National Peace Commission Officially Launched in Freetown

April 21, 2023

By Millicent Senava Mannah

During an epoch making and well attended event that took place at the Bintumani International Conference Hall, at Aberdeen in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, through his representative, officially launched the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) and its Free Toll Line 898 on the 20^th April, 2023.

Delivering the keynote address, the representative of the President, Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, noted that the antecedent causes of the country’s civil war taught all why it is very much important to keep the nation intact and united.

“The deliberate failures and effects of bad governance coupled with unrestrained corruption undermined the very survival and essence of the State,’’ he asserted.

He added: “Every Sierra Leonean must not only feel the sense of belonging, but must also be assured that his or her voice matters and the future of the nation also matters, ’’ he philosophically averred.

He furthered that the President loves to learn from the past, and he had no option but to adopt one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which is manifesting itself in the launching of a very important national infrastructure to promote national cohesion.

Chairman of Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, Rev. Shodankeh Johnson, in his welcome address expressed how they are profoundly grateful to the President and his Vice for their moral support in setting up of the Commission.

He further said that setting up the Commission was one of the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its principal responsibility is to maintain peace and unity throughout the country.

Rev. Shodankeh Johnson applauded President Bio for establishing the Commission through an Act of Parliament in December 2020 and also congratulated the Board Members for their relentless contributions to the launching of the Commission which all are witnessing now.

He revealed that the Commission has fifty members right across the country, furthering how the Commission envisions a just, peaceful and cohesive country.

‘’The mission is to facilitate coexistence, equity and inclusivity, to build the networks of competencies for conflict prevention, resolution and management for National Development. The main mandate amongst others, is to device strategies and measures to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts and to build, promote and maintain sustainable peace through National cohesion in the country,’’ he made reference to the Commission’s mission and mandate.

The representative from ECOWAS, applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for such a laudable initiative, which according to him, is an ECOWAS mandate saying it is very timely as the country is about to have its multi-tier elections.

He assured the audience that, ECOWAS is committed to support ICPNC to ensure that peace and equity is maintained in the country, and how ECOWAS is also an independent body for peace and equity in the region.

The UN National Coordinator, Babatunde Ahonsi, also commended the President for launching the Commission maintaining that it marks another milestone in the country’s history underscoring how it is an important initiative.

He maintained that it was constructed by the Government through an Independent body supported by UN also disclosing how the country has been acclaimed as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

He further revealed how the UN subscribes to any effort that is geared towards reducing violence and addressing injustice more especially as the country will soon go to the polls.

The Representative from the Inter-religious Council assured the audience that they as religious leaders will ensure that they continue to preach peace to their different congregation right across the country, underscoring that it is their own role of maintaining the peace and equity in the country.

Other personalities from other international organizations, including local organizations in the country, like the Women’s Forum, Youth Council Rep., and the Children’s Forum Network made salient contributions.

Performances depicting the essence of maintaining the peace and enhancing national cohesion were demonstrated by various groups including Blind School, Rev. Justin Marva and the Sierra Leone Sports Amputees.

The climax of the event was the launching of the Peace Commission on behalf of the President.

Madam Tuma Gento-Kamara Storms Carlton Carew Community

April 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Madam Tuma Jabbie Gento Kamara, the indomitable and very supportive spouse of one of Sierra Leone’s highly acclaimed and most celebrated philanthropists, Mohamed Gento Kamara, the endorsed SLPP Aspirant for the Mayoral position in the Freetown City Council ,whose kind and countless selfless gestures have and continues to positively touch lives and communities countrywide, stepped into the shoes of her husband, who was unavoidably engaged in a very important assignment, as she graced the Quarter Finals Kick-Off Ceremony of the ongoing, “Friends of Ibrahim Nyelenkeh Hands Off Our Girls Female Inter-Community Football Competition” at the Carlton Carew Community on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, on the 18^th April, 2023, before the Kola Tree and Cole Farm Community Female Football Teams locked horns in a well attended football match.

Welcoming Madam Tuma Gento Kamara was the Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, who said he was overwhelmed and pleased to heartily receive such an influential and result-oriented woman in their midst and thanked her for coming. He informed Madam Tuma Gento Kamara that he has been very supportive to the advancement of female football in the country maintaining how such is one of the singular reasons why he is supporting the “Friends of Ibrahim Nyelenkeh Hands Off Our Girls Female Inter-Community Football Competition” which has now reached the Quarter Finals stage.

The Minister assured the athletes that Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Bio will hopefully grace the Grand Final to also demonstrate her commitment and support to female football as well as female empowerment, an information that was greeted with a thunderous applause from all the corners of the football pitch.

He went forward to establish the fact that the competition was organized in order to identify talented women and to also encourage them to play football and secondly to complement the “Hands Off Our Girls” Campaign.

Prior to her taking the kick-off, for the commencement of the match, she informed the organizers, players and spectators of how she highly attaches importance to the game of football highlighting how it has the magnetic force of uniting people from different backgrounds, further underscoring that when she noticed that the competition is couched within the ambit of the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which according to her, is a very good initiative geared towards combating Sexual and Gender Based Violence, she told herself that it should be a must for her to be there in the place of her husband.

In a highly charged mood, she encouraged the competing female footballers to do their best in enhancing their potentials underpinning that through the application of dedicated efforts some might end up becoming great stars.

“I am so excited to see women play football and at the same time it gives me so much joy to fully support women empowerment and I am optimistic that one day you will realize your potentials and dreams,” Mrs. Tuma Gento Kamara expressed goodwill.

Madam Gento Kamara commended the First Lady, Dr Fatima Bio for her tremendous strides taken so far in sensitizing communities right across the country through the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign about the dangers of Sexual and Gender Violence and the affirmative actions so far taken in dealing with violators. She admonished the girls to speak against any form of violence and to come forward to report cases of violation.

As it is usually the case, the atmosphere was very lively as supporters and community residents were chanting and singing songs in support of their teams as well as in support of her husband, Mohamed Gento Kamara’s bid to contest in the forthcoming June 24^th Multi-Tier Elections as Mayor for the Freetown City Council.

In another event, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara who has proved that by the side of any great man there is a woman instead of behind any successful man there is a woman, joined worshippers at the Faith U.B.C Church on Regent Road in Lumley as they celebrate their Women’s Day and Thanksgiving Service on the 16^th April, 2023 during a well attended service.

One of the preachers during the service was the mother of the Mayoral Aspirant, Mohamed Gento Kamara, an ordained Reverend, who admonished the congregation that it is not only enough in the sight of God to be professing that one is a born again Christian but rather one’s faith must be reflective in one’s actions. She preached of the importance of parents showing love for the kids of other families and not to nurture hatred against them highlighting how destinies are not the same further underpinning that God wants us to live in unity, peace and harmony.

“To all the women of Faith U.B.C Church I implore you to embrace God and one another because if you are committed and dedicated to the things of God you could move mountains,” she further enjoined.

In her capacity as the Grand Chief Patron, Madam Tuma Gento Kamara, told the congregation how she was prevailed upon by her husband to fly back home just to be in attendance of the service and came the previous night.

She informed the congregation about the endorsement of the aspiration of her husband to be the next Mayor of the Freetown City Council and of her support in making it real, saying she alone and her mother-in-law could not do the campaigning to translate her spouse’s intention which is why she is using the opportunity to reach out to all the women, particularly those in the Western Area, to join her in supporting him in his bid.

She stated that when she landed at the Freetown International Airport she felt that she was still in New York or Dubai further expressing the view that it would not really tell well for visitors to leave the Airport and see the capital city in a rundown state which is why all must join forces to make him the next Mayor of the Freetown Municipality in order to join forces together in revolutionizing things in the Municipality and make it befitting.

She expressed hope and optimism that her husband will be the Saviour to deliver Freetown from its present dilapidated state further praying for God presence to be with him and give him the will and wherewithal to deliver on his promises. Madam Gento Kamara said there are three basic things that are to be urgently addressed in the Western Area or City of Freetown which are water, electricity and healthcare.

She pleaded with the women to join hands in support of her husband’s candidature and concluded by donating Le 40 Million Leones to the women of the church on behalf of her husband after which the Women’s Leader and Reverend profusely showed appreciation and gratitude forming the climax of the thanksgiving service.

National Security Coordinator Warns Sierra Leoneans to Stay Away from Violence

April 21, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Security Sector in Sierra Leone held a Press Conference on the 19^th April, 2023 which was mainly based on, “Threatening Social Media Posts & Messages Creating Fear & Panic in the Country”. In attendance were Print and Electronic Media journalists as well as politicians, CSOs, moral guarantors of peace and actors in the security sector.

In his statement, the National Security Coordinator, Abdulai Caulker, pointed out that as a people, the country will be in total chaos if people do not have the courage to resist the incitements of bad citizens in the social media whose desperation and lust for political power have blinded them to the benefits and comforts of stability and peaceful co-existence adding that for them, even if it means sinking Sierra Leone and destroying all of its population to get political power, it would be a viable option.

According to him, since 2018 when this present Government assumed office, the security sector has noted with dismay that there have been countless numbers of anti-state activities tantamount to undermining the peace and security of Sierra Leone and unnecessarily provoking security sector reactions.

He continued by saying whilst the security sector had wished such baits had not been thrown, it would not shy away from its constitutional responsibility of ensuring that citizens’ lives and properties are secure and the country remains stable.

“Violent incidents such as the ones in Tombo at the height of Corona when fishermen revolted against safety health measures; in Lunsar over youths accusing their Paramount Chief of embezzlement; in Makeni over the relocation of a Government generator to Lungi which was in dire need of electricity; in Mile 91 over lawful Police operations to destroy marijuana farms; the Pademba Road Prison break; August 10 violent protest; etc. had all been evidently incited by social media trolls, the likes of Adebayor and their clandestine political godfathers,” the National Security Coordinator lamented.

He succinctly in a rhetorical manner asked that in case the security sector had failed to act during those incidents, what would Sierra Leone have become underscoring how those incidents could have potentially led to anarchy, capable of totally disrupting the hard-won peace of Sierra Leone, and possibly tearing her apart.

Abdulai Caulker told those in attendance that the latest incident of the brutal killing of the OSD Coordinator in Makeni, Mathew Banya (alias Boyka), and the accompanying social media utterances and provocations fashioned against the stability of the State and the security sector are worrisome and may put people in needless fear and panic.

He said all these are happening at a time when the country is less than two and a half months away from the general elections but was quick to state that the Security Sector is not jittery and cannot be intimidated as it alone has the constitutional right to exercise the monopoly of violence on behalf of the State, and no one else.

“We have decided to have an inclusive approach to ensuring Sierra Leone remains stable and peaceful, and the enabling environment created for peaceful and democratic elections,” he divulged stating how they thought it necessary to convene a Press Conference to give out a clear message, which is: “Sierra Leoneans, stay away from violence; don’t take the law into your own hands, follow due process. Don’t allow another man to use your own hand to remove palm kernels from a burning furnace.”

He disclosed how they invited all political party leaders, moral guarantors, traditional and religious leaders, press and media houses, women’s forum, peace networks, teachers, parents, guardians, youth groups, civil society organizations and members of the international community to underscore a need for nonviolence elections and support efforts geared towards making Sierra Leone stable and peaceful.

According to him as a security sector, they will not renege on their sacred responsibility to maintain law and order and ensure that there is peace and tranquility for everyone to go about their normal business.

He warned that any person or a group of persons who believe that for their own greed and selfishness they can make Sierra Leone unstable and ungovernable, they are big liars stating how the security sector will use all in its power to strongly resist and impel them.

“The Security Sector is ready and will ensure that the forthcoming general elections are conducted devoid of violence and intimidation,” he reiterated disclosing how the MACP will be robustly enforced during and after the elections.

Other speakers made salient points and questions asked were roundly responded to.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Vows to Stand By Sierra Leone

April 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In what appears as to be international diplomacy at play, Hungarian Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Szijjarto, has expressed disappointment over foreign interference into the domestic politics of Sierra Leone. In an interview on AYV Wake Up Sierra Leone aired on April 19^th April, 2023, Szijjarto said he had been briefed by Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David Francis, about the undiplomatic conduct of the Head of the European Delegation to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel Muller, who stands accused of meddling in the internal politics of the country with the view of promoting ‘regime change’.

Peter Szijjarto further noted that such a conduct by a senior diplomatic representative is against the ground norm of the European Union and should therefore be roundly condemned. He said he would make a representation to the European Community on the issue and would defend Sierra Leone’s interest in the EU.

The Hungarian diplomat said his country was used to been berated by “others,” in a hint at EU criticism of Budapest‘s take on democracy and, more recently, of its stance on the conflict in Ukraine.

According to him Hungary was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone after gaining independence further disclosing that Hungary is supporting Sierra Leone’s bid for non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council in the 2024-2025 period without any hesitation.

It must be noted that the European Union and the United States have been pushing Hungary to take a hard line on Russia over its military operation in Ukraine. The US Congress is reportedly drafting a bipartisan bill that will target former Hungarian officials with sanctions over Budapest‘s refusal to cut ties to Moscow.

NP-SL Ltd Expansionist Drives Continue to Positively Impact Lives & Communities

April 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Ltd continues to be the proud recipient of warm commendations in and out of the country for its efficiency in timely service delivery and proactive stance in partnering with well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to construct and commission state of the art Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

These moves on the part of the petroleum importing and marketing company has ensured that residents in far to reach areas, which hitherto face serious constraints in accessing fuel and other petroleum products, can now do so with ease. Before, residents have to travel miles and miles away just to procure fuel, an ordeal and big constraint that bike riders, boat owners, business individuals operating cinemas and even for domestic use were wrestling with.

It is in that direction that we can actually see that NP-SL Ltd is not only interested in making profits but takes it that it has the responsibility of mitigating the petroleum sufferings that residents in remote parts of the country have been going through.

What this pro-active stance on the part of the company it also means it is helping to make available job opportunities from which the qualified fortunate beneficiaries do earn a living. The benefits will cascade to other family members and friends.

It must be underscored that NP-SL Ltd continues to demonstrate that it is determined to ensure that the vast majority of individuals and institutions gain easy access to petroleum products.

As a progressive business entity, the company, which has been in the business of importing and marketing various petroleum products, for over forty years, from time to time do partner with entrepreneurs to open new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

The company continues to make meaningful inroads within the petroleum landscape of this country and based on effective and efficient service delivery, the result oriented company has drawn wide-spread commendations from near and far for holding the fort for far too long, weathering various storms.

One thing that the company lays emphasis on is to give preference, in terms of employment, to exclusively Sierra Leoneans instead of considering bringing foreigners on board, except in instances where local expertise could not be sourced. This stance on the part of the company is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy.

The company’s introduction of a Smart Card to purchase fuel has been widely applauded as a very good initiative. A particular customer, with money in his or her NP Smart Card, could easily put in for the quantity of petrol or diesel that he or she wants and the supply is facilitated, after which the amount of money expended is deducted from the card.

Some users of NP Gas that this medium spoke with, intimated how it is a very good device which has a high speed performance and very environmentally useful and friendly. Manufactured in different cylinder shapes, it is portable and affordable. NP Gas could be secured at all the company’s major Filling Stations, where the gas to refill it could be accessed.

Indisputably, there is no way that we can talk of a very successful company, amidst challenges encumbered along the way, without mentioning NP-SL because the company is hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of nations.

Management is very desirous of ensuring that the company has a presence in every nook and cranny of the country.

ECSL Declares 7 Unopposed MPS & Claims of 77% Registered Voters

April 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In giving the latest update on matters relating to the upcoming General Elections the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) on the 17th April 2023 stated that the country has already got seven (7) unopposed Members of Parliament (MPs) who will sit in the next Parliament.

The unopposed Members of Parliament are Hon. PC Cyril Foray Gondor II from Kailahun District, PC Paul Ngaba Saquee V from Kono District, PC Alhaji Masakama Kanamanka II1 from Tonkolili District,

PC Kandeh Paria Kawaleh II from Karene District, PC Bai Shebora Sheba Gbereh III from Port Loko District, PC Desmond Mahayei Kargobai from Bo District and PC Haja Fatmata Bintu Koroma Meama-Kajue from Moyamba District.

According to the ECSL, all the above 7 Paramount Chief Members of Parliament (PCMP) went unopposed and have been declared duly elected with no need for an Election because on Nomination Day, they were the only candidates nominated to contest for their district PCMP seat.

The ECSL went further to inform that the remaining 7 out of 14 Districts will hold elections for who will sit as those districts’ next Paramount Chief MPs. It named the 7 districts of Kenema, Pujehun, Bonthe, Falaba, Koinadugu, Bombali and Kambia will conduct elections for their PCMPs next month.

Meanwhile, the ECSL has confirmed that at least 77% of registered voters have already collected their Voters ID Cards from Polling Centers across Sierra Leone as at close of collection period at 5pm on Sunday April 16th 2023.

It continued that the remaining cards not yet collected, can still be collected at each of the 16 Electoral Districts’ collection points.

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq Schools the International Community

April 21, 2023

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq, Chairman of the Special Investigative Committee (SIC) that was established to conduct investigations into the dastardly events of August 8th, 9th and 10th 2022 and give a comprehensive Report , has cautioned Diplomats and others serving within the International Community to be very mindful of what they say in public especially during particularly volatile situations in any host country.

He gave that caution on April 13th 2023 as he handed over their Special Investigation Committee Report to H.E. President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House.

Dr. Abdulai noted that the International Community, particularly the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Association and Assembly, was sending conflicting messages that inflamed and aggravated the situation, adding that protesters used their tweets to claim that the international community was in support of the action to remove the sitting Government.

“Several tweets and audio files from the protesters support these claims. This gives the impression that the International Community supports the protesters’ actions, despite the fact that the State was almost under siege. This goes against the international jurisprudence, which provides that the survival of the State takes precedence over rights during emergencies”.

“The Government and its International partners should not be seen publicly disagreeing in a crisis situation of the magnitude of August 8–10,” Saffa Abdulai has warned.

Legal Aid Defends its Clients in 1st Post-War Magistrate Court in Tongo

April 21, 2023

The Legal Aid Board has on the 17^th April,2023 provided legal representation to accused persons arraigned in the first post-war Magistrate Court sittings presided over by Magistrate in Tongo Town in the Lower Bambara Chiefdom in the Kenema District in the Eastern Region.

The sessions were the first since the end of the country’s civil war in January 2002. The sittings were held on the 11 -14 April 2023 at the Torkpumbu Burma Court Barray in Tongo Town.

16 accused persons were brought before the court the four-day circuit court sessions. The Board secured the discharge of two accused persons. The two were Sao Mambo of Luyama village, Gbo Section and Baindu Lahai of Feindu Mamema village, Ngojeboima Section were discharged on Wednesday,12 April 2023 on charges of destroying crops and wounding with intent and assault occasioning bodily harm respectively.

The accused persons were represented by Counsel Patrick Kamara, Legal Aid Board’s resident lawyer for Kenema district.

In another development, the Board has also secured the release of three accused persons from two separate court sittings of the High Court Holden in Freetown.

Two of the three, Tamba Bangura and Yassa Bangura were released on Wednesday 29 March 2023 by Justice Unisa Kamara for want of prosecution after a nineteen-month court proceedings on charges of unlawful possession of fire arms, while Issa Mansaray was released on Monday, 3 April 2023 by Justice Cosmotina Jarret also for want of prosecution. The latter was discharged on a count charge of sexual penetration.

The accused persons were represented by Legal Aid Counsels Harold Momoh and Abraham Kargbo.

SLAJ Joins Calls for the Release of EVAN GERSHKOVICH

April 20, 2023

Press Release

Date: 20th April, 2023

SLAJ Joins Calls for the Release of EVAN GERSHKOVICH

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) joins the growing calls by media organisations and journalists across the world for the immediate release of US Wall Street Journal journalist, Evan Gershkovich.

Gershkovich, 31, was arrested on 29th March, 2023 and detained in Russia on charges of espionage. Russian authorities claim he was trying to obtain classified defence information for the US government, and he could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty of the charge. Gershkovich has denied any wrongdoing.

“A threat to the safety and security of one journalist anywhere is a threat to the safety and security of journalists everywhere. Governments everywhere should know that journalists are not the enemy; they are just performing a fundamental duty of providing information to the public. It is the obligation of every government to ensure our safety and security always, especially during times of crisis,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.

Bankers: Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone, Wilberforce Street, Freetown. Account No. 3125345110. BBAN No. 5201-0000-2439-4246.

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists

1^st Floor, 56 Campbell Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone P.M.B. 724,

Website: www.slajsl Email: slaj.salone@gmail.co

President: +232 76 470288 / +232 30 470288, Secretary-General: +232 76 814217

SLAJ supports CPJ’s request for a free and fair trial for Gershkovich, who appeared in a court in Moscow on Tuesday but his pre-trial detention appeal was rejected.

SLAJ believes that Gershkovich can never be an enemy to his own country of origin, and appeals to the Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, to use his good office to secure his immediate release.

Signed:

Alhaji Manika Kamara

Secretary General

Bankers: Guaranty Trust Bank Sierra Leone, Wilberforce Street, Freetown. Account No. 3125345110. BBAN No. 5201-0000-2439-4246.

ARISE IPP is Set to Break Ground for Establishing an Industrial Zone in Koya

April 19, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As a positive move to translate one of President’s Bio’s manifesto commitments, geared towards enhancing development, by encouraging or driving investment in the industrial sector, there will be a Groundbreaking Ceremony, on the 26^th April, 2023 at Mile 36 ,close to the David School at 11:00 am, under the patronage of H.E Brig.(Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio, for the development of the Koya Industrial Zone (SiZ-Koya), which is said to be a joint venture between the Republic of Sierra Leone and ARISE IIP. Guests are expected to be on their seats by 10:30 am, before the arrival of the President.

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 will be recalled that the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb Tamba Lamina together with the Minister of Trade and Industry, Hinga Sandy engaged residents of Koya Chiefdom on the 13^th April, 2023 to inform them of the Government’s plan to establish a special Economic Zone in their Chiefdom.

Worthy of note is that the Government of Sierra Leone has partnered with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP) ,a company that designs, finances, conceives and operates industrial ecosystems across African countries, to establish a special Economic Zone in Sierra Leone and Koya Chiefdom in the Port Loko District was identified to be the first location.

“The vision of President Bio is to make sure that industries are spread across the country, but he has prioritized Koya Chiefdom to be the first point of call for same. This simply means, the Government through its partner (ARISE IPP) is going to establish different manufacturing industries in this Chiefdom which would create job opportunities for thousands of your people and also boost economic activities for you,” Amb Tamba Lamina informed the gathering while stating the purpose of their visit to Chiefdom.

He assured that the benefits that surround the establishment of the special Economic Zone in the said Chiefdom would surpass the Airport that the past Government intended to construct therein.

The Minister appealed to residents to work with their Paramount Chief as every process including agreements and documentations of the establishment would be as transparent as possible.

In his statement, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, said President Bio has a special interest in Koya Chiefdom which was why he chose there for the establishment of his farm land and secondly, the fact that he identified the same Chiefdom to start his dream of establishing the Special Economic Zone in Sierra Leone is another manifestation of his love for them.

He continued that the Special Economic Zone would be the first in Sierra Leone after the formation of the policy and that the drive is geared towards increasing export and foreign exchange. He added that the partner of Government in the said establishment is well-known in Africa for such investments and that it was his belief that ARISE IPP will hit the ground running.

He ended by calling on the residents of Koya Chiefdom to believe in the leadership of President Bio as his love for Sierra Leone is beyond words.

In his remarks, Paramount Chief, Kompa Bomboli III of Koya Chiefdom expressed gratitude on behalf of his Chiefdom residents to the Government for such a manifestation of love for his chiefdom.

He added that he has always told his subjects that President Bio is going to make Koya Chiefdom his retirement home owing to the fact that he has his farm land there.

He continued by highlighting the benefits that his Chiefdom would stand to gain when the special Economic Zone is established in their community and called on all his subjects to support President Bio for a better future for Koya and Sierra Leone.