Jamaica’s Industry Minister to Lead Business Delegation to Sierra Leone

February 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Senator Aubyn Hill, Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce will be leading a delegation from Jamaica to Sierra Leone.

“I’m going to take businesspeople to Freetown (the capital city) so that the connections can be made,” he noted.

He was speaking at the Global Tourism Resilience Conference 2023, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in the Corporate Area.

He said while in Freetown, the delegation will visit the “wonderful new airport that is about to be finished. We want to say, look, make Jamaica your airport in the West”.

He noted that the development of the Vernamfield Aerodrome in Clarendon offers prospects to improve connectivity between Jamaica and Sierra Leone.

“Right down the road, another seven miles away from that airstrip, is one of our deepest ports in Jamaica that needs to be developed,” he pointed out.

“So, we’re looking at a place where we can have long-haul flights that bring cargo. We’re talking about trade and exchange of goods to Jamaica and from Jamaica, but to bring people as well,” Hill added.

The three-day Global Tourism Resilience Conference, which ended on Friday, included panel discussions, networking opportunities and presentations from more than 40 speakers on several topics.

It was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, Caribbean Tourism Organization, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, International Tourism Investment Conference, Jacobs Media and the World Travel Awards.

Kamarainba to Spend 17 years in Confinement for Sexual Penetration

February 21, 2023

By Fatmata Jengbe

After spending sometime in remand failing to fulfill his stiff bail conditions, Leader of the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, was found guilty by Judge Samuel Omodale Taylor, at the Appeals Court of grooming and having sex with a 15-year old school girl.

According to the prosecution, Kamarainba with the aid of co-accused Marion Aruni, said to be the girl’s aunty, had sex with the 15-year old school girl on Valentine’s Day – 14th February 2020 in Koidu, Kono.

Count 1- 15 years
Count 2- 15 years
Count 3- 15 years
Count 4 -15 years
Count 5 – 15 years
Count 6 – 2 years
Count 7 – 2 years
Count 8 – 15 years

Using the above formula the 1^st accused was found guilty in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8= 15 years to run concurrently .Guilty in Counts 6 and 7 = 2 years each, to run concurrently. Therefore, the 1st accused is sentenced to 17 years

With regards the 2nd accused, she was found guilty in Counts 1 and 8 and sentenced to 15 years each to run concurrently. Therefore the 2nd accused was sentenced to 15 years

Taking the sentencing guidelines into consideration, the court has been extremely fair with the accused.

In Justifying their sentences the following was used:

1) 12- 17 years – the sentence range is 5 to 10 years and should not exceed 10

2) 18 – 23 years – the sentence is minimum of 10 years and can attract Life imprisonment

3). 23 – above-the sentence range is minimum of 15 years and same can attract Life Imprisonment.

So, his sentence is either dominated by huge mitigating factors or the Hon. Judge took other essential factors into consideration.

The ADP leader – Kamarainba Mansaray who was unable to attend most of the court hearing due to health reasons, which is believed to be prostate cancer related may serve a minimum of 15 years in jail, at the end of which he would be almost 70 years old.

Second defendant Marion Aruni was found guilty on two counts of conspiracy and aiding and abetting, and was sentenced to 15 years each, to run concurrently.

As both convicts have already served three years in jail after their arrest in 2020, Kamarainba may spend about 12 years in jail in total for grooming and having sex with a 15-year old school girl on Valentine’s Day in 2020 in Kono, Eastern Sierra Leone.

Alfred Peter Conteh Questions PPRC

February 21, 2023

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a letter of dated 17^th February, 2023 written by Alfred Peter Conteh, Chairman of the APC Interim Transitional Governance Committee (ITGC) and addressed to the Chairman of the Political Party Registration Commission, he bitterly complained about what he referred to as variation in conducting the APC Convention from the 18^th February to 19^th February, 2023.

According to Peter Conteh, the Interim Transition Governance Committee (ITGC) of the All Peoples Congress Party was established pursuant to Paragraph 90.8.1-6 of the High Court Judgement of Adrian Fisher J of the Sierra Leone High Court on the 28th April, 2022.

He continued by maintaining that the ITGC is the only established Committee in the APC mandated by the High Court of Sierra Leone to govern the overall affairs of the APC Party until the National Delegates Conference (NDC) pursuant to Paragraph 90.10 of the judgement of Justice Adrian Fisher on the 28^th April, 2022.

Alfred Peter Conteh pointed out that the Transition Interim Independent Elections Management Committee (TIIEMC) was established by the 7th March, 2022 APC Constitution in the Transitional Provisions in Article 82.f.

He mentioned that on the 23^rd November ,2022 pursuant to Paragraph 66.8 the same Court under the jurisdiction of His Lordship, Honourable Adrian Fisher, made variations and a deadline of 29th January ,2023 was set forth for the ITGC – APC to conduct the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the supervision of the PPRC.

“In the same ruling the Honourable Court established a guideline as to how the TIIEMC was to be constituted pursuant to Paragraph 66.3,16 of the Judgement of 23rd November, 2023,” he continued adding that the TIIEMC was given 45 days starting on 5th December, 2022 and not later than 19th January, 2023 to conduct all lower level elections pursuant to Paragraph 66.6 of the Judgement of Adrian Fisher J on the 23rd November 2022.

Alfred Peter Conteh also informed the PPRC Chairman that the ITGC, pursuant to Paragraph 66.8 of the Judgement of the 23rd November, 2022 by the Honourable Justice Adrian Fisher was tasked with the mandate to conduct the National Delegates Congress (NDC) not later than the 29^th January, 2023 under the supervision of the PPRC.

He stated that in January 2022, the Chairman of TIIEMC requested for an extension of time through a motion to the Honourable Court of Justice Adrian Fisher.

An extension of time was granted with new variation to those paragraphs that deals with time.

He pointed out the new timeframe set forth for the TIIEMC to complete their mandate was not later than the 17th February, 2023 adding that the new timeframe set fort for the ITGC to conduct the NDC was not later than 25^th February , 2023.

According to Alfred Peter Conteh, the ITGC is aware of an interim injunction issued on the 15^th February, 2023 to the 23^rd February, 2023 by Her Worship Justice Hannah Bonnie of the Sierra Leone High Court.

He pointed out that two Public Notices came out on the same day from the ITGC denoting acknowledgment of the injunction saying the first Public Notice from the Secretary to the Committee was defiant in nature as he vowed to proceed with the NDC and the second Public Notice from the Chairman of the ITGC shows expected civility as it was tolerant to the dictates of the Sierra Leone High Court.

Alfred Peter Conteh told the PPRC Chairman that the ITGC of the APC, through social means, WhatsApp to be specific, came across another variation given out around mid-noon of the 17th February, 2023 from Justice Hannah Bonnie; in which Her Lordship gave the TIIEMC, an ad hoc committee tasked with the sole responsibility of conducting lower level elections before the 17th February 2023, and whose Chairman sent a copy of his Certificate of Compliance to his Attorney indicating that the TIIEMC has completed their assigned task of conducting all lower lcvel elections in the APC.

Alfred Peter Conteh said from the moment his Attorney received the Certificate of Compliance, the mandate and existence of the TIIEMC has expired.

He stated that as the Chairman of the Committee tasked with the responsibility to be supervised by the PPRC at the NDC, even though he is yet to receive an official vacate of the orders given by Justice Adrian Fisher J on both rulings stated above, he is reaching out to the Commission to register the following criticisms as to why the variation needs further legal clarifications, if it were to be followed:

That the ITGC is still the only body within the APC that has the mandate of conducting the All Peoples Congress Party National Delegate Conference,

He pointed out that the time given to conduct the NDC, if the ITGC is still under injunction is not practical and that the PPRC verify the authenticity of the variation.

Alfred Peter Conteh pointed out that the TIJEMC is not the body tasked to conduct NDC and his orders as PPRC Chairman to supervise their activities is only during the time of conducting lower level elections and as such the PPRC cannot supervise them at the NDC.

He added that the TIIEMC’s sole mandate to conduct all lower level elections expired prior to the said variation tasking them to conduct the NDC.

According to him, therefore, as mentioned above and by evidence attached, the Chairman of the TIIEMC unequivocally attesting that their mandate has ended, and as such they have ceased to exist and don’t have the legal framework to reconstitute to conduct the NDC.

He also pointed out that the ITGC of the All Peoples Congress party, the body tasked with the responsibility of governing the overall affairs of the APC, of which he is the Chairman is unaware of any legal representation seeking variation.

Alfred Peter Conteh finally asked the PPRC Chairman to enquire the source of the mandate of the said lawyers who made those requests on behalf of the APC party without the ITGC.

Copies of his letter were sent to Justice Adrian Fisher, Justice Hannah Bonnie, the Peace Commission Sierra Leone, EU, USA Embassy, British High Commissioner Sierra Leone and the Inspector General of Police.

NCRA Encourages Foreign Nationals to Acquire Non-National ID Cards Latest 1st May 2023

February 21, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in collaboration with Constrat Systems SL LTD is urging foreign nationals, with the exception of those with Diplomatic waivers to acquire their Non-National ID Cards against the 1st May 2023.

It must be noted that the NCRA on the 30^th January,2023 commenced the production of Securitized and Multi-purpose Biometric Identity Cards and ID Verification System in the Western Area and other Regional Headquarter towns.

The categories of the ID Cards produced include: National Identity Cards – For Sierra Leoneans only aged 12 and above, ECOWAS ID Cards – On demand for Sierra Leoneans and ECOWAS citizens and Non-National ID Cards Mandatory for all foreign residents in Sierra Leone.

It is also significant to note that access to various services is linked to the National Identification Number (NIN) and Applicants for Work and Residence Permits must present their Non-National ID Cards which include their NIN at the relevant Ministry or Department for processing.

The general public is advised to report at the respective NCRA Offices and other designated Centres for Application and processing of their ID Cards.

NCRA Headquarters at 2 Walpole Street, Freetown.
NCRA Office at 23B Off Kingharman Road, Freetown

III. NCRA Office on Kennedy Street, Freetown

NCRA Branch Office at 230 Lumley Road, Freetown (By the Round & About)
NCRA Office at Waterloo along the Freetown High Way (Opposite the Police Station).
NCRA Offices at the respective Regional Headquarter Towns of Bo, Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko.

In a bid to increase accessibility to members of the public, the NCRA started providing Corporate service on Monday 20th February, 2023 and is advising Organisations/ Institutions interested in the Corporate service such as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS), Foreign Missions, Financial Institutions etc to contact the following numbers: +232-33-433-333/+232-30-500-000/+232-6 0-000/+232-78-221- 812 and EMAIL: idverification@ncra.gov for details of the Service.

President Bio Chairs AU’s Immunization Discussion & Highlights Importance of Foundational Learning

February 21, 2023

President Julius Maada Bio on the 19th February, 2023 chaired the side event of the African Union (AU) which was discussing the reduction of vaccine-preventable deaths and illnesses and to galvanize the momentum towards the achievement of universal immunization.

The President highlighted Sierra Leone’s specific investment in vaccines and immunization intimating how the country remains committed to achieving the Immunization Agenda 2030 as well as the African Regional Strategic Plan on immunization.

“We believe that it is possible to achieve the national and global immunization targets including eradication and elimination goals. Progress in meeting immunization targets, we believe, is a driver for equitable health outcomes for children, mothers and the population as a whole.

“My Government’s immunization programme is embedded within the country’s primary health care system. The period 2021 and 2022 saw the consolidation of the gains in the immunization system. This period saw a stable and high immunization coverage for key antigens; 93% and 94% for measles and 96% and 94% for DPT3 for the period 2021 and 2022 respectively,” he averred.

President Julius Maada Bio also recalled that the country’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation introduced new vaccines that included the rota-virus vaccine in 2016, the pneumococcal vaccine in 2018, changed from the measles to the Measles-Rubella Vaccine in 2019 and as part of the polio eradication initiative introduced 2 doses of Inactivated Polio Vaccine into the routine immunization programme.

“As part of the ambitious national cervical cancer elimination strategy, in October 2022 we introduced the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine as a strategy to eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2030. Over a 2-week period, 183,218 girls aged 10 years were vaccinated nationwide using a combination of school-based and community outreach strategies.

“In Sierra Leone, 20% of under-five mortality is due to malaria. The new malaria vaccine, planned for introduction in 2024 will reduce hospitalization for severe malaria and all-cause mortality in under-5 children.

“As part of our commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030 and the African Regional Strategic Plan on Immunization, we have paid all the co-financing requirements for vaccine supplies including an advance payment for 2023 despite the economic challenges that my country faces.

“We have committed $ 806,238 for 575,370 doses of routine vaccines (DPT, PCV, MR, Rota, Yellow fever, HPV) and allocated funds for 1 million doses of the new malaria vaccine in the 2023 budget. In line with the Gavi 5.0 strategy that emphasizes country ownership, Government has also committed funds in the 2023 budget to start paying for traditional vaccines (BCG, oral Polio, Tetanus-Diphtheria for pregnant women),” he said.

The President, who was accompanied to the event by his Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr Austin Demby, told the gathering that they believed, as a Government, that the returns on investment for immunization were very high for the country’s progress towards meeting the SDGs. He added that that was reflected in his Government’s national immunization policies, its integrated service delivery programme, and its commitment to working with multiple stakeholders in order to expand coverage.

He closed by talking about the country’s recent success dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak in Sierra Leone, noting that the pandemic had a negative impact on the country’s immunization performance.

“COVID-19 public emergency restrictions, initial concerns about the safety of healthcare facilities, rumours and misinformation about vaccine safety, all prevented or limited access to immunization services. Between March and May of 2020, there was a significant reduction in routine immunization coverage. DPT3 dropped from 92% coverage in January 2020 to 74% in April of the same year.

“However, due to the robust COVID-19 outbreak response, and our strong routine immunization systems as well as the well-established primary health care structures, the drop in immunization coverage only lasted for a few months. By June of 2020, immunization coverage had recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels. The immunization coverage for other immunization antigens also followed a similar pattern.

“By January 2023, over 73% of the eligible population had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. We are now incorporating COVID-19 vaccination into our routine immunization program. We are capitalizing on resources from the COVID-19 vaccination support from partners and additional Government resources to strengthen our routine immunization systems,” he closed.

During an event that was held on Saturday 18 February 2023, President Bio delivered the keynote address during the launch the first edition of the ‘Education in Africa’ report, released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the African Union on the margins of the Africa Assembly Heads of State and Government.

Adding his voice to the continental education strategy for Africa, the President noted that, while the event hoped to bring a diverse range of voices and perspectives from Heads of State and Governments, other senior decision-makers and stakeholders from around the continent on the future of education, it was also good for the 2063 Agenda.

“The African Union launched the 2016-2025 Continental Education Strategy to create a new African citizen who would be an effective change agent and a citizen who would help get the continent on the sustainable development track, as envisioned by our 2063 Agenda. Our efforts are, therefore, geared towards teaching fit-for-purpose knowledge, competencies, skills, and promoting the innovation and creativity required to develop Africa’s human capital.

“Today’s formative new report is a joint product of the African Union and UNESCO. Learning losses occasioned and intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and other global events have set the continent back even further. The report seemingly shows that our vision to develop competitive educational systems in Africa is still out of reach,” he said.

He, however, noted that in spite of their best efforts, African countries were still situated at the bottom of education tables, which on one hand indicated that those countries might have started with a disadvantage and on the other hand that there was a perceived risk that they might not meet their ambitions to achieve SDG4.

“We should, however, be careful to avoid reading this report as a blanket assessment. The new SDG 4 scorecard proposes a way to evaluate progress by how likely each country is to achieve the benchmarks it has set for itself, rather often unrealistic targets that were externally imposed.

“This new assessment report, therefore, gives credit to countries for their progress, regardless of their starting point. It allows us to pinpoint countries that are cutting through challenges to achieve progress. It does not look at how countries are ranked on a global scale. We should, therefore, identify the policies that are helping to make the difference.

“Sierra Leone, for instance, is pleased to appear on the SDG 4 Scorecard. Our country’s Free Quality School Education programme has prioritised and increased education spending and investments, introduced inclusive policies, and expanded access to education to over one million new learners, especially from the early childhood education level. Through our national integrated early childhood development policy, we have made great progress in giving children the best start in life. In addition to political support and commitment at the highest levels, we believe that the right progressive policies will afford us the opportunity to achieve the goals we set,” he said.

It could be recalled that President Julius Maada Bio, as co-chair of the global Transform Education Committee, urged a virtual High-Level Steering Committee meeting by UNESCO in December 2022, reiterated his commitment as the Global Champion for Education Transformation to rally support for education as a critical investment for the youths and for building a peaceful, just, and sustainable future for all societies.

“Sierra Leone believes strongly that foundational learning is the place to start. We can meet our CESA objectives if we focus on getting foundational learning right.

Orange 2022 CSR Annual Report Impressive

February 21, 2023

By Abubakarr Harding

One of the leading telecommunications companies operating in Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone, records can attest has been very steadfast and consistent in the implementation of its Corporate Social Responsibility which has continued to positively impact lives and communities as well as meaningfully contributing to enhance overall socio-economic development.

Within the six years that the company has been in operation in the country, a lot has been done within the ambit of its Corporate Social Responsibility with an ambition to drive socio-economic development.

It must be noted that Orange being a multi service provider and a responsible corporate citizen seriously places emphasis on corporate social investment. The company highly believes in the philosophy of philanthropy which it executes sincerely making its brand well known and recognized, resonating so well with giving back to meaningfully touch lives.

Impressively, in 2022 the company’s CSR and Orange Foundation contributions amounted to approximately NLe 11million.

The telecommunications operator provided support for events and other sponsorship activities as well as supported sustainable development projects in all areas of its operations.

Significantly, it must be underscored and noted that Orange’s 2022 Corporate and Social activities encompasses its Corporate contributions, Environmental activities for green energy, building of early learning development centers, promotion of digital inclusion, community health projects on maternal mortality and several other philanthropically related activities in order to meet the socio-economic needs of society.

Head of PR and CSR for Orange Sierra Leone, Kamal Abass stated that the aim of Orange, as a company, is to continue to make meaningful impact in the society in which it operates by adhering to its corporate, environmental and social responsibilities.

NP-SL’s Proactive Stance Always Ensures Availability of Petroleum Products

February 21, 2023

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

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd has been regarded as a well-positioned institution that is always very pro-active to pragmatically put concrete arrangements into reality in order for the majority in this country to gain access to qualitative petroleum products which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants, including the ever highly sought Castrol lubricant oil regarded to be a very good for the efficient lubrication of various engines.

NP-SL is indeed poised to continue to avail its numerous customers qualitative petroleum products that the company markets.

The company has in its employ, a workforce as well as distributors that market its various petroleum products. As far as it has been established, this laid down policy which the company is implementing to the letter, is complementing the efforts of the Government to deepen development.

Today, it is now non-existent for individuals to complain that when they are in the process of procuring petroleum products, pump attendants cheat them in terms of not getting their money’s worth. The simple reason is because the Shareholders and Management of the company were indeed very business savvy to procure modern calibrated pumping machines which were installed at their various selling points and are very capable of churning out the exact quantity of what is demanded and the price to be paid. In this regard the company has bagged the covetous commendation of, “1^st For Customer Care”.

During a random countrywide survey conducted over a period of time targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country, the methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get their candid views.

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

Abdul Aziz Koroma, a renowned Social Commentator, maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.

“From what I so far learnt in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out, adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination, as anything like that is farfetched.

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

“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates, it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Andrew Soluku, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat.

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

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

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose, maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations. “I discovered that this device is very fast in terms of performance and is now going like hot cakes, as many are now going for it, especially when the gas that is used to refill it could be easily secured at various Filling Stations ,” Memunatu Forna, a business woman selling cooking utensils on Sani Abacha Street informed.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card, it is one that is now in vogue. Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel. “Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.

Momodu Fofana stated that the company is really growing by leaps and bounds. “For NP-SL Ltd to successfully establish branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia is indeed no mean feat, especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that these branches are operating vibrantly,” he pointed out.

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

QNET Empowers Young Sierra Leoneans for Social Justice in 2023

February 21, 2023

QNET, the leading international e-commerce company that has been empowering individuals financially through its innovative products and entrepreneurial business model, is joining forces with the United Nations and many other organizations around the world to celebrate the 2023 Day of Social Justice. As QNET marks its 25th anniversary, the company is proud to align with this global cause, which focuses on “Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice.”

According to the International Labour Organisation, the objective of the World Day of Social Justice is to create a socially integrated society by raising awareness about social injustice, eradicating poverty, gender discrimination, physical discrimination, illiteracy, and religious discrimination. QNET’s mission to empower people through direct selling and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, RYTHM (Raise Yourself to Help Mankind), demonstrate the company’s strong alignment with this objective.

“QNET’s direct selling business model offers a solution for anyone, anywhere in the world, regardless of their background. In Ghana, for example, over 30% of the population lives below the poverty line, but through direct selling, QNET provides an opportunity for people from all walks of life to earn income and achieve financial freedom,” said Mr Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of the Sub Saharan Africa region.

RYTHM Foundation, QNET’s social impact initiative, invests in underserved and underprivileged communities, providing educational opportunities and kits, skills development, safe learning environments, livelihood support, and relief. By embracing and sharing the principles of Empowerment, Volunteerism, and Resilience, RYTHM Foundation aims to transform the world, one person, one community, and one goal at a time.

QNET’s dedication to social justice is demonstrated by its numerous successful impact stories, such as empowering young Africans through its QNET business, supporting Tanzanian farmers, Sri Lankan teachers and entrepreneurs, and aiding children with special needs in India, deaf and blind students in Ghana, and widows in Mali. In addition, QNET’s signature financial literacy programme in Nigeria, FinGreen, has enabled hundreds young people to access alternative financial education to improve their livelihoods.

Social justice is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially during these challenging times. QNET remains committed to transforming individuals and communities one at a time, contributing its quota to achieving a just and equitable society. Join QNET and the world in celebrating the 2023 Day of Social Justice and become part of the movement to overcome barriers and unleash opportunities for social justice.

AATF Awards Motivate Three Students at EBK Uni to Achieve Academic Excellence

February 20, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Adonis Abboud Trust Fund (AATF) has served as a catalyst of academic excellence at Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology. This year, three students, one female and two males, graduated as the best students with grade points of 4.62 and 4.66 respectively. The students credit their success to the AATF academic excellence awards, which, according to them, provided motivation and encouragement to strive for greatness.

Kadijah Yabom Conteh, the best female student, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration-General, scoring 4.62 FGPA and achieving Distinction in both her project and internship. She expressed her delight in being recognized for her hard work and shared the strategies she employed to excel, such as avoiding social media and networking with relevant people on campus.

Similarly, Francis Foday Kamara and Ibrahim Conteh-Moi, who both graduated with BSc Economics and Bachelor of Business Administration-Human Resources Management respectively, were inspired by a previous recipient of the AATF award. The two males had the same FGPA of 4.66 and both achieved Distinction in their project and internship. They acknowledged that the road to success was challenging, as they had to compete with experienced and hard-working students, but they were determined to succeed.

During the presentation ceremony, the CEO of AATF, Adonis Abboud, explained the significance of the award and how it is benefitting eight universities nationwide.

This year, the first university to be awarded was the EBK University in Magboruka, with three students receiving the award due to having the same grade points. In the coming weeks, AATF will continue with the rest of the universities, including Njala, FBC, CHOMAS, and UNIMAK. The initiative, which started seven years ago, aims to recognize deserving students who have excelled in their studies and provide critical data for the Ministry of Education to grant scholarships.

As the sun rises on a new day, the AATF continues to shine a light on academic excellence, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of scholars to reach for the stars and achieve greatness. The awards ceremony was a celebration of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, and the students’ success serves as a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact of the AATF.

NP-SL’s Maximization of Customer Care is Highly Commendable

February 20, 2023

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

NP-SL Ltd is a very successful petroleum selling entity that assiduously continues to ascend the slippery ladder within the economic landscape of this country. The meteoric rise of NP should not come as any big surprise to anyone as it epitomizes the crystallization of determination, hard work and sheer entrepreneurial skills on the part of Sierra Leoneans who formed the company and the capable managerial teams that have been steering the affairs of a 100% indigenously owned outfit. Its continuous ascendancy is indeed a clear manifestation of dogged commitment by all those who are associated with it to succeed.

If there is one outstanding feature which makes the company quickly identified then that could be its innate passion to give maximum care and attention to its numerous customers. The company’s shareholders and management do not joke with Customer Care as it is prioritized in all the company’s transactions. This could sound very simplistic when looked at from the face value but for NP, its thorough and cautious implementation is very close to their heart and indeed such is paying fruitful dividends. Of course it really makes sense that availing customers with qualitative petroleum products, dealing with them respectfully , negotiating win-win deals will all contribute in retaining customers as well as wooing new ones. With all amount of certainty it could be safely concluded that NP has mastered that business technique, deepening it and is working well to which many have attested.

It has been established by development specialists that proper implementation of the Local Content Policy is indeed a very important cog that should be in the wheel of the engine to thrust growth. One business entity that is strictly adhering to enhance the Local Content Policy in this country is NP. The shareholders and Management of the company have made it a matter of policy to get in its employ indigenes and even in cases where expatriates are engaged, local members of staff are given the opportunity to understudy them so that at the end of the day they will imbibe the necessary skills to take over. This is very advantageous in the sense that it helps in providing jobs and to develop a crop of competent individuals which the country needs in its development interventions.

Cooking is an inevitable aspect of human life, whether for domestic and commercial purposes. Man depends on food for survival, individuals invest in food businesses and the like. Very mindful of the hazardous effects of depleting the environment, using traditional means of cooking, here specifically talking about making use of wood, charcoal, the company deemed it prudent to introduce NP-Gas which is very fast to ignite, quick to perform, safe and highly convenient. NP Gas, which is in different sizable cylinders could be accessed at the company’s filling stations and authorized dealers.

The company has high profiled customers with tight schedules who may have limited time to always wait in queues in order to purchase petroleum products. Besides, some people are not used to have huge cash in their possession but prefer using smart cards. For these reasons the company went the extra mile to introduce NP Smart Card which customers, those who can afford it, could use to purchase petroleum products. From what was so far gathered all the customers who are using NP Smart Card are well satisfied doing so saying it is very convenient further praising NP for rolling out that initiative.

The viability of NP could be measured by its expansionist achievements both within the country and in the West African sub-region as is evident with the opening of branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. For a hundred percent indigenously owned company to go to such a level of spreading its tentacles is actually commendable and worthy of praise. As far as we know the branches in all those countries are doing extremely well although there are inevitable challenges which it has been surmounting.

One thing which cannot be challenged is the fact that NP, not only here in Sierra Leone but in other places where it is functioning, is greatly contributing to revenue accumulation when we think of its timely payment of taxes which Governments are using to fund various development projects.

Regardless, of all the teething challenges that stand in the way of NP, one of which is the depreciation of the Leone to the Dollar, as the company purchases petroleum products in dollars, yet still the company is navigating its way through murky economic waters.

Without mincing the truth, NP’s ascendancy is really breath-taking and highly impressive.