NP (SL) Ltd’s Local Content Policy Stance is Indeed Positively Changing Lives

March 22, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Ltd, it has been confirmed, is a successful petroleum marketing business entity that has, over the years, been hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of this nation in diverse ways.

This assertion could be justified when cognizance is taken of the company’s serious deepening of the country’s Local Content Policy as vividly evident in giving exceptional preference to employing indigenes contrary to bringing in foreign expatriates to execute certain tasks.

Whenever the company partners with any entrepreneur who intends owning and operationalizing a Fuel Station one of the requirements that must be fulfilled is giving employment opportunities only to indigenes, especially those residing within the community where the Fuel Station will be located.

In terms of out sourcing other entities that should undertake certain tasks on behalf of NP, only Sierra Leonean entities must be considered except in situations when it is necessary to do so externally.

This laid down policy that is strictly implemented has created room for the employment of many Sierra Leoneans who have the requisite qualifications and skills giving them the opportunity to work, earn money in order to take care of personal responsibilities.

This admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd has been exhibiting throughout the years is geared towards giving preferential treatment to indigenes or making use of local ingredients, in the form of human and material resources, instead of depending on those that are acquired through importation.

The company has deepened the laid down policy of giving preferential employment consideration to indigenes instead of relying on expatriates. As long as Sierra Leoneans have the requisite qualifications and skills they are first considered for various vacant positions in the company. The greatest advantage is that the policy has made it possible for indigenes to be gainfully employed and live improved standards of living.

“I cannot find words to express how delighted I am as I can proudly say that NP-SL has changed my life completely since the company employed me,” one of the workers at NP Cotton Tree branch joyfully intimated The Calabash when this medium went out on a fact finding mission.

“As far as I have assessed in this country it is only NP-SL Ltd that has such a pragmatic policy of maintaining a policy that gives job preferential treatments to Sierra Leoneans and I have great respect for the indigenous company,” Raymond Cole, a Social Commentator eulogized.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card by the company, which has gone viral, the Card can be credited with money and the amount of money utilized to buy fuel is debited after every transaction.

With the use of NP Smart Card, customers are saved the hassle of having to always move with physical cash in their possession in order to purchase fuel and indeed there are times when one may not have time to rush to the bank to make withdrawals.

Customers, who are holders and users of NP Smart Card, are at the vantage position to properly budget, through the amount that is contained in the card to buy fuel, during a considerable period of time, say a week or a month. Indeed, NP Smart Card has become trending.

In order to ensure that their customers derive value for money, it was thought prudent on the part of Shareholders and Management to make use of state of the art and highly modernized calibrated pumping machines which were installed at the company’s different Filling Stations capable of pumping the exact quantity of fuel, be it petrol or diesel, that a particular customer requested for.

This fine move by the company has helped instilled confidence among customers that they are really dealing with a very transparent business entity and getting what they are paying for. This singular business strategy has got many glued to a petroleum company that is considered to be marketing the best of petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and high grade lubricants, one of which is the most sought out Castrol oil, said to be very good for the proper functioning of engines.

The company also markets NP Gas which is a cooking device that is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at the company’s Filling Stations across the country. It can be easily refilled with gas, is said to be non-hazardous to the health of individuals and easy to operate. Its performance has been rated high and many are indeed going for it.

One yardstick that could be used to assess the potency and vibrancy of a company is how well it is entrenched or established. With regards NP-SL Ltd, one can actually see that the company, over the years, has grown by leaps and bounds as seen in its opening of branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these NP branches, within the sub-region, are functioning very efficiently and contributing immensely towards the socio-economic development of those host countries. Through their operations, the company is paying taxes to the various Governments and indirectly boosting the revenue bases of those countries to roll out different development programs.

From all that have been said so far, it could be argued with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a highly successful and very competitive petroleum company that continues to stand tall within the business landscape of this country. And from the look of things it is poised to reach higher heights.

The Calabash Newspaper Bags 2023 National Business Award

March 22, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

All roads led to the Radisson Blu Hotel in the evening hours of Saturday, 18th March, 2023 where, at a black tie banquet dinner and red carpet reception, the 6th annual National Business Awards (NiBA) was held by the Sierra Leone Business Council, African SME Forum and Ecomedia Corporation Ltd, in collaboration with other partners, to honour large companies and small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) that were identified as making tremendous contributions to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic trajectory and growth.

Well attended by personalities from various walks of life, the glitz and glamour that permeated the air, the soft music in the background, the cacophony of laughter, taking of selfies and voices of those chatting all added pomp and pageantry to a splendid occasion which many were expectantly looking forward to.

Peter SaSellu, President of the Business Council and President & CEO of Corporate Group of Companies and African Consulting Group, in a charming manner, intimated the audience present that regardless of the challenges currently affecting the global economy and Sierra Leone in particular, the companies and SMEs in particular are leading the way with local investments to improve socio-economic growth and human development across the country.

He further informed that since 2016 they have been identifying and recognizing companies, SMEs and entrepreneurs based on a basket of quantitative and qualitative criteria with a focus on growth, outstanding performance over the years, entrepreneurship spirit, leadership, innovation, dedication to excellence and resilience (best practices, sustainability and vision).

On his part, the Chairman of the Council and Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Co. Ltd, Gabriel Eshiague, stated that this year’s honourees were chosen based on different set of criteria, considering outstanding performance and commitment to corporate excellence.

He continued by revealing that Companies and SMEs were carefully selected based on business excellence, high ethical standards, integrity and social responsibility also maintaining that the National Business Awards are the highest recognition for the private sector in Sierra Leone.

The highpoint of the prestigious event was the presentation of Awards to deserving entities and individuals.

Emerging as one of the entities that bagged a prestigious Award was The Calabash Newspaper. The citation before the presentation reads, “In recognition of your dedication to business growth, excellent corporate services and outstanding performance in the private sector in Sierra Leone.”

Publisher/Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, the erudite and prolific investigative journalist, Amin Kef aka Ranger, in reaction to the accomplished feat first expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the organizers for the consideration and honour. He said receiving a meritorious award will now serve as an impetus to continue to stand for the truth and to work even harder in order to continue to enlighten the public on topical issues as well as to reveal the wrongs in society. He dedicated the Award to all the staff and fans of The Calabash Newspaper.

Since the news break out, the barrage of congratulatory messages that have been pouring in have been overwhelming and Management of The Calabash is only grateful for the nice compliments.

About The Calabash Newspaper:

The Calabash newspaper was established in 2017 as a print media news and general information dissemination platform that targets a wide-ranging Sierra Leonean audience at home and abroad via the traditional and social media presence.

The medium seeks to engage its various reading communities in discussions about topical news happenings in Sierra Leone complemented with editorials and commentaries on burning issues of the day.

The medium ventures further to take on board topics of general interest to the continent as published and commented on in various international publications that focus on continental political, economic and social development issues.

Issues that interest The Calabash Newspaper that finds space in its pages include the following:

News
Current Affairs
Politics
Gender
Culture and Entertainments
Sports
Environmental
Health

Kobi Walker Emerges as Vice Chairman of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association

March 22, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

When Cricket Sierra Leone held its 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 18^th March, 2023 graced by 104 spirited delegates, Kobi Walker, the current Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) Ltd emerged as the only nominee for the Vice Chairmanship position which he got to the delight of all 104 spirited delegates.

The day of reckoning at the Kingtom Police Officers’ Mess was very impressive and colourful sight as a chorus of approval sang the praises of Kobi Walker in the harmonious declaration, celebrating him as a befitting replacement of philanthropist Martin Michael, who served in the company’s second highest post for well over a decade until his resignation four months ago.

The following are two ways in which Kobi Walker and his predecessor share similar values:

Both Martin and newcomer Kobi Walker played active cricket in their youthful days, and having a cricket background is a solid component of the requirements of holding the Vice Chairmanship Post.

Kobi Walker played cricket for the Prince of Wales Secondary School and the Albert Academy Secondary School between 1975-1980.

He played the game alongside great cricketers of the time such as Dr. Sahr Kpundeh, Alex Williams, Christian Williams and a host of reputable names.

Both Martin Michael and Kobi Walker are morally and financially well placed and have made significant contributions to nation-building from natural goodwill. When Martin Michael resigned the said post on claims of extra personal duties, the company was not only in urgent need of a suitable replacement of some sort, but was also looking for one with the selfless heart to contribute morally and financially to the growth of a game that always brings laurels home and brandishes the nation’s flag in grand style on the global stage.

Multiplying the effects, Kobi Walker has more than 35 years working experience. He is an accomplished visionary leader with extensive experience in general management, accounting, financial management, sales, customer care, operations, strategic planning, marketing and business development.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration degree. He graduated as a Financial Administrator at the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators. He is a certified International Business Leader.

At present, he holds the following positions: Chairman: Sierra Leone Employers Federation, Chairman: FBN Bank, Chairman: NP Ivory Coast, Chairman : Core Insurance, Deputy Chairman: NP Liberia, Director: Various companies in and outside of Sierra Leone and Chief Executive Officer: NP SL Limited.

As He Unveils Largest Portrait of the President… Kadiru Kaikai Storms Makeni with No Runoff Messages

March 22, 2023

As he continued his no-runoff election campaign messages for President Bio, Chief Abdul Kadiru Kaikai stormed Makeni City on Sunday 19^th March, 2023, unveiling ‘the largest’ portrait of the President at the heart of the main opposition APC stronghold.

Mounting the portrait at NP in Makeni City, Chief Kaikai said today he walked into the heart of APC territory to praise and unveil the portrait of his Excellency, adding that President Bio’s re-election is a must, and Bombali district should be part of that history-making on June 24.

He continued that joining the Sierra Leone People’s Party faithful, the people of Makeni City and traditional authorities to unveil the portrait is a clear demonstration of the President’s good work in not only the opposition strongholds, but also in other parts of the country, stressing that immediately after the event he will proceed to the SLPP party office to honour an invitation from the SLPP family in the district.

“President Bio’s re-election is a must, which is why I have joined to ensure his smooth re-election come June 24. SLPP remains the best and only hope for good governance in the country,” he said.

“We, the SLPP, shall continue to stand before the Sierra Leonean people to discuss the real issues of the day and offer insights into the policy solutions we intend to deploy to solve them,” he also said.

The astute Chief Kaikai told the people of Makeni that although the problems that the Bio-led Government inherited were enormous and would take a long time to solve, he expressed delight that within four years of being in office, the Government had made tremendous progress in the areas of diversifying the economy from mining dependent to an agro-based one, creating jobs, maintaining a consistent fight against corruption in the country, and providing free quality education for all school-going kids.

He recalled that President Bio took over office when all the indices showed that our national economy had been collapsed by the then APC Government, adding that this coming campaign will be on real issues and that the President plans to address challenges confronting the country.

He further expressed the hope that if President Julius Maada Bio is given another five years he would be able to consolidate on the gains made by the administration so far.

“Let me not be unjust to myself by expressing happiness upon realizing that different groups are currently working alongside other numerous organizations in the district for the re-election of President Bio so that he can continue with his good work.”

The event was climaxed with the official unveiling of the ‘largest’ portrait of President Julius Maada Bio in Makeni Town, Bombali District.

Ebenezer Miracle Ministry Turns Sod for the Construction of an Ultra-Modern Church

March 22, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Saturday 18^th March, 2023 at Yassin Drive, Juba, the Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International AKA City of Victory has turned the sod for the construction of its ultra-modern church auditorium. The ceremony was held at the church site at Yassin Drive, Juba West End of Freetown.

In his welcome address, the General Overseer of Ebenezer Community Church, Rev. Darlington Morrison commended the Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International for the turning of the sod for construction of what he called the House of God.

He encouraged members of the church to support the vision of the General Overseer in order to make the project a reality.

Giving the purpose of the ceremony, the General Overseer of Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International, Rev. Francis R. Kabia, said that the Ministry started in 2001 when he finally answered the call of God to establish a ministry.

He said since its inexistence, the ministry has been saving lives, preaching deliverance to the captives and bringing people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Francis R. Kabia stated that the church is proud to inform all that the church has turned the sod for the construction of its ultra-modern church which he said according to the Engineers will cost over $400,000 United Sates Dollars.

He called on all to support to the church towards the completion of the church building stating how the project needs everybody’s support and that the church is open to all who want to support the church project.

Giving the keynote address, the General Overseer of Shalom Ministries, Rev. Lamin T. Kabia congratulated the leadership and the entire membership of the Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International for thinking of building the house of God.

He described the Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International as an altar that has been planted in the community that will positively affect the community through the amendment of lives, bringing healing into homes and deliverance to families within the Juba Community.

Rev. Lamin T. Kabia quoted Nehemiah 2: 20 which states “Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore, we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem”

He further maintained as they have committed to build the House of God, God himself will prosper them. He encouraged the entire membership to arise in order to support the building of the church.

Rev. Lamin T. Kabia said that with the construction of the church at the Juba Community he is with the strong conviction that the lives of residents of Juba and its environs and all who will come in contact with the church will never be the same.

In closing he said that if they want to complete the construction of the church members of Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International should do three things and these three things include developing passion of which he said members should develop passion for the completion of the church.

He further added that members should also develop fervent prayer for the church, stating that for the church to be completed members need to develop fervent prayer for open doors and against any altar that might want to speak against the completion of the church.

Rev. Lamin T. Kabia added by saying that members should be ready to support the church through building partnerships which he described as very important towards the completion of the church.

“The construction of the church is a good work, but we need the partnership of all in order to support the project till its completion. This is the work of God I urge you all to support the work of God Almighty of which God himself will definitely reward you,” he pleaded.

One of the stakeholders of the Juba Community, Daniel Moijueh applauded the move by the Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International for the construction of the ultra-modern church within the Community.

He said that they are with the conviction that the church when completed will bring God’s divine blessings to the lives of residents of the Juba community and its environs.

He assured the church of the community’s support towards the construction of the church of which he further called on residents to take ownership of the project saying after completion it will be a blessing to the community.

The Engineer of the project, the CEO of Star Afrik Company Limited, Kwame Fosu Anokye, said that Star Afrik Company Limited which is into logistics and construction is proud to be the contractor of the ultra-modern church which is said worth over $400 United States dollars.

He said the project is anticipated to be completed within the period of one year disclosing how the company has qualified engineers that will enhance the construction of the church in order for it to meet international standards.

Closing the Ceremony was the official turning of the sod for the construction of the church by the General Overseer of Shalom Ministries, Rev. Yarie Kabia, the General Overseer of Ebenezer Miracle Ministry International, Rev. Francis R. Kabia, the General Overseer of Zion Praise Tabernacle, James Bangura, General Overseer, Rhema Voice Church Int. Apostle John Boating, General Overseer Power of God, Prophet Michael, the General Overseer of Ebenezer Community Church, Rev. Darlington Morrison etc.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Declares for Re-Election as Mayor of Freetown

March 22, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It was indeed a remarkable sight, an earth-shattering and exciting episode at the Attuga Mini Stadium in the East End of Freetown on the 18^th March, 2023 when the former Mayor of the Freetown Municipality, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, officially declared her intention to rerun as Mayor of the Freetown Municipality.

Before the entrance of Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and her entourage at the Atuga Mini Stadium the field was already jam-packed with crowd of people from all walks of life in their red outfits or attire, noisy as music was blasting from loud speakers and people were seen chatting in various groups.

As she landed from her vehicle at the field, the crowd went wild as it shouted from all the corners of the field “5 More to do More” as the woman of the moment waved on to the crowd.

The Newly Elected Deputy Regional Chairman Western Region, Hon. Alhassan Cole told the crowd that the former Mayor, Aki-Sawyer, worked under the most difficult moments but stated how amidst all the challenges she faced she was able to deliver.

He said that the level of intimidation the Mayor faced was visible but said she was able to stand tall and surmount those intimidating moments to deliver to the people of this country in the last five years.

The Deputy Regional Chairman used the opportunity to encourage all to vote Dr. Samura Kamara as President of Sierra Leone, Aki-Sawyerr as Mayor of Freetown Municipality come June 24^th 2023.

Representing Dr. Samura Kamara, the Flagbearer of APC at the ceremony, the Newly Elected Deputy Chairman of APC Veteran National, Dr. Sam Sesay said that Freetonians don’t need to look afar in order to know the fittest candidate for the mayoral position of the Freetown Municipality as all can testify that Aki-Sawyerr is the most competent candidate for that position.

“Freetownians I believe you don’t want to start all over again by bringing another person to occupy the position, vote Aki-Sawyerr as Mayor of Freetown Municipality come June 24, 2023 she has started the transformation of Freetown Municipality, give her more 5 years in order for her to complete her unfinished work as Mayor,” he pleaded.

Dr. Sam Sesay said that come June 24^th 2023 Dr. Samura Kamara and Chernor Maju Bah will march to State House as President and Vice President and with Aki-Sawyerr as Mayor of Freetown, adding that with this team on the helm of affairs of the country, the country will become a better place for all.

Addressing the gathering, the former Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said with her tenure as Mayor of Freetown she has brought a lot of development to the city, adding that some of those developments are unfinished but said when her party (All People’s Congress “APC”) comes to power in June 2023 and she has been elected as Mayor of Freetown most of her incomplete works will be completed.

She expressed appreciation to God Almighty, the APC party, Mayor Delivery Unit, Councilors, and all staff of the Freetown City Council for supporting her during her tenure as Mayor of Freetown for the past five years.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr explained the process, noting that, the people will not see pictures of their councilors or MPs rather they will only see the faces of the presidential candidates and the mayoral candidates of which she encouraged them to vote for Dr. Samara Kamara as President of Sierra Leone and her, as Mayor of Freetown, come June 24^th 2023.

Aki-Sawyerr said the APC is a peaceful and nonviolent party.

She said that she disagrees with violence and intimidation, stating that she disagrees with the uneven distribution of justice maintaining how this is a free country and that should be seen practiced at all sectors

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr informed the gathering that they were asked to vacate office and according to the law, they should have left on April 25^th, 2023, but to maintain the peace they left before that date. She said such has even given them chance to plan and get themselves well prepared as well as ready for the June 24 elections.

“Today I come before you all as your sister and daughter to inform you all that I am declaring my intention to be re-elected as Mayor for the Freetown City Council. I need you all support me in that vein. I also want to inform you all that my Deputy Mayor is Kweku Lisk, ” she concluded.

Afrimoney Unveils ‘Di Hut’ Ramadan Show

March 22, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of its efforts to continue to put smiles on the faces of its valued and esteemed customers across the country during this month of Ramadan, appendages of one of Sierra Leone’s leading GSM Companies in the country, Afrimoney, has Tuesday 21^st March, 2023, launched the Ramadan Di Hut Show. The launching ceremony was held at the Africell Headquarters in Freetown.

Africell Legal Affairs Manager, Hajaratu S. Turay welcomed guests to Africell and affirmed Africell’s love for their subscribers and the nation at large.

Explaining the model of the show, Africell Media Assistant, Abdul Aziz Kamara said Africell is not only promoting their value-added services but they are also bringing innovative promotions to their lovely subscribers.

He went on to say the mechanism of the promotion will not change as they have retained the same SMS Code or call to 777.

Abdul Aziz Kamara said the sum of up to 500 million old Leones is set to be won by subscribers and all one needs to do is to call or send SMS to 777 and One Leone will be dedicated per any call or SMS adding that the show, which will be aired from Monday to Friday, starting this Thursday will be linked to all major radio stations in the country.

Aziz guaranteed their lovely subscribers that there are lovely prizes to be won emphasising that with the media by their side, they will not disappoint them as their subscribers.

Afrimoney Director, Martison Obeng-Agyei, while launching the promotion disclosed that when a subscriber tops up NLe 2 via Afrimoney, that subscriber will automatically get 3 chances for that day and the more he/she recharges the more chances he/she will get.

Martison pointed out that this is not the first time they will be doing such a show, “what we are going to do this year is going to make the difference.”

He called on those that don’t have Afrimoney accounts to try to get theirs now as they will be rolling out surprise gifts to their subscribers across the country starting from Freetown on the 23^rd March, 2023.

The Director said the loaded gift truck will cover the entire country meeting people and giving goodies to Afrimoney subscribers.

“If you are an Afrimoney subscriber and you top up with Afrimoney, you will get 3 chances in the Ramadan Show.”

He ended by encouraging all to load their Afrimoney wallets and do the transactions now.

Harish Agnani Becomes the Newly Designated Honorary Consular General of Norway to Sierra Leone

March 22, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It has gone down the annals of the history of Sierra Leone that on the 21^st March, 2023, during a short but a very well organized and impressive programme held at the Choithrams & Sons Head Office on Rawdon Street in Freetown, a prominent Indian national, who has so far resided in the country for thirty-four (34) years, in the personality of the ever smiling Harish Agnani, was officially appointed as Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway to Sierra Leone.

Representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis, was the Director General and Ambassador At Large, Dr Victoria Sulamani , who was accompanied by the Chief of Protocol, Lamina Vamboi, the Foreign Affairs Director of Europe , Henry Nyandemoh and other support staffs, Kumba Fomba, Darlyn Lucy Brima and James Boye-Caulker. Others present included family members, well wishers and the Press.

In his welcome statement, Harish Agnani, informed all present that the purpose of converging at the aforementioned venue was to officially open the office of the newly appointed Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway to Sierra Leone.
He said he is honored by the appointment and privileged to welcome all to join Her Excellency Madam Ingrid Mollestad, Ambassador of The Kingdom of Norway to Sierra Leone and Her Excellency Ambassador Dr. Victoria M. Sulaimani, Director General – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to do the official opening.

Harish Agnani assured all that during his tenure, in his capacity as Honorary Consul General he will endeavor to ensure that he performs his duties diligently and efficiently.
Harish Agnani extended thanks to his boss, Mr. Kan Azad, for his support and guidance since his arrival in Sierra Leone 34 years ago, his wife Niharika, sons, Nikhil & Naman and his colleagues for being with him by his side and for all the support they have been providing to perform him duties.
He once more thanked all further extending a very warm welcome to all those in attendance.

Before officially appointing Harish Agnani as Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway to Sierra Leone, the Ambassador of Norway, who permanently resides in Ghana overlooking Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Ingrid Mollestad, in her warm statement intimated that the Kingdom of Norway has continuously had consular presence in Freetown since 1906.

She further disclosed that Norway is a trading and shipping nation which decided to establish a Consulate here for the purpose of serving the many Norwegian ships and sailors passing by for trade on the coast.

The Ambassador also revealed how the importance of having a globally widespread network of consulates to serve their merchant fleet was one of the main reasons Norway got its independence in1905.

She mentioned that there are three Norwegian war graves for sailors from the Norwegian merchant fleet at the King Tom Cemetery here in Freetown which according to her speaks volumes of the importance of establishing ties with Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Ingrid Mollestad noted that, however, times have changed saying there are not so many Norwegian ships and sailors to serve in the same way as in the old days.

She, however, informed how in a globalized travel world with migration, there are now many families in Sierra Leone with bonds to Norway and vice versa adding that many children are born in Sierra Leone with a Norwegian parent, thereby giving them right to of course Norwegian citizenship and consular services.

The Ambassador underscored how they are immensely grateful for having found Harish Agnani, to be the new Honorary Consul General for Norway here in Freetown.

She maintained that Harish Agnani has already shown great skills and capacities, making them highly convinced that he has been a good choice disclosing how he is not the first Indian to represent Norway in that capacity.

The Ambassador stated that as Harish Agnani has already received his Exequatur from the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Professor David John Francis, it is with great pleasure that she hereby hands over to him the Official Diploma of his appointment as Honorary Consul General for the Kingdom of Norway from the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency, Anniken Huitfeldt.

Ambassador Ingrid Mollestad then declared Harish Agnani as the Honorary Consulate General for the Kingdom of Norway in Freetown as officially re-opened.

The Director General and Ambassador at Large in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Victoria Sulamani, in her statement before she officially cut the ribbon signifying the opening of the Consulate of Norway stated that it is indeed a unique period in relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Norway in the re-opening of a Honorary Consulate for Norway in Sierra Leone.

According to her, such presents another opportunity for the two countries to broaden, deepen and strengthen the existing brotherly relations that characterize the two nations and its peoples.

She conveyed, through the Norwegian Ambassador present, to the Government and People of the Kingdom of Norway, an appreciation of the Government and people of Sierra Leon for such a step in view of sustaining trade and economic relations by establishing a Consulate.

“We hope that more gains would be made and our two peoples will maximize this opportunity to expand relations in all spheres,” the DG and Ambassador At Large expressed optimism.

She maintained that the country is also expecting to receive more Norwegians in Sierra Leone to enjoy what Sierra Leone has to offer in the tourism potentials of the country, and to take advantage of the opportunities for investment in the private sector.

“Sierra Leone and Norway share the same knowledge of the importance of the shore and value of fish and maritime activities,” she informed adding how it is against that backdrop that Sierra Leone values the importance of the partnership further assuring that the Ministry will work with the Consulate.

The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the ribbon by the Director General signifying the official opening of the Honorary Consulate for Norway in Sierra Leone.

A reception was held at the Lagoonda Complex Centre at Aberdeen in the West End of Freetown which was graced by the crème-de-la-crème of society in honour of the appointment of Harish Agnani during which event congratulatory messages and gifts were showered on the new Honorary Consulate General for the Kingdom of Norway.

The Calabash Newspaper Bags National Business Award 2023

March 20, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

All roads led to the Radisson Blu Hotel in the evening hours of Saturday, 18th March 2023 where, at a black-tie banquet dinner and red carpet reception, the 6th annual National Business Awards (NiBA) was held by the Sierra Leone Business Council, African SME Forum and Ecomedia Corporation Ltd, in collaboration with other partners, to honour large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that were identified as making tremendous contributions to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic trajectory and growth.

Well attended by personalities from various walks of life, the glitz and glamour that permeated the air, the soft music in the background, the laughter, taking of selfies and voices of those chatting all added pomp and pageantry to a splendid occasion which many were expectantly looking forward to.

Peter SaSellu, President of the Business Council and President & CEO of Corporate Group of Companies and African Consulting Group intimated the audience present that despite the challenges currently in the global economy and Sierra Leone in particular, the companies and SMEs in particular are leading the way with local investments to improve socio-economic growth and human development across the country.

He further informed that since 2016 they have been identifying and recognizing companies, SMEs and entrepreneurs based on a basket of quantitative and qualitative criteria with a focus on growth, outstanding performance over the years, entrepreneurship spirit, leadership, innovation, dedication to excellence and resilience (best practices, sustainability and vision).

On his part, the Chairman of the Council and Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Co. Ltd, Gabriel Eshiague, stated that this year’s honourees were chosen based on different set of criteria, considering outstanding performance and commitment to corporate excellence.

He continued by revealing that Companies and SMEs were carefully selected based on business excellence, high ethical standards, integrity and social responsibility also maintaining that the National Business Awards are the highest recognition for the private sector in Sierra Leone.

The highpoint of the prestigious event was the presentation of Awards to deserving entities and individuals.

Emerging as one of the entities that bagged a prestigious Award was The Calabash Newspaper. The citation before the presentation reads, “In recognition of your dedication to business growth, excellent corporate services and outstanding performance in the private sector in Sierra Leone.”

Publisher/Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, the erudite and prolific investigative journalist, Amin Kef aka Ranger, expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the organizers for the consideration and honour. He said receiving a meritorious award will serve as an impetus to continue to stand for the truth and to work even harder in order to continue to enlighten the public on topical issues as well as to reveal the wrongs in society.

Since the news break out the barrage of congratulatory messages have been overwhelming and Management of The Calabash is only grateful.

About The Calabash Newspaper:

The Calabash newspaper was established in 2017 as a print media news and general information dissemination platform that targets a wide-ranging Sierra Leonean audience at home and abroad via social media presence.

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Njala University Confers Honorary Doctorate Degree on President Julius Maada Bio

March 20, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

From a Rtd Brigadier to a Doctorate holder, President Julius Maada Bio, was the proud recipient of a Honoris Causa Doctor of Letters Degree on Friday, 17th March 2023 at the Njala University Guest House, Njala Campus.

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio graciously accepted the Honorary Doctorate Degree conferred on him at Njala University.

In his acceptance speech, he said he stands humbled but felt privileged to be accorded such a very unique honour by a University that has contributed tremendously to the development of the nation.

He pointed out that the great nation has been very kind to him as it has given him opportunities to lead saying it has inspired him to think critically about the many challenges it perpetually throws at all.

The President said, with the right mindset, the right leadership, and right policies, he has been thrilled by the transformation of the education sector over the last five years.

He recalled when as a young soldier in his twenties, he opted for the difficult choice of engaging sub-regional leaders to facilitate the ferreting-out of the Revolutionary United Front leader, Corporal Foday Sankoh.

“I initiated a peace process, conducted democratic elections, voluntarily retired from the military, handed over power to a civilian Government, and left this country,” he furthered adding that those who facetiously argue that he had nothing to do with birthing democracy in Sierra Leone should ask themselves whether, after five election cycles, Sierra Leone has ever looked back.

He said he referred to that moment in history that to usher in productive change and change the fortunes of a nation, leaders must sacrifice their personal gratification, and make bold choices by weighing costs and measuring abiding impact.

President Bio told the audience that the citation references the many things that have been achieved collectively as a nation in the field of education.

“Let me dare say that what I am doing for education is simply the actualization of the dreams of a bare-footed five-year-old orphan in Tihun – a boy, encouraged by his illiterate mother, Yei Amie, to explore and participate in the life-changing, nation-changing experience of education,” he stated adding how it is the outcome of several hours of critical thinking about how to get education right and reap its unceasing, sustained, and endless benefit for the nation.

He underscored that the honour today is important; but the heritage he will be leaving behind for generations of all learners and for this nation, in particular, is more important for him.

“I, therefore, humbly accept the honorary doctorate degree you have so kindly bestowed on me knowing that it is both a recognition of what I have done and a challenge for me to do more,” President Bio concluded.