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Caritas Freetown Offers Dignity Kits to 733 Women & Girls in 3 Fire Affected Communities

Caritas Freetown joined the rest of the world in commemoration of International Women’s Day on the 8th and 9th March 2023. The support provided by Manos Unidas in partnership with Caritas Freetown is said to always ameliorate the sufferings of affected victims. The National Disaster Management Agency appreciates the goodwill donors, including Manos Unidas and Caritas Freetown, are giving in terms of their immeasurable support being accorded to affected people.

The devastating fires at Susan’s Bay, Amputee Camp at Aberdeen, and Wilberforce affected women and that left them more vulnerable and susceptible to poor personal hygiene. A joint needs assessments conducted by Caritas Freetown and the NDMA s identified the undignified challenges women and girls go through due to the lack of sanitary kits.

It was indeed fulfilling to provide these women and adolescent girls with needed dignified kits which comprise of assorted clothing, sanitary pads, laundry soap, bathing soap, lappers, slippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, underwear and torchlight that will bolster their self-esteem as the world was celebrating woman and girls. In appreciating the support, the joy on the faces of the beneficiaries was immeasurable in their eyes and capturing their thank you voices speaks volumes.

Ishmeal Alfred Charles, Programs Manager of CARITAS Freetown explained to the beneficiaries why they were schooled about women’s hygiene and menstrual crises during disasters.

He furthered that the donor of the support was Manos Unidas, which is a women and girls focused organization that cares for them and working in partnership with Caritas, that brought this gift to them during the International women’s Day emphasizing an agape of love in action.

“This day, we celebrate with you with love and recognize the efforts of women right around the world,” said Charles that aroused the benefactor women and girls in jubilations and resounding applause

Councillor Madina expressed her gratitude towards Caritas and Manos Unidas for the endless support they have been giving them at every time of need and she expressed concerns as the rainy season is fast approaching.

Eliza Sillah, Programs Manager Justice and Peace Commission, explained to the beneficiaries about violence and how they want the women to be safe in the forthcoming Elections. She further admonished the women on how to advise their male counterparts, husband, and brother and friends about their behaviour during the upcoming election.

Zainab Kamara one of the beneficiaries, expressed her profound gratitude on behalf of all the beneficiaries for the support and for celebrating the International Women’s day with a gift. She said one organization that always care about their needs during crises is Caritas. She thanked Caritas Freetown and Manos Unidas for their support. “I have been in shame as my clothes were all consumed by the fire and I was admitted at the hospital after the disaster, I just returned home when I met they were registering and now I have some clothing and all these other essential things which can rekindle a woman’s life in dignity,” she expressed joy.
During the distribution, the atmosphere was very friendly, as the women were all in a smiling mood thanking for the donation as it bolsters a happy International Women’s Day in celebration.

12 Journalists Benefit from 4 Day Intensive Training on Human Trafficking Reportage

By Abubakarr Harding

Twelve journalists benefitted from a four-day intensive media training on human trafficking hosted by the Journalism Centre on Global Trafficking (JCOGT) and the Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach (CenHTRO).

Expert speakers helped journalists understand the scope of the issue in Sierra Leone. National and the international interventions deployed to combat human trafficking were addressed, as well as gaps in response still needed to counter the issue. Participants learned about the new Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, passed in 2022, of which many participants were previously unaware. An anti-trafficking roundtable showcased the mechanisms now available in Sierra Leone to apprehend and prosecute traffickers.

Journalists also traveled to Kambia, where an estimated 34% of children have experienced trafficking, according to research by CenHTRO’s African Programming and Research Initiative to End Slavery (APRIES).

In Kambia, journalists interviewed district leaders, parent groups, law enforcement, and World Hope International, an NGO engaged in anti-trafficking programs with APRIES in Sierra Leone. Journalists visited the Guinea border, lorry parks, and markets to witness first-hand the effects of child trafficking and child labor in Sierra Leone.

During the training that took place at New Brookfields Hotel on February 20-23, 2023, speakers from a wide range of disciplines joined journalists for in-depth discussions about human and child trafficking in Sierra Leone. Panelists including Sierra Leone High Court Judge Justice Adrian Fisher, National TIP Secretariat Executive Director Dehunge Shiaka, APRIES Think Tank expert Reuben Lewis, and IOM Senior Project Officer Mangeh Sesay explained policy, legislation, and program details to the journalists.

Journalists participated in a series of “skills” workshops, which included organizing, structuring, and reporting an investigation. They also worked on structuring a narrative and identifying stories. Journalists worked on ethics and reporting skills, with a strong emphasis on the ethics needed to report upon child and labor trafficking.

This unique fellowship program aims to encourage and promote top-quality journalism and reporting on human trafficking. The project seeks an increase of evidenced-based reporting on human trafficking, especially child trafficking, in Sierra Leone’s national and community print, audio, and broadcast media.

Journalists will receive financial assistance or stipends that enable them to report in-depth or investigative stories on human and child trafficking. JCOGT will coach and support selected journalists over a period of months as they report, conceive, and publish impactful stories on human trafficking. Journalists will independently conceive and report their stories with no review or editorial direction from supporting organizations.

Overall support for the workshop and fellowships comes from the Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach (CenHTRO) and U.S. Department of State Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. These organizations did not participate in the review or selection of the fellows.

The 2023 Fellows are : Abdulaziz Samura-Standard Times Newspaper, Edna Ngegba-Radio Maria in Makeni, Zainab Sheriff- Media Matters for Women Sierra Leone, Marian Amaria Bangura- Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV), Alhaji Haruna Sani  -Concord Times Newspaper, Stephen Vandy Lansana- Premier News, Rachael Amara-Nyapui Radio, Alusine Sesay- Premier News, Mohamed Special Conteh-Future View Media Center via BBC Africa Eye, Mariama Suma-Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, Alfred Koroma-Concord Times Newspaper, Erica Ruth Esther Bangura-Nyapui Radio.

 

 

 

Social Workers Sierra Leone Celebrates Social Work Month  

By Abubakarr Harding

Social Workers Sierra Leone held a press conference on March 15th, 2023 at the Ministry of Social Welfare in Freetown, England, to commemorate Social Work Month.

Haji M Kella, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, gave the keynote address and proclamation of Social Work Month in Sierra Leone. Kella emphasized that social work is about social justice, ensuring that people receive their rights and have the opportunity to participate and meet their needs. Kella stated that being a social worker is unique because social workers can operate in different fields, such as medicine, law, and education.

Kella highlighted the history of Madam Yoko, the first Paramount Chief to stand against domestic violence and provide shelter and counseling for battered women. Kella asserted that social work started in Sierra Leone but was not written, and therefore, it has not been recognized. Kella explained that events such as the civil war, Ebola, and landslides are examples of situations where social workers helped and provided for the needs of Sierra Leoneans, however, lamenting that those contributions have not been recognized.

Hassan Koroma, the National Coordinator of Social Work Sierra Leone, discussed the importance of social work and the theme for this year’s Social Work Month, “Respecting Diversity through Joint Social Action.” Koroma stated that the organization wants to spotlight social work and improve it for both social workers and their service users. Koroma added that diversity is not embraced in Sierra Leone, especially when it comes to mental health.

“Many people are discriminated against and stigmatized because of their mental illnesses,” he maintained adding that the conference was organized to spread the message that diversity should be celebrated, and people from different backgrounds should work together to help those in need.

UK social worker, Jason Barnes, spoke about the power of social work in building relationships and transforming people’s lives and society. Barnes emphasized the importance of diversity in the UK and how it relates to social work. He explained that diversity is about celebrating and finding value in the differences between people, and social workers need to understand how difference shapes a person’s life experience. Barnes believes that inclusion is crucial because people from all backgrounds should feel valued and included.

Barnes’ upbringing in Northern Ireland, a society scarred by violence and conflict for three decades, informs his practice as a social worker. He believes that embracing diversity can lead to positive changes in society. In Sierra Leone, Barnes said he hopes to learn from people while sharing his experiences with them.

NP (SL) Limited Wins Best Oil Marketing Company Award

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP (SL) Limited recently bagged an award from the West African Women Network on the 8th March, 2023 at the Freetown City Council Magnificent Hall on Wallace Johnson Street  for its excellent performance in marketing petroleum products in the country.

The same organization also awarded Amb. Kobi Walker, the Chief Executive Officer of the company for his exceptional role in enhancing gender equality and formally appointed him as a He4She Ambassador. He was highly recognized for his unflinching commitment in supporting worthy causes as long as they are geared towards helping humanity during a snap but auspicious occasion.

Receiving the two Awards, one on behalf of NP (SL) Ltd and the other for himself, the Chief Executive Officer of the petroleum marketing entity profusely thanked the West African Women Network for the sterling recognition stating that regardless of the challenges they are going through, the company is passionately committed to ensure that petroleum products are in the country to prevent any socio-economic dislocation.

He also promised to continue to champion issues related to the proper development of He or She underscoring that an issue like Sexual and Gender Based Violence must be condemned in its entirety.

It must be noted that, according to the organization that gave the Award, NP (SL) Ltd  deserves praise and recognition as a resilient business entity that had been rated as the country’s foremost importer and marketer of petroleum products, which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of giving them value for money.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount by the Management of the company out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd always ensures that to give them optimal satisfaction, value must be derived from their monies spent.

For NP-SL Ltd making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. The country is credited for enhancing Local Content Policy.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

It could be recalled that NP(SL) was also awarded as best Oil Marketing Company in December 2022 during the Diaspora Focus National Development Awards in recognition of the Company’s exceptional performance and rapid growth, resulting from excellent customer care and value added services.

According to Amb. Kobi Walker whenever the company is awarded such serves as an impetus for them to continue to selflessly serve the general public maintaining that nothing will deter them from doing so passionately and professionally.

NCRA Registration of Pupils for NIN Starts 27th March

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School and other stakeholders has informed the general public that it will commence the registration of all school pupils  in Government, Government-Assisted, Mission and Private Schools) who have not been registered with the NCRA.

This decision came after Cabinet approved on 2nd November, 2022 the continuation of the exercise after it was briefly halted following attempt to register pupils who were about to take the WASCE and BECE examinations last year.

The exercise will be done in schools and will cover all pupils in the country including those in examination classes of National Primary School Examination (NPSE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) respectively.

According to the NCRA Director General, Mohamed B. Massaquoi, the exercise will be conducted by regions and in all schools across the 16 Administrative Districts including Bonthe Island.

Massaquoi, in his brief keynote address, encouraged school authorities, parents and guardians to correctly complete the Personal Information Forms for pupils that will be sent to schools prior to the commencement of the exercise in order to facilitate an easy search.

He further assured the general public, parents, guardians and school authorities that the NCRA is committed to leaving no pupil behind in the conduct of the exercise.

The exercise will commence on the 27th March to last till the 5th April 2023 for the Western Area and the Eastern Region concurrently.

Dates for the commencement of the exercise in the other regions would be announced thereafter.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the MBSSE, MTHE, private schools authorities, members of the Press among others.

 

 

Mohamed Gento Kamara Honoured in the House of Lords

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mohamed Gento Kamara, a personality that is extensively and extremely popular not just in Sierra Leone but also in the outside world, was the proud recipient of a prestigious award on the 15th March, 2023 presented to him by the WinTrade Global Women in Business Network during the WinTrade Global Awards & Summit held from the 13th to 15th March, 2023 at the Cholmonde Room and Terrace of the Palace of Westminster, House of Lords, London SWIA OPW in London, the Great United Kingdom. The Award was presented to him for “Excellence in Economics”.

Part of the citation that was read before the presentation during the well attended event graced by key stakeholders including Entrepreneurs, donors, investors, policymakers and regulators from various parts of the universe stated that the group honours and celebrate outstanding businesses that are moving Africa’s rapidly transforming economy. Further stated was that the Award is given to celebrate his achievements in driving growth, development, paving new economic opportunities for citizens and communities and inspiring the new generations of brokers who are shaping Africa’s economic future.

According to the organizers of the event, the WinTrade Business Summit was one of key methods of getting those core messages across to their global membership.

It must be noted that prior to the Awards Ceremony, the erudite Engineer, Mohamed Gento Kamara participated on the 14th March, 2023 in a fireside chat at the Llyods of London during which he succinctly and impressively outlined what inspired him to establish the Gento Group (SL) Ltd, the achievements he has made amidst the challenges encountered, how he has so far paved new economic opportunities for citizens and communities and inspired the new generations of brokers.

Worthy of note is that the WinTrade Global Women In Business Summit facilitated broad range discussions and debates by top facilitators from Africa and Europe bringing theoretical & practical experiences that provided guides on how various sectors can work together to promote financial inclusion.

The Summit focused on, but was not limited to the following topics: Financing and Investments for Small Business, International Trade with Africa Supplier Diversity and the Supply Chain Contacts for Contracts, Women & Technology.

Organizers of the Summit were seeking to amplify the importance of effective leadership, diversity and collaboration as tools for sustainable business success and the 2023 WinTrade Global Awards & Summit was an initiative designed to acknowledge rapid expansion, integration, accelerated growth and reforms of engagement with the UK and Africa’s economic sector.

Quite interesting and very impressive is that prior to attending the Summit in London a correspondence was sent to Gento stating that: “The Baroness Verma of Leicester on behalf of WinTrade Global Women in Business Network requests the pleasure of the company of Mohamed Gento Kamara for the WinTrade Global Annual Summit & Awards”.

After receiving the Award amidst deafening round of applause when the citation was read, the proud recipient, Mohamed Gento Kamara, in an exclusive interview with this medium dedicated it to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for the work he has done for Sierra Leone and how such has helped the economy by providing employment opportunities for lots of Sierra Leoneans.

CEO Gento is a household name in Sierra Leone as he is renowned for creating opportunities for young people and he is a reputable man of standing who is showcasing what people of impeccable character and outstanding calibre from the West African country can do which is considered to be a big plus for many Sierra Leoneans.

It is no doubt that this international recognition will raise his profile and create more opportunities for his business to grow. Indeed, he is a popular business man with lots of development projects under his belt, employing hundreds of youths in his business.

 

 

 

WIMSAL Honours Africell

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), which is the umbrella body of all female journalists in Sierra Leone, presented a prestigious award to Africell Mobile Company for the telecommunications company’s exceptional and unflinching support towards the growth and development of the media in the country.

Handing over the Award to the Chief Executive Officer of Africell SL, Shadi Gerjawi ,on Friday 10th March 2023, at the Atlantic Hotel Conference Room in Freetown, by members of WIMSAL as part of their 15th Anniversary celebration, the Outgoing President of the organization, Madam Femi Jarrat Coker,  revealed that Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), is a media association focused on increasing women’s participation in the media.

Highlighting the support that the company has rendered so far towards the activities of WIMSAL and the general media fraternity, Madam Femi Jarrat Coker described the telecommunications service provider as a kindhearted company that believes in the development trajectory of the media. She commended Africell SL for being friendly to the media fraternity saying the company is always willing and ready to support the business aspect of the media. Madam Femi Coker mentioned that during the devastating corona virus that claimed the lives of many compatriots and equally affected the operations of organizations the company did not relent in giving out its support to the media.

She  narrated how some media practitioners, especially Publishers were able to keep their businesses up and running mainly as a result of the support that the telecommunications company and few other companies rendered to the media as a viable partner in the development of the country and went on to outline the numerous support Africell Mobile Company has offered to both the print and electronic media.

“Africell is currently providing free electricity supply to over 50 radio stations and television stations in the country,” she disclosed, adding that, Africell Mobile Company is also supporting over sixty (60) newspapers, over 30 radio stations and television stations with monthly adverts. She also commended Africell Mobile Company for also supporting the Women’s Voice Newspaper, which is the only female specialized newspaper in the country,” she said with pride further applauding the company for honoring its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Company, the affable and result-oriented Chief Executive Officer of Africell Mobile Company Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi warmly thanked the Women in the Media Sierra Leone for awarding Africell-SL for its exemplary gestures in supporting the media.

Africell’s CEO further congratulated WIMSAL for celebrating their 15th years in existence further inspiring members of WIMSAL to continue to stay united and embark on several mentorship programs to the younger ones that are aspiring to be fulltime journalists.

He profusely thanked them for not only promoting free speech but for also championing issues that are affecting women and girls in the country.

The CEO underscored that female journalists play crucial roles in making known societal problems and for acting as catalysts of development in the country further encouraging WIMSAL to do more. He said the award is a big honor to the entire Africell’s family at home and abroad further reaffirming the company’s commitment in support of the media in Sierra Leone.

 

 

 

 

 

Former VP Wants ECOWAS to Economically Cripple Sierra Leone

Chief Alhaji Samuel Sam-Sumana, former Vice President the All Peoples Congress-led Government has attempted to economically strangulate and cripple Sierra Leoneans in his pursuit to seek relief at the ECOWAS Court for a violation of his fundamental human rights.

This was disclosed by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice during a Press Conference held on the 15th March, 2023.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, intimated that Alhaji Sam-Sumana was removed from office before 2018 under the previous administration for reasons unknown to the public.

He continued that dissatisfied with his removal, he filed a lawsuit in Sierra Leone and subsequently went to the ECOWAS Court for a violation of his political rights under the framework of human rights violation.

“In 2017, a judgment was delivered against the State, requiring it to pay his compensation and benefits,” he said adding how Sierra Leone did not defend its position; instead, the then Attorney-General, Joseph F. Kamara, wrote a letter to the court stating that Sierra Leone is a sovereign nation and cannot submit to the provisions of the ECOWAS court which resulted into a judgment in default against the country.

The Attorney General furthered that when the Government changed in 2018, Sam-Sumana sought to enforce the judgment and went back to the ECOWAS court.

He underscored that, however, the reliefs he sought were severe, with him asking the ECOWAS to sanction Sierra Leone as if it was a military regime, a terrorist country, or a blacklisted country.

The relief requested, he disclosed, is that the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS impose sanctions against the respondent through the suspension of new community loans or assistance, the suspension of disbursement on ongoing community projects or assistance programs, exclusion from presenting candidates for statutory and professional posts, and suspension from participating in the activities of the community pending compliance with the judgment of the ECOWAS Court delivered on the 27th day of November 2017.

He said Sierra Leonean lawyers and Government representatives had no choice but to defend the case as they could not allow such relief because it would have resulted in a free flow of other bodies imposing sanctions by virtue of the judgment.

Solicitor General, Robert B. Kowa, on his part stated that if the ECOWAS judgment defended by the State had gone against the State, it would have meant that the Government was a human rights abuser and the country did not follow the rule of law.

The consequences of sanctions by ECOWAS, he said, would have escalated to the EU and possibly other European nations, based on the fact that Sierra Leone did not respect human rights.

He said fortunately, Sierra Leone was able to put up a strong legal defense, led by Osman Kanu, the Principal State Counsel which ensured that the nation’s status and dignity were restored.
The Solicitor General emphasized that the Government’s legal team would not allow any connivance to extort money from the people of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Business Council is Set to Unleash 6th National Business Awards

Leading players from across the corporate sector in Sierra Leone will receive prestigious corporate awards and trade honours at the 6th annual National  Business Awards (NiBA), scheduled for Saturday, 18th March, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aberdeen.

The prestigious ceremony, which is organized by the Sierra Leone Business Council, African SME Forum, and Ecomedia Corporation Ltd. in collaboration with other partners, will honour large companies and small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) making tremendous contribution to Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic endeavours.

“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 socioeconomic growth and human development across the country. Since 2016, we’ve 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),” says Peter SaSellu, President of the Council.

“This year’s honourees will be chosen based on different set of criteria, considering outstanding performance and commitment to corporate excellence as our top priority,” says Gabriel Eshiague, the Chairman of the Council and Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Co. Ltd.

The Awards is organized annually by the Sierra Leone Business Council in collaboration with our strategic partners across the country and abroad. The event creates an environment where the outstanding companies, SMEs and entrepreneur men and women receive a standing ovation from high profile personalities, senior executives, diplomats, dignitaries, and the media. This year’s awards and recognition ceremony will be presented at a black tie banquet dinner and red carpet reception at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, 18th March, 2023, at 6:00pm prompt.

“Companies and SMEs are selected because of business excellence, high ethical standards, integrity and social responsibility. The National Business Awards are the highest recognition for the private sector in Sierra Leone,” says Mr. Eshiague.

“We believe being named a National Business Awards finalist is a huge honour and worth celebrating and as such we respectfully require that honourees attend to receive this recognition,” says Peter SaSellu, President of the Business Council and President & CEO of Corporate Group of Companies and African Consulting Group.

Bella Trading Company Extolled for Timely Supply of Rice to SLP

By Alhaji Turay
With the astute leadership of the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Faya Sellu and the most dynamic young Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the contracting entity, Bella Trading Company, Ahmed Hashim, popularly known as VIP, members of the Force for Good have started receiving the first quarter of quality rice supply nationwide since Wednesday, March 15th, 2023.

The CEO for Bella Trading Company, VIP is held in high esteem among both junior and senior members of the Force for Good, because he was the first contractor ever in the history of the SLP to abolish or put to an end the issue of backlog in the aspect of rice distribution or supply among the vigilant security personnel.

Furthermore, the influential police rice supplier, VIP’s determination to continue transforming lives among members of the SLP as a result of the love he has for the Police cannot be overemphasized. However, the CEO for Bella Trading Company had explained his readiness to do more for members of the Police Force.

The good news is that VIP had confirmed to members of the Forth Estate that there is no issue between himself and the Management of the SLP in the area of rice distribution to the Police across the length and breadth of the country.

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