, the Managing Director of Afrimoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei, described the launching of the “Tross Me” Service as first of its kind in the country, adding that mobile finance is about empowering people to do what they could not have done in the past of which he said Afrimoney has been working in the regard through its services.

He stated that the launch of the service is an added advantage to their numerous Afrimoney customers across the country to secure EDSA top up on loan at any day and any time at the comfort of their zones.

Martison Obeng-Agyei said that Afrimoney customers without top up on their meters can recharge even at midnight through the EDSA “Tross me” service which they can pay back within 24 hours.

He pointed out that the EDSA ‘Tross Me” service is open to all Afrimoney subscribers that have been using Afrimoney for a minimum of 30 days, adding that eligible customers can access the service by dialing #161*2# and follow the instructions.

The Director concluded by appealing to all who are not using Afrimoney to do so as they are very committed towards giving innovative services to their numerous customers.

On his part, the Chief Finance Officer of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), Mustapha Sannoh, on behalf of EDSA expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to Afrimoney for the partnership between the two institutions which he described as a move in the right direction towards giving access to customers to loan EDSA meter top up.

He said the service is working relentless to aggregate the mobile market by increasing the opportunities for EDSA customers and also considered the Afrimoney platform as one of their best partners.

Mustapha Sannoh, applauded the Management of Afrimoney for the partnership as the Authority realized how strategic the partnership is and for the short time they have partnered he said they have realized a lot of good moves aimed at enhancing quality and affordable services for the people of Sierra Leone.

Closing the ceremony was the official launch of the service by the Managing Director of Afrimoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei.

Cowbell Supports Unity Volleyball Championships in Port Loko

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Premium Divine Trading Limited, through its Cowbell brand, has been applauded by many for its generosity in the country. The company through its Cowbell brand has given support to many organizations in the country in a bid to roll out their corporate social responsibility.

As part of their continuous support in the country, Cowbell one of the brands marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, a food distribution company that operates as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, a leading distributor of quality food products in Sierra Leone has on Sunday 30th April, 2023 supported this year’s National Volleyball Unity Club Championships Finals organized by the Volleyball Federation Sierra Leone in Port Loko District.

Premium Divine Trading Company Limited’s partnership support to the National Volleyball Unity Club Championships Finals, was to enable the company continue with its massive education on healthy eating habits by availing their products to actual and potential consumers, the Cowbell nutritious package, to enable them and their families to enjoy good nutrition through the consumption of assorted Cowbell products and Miksi Chocolate Drink that was also sampled during the event. The move by the company was seen as a laudable venture in the expressive appreciation of its valuable, actual and potential customers.

This year’s National Volleyball Unity Club Championships brought together 16 participating clubs in both the male and female categories. At the end of the finals, Air force Volleyball team from Bo defeated Forcians Volleyball Club in a best of three games of which Air Force Volleyball thrashed the Unity Club Championships male category. For the female category 12% Volleyball Club defeated Young Stars Volleyball Club in a best of five games of which 12% Volleyball Club emerged victorious over the Unity Club Championships female category.

Speaking to this medium, the President of the National Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone, Ahmed Kanu, expressed appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Limited through it Cowbell brand for supporting this year’s National Volleyball Unity Club Championships Finals.

He said  the Federation chooses the independence week of the country to host the Unity Club Championships Finals as a platform for unity of its athletics and to preach peace among Sierra Leoneans even as the country is geared towards its June 24, 2023 elections.

Ahmed Kanu said that it has been a hectic competition for both male and female categories of which he added that16 clubs participated from across the country with a total of 486 athletics and 50 officials.

He said that the Unity Club Championships is very significant to the National Volleyball Federation, stating that the federation has been using the competition over the years to showcase the volleyball, contribute to national development and to choose its athletes that have been representing the country in international competitions.

The President concluded by congratulating the winners of the competition and also motivated the losing teams telling them to be steadfast in their training.

On her part, the Institutional Sales Lead at Premium Divine Trading Limited, Ruth Kamara, said the company is very pleased to support the National Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone on its National Unity Club Championships Finals.

She added that this is not the first time the company is supporting the National Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone, adding that the company last year through its Xploza brand also supported the Xploza Western Area Volleyball Championship Competition organized by the Western Area Volleyball Association.

Ruth Kamara said that Premium Divine is a quality food company and they are committed to ensuring that everybody enjoys good food and that the company has been embarking on supporting various activities in the country in order for the company to continue on its massive education on healthy eating habits in the country.

She said Cowbell milk, is a rich source of protein, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C, D E and K otherwise referred to as Vitarich.
She revealed that Cowbell products come in 14g sachet, 20g sachet, 360g sachet and 400g tins for the milk.

The Institutional Sales Lead maintains that cowbell food drinks package sizes are 40gs for the Coffee, Strawberry, Coconut, Choco-Malt and Cowbell Mocha.They are all produced in Ghana by Promasidor Ghana Limited for export sales to some West African countries including Sierra Leone.

She used the opportunity to inform all that the Company also distributes and markets, Onga, Miksi Chocolate and coffee drinks, Kremela, and Yumvita, the latter being an infant cereal with milk also containing wheat, rice, and maize.

Ruth Kamara ended by congratulating the winners of the completion while she further encourage defeated teams to intensify their trainings for future competitions.

The Head Coach for Air force Volleyball, Francis Wills commended his players for which he described as incredible performance in the competition.

He said that this is the first team for a regional volleyball team to won the club championship competition and Air Force as a team are very gratified for making such a history.

Francis Wills said that the team has been embarking on intensive training for the competition of which he added that they were really not surprised because they the team was very determine for the competition.

The Team Captain for 12% Volleyball Club Female Category, Maria Fofanah, said that the team is very happy to emerge as winners of the National Unity Volleyball Championship Female Category.

She stated that for the past years of playing volleyball she has never won chub championship but said through the performance of her team she can now boast of winning one.

Maria Fofanah applauded her team members for their fortitude and determination towards winning the competition.

The National Unity Club Championships was climaxed by a presentation of cartoons of Cowbell milk and medals to winners which was also followed by an award ceremony held at Ajazick Hotel in Port Loko where certificates and cash prizes of a pool prize of NLE100, 000 which is equivalent to 100,000,000 Old Leones were presented to winners of both categories in the competition.

Kobi Walker says Finance Act 2023 has Debilitating Effects on Businesses in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Labour Congress and the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation has on Monday 1st of May, 2023 joined the world to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day on the theme: “Ensuring Democratic Governance for Peace and Security.”  The commemoration of the day was held at the Royal Hall of Family Kingdom, on Aberdeen in Freetown.

Giving the opening statement, the Chairman of the Sierra Leone Employers’ Federation (SLEF), Ambassador Kobi Walker, intimated that the day serves as a lasting remembrance and to reaffirm and assure their commitments.

While expressing his warmest greetings and immense gratitude to all diligent workers who are the true force behind the nation’s prosperity and progress, he, however, added that it is essential to have a social gathering to address the concerns of workers and to maintain an equitable and healthy working environment for all.

He maintained that the International Workers’ Day serves as a powerful reminder for all to reaffirm their commitment to improving the welfare of employees and ensuring their rights are protected which he said is not only a social and moral obligation but also a crucial element in ensuring democratic governance for peace and security.

Kobi Walker stated that in line with this objective, the Federation is dedicated to promoting fair labor practices, social protection and a healthy working environment that is conducive to personal growth and organizational success.

“As we celebrate May Day, we also recognize that peace and security depend on our ability to create opportunities for meaningful employment, provide workers with the necessary tools and training to excel in their careers, and ensure that their voices are heard and respected,” he noted.

He said that to achieve this, the Federation will continue to collaborate with policymakers, unions, and civil society in formulating inclusive policies that are responsive to the evolving needs of the labor market.

“We firmly believe that through dialogue, understanding, and collective action, we can address existing challenges and contribute to a stronger and more resilient workforce,” he stated.

The Chairman of the Federation used the opportunity to plead to His Excellency on behalf of the Employers’ Federation to kindly review the Finance Act 2023, adding that as corporate soldiers they will certainly obey and complain as they believe the implementation of the Finance Act 2023 will have a debilitating effect on various businesses in the country.

“Mr. President, a cross-section of the Private Sector, which includes Business Member Organisations (BMOs), Industry Leaders and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have reviewed the Finance Act 2023 and believe that it includes significant changes to the tax legislation that will adversely impact businesses in Sierra Leone, worsen the already challenging business climate brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine War and potentially bring about additional suffering for a population already wrestling with a greatly increased cost of living,” he maintained.

Kobi Walker said that although the Government has always engaged the private sector on new tax changes, the Finance Act 2023 came as a surprise to the sector, as there were no consultations prior to it being enacted by Parliament, furthering that as the Private Sector is keen to work with the Government to meet its revenue generation targets, it is also cautious that some of the provisions may result in lower revenue generation, business closures and job losses and in addition, these new regulations could further deter new investment-both domestic and foreign- if the investment climate is deemed hostile to the private sector.

On his part, the Acting President of the Labour Congress, Mohamed Salieu Bangura, disclosed that, the theme was carefully selected to reflect the aspirations of the workers towards the conduct of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections on the 24th June, 2023.

According to him, that will guarantee peace and security which are the main ingredients for investment, sustainable socio-economic development and political stability noting that, the day is to celebrate the social and economic achievements of workers.

He highlighted some challenges that workers are faced with, which are; the constant violation of human and trade union rights by some institutions in both the private and public sectors, such as unfair and wrongful termination or dismissal of workers.

‘’Non implementation of collective agreements by Government institutions and employers in the private sector, lack of adequate consultations by Government and some institutions  with the Unions on relating issues to the welfare of workers are some of the challenges faced, ‘’ he stated.

The representative of the keynote Speaker, who was President Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura affirmed that Government is committed to improve the status of workers in the country and to ensure that the concerns as well as issues affecting workers in the country are addressed.

He continued that the passage of the Finance Act and the Labour Act are all steps in the right direction to improve the status of workers in the country furthering that as a Government they will ensure that peace and security are maintained for all workers in the country.

ARISE IIP’s Train Network to Unlock Sierra Leone’s Economic Potentials

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The partnership arrangement between the Government of Sierra Leone and a private entity, ARISE IIP, culminated, on the 26th April, 2023, into a ground breaking event that took place at Koya Chiefdom, Port Loko District geared towards the establishment of a Special Koya Industrial Zone.

It must ,however ,be noted that the viable functionality of the Special Industrial Zone is largely dependent or contingent  on a well developed rail system, a point that was hammered home by ARISE IIP’s Logistics Value Chain Director, Jesper H. Boll during the launching ceremony for the commencement of work.

He noted during the ground breaking event that an important factor to the success of the zone is connectivity to the farmlands, to the ports and to neighbouring countries.

Against such a backdrop he further disclosed that ARISE will extend the current rail network beyond the Pepel Tonkolili line to Guinea and to the mines, economic centres in the country adding that in as much as the industry needs people they are bringing back a passenger train that will transport passenger and workforce between the provinces.

Jesper expressed the view that only by integrating the rail network with the Pepel Port and the Koya Special Industrial Zone that they will unlock the true potentials of the country.

Portraying the preparedness of the company in that direction he revealed that the train is ready and is on the way to Sierra Leone.

From what this medium has so far gathered it is clear that many have welcomed the signing of the Pepel Port and Pepel Tonkolili Railway Development, Expansion and Management lease between the Government and ARISE IIP earlier this year.

They accepted the fact that the agreement is part of bigger reforms in the mining sector where the Government intends to open the space for more players to participate.

Development experts have argued that for too long it has been observed that the revival of mining operations requires significant investment in infrastructure for the country to fully benefit from the growth of its mining output.

Satisfaction has also been expressed that the lease agreement gives a 10% free carriage to the Government of Sierra Leone and provides access to rail and port facilities to the other bulk mineral producers in the northern corridor.

One of the greatest advantages of the lease agreement which is welcoming to most is that it will expand economic activities by providing jobs for Sierra Leoneans and enable passengers’ locomotion from Tonkolili through Bombali to the Port Loko District.

It will also introduce passenger rail service that provides communities with improved mobility and trade access, increase mineral export with an additional 20 million metric tonnes, 10% dividend to Government, surface rent to landowners, annual royalties, PAYE and other taxes.

Some have expressed the view that one of the factors that mainly contributed to the slowdown of the country’s economy was the decision taken years back to close down the railway.

They furthered that with the revival of passenger train services, having the potential to more people and goods, such will serve as an economic game changer as there will be a surge in economic activities.

Oracle Dr. Rev. Lucy Natasha Prays for Sierra Leone’s 62nd Independence Anniversary 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

To commemorate Sierra Leone’s 62nd Independence Day on the 27th April, 2023, the Oracle of God, author, preacher, teacher, and entrepreneur, Dr Rev. Lucy Natasha, from Kenya, one of Africa’s finest female preachers rendered powerful prayers for the country, its leaders and the people in general.

Dr Rev. Lucy Natasha was in the company of President Dr Julius Maada Bio, First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, Sierra Leoneans and foreign diplomats during an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service held at the forecourt of State House.

The ceremony brought together religious leaders from the Muslim and Christian leadership in Sierra Leone, who prayed for peace, stability, free and violence-free elections and also glorified God for His mercies on the nation and the people, as well as for keeping citizens together.

President Julius Maada Bio, while taking the scripture reading from the Book of Philippians 4:6–9, said, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! … Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”.

Sheikh Ibrahim Barrie, while preaching on the importance of the country’s Independence Day celebration, said that Allah, in Verse 13 of Chapter 49 of the Holy Quran, emphasized the rationale and objectives behind creating many tribes, ethnicities and nations.

Allah said, “O mankind, we have created you from a single male and female. And we have made you into tribes and nations so that you may know each other’s,” the Sheikh quoted.

He went on to say that the emphasis was placed on the points that “so you may know each other, so you may interact, intermarriage, and do transactions with each other so that you may as well help each other”.

The Sheikh also referenced the concept of multi-ethnicity, tribes, and nations, calling it a blessing from Allah, one of which Sierra Leone was proud of possessing.

He pointed out that “the tribe that we have is a major source of strength, wisdom, and compliments. It is never meant by Allah, as we see in the verse, to hate, divide, or fight each other. That is why the concept of human dignity is related to the concept of coexistence. The dignity that Allah measured and gave to mankind, is for mankind to use to like each other, and help each other.

“One of the attributes of Allah is justice and equality, which are very paramount in Islam. So, as we mark this 62nd anniversary of our Independence Day, let us remind ourselves of these elements highlighted by Islam, which are human dignity and peaceful coexistence”.

He emphasized that the independence anniversary was coming very close to an important event, the general elections.

“Let us strengthen our relationship, let us preserve our independence, dignity, and respect by strengthening the relationship between us, by avoiding that which has the tendency to disunite us as a nation,” Sheikh Barrie prayed.

Bishop Thomas Wilson, in his sermon on ‘The Peace of God,’ said bringing God’s message to the country’s 62nd Independence Day celebration was important and godly. He read from the Book of Philippians.

“Today is the 62nd Independence Anniversary of our country, Sierra Leone. We thank God Almighty for placing us on the West Coast of West Africa and for making us His special and peculiar people who are specially made, epitomizing love, determination, and resilience.

“It is one thing to be grateful to God in good times, but how can we be thankful to Him for all He has done for us? Sierra Leoneans, as we celebrate our independence and as we go near to the elections we need the peace of God to take over every region in the land that we love, our Sierra Leone.

“Our prayer with thanksgiving is that your request be made known to God. I pray that on this Independence Day, as a nation, we will make our request to God. Man will not solve our problems; only God will solve our challenges and our problems.

“Therefore, I call upon all of us to bring our issues and challenges to God, and God will intervene in His mighty name,” he ended.

The interfaith thanksgiving service was graced by the Oracle of God, author, preacher, teacher, and entrepreneur, Dr Rev. Lucy Natasha, from Kenya, one of Africa’s finest female preachers.

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