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 Foday Mohamed Sesay declared wanted by Police for alleged homosexual activity in Freetown

Foday Mohamed Sesay.jpg

By Karifa Thoronka                       

The increasing reports of isolated physical attacks on persons found to be gay in Sierra Leone seem to have no end in sight as the case increase on daily basis. According to reliable source, from one Alhassan Koroma of Waterloo he narrated by identifying the nineteen years old Foday Mohamed Sesay as one of his best friend since childhood, noting that since Foday met with one European man who is popularly known as London who introduced him into homosexual activity he always acts like a lady.

Alhassan further by saying that since that time Foday Mohamed Sesay found it very difficult to love or even feel a bit sexually attracted to a normal young lady. “I have always known Foday to be very secretive, but I didn’t really know that he was gay; because he even have child with a lady he hardly encourage’’ Alhassan said.

Whiles explaining to the media with tears in her eyes the lady who gave birth for Foday Mohamed Sesay by the name of Marion Momoh mentioned that Foday only make love with her once and he hardly encourage her, instead he encourages more of his male friends. She says that when they discovered that Foday is a gay he disappeared in the community as they were searching for him to humiliate and lock up in the police cell as the law demands.

In Sierra Leone, most families are not accepting siblings, children, or other family members who are attracted to the same sex due to strong cultural and religious beliefs, therefore anyone catch doing such acts must be punish or even kill to avoid initiating others in society.

Responding to the incident in disappointing mood, the chief Imam in the Community says that the act is not allow in the Country, and from religions perspectives, homosexuality is problematic because it is sinful. He further by saying that the two boys most pay for their acts and their families must be harassed and humiliated until they found their missing sons.

Until press time, the police and the community members are still searching for Foday Mohamed Sesay.

Lower Bambara Chiefdom laments deplorable road network

By Amadu Daramy in Maryland, USA

The people of Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District have appealed to the government of President Julius Maada Bio to construct the deplorable Tongo/Panguma Road that has been neglected by successive governments for over twenty (20) years in spite of the fact that the area is rich in diamonds, other minerals, and agricultural produce.

The chiefdom is a class A chiefdom and sons and daughters from the chiefdom hold top Government positions including Cabinet Ministries but disappointingly, they have not lived up to the expectation of the people over the years to fix this all-important road to the chiefdom including the headquarter town of Panguma.

Nobody knows what is happening with the Chiefdom Development Fund and the people are concerned that with all the top dignitaries hailing from the chiefdom what are they doing to lobby Government and development partners to fix the road.

The chiefdom is also rich in agricultural products like coffee and cocoa.

Some of the sons and daughters of the chiefdom in key Government positions are the Secretary to the President, Dr. Julius Sandy, Hon. Francis Konowa, Hon. Bernadette Lahai, Professor David Francis, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sullay Daramy former Special Assistant to former President Tejan Kabba and Paramount Chief Alimamy Moiwo Farma.

Others are Hon. Timothy Kabba, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Josephine Makiew and Mrs. Fatmata Claire-Hanciles, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board to name but a few.

The people of Lower Bambara Chiefdom want to know what is happening with their Chiefdom Development Fund.

The President’s visit to the chiefdom some time ago has not helped the situation as the people were very hopeful that with the visit of the first gentleman the road would be fixed but this is not the case.

Another major concern of the people is that since the main transformer that supplies electricity to Panguma was stolen nothing has been done to replace it.

It must be noted that the Dodo Hydro Electric Dam is just a few miles away from Panguma but the chiefdom lacks electricity.

What is however welcome news is the formation of the Lower Bambara Descendants Union to facilitate development in the chiefdom as the impoverished people are yearning for development.

Broadcasters’ Association Acquires Certification from Corporate Affairs Commission as a legal Entity

A new organization, the Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA) has been certified by the Corporate Affairs Commission to operate as a legal and registered entity in Sierra Leone, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

The certificate was issued after the Association complied fully with the Commission’s criteria and in line with the Companies Act No. 5 of 2009 as a private company limited by guarantee memorandum and articles of association of Sierra Leone Broadcasters’ Association (SiLBA).

SiLBA is an institutional membership organization with forty-six radio stations currently on its database. It exists as an affiliate of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and will work with its counterparts the Guild of Newspaper Editors.

SiLBA is a voluntary association funded largely by its members and potential donors. Its office is housed at the headquarters of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) at 56 Campbell Street in Freetown Further information about SiLBA’s activities will be provided in due course.

The Secretary General of the Association, Daniel Amara revealed the objects for which the company is established, which are: to advance the interest of and seek the welfare of the members of the Association; to serve as a forum to address critical national issues relating to broadcasting, including laws, policies and regulations, advertising and promoting the need for a free press, and protecting the safety of its member organizations; to advocate the improvement of the quality and ensure sustainability and profitability of broadcasting institutions in the country; to support initiatives aimed at encouraging content creation, collection and distribution and technology innovation, and ensuring that the stations serve their communities; to advocate and help secure training opportunities and programs to help members grow in their careers and promote diversity in the workplace; and to work with other entities worldwide to ensure that the Association’s interests are acknowledged, respected and considered at national and international levels.

The President of SiLBA, Stanley Bangura Jnr, thanked his team and all those who supported the process of letting the Association gain its legal status and assured this medium that they are committed to working hard to achieve their objectives. He admonished his team to work collectively to achieve the desired goals.

 

‘Commit & Act’ Joins in Celebrating Graduation of 8 Graduates from FGM-Free Bondo

A rights-based Civil Society Organization, Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, on the18th December 2022 joined in the celebration of eight graduates from Bondo, a female secret society, without cutting in Yele Gbonkolenken Chiefdom, Tonkolili District in Northern Sierra Leone.

Addressing women, parents, stakeholders, Soweis and graduates at the Yele Court Barray, the Founder and Country Director of Commit and Act Sierra Leone, Md. Hannah Bockarie expressed thanks and appreciation to the Soweis that committed themselves to abandon the practice of FGM in communities.

She maintained that “My Body, My Right” Project targets 800 girls in Sierra Leone, adding that the project is geared towards empowering vulnerable people, especially girls in Sierra Leone adding how it also works towards ending FGM practice in Sierra Leone and to ensure that Soweis stop the practice of FGM practice and engage in meaningful activities that will earn them their living.

She explained that the eight girls that have graduated from the Bondo without cutting will now serve as ambassadors to influence their peers to accept the rites of passage.

Bockarie also mentioned the health, social and economic implications associated to the FGM practice and urged parents to stop subjecting their girls to a practice that deters their progress.

She maintained that education is key and is beneficial to women and girls, adding that Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone is here to change the perception on traditions and help uplift the status of women in the country.

Hannah Bockarie also pointed out that, the eight successful girls that have graduated from the Bondo without cutting are now full Bondo women and they can now serve as watchdogs in changing the culture of harm to an acceptable culture that protects the lives of women in their various communities.

She expressed thanks and appreciations to the German doctors for sponsoring the “My Body, My Right” Project that has helped change the lives of vulnerable communities in the country.

Hannah Bockarie further stated that the projects have also uplifted the status of Soweis in many communities.

Giving a synopsis of the mandate of Commit and Act, Hannah Bockarie said her organization is working with local healthcare workers and other professionals to aid survivors of violence and help prevent violence.

She reiterated that they treat survivors of domestic and gender-based assault, people struggling with trauma following Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war, and community members facing mental health difficulties.

She said as an organization they provide safe home/shelter for girls who have experienced abuses in different forms, they offer space both to heal from pain and to build fulfilling lives and families.

In his statement during the graduation ceremony, the former Chiefdom Speaker of Yele Chiefdom, David K. Fullah expressed thanks and appreciation to Commit and Act organization for piloting the Bondo without cutting in Gbonkolenken Chiefdom.

He said as chiefs in the community, they are supporting a practice that will help change the status of women and girls, adding that Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone has done tremendous work toward that direction and is currently empowering vulnerable communities in Tonkolili District.

He furthered that through the hard work of Commit and Act Foundation, their communities have started experiencing a sigh of relief.

Chief Fullah expressed thanks to the sponsors, German doctors for sponsoring a project that ensures that the rights of women are upheld.

The Chief Sowei in Gbonkolenken Chiefdom, Sampa Bongo, said as Soweis they are now working with Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone to ensure that they abandon the practice of FGM in their communities.

Sampa Bongo said through the support, advocacy and the awareness-raising by Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone, they have decided to change their mindset on culture that is harmful to women and girls.

She thanked donors of Commit and Act for making their lives safe through empowerment by providing livelihood support through agriculture.

She assured the Director of Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone that they will never go back to the FGM practice that has enormous health and economic implications for women and girls.

The Chief Sowei appealed to the organization and partners to continue with the Bondo without cutting which they are now considering as a perfect life saving tradition.

The eight graduates also expressed thanks and appreciation to Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone and partners for transforming their lives through education and livelihood support.

They assured of being ambassadors and change agents in their various communities.

 

 

All Petroleum Products (APP) Is Missing In Action

By Mohamed Sankoh (One Drop)

Once again the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), which First Lady Fatima Bio tried to make it look bad in the eyes of right-thinking Sierra Leoneans by rubbing a political slur on it, has come to the rescue to salvage the fuel shortage in the country while the seemingly pro-Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)’s All Petroleum Products (APP) is still missing in action. To put it mildly: APP seems to be in a state of inertia—or so it seems.

On Tuesday 26 April 2022, President Julius Maada Bio commissioned the All Petroleum Products (APP) terminal and tank farms at Kissy, east of the capital Freetown, with so much fanfare that one would have thought that he was performing the naming ceremony of a god from Mount Olympus. During the Commissioning, the Head of State disclosed that APP had invested over US$22 million to reconstruct a petroleum jetty and tank farms, which he said was in line with his SLPP government’s petroleum development policies.

And as if to give credence to his wife’s unsubstantiated allegation that the National Petroleum (NP)-Sierra Leone Limited is partially owned by members of the All People’s Congress (APC); President Bio reportedly noted that, “Years ago, I played a pivotal role to ensure that NP-SL Ltd becomes what it is today and I will do everything to give a chance to more players in order to liberalize the economy”. So in the seemingly misplaced thinking of the Commander-in-Chief and his SLPP government, the petroleum business in Sierra Leone should be drawn in supposedly Red and Green lines! So, that’s why the SLPP government was alleged to have given APP undue advantage to spite NP-SL Ltd—even to the extent of allegedly arm-twisting our House of Parliament to ratify the Agreement with the lightning speed with which Usain Bolt used to breast the tape at the 100 meters finishing line!

And as if to mock NP-SL Ltd the Managing Director of APP, Patrick O’Dwyer during the commissioning, reportedly showered religious-like accolades on President Bio for “demonstrating statesmanship by giving the needed support for the establishment of APP”. And as if for dramatic effect; Mr O’Dwyer reportedly added that: “APP is a child of destiny which was bound to happen”. Indeed, with the mindsets of senior functionaries of the SLPP against NP-SL Ltd; APP was bound to be a fait accompli on the very day NP-SL Ltd was willfully misconceived as an institution that’s partially-APC owned despite the factual fact that President Bio pretty well knows how it came into being during its transition phase when the National Provisional Ruling Council (NPRC) was at the rudder of state!

And like a new kid on the block who has to breast-beat himself to show that he has arrived; the nation was told that the newly constructed 30-acre APP facility had “a capacity to store 65 million litres of petroleum products, the capacity to load 8 trucks at the same time, and a jetty capable of berthing 45-50 thousand of metric tons of cargo”. That’s finely fine on paper and scripted on a script which appeared to have been scripted at State House by scriptwriters who seemed to have bones to pick with NP-SL Ltd.

But since that pomp and pageantry of a commissioning, the All Petroleum Products now appears to be a sort of a “419” business as in the midst of the constant fuel shortages in the country; only NP-SL Ltd has been coming to the rescue. On 18 December 2022, the Management of NP-SL Ltd announced the arrival of a vessel containing over 12 thousand metric tons of petrol, aimed at reducing the current fuel shortage in the country.

According to that public notice, “Before the arrival of this vessel a first vessel arrived with over 18 thousand metric tons of diesel (AGO). These deliveries will ensure fuel availability till mid January. Other vessels with products imported by NP-SL Ltd are expected over the next two to three weeks”. This shows that NP-SL Ltd has never 419-ed Sierra Leoneans but has the people at heart!

That’s how a patriotic company, which is completely locally-owned, comes to the rescue of a dire national crisis. The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited has always come to the rescue despite it being willfully painted with a partisan brush by those who believe that everything, in Sierra Leone, should be seen in perceived lines of Red and Green! Now is the time for APP to walk, or work, the talk it has talked and still talking!

It is on that note that I will end today’s One Dropian dropping with a quote from Hama Tuma that says: “Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t”. And I won’t ask you to scratch the surface because that quotation is clearly clear like a clear sky!

 

 

 

 

 

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Turkey Coveys Goodwill Message to Senegal’s President

The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Turkiye, Mohamed Hassan Kai-Samba on the 21st December, 2022 joined the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) to welcome the President of Senegal, His Excellency Macky Sall to Turkiye.

President Macky Sall travelled to Ankara, Türkiye upon the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss bilateral relations between their countries.

President Sall also used the opportunity to inaugurate the new diplomatic complex of the Republic of Senegal in Ankara Turkiye, a development that took place in the presence of the Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and other distinguished personalities.

His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Kai-Samba extended goodwill message to President Macky Sall on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, the Government and People of Sierra Leone.

 

 

 

 

 

NDMA Boss Assures Management of MMTU of Plans to Construct a Center of Excellence

By Abubakarr Harding

During a meeting with top management staff of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) that took place on Monday 19th December, 2022 at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus in Freetown, the Director-General of NDMA, retired Lieutenant-General Brima Sesay informed the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) about plans to construct a Center of Excellence for Disaster Management at the MMTU Goderich campus if the land is made available.

Retired Lieutenant-General Brima Sesay commended the administration of MMTU for the new status which he attributed to hard work further revealing how Sierra Leone is prone to disasters which was why the President created the Agency and that it was established by an Act of Parliament on 19th November 2021.

He went on to reveal that the $2,100 grant Sierra Leone Urban Resilience Project funded by the World Bank is to build an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), that the project is time bound to be implemented between 2021-2025 and appealed to the college administration to provide land for this all-important project.

Retired Lieutenant-General Brima Sesay pointed out that the land for the construction of the EOC must be centrally located, that it would offer a lot of opportunities including capacity building for MMTU and nationwide, also intimating how they have formed a partnership with Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom to help in the teaching and development of a curriculum in Disaster Management in Sierra Leone recalling that the same University recently conducted a research on the issue in the country.

He assured the staff of MMTU that the advantages of offering the land to NDMA for the construction of the Center of Excellence cannot be quantified.

On his part, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu said he is pleased to welcome the team from NDMA, that the MMTU would take advantage of the opportunity for NDMA to use its land as there are other institutions of higher learning in the country asserting that it is a lucky moment for the MMTU.

Dr. Kanu also recalled that the institution used to produce the best teachers in the country and highlighted its various transformations from a college, polytechnic and now Technical University underscoring that the institution must address societal problems.

According to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, disaster issues are for all, citing massive sand mining, cutting down of trees, building of houses on hilltops and suggested that a course in Disaster Management at MMTU would help address the issue for which he reiterated that MMTU is ready to support the process underlining that MMTU wants to produce entrepreneurs and business-minded people.

Highlights of the meeting were the presentation of books/reports/materials to MMTU by NDMA while the vote of thanks was given by the Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh.

NP-SL Remains Renowned as a No 1 Pro-People Oil Marketing Entity 

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is an irrevocable fact that NP-SL Ltd continues to optimize Customer Care on a high pedestal everywhere the company has a presence. In no way can it be disputed that the NP- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is currently the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country. One striking attribute which NP-SL Ltd has harnessed to the fullest is a no nonsense stance in enhancing customer care as the Shareholders and Management of the company takes it seriously and are doing everything within their ambit to optimize it with a view of giving maximum satisfaction to its numerous and cherished customers.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which as a business entity it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company makes use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

 

 

 

Rokel Commercial Bank Managing Director Launches MaMJGEF

Dr. Walton E. Gilpin

The Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation (MaMJGEF) was launched last week by the Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr. Walton E. Gilpin at King’s Palace in Freetown.

It must be noted that MaMJGEF is a national charitable foundation working to contribute to the development of the education sector and campaigning for peace and tranquility in Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the launch, Executive Director of MaMJGEF, Mohamed Ibrahim Justice Ganawah said MaMJGEF is a network of ordinary people, non-partisan, non-aligned citizens, seeking to use a crowd-funding approach to help the less privileged get access to quality education through mentorship programs; the provision of scholarships, and learning materials, and the promotion of national cohesion and harmony across all regions of the country through peace clubs.

“The Foundation is built on the legacy of the late Mamie Mariama Ganawah of blessed memory. She was someone who had a passion for high-quality education. As a single parent, she also experienced the difficulties parents face to finance their children’s education”, he said.

He continued: “Going through these difficulties, she was successful in educating her children who are now impacting society positively. This great achievement made the late woman believed that with high-quality education, the lives of many could be transformed. As such, she thought of this invaluable idea to do crowd-funding.

“This was to ensure that there is sustainable finance to support high-quality education for the less privileged and hardworking students in Sierra Leone. Hence Mamie Mariama Justice Ganawah Education Foundation is here for the less privileged and hard-working students to acquire high-quality education and to ensure high standards in the educational system in Sierra Leone.

“MaMJGEF is to eradicate illiteracy in Sierra Leone by creating an educational platform that ensures the highest standards of an inclusive system. This can be achieved through the awarding of scholarships and mentorship programs to our targeted groups. It desires to see a Sierra Leone with high-quality education for all. Because we believe in the transformative impact of education, we aim to provide support to enhance high-quality education to those who cannot afford it.

“Today we have 42 school children for the pilot phase. We actually have over 200 children but these 42 are the ones in dire need right now. We are going to pay tuition fees, provide learning materials, five sets uniform, shoes, underwear, etc”.

Guest speaker Dr. Walton E. Gilpin commended CEO Ganawah for naming the foundation after his mother, saying MaMJGEF will surely contribute positively to the country’s education sector.

“Being here is not only a joy. I believe in the value of the female gender. I also believe in the value of education. I believe that society should give equal opportunities to all, irrespective of your colour, gender, religion, etc.

“I also believe that to have good leaders we have to be sure of having equitable distribution of opportunities. And not only that, we can remove sectionalism and discrimination.

MD Gilpin encouraged Sierra Leoneans to use Rokel Commercial Bank app or their account to contribute to the Foundation, calling on the children to take their education seriously.

 

 

Africell Group CEO Expresses Commitment to Increase Interaction & Exchange

Africell

During the just concluded US-Africa Leaders Summit held in Washington DC from the 13th December to the 15th December, 2022, one of the side-lines events that the Sierra Leonean delegation, headed by President Julius Maada Bio, participated in was the one held by the telecommunications company, Africell.

The event brought together senior delegates from the U.S. and its operating markets as well as representatives of NGOs, multinational institutions, arts organizations and the media.

It had a creative angle, showcasing contemporary artwork from sub-Saharan Africa and presenting a virtual reality experience of the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of Congo (developed in partnership with the Africell Impact Foundation).

Also, the event shone a spotlight on four of Africell’s operating markets, connecting African leaders with investors, diplomats and policy-makers based in the United States.

Worthy of note is that the US Government, through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is Africell’s biggest external investor.

The company launched operations in Angola in April 2022 and also operates in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Addressing the guests, Africell Group CEO and Chairman Ziad Dalloul extended thanks and gratitude to all the distinguished guests for joining them on that evening.

He intimated how the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit is an important opportunity to reaffirm the relationship between Africa and the United States.

The CEO pointed out how Africa and the U.S. have a huge amount to gain from a strong and open relationship maintaining that more trade and investment between Africa and the U.S. is good for both parties as such will create opportunities for growth and development across the economic and cultural spectrum – including in Africell’s own sector, digital telecommunications.

He said Africell is proud to be the only U.S.-owned mobile operator in Africa and currently working in four countries: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

“Our mission is to be seen as a positive and successful example of international investment in Africa, inspiring other American and international businesses to follow,” he stated adding how Africell is committed to increasing interaction and exchange between Africa and the United States.

He maintained that the event is an opportunity to stimulate conversation and put their incredible operating markets in the spotlight.

The CEO said he encouraging all to try out some of their exhibits, including an amazing virtual reality experience of Congo’s national museum and a digital gallery of contemporary African art.

On his part, President Julius Maada commended Africell’s contributions to telecommunications in Sierra Leone and commented on the positive impact of its cultural and community-focused work.

It must be underscored that Africell provides mobile network coverage and related technology services to more than 16 million subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa.

The company operates in Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

As the only US-owned mobile network operator in Africa, Africell directly and indirectly employs more than 10,000 people.

Through the Africell Impact Foundation, Africell supports initiatives in the areas of education and entrepreneurship; arts, culture, and heritage; health, sports and wellbeing; and environment action and emergency relief.

The company’s ambition is to narrow Africa’s opportunity gap by linking people to the digital and physical resources they need to engage fully in community life.

The three-day U.S-Africa Leaders Summit was organized by the U.S. Department of State and held in Washington, DC. Motivated by Africa’s growing stature as a global geopolitical player, the event saw Government, business and civil society leaders from 49 African countries and the U.S. gather with the aim of strengthening cooperation and collaboration.

The first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit took place in 2014, under the administration of President Barack Obama. The 2022 event was the second Summit.

“This forum is about building connections,” said U.S. President Joe Biden, in official remarks to delegates. “Above all, it’s about our shared future. We’ve known for a long time that Africa’s success and prosperity is essential to ensuring a better future for all of us, not just for Africa.’

Emphasizing the importance of commercial relations between the United States and Africa, President Biden continued: “Africa’s economic transition depends on good Government, healthy populations, and reliable and affordable energy. These things business seeks out when they’re looking to invest. They attract new opportunities, and they launch new partnerships. The United States is committed to supporting every aspect of Africa’s inclusive growth and creating the best possible environment for sustained commercial engagement between Africa companies and American companies.’

 

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