Gento Joins President Bio to Celebrate Eid-ul-Fitri at Old School Masjid

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

After speculations were put to rest that Eid-ul-Fitri or Pray Day will fall on Friday, the 21^stApril, 2023, thousands of Muslims from various walks of life in Freetown, dressed in colourful and attractive attires, went out to offer prayers in Mosques and playing fields to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, which was characterized by fasting, from dawn to dusk.

They converged at various mosques and fields, in the early hours of the morning, to offer prayers, thanking Allah for seeing them through the Holy Month and to ask for His forgiveness, provision and protection.

Among those in Freetown who left their residences to offer prayers was the officially endorsed, highly acclaimed, revered SLPP Mayoral Aspirant and well known philanthropist, Mohamed Gento Kamara, his wife, who is a Christian, and entourage who joined other Muslims at the Masjid IImo Zike or Old School Masjid on Hill Station in the West End of Freetown to end the Month of Fasting.

Dressed in a beautiful white embroidery gown, Gento, as he is popularly known, exuded peacefulness, charisma and authority as he and his wife interacted with others present , exchanging pleasantries and cracking jokes just at the same time as more people were thronging outside the Masjid , some not really to offer prayers but just to have a glimpse of him and to manifest their acknowledgement and support for his political bid of contesting for the Mayoral position of the Freetown City Council in the forthcoming June 24 Multi Tier election . The atmosphere was buzzing with noise coming from milling crowd that was growing larger as more and more people were coming for prayers and converging within the precinct of the Mosque.

Probably, unknown to some, it could not be a coincidence that His Excellency, the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, the First Lady, some Cabinet Ministers and other public officials headed on that same day to the same Old School Masjid to join hundreds of Muslims to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan and to offer prayers to Allah.

As the President , the First Lady and entourage alighted from their vehicles they were received and welcomed by Mohamed Gento Kamara , who together with the Imam of the Masjid, accompanied them inside the Mosque where they all offered prayers making supplications for peace and national cohesion, economic prosperity on behalf of the nation and more especially for Allah to make it possible for the country to go through a very peaceful elections, come June 24 and for violent eruptions not to mar the conduct of an election which is expected to be transparent as well as for the outcomes to be acceptable to both the winners and losers without any fuss and fight.

While addressing the congregation, after prayers, President Bio said indeed it is a great day to see the end of Ramadan as people from different backgrounds come together without expressing any form of differences and not out of any political affiliation further demonstrating that all are one people.

The President underscored how it is only out of faith in God that they ended the month of fasting expressing his satisfaction to see such transpiring. He further expressed the wish of the country having a peaceful election further underpinning that everybody has his or her inalienable right to his or her political choice stressing that there is no need to hurt someone because of his or her political choice or leaning.

As the President, First Lady, Gento and other dignitaries were exiting the Masjid, a large crowd of Gento’s supporters who were milling around the vicinity of the Masjid could not restrain their emotions but to expressed them outwardly in the form of Koranic songs, chants and songs of praise, support as well as thanks for all what they say the philanthropist has so far done for them as a way of showing gratitude.

One thing that was spectacular and audibly evident was when some of them were heard telling others that he, Gento, is the very man who donated 2,500 bags of rice, 500 bags of sugar and a handsome amount of money, precisely Le 500 Million Old Notes to Muslims of different Mosques in the East and West Ends of Freetown for the purpose of breaking the fast.

It was underscored that it is not only because he has manifested interest in vying for the position is the main reason why he has been so generous firmly underscoring that to selflessly give to others is part of his nature and it is ingrained in his DNA.

Others spoke loftily of his firm conviction that as a nation for national cohesion to prevail which is important in laying the foundation for solid economic development religious tolerance must be embraced pointing to the fact that though he is a Muslim by religion, however, his wife is dedicated Christian and they are getting along fine. They maintained that such is how Sierra Leoneans must co-exist in a manner that would jeopardize the country’s hard earned peace and fragile state.

They also mentioned his fulfillment of a promise to rehabilitate a bridge at Kroo Bay, electrifying a whole community and of his numerous acts of generosity with the aim of lifting people out of poverty.

It was visibly seen how those learning of his deeds were highly impressed, heaving sighs of relief and making positive comments about him like stating how he may be the God sent saviour to deliver the Freetown Metropolis from its shabby state reiterating that he has all the qualities of becoming the right the Mayor to lead the Freetown City Council stressing how as a result of him having a golden heart he is someone they will not hesitate to entrust with authority out of the confidence and firm belief that he will leave indelible footprints in sands of history and take Freetown to a level that will make it an envy in the West African Sub-Region maintaining that it could only be wise for Freetonians to vote massively in support of him come June 24.

SLENABU Assures of Availability of Bread Flour, Insists Price Per Bag Remains Same

April 24, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

In Press Release dated 21^st April, 2023 and issued by the Management of the Sierra Leone National Bakers Union (SLENABU) it was categorically stated that Management wishes to inform all bakers and the general public that bread flour is now abundantly available in town.

It went further to point out that the all-important commodity has been recently short in the market for about two (2) weeks causing serious scarcity in bread availability adding that as a result, some people took advantage of the situation and were selling a bag of flour above Le 1,000 (New Leones), equivalent to Le1, 000,000 (Old Leones), which they highly condemned and can never condone.

SLENABU says it wishes to express regrets for the effects of the shortage and expresses its empathy to bakers, business owners and consumers underscoring how subsequently its Management has engaged the key importer of bread flour, BSB International in order to contain the problem.

It continued how the BSB international has promised to offload large quantities of bread flour every week saying it will also like to reiterate that the whole sale price of bread flour still remains Le750 (New Leones), equivalent to Le 750,000 (Old Leones) per bag.

Management ended up calling on all business owners to refrain from selling flour at exorbitant amounts saying failure to adhere to that would result to serious legal consequences.

Pee Cee & Sons Offers Iftar to Thousands on Eid-ul-Fitri

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Whatever way it may be looked at it is now certain that it has become a tradition for one of the oldest, renowned and well established business entities operating in the country, Pee Cee & Sons to offer Iftar to Muslims, who have been observing the Holy Month of Ramadan, through fasting, on what is commonly referred to as Pray Day which is Eid-Ul-Fitri, marking the end of the Holy Month of Fasting.

Pee Cee & Sons , on the 21^st April, 2023 , out of the firm conviction that the period calls for making sacrifices and sharing, carried out its annual distribution of prepared foils or sachets of food items made out of the products that it markets, like its popular Padi products used in the preparation of the edible food containing bread, mayonnaise, sardines, water and other items, which were distributed or offered to thousands of Muslims and the less privileged at the National Stadium and in different locations within the city, where Muslims from various walks of life had earlier converged to say Eid prayers as well as in other parts of Freetown.

In the same light of sharing on the Day of Ramadan, plastic bags filled with provisions were also magnanimously offered to the organizers, Imams and winners of Islamic quiz competitions.

Moving with the company’s vans filled with the food items, young people wearing T-Shirts bearing the name of the company, Pee Cee & Sons were seen encouraging people to receive the offers with nice words being expressed.

Happy beneficiaries and recipients, beaming with smiles and expressing satisfaction, heaped profuse thanks and appreciation on Pee Cee and Sons for the gifts offered further expressing wishes that Allah or God Almighty will continue to provide for those behind the initiative, Management and for the business entity to continue to prosper and grow. Most underscored how they really appreciated the move made by the business entity in undertaking such a selfless offer to thousands of people, rich or poor, on such an important day more especially at this material time when things are economically and extremely difficult in the country.

They also prayed for the progress, sustainability and prosperity of the Management of Pee Cee & Sons further maintaining that the company has truly demonstrated that besides focusing only on trade with the aim of maximizing profit they must also foster a good relationship with members of the public, who are mainly their customers as well as to give back to society.

Though some have interpreted the move on the part of the company as using the occasion to advertise its products to many who went out to offer prayers, however, most saw it as one that was purely done out of humanitarian goodwill.

It must be noted that Pee Cee & Sons do not only limit such donations or offers to Pray Day or Eid-Ul-Fitri but also does so during important Christian holidays out of the spirit and belief that Sierra Leone is a religious tolerant country where people of both the Muslim and Christian faiths complement each other to grace certain occasions.

Some even called on the Government to continue to create a level playing field for the company to operate, adding that they will continue to support PC&S in every way they can.

It is important to note that apart from the fact that the company is upbeat in the timely honouring of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)), Pee Cee & Sons (PCS) is a private sector player whose roles in fostering development in Sierra Leone cannot be overemphasized and has particularly not gone unnoticed by citizens and the Government.

It is a fact that for decades now, PC&S has been doing business in this country. This private business enterprise has expanded the scope of its operations over the years during which period job opportunities have been provided and huge taxes paid to the Government which in turn is contributing to giving Government the financial muscle to fund different development programmes across the country.

Pee Cee and Sons is one of the most successful businesses in the country that has demonstrated true entrepreneurial skills and ingenuity to form linkages with the business community in the country in serving the local market.

Whilst other businesses are folding up due to the prevailing challenges in the current market, Pee Cee and Sons is highly regarded and exceptionally professional in serving its numerous customers with high quality goods and services.
Petty traders and other business-oriented professionals acclaim Pee Cee and Sons for the continuous sustainability of its businesses across the country even at difficult moments in the country.

Marie Bob Kandeh, Chairlady of Petty Traders Association thinks very highly of PCS when she says: “To succeed in commerce, you need three things: demand products to sell, the skills to market them, and the drive to succeed.” She adds that Pee Cee and Sons has all of these, the reason why it is successful and sustainable.

As a household name in the three countries of the Mano River Union (MRU), PCS has a vertically-integrated set up whereby it handles everything from procurement, import logistics, clearing, warehousing, distribution, and final sales to consumers in these countries.

It operates in all cities in the length and breadth of Sierra Leone where it serves the local population with its own integrated wholesale and retail distribution centers.

It is against such a backdrop that several State and Non-State actors are urging the Government to continue providing a safe and friendly business environment for entities like Pee Cee and Sons to operate to continue serving the people. “We can use Pee Cee and Sons as a practical model on how successful businesses should operate in Sierra Leone.” This is according to Mohamed J. Koroma of Marketers Association, adding that the Government of Sierra Leone can gain a lot if it promotes businesses like Pee Cee and Sons.

NP-SL: A Living Testimony of a Successful & Thriving Indigenous Business Entity

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Ltd has been highly rated as an indigenous company that always takes the lead where others want to take off or bulldoze their way through.

As a thick skinned and reputable petroleum marketing company that has mastered the trade of importing and marketing high grade petroleum products, this well established business entity has been highly regarded as a well-positioned institution within the realm of being a very pro-active company that is always poised to pragmatically put concrete arrangements in place to ensure that the populace in this country gain access to qualitative petroleum products ranging from petrol, diesel, gas to lubricants, including the ever highly sought Castrol lubricant oil that has been rated to be a very good for the efficient lubrication of various engines as well as providing useful information geared towards enhancing road safety.

The company is well known for conducting its transactions in a very transparent manner, giving utmost satisfaction to its numerous and esteemed customers in different parts of the country.

The company has in its employ, a workforce and is partnering with well meaning entrepreneurs as Dealers to market its various petroleum products at various Filling Stations ensuring that its products are widely accessible right across the country.

Looking back at what used to prevail, today, it is now non-existent for individuals to complain that when they are in the process of procuring petroleum products, pump attendants cheat them in terms of not getting their money’s worth.

The simple reason is because the Shareholders and Management of NP-SL Ltd were indeed very business savvy to procure modern calibrated pumping machines which were installed at their various selling points or Filling Stations, capable of churning out the exact quantity of what is demanded and the price to be paid.

In that regard the company has, over the years, bagged the covetous commendation of, “1^st For Customer Care” and it is apparently clear from its excellent service delivery performances that it continues to improve upon to eternally maintain that enviable position.

During a random countrywide survey conducted recently, targeting a large percentage of customers of NP (SL) Ltd, with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country, the methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get frank and candid views or feedback.

When quizzed on how they view the way the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents warmly reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of the company are doing extremely well in the direction of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to them.

A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably it is but important to deepen local content further arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire. And it is a policy of the company to give preference to indigenes when it comes to employment.

“Instead of depending on foreign expatriates, it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Abdulai Braima, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat further extolling the move of conducting periodic trainings to improve on staff output.

He further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of economically empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of living.

“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose, maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they are referring to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card, it is one that is now in vogue. Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel.

In relation to serving as a corporate citizen, they maintained how the company timely rolls out its Corporate Social Responsibility in terms of supporting genuine causes and catering for community needs especially where its infrastructure is located. They also mentioned it being one of the largest tax payers to Government.

From what was so far gathered throughout the conducted random survey, it can be safely concluded that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a living testimony of a successful and thriving indigenous business entity that is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation in diverse ways and is indeed worthy of support and emulation.

Parliament Ratifies ARISE IIP’s Special Economic Zone Agreement

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Members of Parliament have on Thursday the 20^th April, 2023 debated and ratified the framework agreement between the Republic of Sierra Leone and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms(ARISE IIP) relating to the implementation of a Special Economic Zone in Sierra Leone dated April 2023.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Hinga Sandy in his submission for the ratification of the agreement stated how it would enhance economic growth and provide huge employment for the people of Sierra Leone.

MPs who spoke to the debate acknowledged the importance of the agreement, whilst the Acting Leaders of the House applauded the initiative of the Government further expressing hope that the aforementioned agreement will yield dividends for the growth and development of the State.

It could be recalled that this medium previously reported that on the 26^th April, 2023, all roads will lead to Port Loko District, Mile 36 , Koya Chiefdom ,as people from all walks of life will, converge at the Chiefdom close to the David School, to witness the manifestation of one of the Government’s Manifesto promises made by President Dr Julius Maada Bio, geared towards enhancing industrialization in order to create job opportunities, earn revenue that could help in eradicating poverty, for a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the development a Special Economic Zone to be known as the Koya Industrial Zone (SiZ-Koya), said to be a joint venture between the Republic of Sierra Leone and ARISE IIP under the patronage of H.E Brig.(Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio.

During the ceremony, the welcome address will be delivered by the Paramount Chief, Koya Chiefdom, PC Bai Kompa Bomboli 111 to be followed by the Project Presentation by the Logistics Value Chain Director of ARISE IIP, Jesper Boll.

Furthermore, speeches will be delivered by the President of AFREXIMBANK, Prof. Benedit Oramah, by the CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, Samalia Zubairu, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr Turad Senesie, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Edward Hinga Sandy.

The keynote address will be delivered by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

It must be noted that ARISE IIP has demonstrated impressive establishment of thriving Economic Zones in Benin and Gabon and has shown interest in replicating it here in Sierra Leone which to many is a positive move in the direction of promoting sustainable development just as they commended the initiative of the Government in joining partnership to translate into reality the wonderful transformation of the country’s airport at Lungi, which is an envy in the sub-region.

This medium learnt from a reliable source that ARISE IIP is set to pump in a lump sum of $1.2 Billion to establish a Special Industrial Zone in Sierra Leone, which is a specific area of the national territory that has been allocated by the Government to promote agricultural production and processing (cashew nuts, cotton, soybeans, Shea butter, pineapple etc) and other raw materials where fiscal and customs measures and facilities for setting up administrative procedures , infrastructure and services are put in place to attract investors.

Cognizance must be taken that the Industrial Zones set up by ARISE IIP in other African countries have contributed immensely to booming their economies through massive job creation, payment of royalties, rolling out corporate social responsibilities ,attracting more international and local investors.

The company has prior committed itself to spending a further $478 Million for the extension of the Pepel Railway and Port.

Authorities of the company revealed how they want to achieve major goals in the next twenty-four months in Sierra Leone to develop and manage the rail and port, to launch the industrial zone and to run passenger trains linking the whole country and neighbouring Guinea and Liberia.

Already, the company has put in place $85Million to kick-start the process of achieving its targeted objectives in Sierra Leone.

As a high profiled company, it is capable of bringing in major reputable and credible companies from across the globe to operate in the Industrial Zone in areas like textile, tile, processing agricultural raw materials etc.

“The Special Economic Zone will provide electricity, water supply, health and other basic amenities to investors working within the Zone,” it was revealed. ARISE IPP Chief Executive Officer Gagan Gupta, is on record, assuring Sierra Leoneans of massive Industrial Zone investment portfolios just like his company continues to do in Benin, Gabon and other parts of Africa, maintaining that in Sierra Leone there will be massive infrastructural and other developments in line with its mission and vision within 24 months through the intervention of his company.

Bank of Sierra Leone to Launch National Payment Switch

April 24, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Conference held on Wednesday 29th April 2023, at the Sam Bangura Building on Siaka Stevens Street in Freetown, it was revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Bank of Sierra Leone, will be launching the National Payment Switch on 29th April 2023.

According to the Acting Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Stevens, the switch is a platform that facilitates interconnection and interoperability between payment channels of various players in the financial landscape. These players include commercial banks, microfinance institutions, mobile money operators and a host of FinTechs.

He furthered that the National Payment Switch, when launched, will allow all debit and credit cards currently being used to be used on the National Switch, adding that once it goes live, it will ensure direct transactions between accounts of different banks, direct transactions between wallets of different mobile money operators, direct transactions between wallets of different mobile money operators and bank accounts and settlement of funds for transactions across schemes, between schemes and banks etc.

He maintained that the Switch makes provision for buyers (users) and sellers of financial products and services to make transactions across access channels such as automatic teller machines, points of sale etc. stating that the Switch will route all transactions irrespective of the cards used on a Central National Payment Switch for settlement at the Bank of Sierra Leone.

He informed the Press that the National Payment Switch, which is owned and managed by the Bank of Sierra Leone, will go live on Saturday 29th April, 2023 and will be operationalize in three (3) phases. Phase 1: Card Switching which involves ATMs and POSs interoperability.

He added that during this Phase, one can conduct transactions on any ATM or POS regardless of the bank card or bank account one has.

With regards to Phase 2 , which is instant payment he said that Phase will interoperate Mobile Money Operators (MOs), other Fintechs and bank accounts such that customers can make instant payments using any of facilities from any location and for Phase 3 it relates to International Payments.

According to him, the go live dates of the last two Phases will be communicated in due course.

ECOWAS Commission & ICPNC End 3 Days Engagement With Peace Actors

April 24, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts to create an interactive platform to encourage political actors and stakeholders in the electoral process engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue that will generate consensus-building around the electoral process for peaceful, free, fair, transparent, credible, and acceptable elections in the country, the ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, has on Thursday 20^th April, 2023 concluded a 3 day training and interactive engagement on Dialogue and Mediation for National Peace Actors in the country. The 3 day training and interactive engagement was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown.

In his address, the Chairman for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Rev Shodankeh Johnson, said the gathering has concretized their belief in working together for the common good of the people of Sierra Leone, adding that the move by the Peace Actors in the country is the only way the country can achieve peace and national cohesion.

He maintained that during the training, participants intentionally dialogue together as a way of charting and finding a landing path that will entrench the NDA of peace and national cohesion in the country.

The Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission, Abdulai Bangura stated that the Commission is currently challenged because it now has new statutory provisions which, according to him, has given the Commission more powers and that in the cause of implementing the powers of the Commission they political parties feel offended.

He said that as a Commission they will continue to engage with political parties in order for them to give peace a chance in the country which he said is very important towards building a peaceful nation.

The Director of Legal Affairs in the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, Fatorma Fah-Bundeh, said the Commission is prepared to offer the people of Sierra Leone free, fair, and credible elections come June 24 2023 elections.

He assured all that as a Commission they will implement all what they have learnt during the training in order to support the work of the Commission.

In his keynote address, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS Commission, Amb Harouna Moussa said that the training and interactive engagement are aimed at contributing towards the building of the capacity of key political actors in the country.

He maintained that the ECOWAS Commission is pleased to partner with the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion to carry out the training and interactive engagement on Dialogue and Mediation for National Peace Actors in the country which he described as very important and timely.

Amb. Harouna Moussa concluded by saying that the ECOWAS Commission is very committed to support the efforts of the country in holding inclusive, peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.

LUC ‘Madam Monique’ Provides Iftar for Police Personnel & Community Residents

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Described as an Iron Lady who has brought massive development, unity and tolerance to the New England Ville community and Police Station, the Local Unit Commander (LUC), Superintendent Monica Johnson aka Madam Monique, in her usual style, on Sunday 16^th April, 2023 provided “Iftar” for Muslims, a week before the end of Ramadan.

Introducing LUC Monica Johnson before the actual event, a spokesman of the New England Ville Police Station welcomed all present and prayed that Allah bless them all during the Month of Ramadan. He stated that LUC Superintendent Monica Johnson aka Madam Monique, since she assumed office has been, apart from their boss, a mother, sister and a friend whom they can rely on in times of need and for guidance in personal matters.

According to him, this is not the first time LUC Madam Monique is holding such an event, adding that before now, she has demonstrated her love, compassion and concern for her personnel and even civilians in the surroundings on numerous occasions and not just during the holy month of Ramadan. He called on the audience to offer prayers for her.

Explaining the rationale behind the provision of ‘Iftar’, LUC Madam Monique noted that, despite being a devoted Christian, she respects Muslims and always observes Ramadan by providing gifts and extending helping hands to the needy.

She added that she had observed that during the Month of Ramadan, her Muslim personnel that work later hours (sometimes till 10pm) are often in dire need of food to break the fast. She maintained that, after personal consideration she came up with the idea of providing ‘Iftar’ to her Muslim personnel and the community residents.

The exceptional Police Officer went on to say that she is very tolerant and respectful when it comes to religious matters and called on all and sundry to do the same. She used the opportunity to call on New England Ville residents to continue maintaining law and order and reporting offenders, just as they did before, during and after the voter registration process.

She noted that as elections are around the corner, she is urging all residents in her police jurisdiction to strictly adhere to electoral laws and to respect authority.

According to her, she noted that residents in her jurisdiction have so far been very cooperative and respectful in matters dealing with the election and the law and admonished them to continue doing the same.

Beneficiaries of the ‘Iftar’ heaped praises on LUC Madam Monique and offered prayers for her long life and prosperity.

Climax of the event was the distribution of food and drinks to hundreds of Muslim worshippers that had gathered at the New England Ville Police Station in Freetown.

152 Tourists Onboard Cruise Liner Visit Sierra Leone

April 24, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

This medium was reliably informed that on the 21^st April, 2023 that the Swan Hellenic Cruise liner, with 9 Decks, 120 Crew members, and 152 tourists onboard berthed at the historic Queen Elizabeth the Second Quay Port in the East End of Freetown from which 40 tourists will do a city and heritage orientation tour of Freetown and its environs.

It must be noted that after the COVID-19, SH Vega flying the Panama flag, was the first to berth or to officially open the water gates to international cruise liners.

It is expected the tourists will visit key sites in Freetown among others, the Old Fourah Bay College, the Railway Museum, National Museum, Peace and Cultural Monument, Cotton Tree, and many with the trip ending with a leisure and recreational experience of one of the country’s splendid white sandy beaches which is Tokeh.

Cognizance must be taken of how the tourism sector continues to make inroads in attracting tourists from different parts of the world, with the country’s local and international partners respectively.

Commendations have been heaped on H.E. the President and his astute and proactive Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt for such exemplary leadership in making Sierra Leone a preferred tourist destination.

Voyage Sierra Leone (VSL), in its mission statement, is said to provide the easiest and most professional means of visiting and staying in Sierra Leone, be it for business or pleasure.

In doing so, they will provide unique, authentic, and responsible experiences that have a positive impact on the tourists, local communities, the environment, and the economy. They always try to leave the best service experience on the visitors with a desire to always return.

The result oriented Minister and team extended special thanks to the ground handling agency, VSL, for facilitating the tour

Tech4Dev’s Women Techsters Initiative expands to Sierra Leone

April 24, 2023

A technology non-profit social enterprise, the Women Techsters Initiative, the flagship program of Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), is said to be expanding its operations to Sierra Leone with the vision of bridging the digital and technology knowledge divide between men and women as well as ensuring equal access to opportunities.

The tuition-free instructor-led initiative aims to empower women and girls between the ages of 16 to 35 with digital skills which will further create inclusivity and sustainability in the tech ecosystem.

Launched in 2021, the initiative has seen over 15,000 women across 15 African countries benefit and graduate from its programs, learning in-demand tech skills in eight well curated learning tracks namely Mobile App Development, Software Development, Product Design, Product Management, Cybersecurity, Data Science/ Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Blockchain and Mixed Reality/3D.

After recording massive success during its launch in five African countries namely Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Ghana and Kenya, the initiative moved to 10 more African countries in 2022 – Ethiopia, DR Congo, Tanzania, Uganda, Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Angola, Mozambique, Madagascar and Tech4Dev is confident that it will make a positive impact in Liberia.

Aside from Sierra Leone the initiative will also open up to applicants from Rwanda, The Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Liberia taking the total number of countries to 22.

Speaking on why the expansion to Sierra Leone is important, Founder and President, Tech4Dev, Joel Ogunsola says it was only right to move to the West African country as it is fast becoming a technology powerhouse on the continent.

“Expanding to Sierra Leone for us was a no brainer looking at the growth in the country’s tech ecosystem. This alone was enough to convince us because we feel we can help more women in the country break into tech and give them access to decent jobs in the ever-changing global market.”

Co-Founder and Executive Director at Tech4Dev, Oladiwura Oladepo added, “We believe that by empowering women with digital skills, we can contribute to the development of the tech industry in Sierra Leone and bridge the gender gap in the sector. Women have the potential to be great leaders and innovators in the tech industry, and we want to provide them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed,” she said.

The expansion of Tech4Dev to Sierra Leone is a significant milestone for the organization, as it continues to work towards its goal of bridging the digital divide in developing countries as well as its goal of reaching 5 million women across Africa by 2030.