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USL Ends Matriculation Ceremonies Across its Campuses

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The University of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 28th February,2023  ended its annual traditional matriculation ceremony at the Samuel Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre at Fourah Bay College for the 2022/2023 academic year during which students were officially admitted into the various programmes and courses for which they applied and were admitted to pursue.

During the ceremony, some 3,000 students of Fourah Bay College signed the University Register and were assigned their unique University Numbers.

Earlier, on the 16th and 23rd February, some 3,500 students of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) and 1,400 students of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) respectively also signed the University Register and were assigned their University numbers.

In his address during the ceremonies across the three campuses, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, USL, Prof. Foday Sahr, admonished the newly admitted students to live by their promises to conform to the tenets and discipline of the University and to abide by all statutes, regulations and rules that are in force in the day-to-day administration of the institution.

Addressing them as students of IPAM, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Associate Prof. Miriam Conteh-Morgan said they are committed to provide an enriching experience in and out of the classroom. “We want to train and educate – training you in your chosen field of study and also educate the whole person so you are not only intellectually prepared but also socially, morally and culturally prepared to serve this country and represent us globally,” she assured the students.

Speaking to the newly admitted students of COMAHS at their Kossoh Town Campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohamed Samai pointed out that every year enrolment at the college keeps increasing thereby creating the need for additional facilities and personnel to cope with the increase in number of applicants annually. “We shall not relent in calling on Government, partners and other stakeholders to continue to give us the much-needed support for us to maintain our pride of place in society and to continue to provide the health care professionals this country deserves,” he said. Prof. Samai encouraged the students not to lose sight of the purpose of their being at COMAHS.

At the Samuel Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre on FBC Campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray told matriculants of FBC that payment of their college fees would enable his administration to implement transformative programmes, projects and activities that would accelerate the restoration of the past glory of the college.

“We have a portfolio of projects, which include the construction of lecture rooms, enhancement of the college’s ICT infrastructure and wide availability of internet service to faculty, staff and students, expansion of the students’ and staff quarters, fencing of the campus, equipping labs, providing transportation facility for students and ensuring a secure and conducive campus for learning and living of residents, including staff and students,” he intimated the audience.

Meanwhile, the number of FBC matriculants brings the total number of students to about 8,000 that were officially admitted this academic year by the University; the largest number of students to matriculate since the USL was granted a Royal Charter to run as a University on the 21st December, 1959.

Sierra Leone Becomes an Official Member of Coalition of Finance Ministers

By Abubakarr Harding

The Coalition of Finance Ministers Member States  have endorsed Sierra Leone as an official member bringing together fiscal and economic policymakers from over 80 countries leading the global climate response and securing a just transition towards low-carbon resilient development.

Finance Ministers are aware of the economic consequences of climate change, the risks posed by its mounting impacts on their economies, and the opportunities of climate action, which could unlock $26 trillion globally in investments and create 65 million more jobs through 2030.

They can also promote climate-informed public expenditure using climate fiscal tools such as carbon taxes and emissions trading systems to cut emissions and prioritize low-carbon growth.

The Coalition of Finance Ministers seeks to demonstrate leadership in response to climate change within their national frameworks and competencies.

They also support the Helsinki principles, which are geared towards aligning policies and practices with the Paris Agreement commitments, share experience and expertise with each other to provide mutual encouragement and promote a collective understanding of policies and practices for climate action, work towards measures that result in effective carbon pricing, take climate change into account in macroeconomic policy, fiscal planning, budgeting, public investment management and procurement practices, mobilize private sources of climate finance by facilitating investments and the development of a financial sector which supports climate mitigation and adaptation.

Through active engagement with the Finnish Government and the Global Coalition of Ministers of Finance on Climate Action by the Government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio facilitated by Sierra Leone’s Consulate Planning Office in Finland headed by Mr Sorie Obai Kamara, the Member States have endorsed the membership of Sierra Leone as an official member of the coalition.

Already in Sierra Leone, through the diligent effort of Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, Deputy Bockarie Kalokoh, and Financial Secretary Sahr Lahai Jusu, the Ministry of Finance has established a Climate Finance Unit at the Ministry to enhance the mobilization of climate financing for the Government.

This Unit will facilitate the mainstreaming of climate budgeting as part of the annual budget planning process, mobilize Climate Finance, Green Finance and Disaster-Risk financing, as well as develop the National Climate Finance Strategy and participate in United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other climate finance international convention negotiations.

Mr. Sorie Obai Kamara’s office has a lot more that he is currently bringing to Sierra Leone from Finland but needs the continuous support of the Sierra Leone Government.

 

NP-SL Committed to Ensure Petroleum Products are Widely Accessible

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

There is not a single iota of doubt that NP-SL Ltd is the premier oil marketing company that has been doing extremely well within the ambit of the  importation and marketing of various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.

Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.

It must be noted that for any petroleum marketing company to maintain such a solid and unshakable posture could only be attributed to prudent business management initiatives. Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company have greatly influenced most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.

One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come on board its customer platform.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. Built in state of the art fashion, painted with yellow and green paints, these sales points are very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize. As of now social gathering in those marts has been put on hold as social distancing has been recommended as one of the preventive measures put in place to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers. “I always feel gratified whenever I do purchase petrol at NP Filling Station because I am always satisfied that I am getting my money’s worth,” a banker divulged to this medium adding that the Managers of the company are doing a fantastic job ,referencing the orderliness of how business transactions are taking place.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

NP-SL is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni recommended.

What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions. The Shareholders and Management have always stood by the side of Sierra Leoneans in thick and thin always endeavouring to give succour and deepen development. The good things it had done are so many to catalogue and time plus space could not permit one to narrate all of them. However, the recent one should not go unnoticed and it has to do with availing the Government one Billion Leones to help scale up the fight against the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

“This shows that the company is a responsible business entity,” an official of the Petroleum Regulatory Authority commended.

The company stands tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments. NP-SL is indeed a force to reckon with and is poised to further make its presence felt and expand its operations.

Five Years of President Bio’s Legacies: Pros & Cons

Dr Julius Maada Bio,

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is no secret that President Julius Maada Bio has and is still the most vilified President Sierra Leone has ever had, despite the fact that he is doing all he humanly can to change the dynamics that have kept this country at a standstill and lagging far behind its contemporaries in Africa and across the globe.

It must be noted that President Bio took over the reins of power at a time when poor and affluent citizens were uncertain about the future of the country with austerity hanging over their heads and the people wanting quick fix systems after years of decadence.

When he arrived on the scene, he taught Sierra Leoneans that leadership is about creating possibilities for everyone, especially young people; the reason why his priority was improving and investing on Human Capital Development in Education, Agriculture, Youth and Women’s Empowerment.

It is no gainsaying the fact that, President Bio’s Free Quality School Education (FQSE) Programme, has seen tremendous development and received  national and international accolades to the point that, the Basic and Senior Education Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh was honored as World Best Teacher at the World Governance Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates a few days ago.

The Bio administration must be credited for creating the necessary climate and culture for strong, high quality educational foundations to be established for pupils from the pre-school, primary to tertiary levels, irrespective of their background, tribal ethnicity, political affiliation and religion. This is good foresight by President Bio because it will ensure that in twenty years’ time, Sierra Leone would have produced educated, qualified and well-equipped civil servant, technicians, teachers, engineers, scientists, doctors, lawyers, professors and other professionals to manage the country’s administration in all spheres. It is also worth noting that President Bio must also be credited for providing the largest budget ever in the country’s history to support education.

At no time in the history of this country has the fight against corruption been more robust, aggressive or determined than during the current administration of President Bio. It is a fact that in the fight against corruption, Sierra Leone under President Bio has so far topped the MCC scorecard at least three times. In less than a year, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) czar, Francis Ben Kaifala achieved a 100% conviction rate; recovering about $1.5 million of stolen money which was then used to construct the country’s first-ever National Medical Diagnostic Center. Much has also been achieved by the Bio-led administration in other fields like Education, Mining, Agriculture, Social Welfare, Justice, Gender Equality, Health and many more.

Against this background, there are still pressing issues about the resetting of policies and strategies for real transformation in economic policy responses towards protecting and improving livelihoods for the growing population of young people and women in the informal sector; investing in skills development, and infrastructure as the foundation for sustained economic growth and social progress.

Another major obstacle is how to correct the long-standing weaknesses in the fundamentals of the national economy which since 2020 have become more complex.

The less-than-ideal trends in per capita income, consumer price inflation, foreign direct investment, current account deficit and the debt-to-GDP ratio show a Government moving gradually towards bankruptcy if not robustly and dynamically addressed. Revenue and economic growth forecasts in the last two budgets and expectations of a more positive macro-economic outlook in the medium term have been adjusted downwards.

Against this canvass, President Bio’s Government seems to have no choice and like his predecessor, he would soon have to institute severe austerity measures and do a lot more to eliminate inefficiencies and gaps in the allocation and management of public finances.

 

 

Health Alert & TAAC End Roundtable Conference with CSOs & Media Practitioners

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Health Alert ,a local civil society development advocacy and accountability programming organization in the country, in collaboration with RMNCHAH+H (TAAC) through the Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) USAID programme has on Thursday 23rd February 2023 concluded a one-day regional media, CSOs and Youths Advocacy Roundtable Conference on Teenage Pregnancy, SRH/ Family Planning District Priorities. The roundtable conference was held at the Campaign for Good Governance Office at Waterloo.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Executive Director of Health Alert, Victor Lansana Koroma, disclosed that the one-day regional media, CSOs and Youths Advocacy Roundtable Conference on Teenage Pregnancy, SRH/ Family Planning District Priorities is geared towards creating an opportunity for the representatives from the 3 districts that Health Alert is operating in through the Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) USAID to provide their report to the media and CSOs on the priorities which they agreed on during their engagement with young people in February 2022, adding that during the engagement in February the issues of Teenage Pregnancy and Early Marriage were very topical at the engagement of which these districts representative committed themselves through pledge signing as part of their committment towards the reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Early Marriage in their various districts.

He said that after listening to the reports from the various districts, Health Alert and partners commended them for their work towards the reduction of Teenage Pregnancy and Early Marriage in their various districts, stating that they have made some progress and that they also underscore the challenges faced in their districts of which they said that they are fighting to reduce those challenges.

Victor Lansana Koroma said that as an organization having heard from them, they will now make use of such messages in order to see how they can mount robust advocacy towards addressing those issues highlighted.

Making his presentation, the Program Manager of Health Alert, Darlton John said that Health Alert is a local civil society organization specialised in heath development advocacy and accountability programming in the country.

He stated that the organization’s overall goal is to promote the interest and rights of vulnerable and marginalized citizens, with a special focus on women, youth, adolescents and children at both national and sub-national level towards increased access to right-based quality and affordable health care services.

In her address, the Matron for Pujehun District Hospital who also doubles as the Representative for the District, Fatmata M. Kamara said that the issue of Teenage Pregnancy is really a challenge and is in the increase in the district.

She said that the issue of compromise remains to be a challenge in the fight against Teenage Pregnancy in the district, adding that they have been embarking on advocacy in order to discourage the issue of compromise when it comes to sexual and gender based violence issues.

Fatmata M. Kamara said that due to their robust advocacy on the subject matter they have been able to convince residents and stakeholders within the district to report cases of such in the district.

The District Medical Officer, Western Area Rural District, Sylvia Fasuluku, commended Health Alert and partners for their strides towards the reduction of Teenage Pregnancy in the country.

Underscoring what they have achieved as a district she said that the district has been able to set up a secretariat desk in order to reduce Teenage Pregnancy within the district.

Sylvia Fasuluku said that they have been also been able to reactivate their youth friendly Centres in most of their Centres which has given young people the access to family planning information and other health related issues.

She said that advocacy continue to be the center pillar of their approach towards the reduction of Teenage Pregnancy in the Western Area Rural District.

Other representatives from other districts also made statements and held plenary discussions which was followed by comments, questions by the media, CSOs and the youths present.

Rise Radio to Amplify Women’s Voices in Sierra Leone

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Rise Radio FM 96.3, a community service media organization in the country, is set to amplify the voices of women, girls and young people in addressing critical and emerging issues affecting them and to promote human rights, a just and inclusive society, democracy and progressive governance through radio broadcast.

Rise Radio, with the slogan “Voice of Many Voices”, will be offering space and opportunities to diverse groups to share their experiences, views, concerns and perspectives.

Speaking to this medium, the Station Manager, Rise Radio, Mariama Bah, stated that the radio being owned and managed by women speaks volumes of women not only presenting themselves in a male dominated world but with evidences to show their strides.

“We aren’t there yet, but so far, I am proud to be part of this generation of inspiring women who are intentionally creating a positive impact for a safe and better world and at RISE radio 96.3 FM, we remain committed,” she stated.

The Station Manager said that as a community service media organization, they will continue to ensure that women, girls and young people use their radio platform as an advocacy tool to strengthen and build an inclusive and just society!

She said that the core values of Rise Radio include promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, to always strive to serve the audience better, to engage their community in authentic and meaningful ways and to always respect their audience.

Mariama Bah noted that the objectives of the radio are to operate as a public and community service media organization, dedicated to promoting an agenda of issues, produce and disseminate empowering and motivating messages and products relating to girls, women and young people across Sierra Leone, to promote good governance, democracy and human rights, awareness raising about education, health, environment, and sport of all kinds, to engage in online news, event management, public relations, media advertisement, media advocacy, effective monitoring to support and protect the status and interest of the citizens of Sierra Leone etc.

The Manager said that the vision of the Radio is for it to be known for its high-quality, relevant and vibrant programming and will serve as a model for diversity, equity and inclusion, while maintaining professional standards and ethical values.

She concluded by stating that Rise Radio complied with all the rules and regulations governing the registration and operation of media institutions in Sierra Leone. It abides by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Code of Practice, the rules and regulations of the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Code of Ethics.

Mariama Bah concluded by informing all that the Radio, which is located at 20 Hall Street, Brookfields, Freetown will commence its first broadcast today Wednesday 1st March 2023, adding that all who want to do business with the radio should contact them on email: riseradiosl@gmail.com or call +232 33 963 963 / 76 959 207.

 

Cowbell Celebrates Family Day with Modern Elementary School

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the brands marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, a food distribution company that operates as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, a leading distributor of quality food products in Sierra Leone, Cowbell, has supported a social event known as Family Day with Yung Sal, organized by the Modern Elementary School. The Modern Elementary School Family Day with Yung Sal, which was held on Saturday 25th February 2023 at Radisson Blu Garden in Freetown was geared towards celebrating families.

The Administrator of Modern Elementary School, Mrs. Kailie stated that the objectives of the event were to create a platform where pupils can showcase their talents and also to mobilize funds for the construction of a sports complex at the school.

She said the project idea is to create a good atmosphere for students to feel more entertained and feel the luxury through education in order to make them enjoy their time through education.

The Administrator further revealed that the school has since its inception grown into being a reputable primary school providing quality education for children meeting its admission requirements, without discrimination.

She expressed appreciation to Premium Divine Trading through its Cowbell brand for supporting their Family Day. She encouraged all parents and guardians to support the school’s sports complex project which is geared towards creating a conducive environment for their children.

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

Speaking to the audience, the Institutional Sales Lead at Premium Divine Trading Limited, Ruth Kamara commended the school for their sports complex project which she described as very important towards keeping pupils physically fit.

She said that Premium Divine Trading Limited deemed it fit to support the Modern Elementary School Family Day as part of their educational campaigns on the essence of milk consumption in the country and to support healthy living among children.

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

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

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

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

She appealed to parents to always buy the quality food products of Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd especially Cowbell milk because it is enrich with all the necessary nutrients needed for growth in the family.

The session was climaxed by questions and answers relating to the company and their brand by the company which pupils who answered to the questions had an opportunity to win attractive prizes from the company.

Parents and Guardians who witnessed the event commended the partnership by the company saying it was a laudable move.

 

IOM, Tourism Ministry Engages 300 Returnee Migrants

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The International Migration Organization (IOM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, on Tuesday 28th February, 2023 launched the “Keep the Beach Clean” Campaign designed to be undertaken by three hundred (300) Sierra Leoneans who attempted to seek greener pastures abroad but were either forced to return or were deported back to Sierra Leone. The event took place at Kallon Car Park, Lumley Beach, Freetown.

Explaining the rationale behind the launch of the programme, IOM Head of Office, Christos Christodoulides informed his audience which included the three hundred returnees, government ministers, journalists and other distinguished guests that it had become a norm over the years for Sierra Leonean victims of irregular migration to suffer extremely after returning home.

He said the IOM and its partners this time round decided to launch the “Keep the Beach Clean” Campaign for migrant returnees to be engaged in cleaning the beaches for a period of four months after which they would receive a package which they can use to develop themselves. He further stated that, after the stipulated four months, the participants would then have the opportunity to be absorbed by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture into mainstream sectors as long as there is a vacancy and the participant has the relevant qualification or skills.

According to him, the programme also provides for cleaner environments and cleaner beaches, adding that clean beaches attract tourists. He maintained that Sierra Leone is among countries with the highest rate of irregular migrants seeking greener pastures abroad but that, he believes that with the “Keep the Beach Clean” Campaign, returnees would engage themselves meaningfully and after recouping from their experiences, serve as ambassadors to sensitize other potential irregular immigrants about the dangers of irregular immigration.

Delivering her Keynote address, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, thanked IOM and the other partners including government ministries and the UN system for believing in the programme and for playing leading roles in its establishment/. She informed her audience that it all started in December last year with a batch of returnees who had nothing to do after returning home. She said that after consultation with IOM and other players, they agreed to embark on a programme which would engage returnees and at the same time, serve as a platform for them to reflect on the fact that irregular migration is more problematic than a solution. She admonished them not to lose hope or faith but to always consider the fact that staying at home and keeping themselves busy could reap more dividends that trying to migrate to another country the improper way.

She reiterated that the campaign would last for four months after which, the participants will receive a package, adding that her ministry will consider absorbing those that are well-behaved and competent enough into mainstream employment in the Tourism sector.

Other speakers at the historic event were Minister of Social Welfare Baindu Dassama, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Lusine Kallon and the Minister of Environment Prof. Foday Jaward. They all  shared similar sentiments and admonished the returnees to grasp reality now, serve as ambassadors instructing other potential irregular migrants to not venture but rather to do what they can to engage themselves internally and help in the development of Sierra Leone.

The climax of the event was a brief explanation by two returnees, Isata Sesay and Mohamed Lamin Kamara. They spoke of the horrors and dangers they and colleagues suffered at the hands of human traffickers while en-route to countries abroad. They both used the opportunity to call on other young Sierra Leoneans that would be thinking of risking their lives to make such a journey to desist because it is a painful and uncompromising journey.

The audience was later thrilled by a Sierra Leonean musician residing in France who in one of his songs, recounted his own irregular journey abroad but at the same time, admonished his colleagues not to try such a journey because it could be fatal.

Towards June 24: Citizens’ Expectation of the SLP

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is a fact that the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is the body created by the country’s constitution with the extraordinary mandate of protecting the lives and properties of all people living throughout Sierra Leone, (not just the citizens, as most people erroneously believe).

However, much water has flowed under the bridge as far as the conduct and professionalism of the SLP is concerned. There have been more than a few coincidences, consequences of police brutality with some of these resulting to deaths of innocent civilians.

At the same time, there have been occasions when the SLP acted professionally and were commended for their action. In fact, just this past weekend, no less a person than Mohamed Kamara aka Pope, Deputy Publicity Secretary of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party stated over the AYV on Sunday TV discussion programme that, he was impressed with the SLP on the day their party’s flag bearer Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara and his newly-elected Executive members marched through the streets of Freetown. Pope said the SLP provided adequate security for their large crowd of members but then, he was disappointed about the attack on the new APC Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya which allegedly occurred in the vicinity of the Presidential Lodge, Hill Station in Freetown.

That notwithstanding, the SLP before now has had its own fair share of woes and joy. There was a time when SLP personnel tore their uniforms in exchange for civilian clothes when rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) overrun Freetown, targeting police officers. Any police officer caught in uniform died a miserable death at the hands of the RUF.

That was then.

It can safely be stated that down the line, the SLP has evolved within the last ten years. Much has been done and achieved in training and providing logistics in the form of uniforms, regular rice supply, regular salary, vehicles for operations and for transportation of personnel to and from work, regular refresher training courses, medical allowance, participation in international peacekeeping ventures among other internal arrangements such as study leave, leave allowance, NASSIT contributions among other benefits for SLP personnel. Indeed, the current administration of President Julius Maada Bio is on record for doing much for the SLP in terms of improving the lot of our police personnel and recruiting several hundreds in the last four years.

In the midst of all this, Sierra Leone will go to the polls on 24th June, 2023, wherein citizens will vote in a multi-tier election. From what is being observed before the actual elections and even before campaign whistle has been blown, safety and security issues are already erupting and are therefore bound to erupt in the coming months. The SLP must at this point in time be readying itself to face and quell any eventuality before it becomes a major incident.

Much is expected of the SLP by the people of this country before, during and after the elections. From the look of things, there is not much in terms of security being adequately provided round the clock by the SLP as should be the case. This is not to say the SLP is not trying. They are, but the reality is, they cannot be everywhere at the same time.

However, as the clock slowly ticks towards Election Day – Sierra Leoneans in every nook and cranny are looking up to the SLP to provide adequate safety and security for voters as well as for election staff and materials. The SLP must be very alert and on the lookout for potential trouble-makers from all the political parties; but more especially from the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition APC party.

At the end of the day, citizens expect the SLP to be on top of things on Election Day. Anything short of this would simply not be acceptable!

NP-SL: Well Managed to Take Enhance Customer Care & Satisfaction

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd)

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

There is no doubt that NP-SL Limited is highly known for taking customer care to the highest pedestal in the country. Indeed such is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen in optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention, always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that result into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative the company has been making positive headways positioning itself to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

With a capable and result-oriented ‘Team NP’, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.
One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages.

It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.

Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects, one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.

Some who may not be aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the visibility of the company and how it is remarkably striving could find it hard to believe that it a truly indigenous company.

However, that remains the plain truth when it is learnt that it was Sierra Leonean 35 workers formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

When reference is made to Local Content then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.
Without any iota of doubt NP-SL Ltd is growing taller and taller as time goes by.

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