Zulu Mandingo Trading Donates Food Items to Light of Islam Mosque

December 21, 2022

Remove term: Zulu Mandingo Trading & General Services Zulu Mandingo Trading & General Services

By Abubakarr Harding

As part of her efforts towards seeking God’s blessings on Zulu Mandingo Trading & General Services ,owned by her husband, Mohamed Lamin Yahffa, Aminata Lamin Yahffa has on Friday 16th December, 2022, on behalf of her husband, donated food items worth millions of Leones to the Light of Islam Mosque on Robert Street in Freetown.

Handing over the donation, Aminata Lamin Yahffa disclosed that the company has been operating virtually from 2018 furthering that as the demand for their services increased and with more clients on a daily basis they decided to operate offline by opening an office on 125 Fourah Bay Road in Freetown.

She stated that they cannot operate offline if they don’t have the blessings of God maintaining that the Light of Islam Mosque was the actual mosque that her husband used to pray before travelling to China and for that reason she deemed it fit to ask for the blessings of God from there.

She continued by naming the food items worth millions of Leones as comprising of fifty buddle of packet water, 10 bags of rice, two bags of onions and ten crates of soft drinks which should be distributed among the congregation within the Mosque .

Aminata Lamin Yahffa ended by saying that the company will start its operation in Sierra Leone on the 30^TH December revealing how they have already started operations in Ghana, Botswana and has already registered in China.

Receiving the donation, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Yillah, the Chief Imam of Light of Islam Mosque thanked Mohamed Lamin Yahffa for thinking of them and showing his loyalty to the mosque with the donated food items.

He expressed appreciation stating that the items will be distributed accordingly. The Imam stated that Mohamed Lamin Yahffa and his family were members of the mosque before he travelled to China and moved with his family to another community.

Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Yillah disclosed that before Mohamed Lamin Yahffa travelled to China he was one of his disciples and that he was always focused and relentless.

Before the Quranic recitation, he said one of the cardinal rules of any business that is grounded in Islam is transparency stressing that the company most ensure to maintain transparency.

President Bio Applauds Africell in Washington

December 21, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay: Washington DC

In an exclusive interview conducted by three independent journalists from Sierra Leone, namely Amadu Lamrana Bah, Amin Kef Sesay and Mohamed Fofanah, who primarily travelled to Washington DC in order to cover the US-Africa Summit, held from the 13^th December 2022 to the 15^th December, 2022, with Africell’s US based Director of Communications, Sam Williams , the Director started by stating that Africell is indeed proud to be the only US-owned mobile operator that is doing business in Africa with presence in four countries namely: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Sam continued by intimating how their mission is to be seen as a positive and successful example of international investment in Africa, inspiring other American and international businesses to follow.

The Africell Communications Director furthered how the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit offered an important opportunity to reaffirm the relationship between Africa and the United States maintaining that Africa and the U.S. have a huge amount to gain from a strong and open relationship.

He underscored that Africell is committed to increasing interaction and exchange between Africa and the United States adding that the dinner they organized on the 13^th December, 2022, was graced by President Bio, the First Lady and other Government officials as well as representatives of NGOs, multinational institutions, arts organizations and the media.

He revealed how the event 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).

Sam informed that Africell Group CEO and Chairman Ziad Dalloul told guests that Africa and the U.S. have a huge amount to gain from a strong and open relationship.

He said, according to the Africell Group CEO, more trade and investment between Africa and the United States is good for both parties, creating opportunities for growth across the spectrum – including in Africell’s own sector, telecommunications.

Sam informed that President Dr Julius Maada Bio addressed the event commending Africell’s contributions to telecommunications in Sierra Leone and commenting on the positive impact of its cultural and community-focused work.

He expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Bio, the 1^st Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio and other Government dignitaries for honouring their invitation to a dinner adding that Africell, as a company, was and is very pleased with the complimentary statements made by President Bio of the company’s positive and impactful operations in Sierra Leone adding that the company also used the occasion to introduce the President and entourage to personalities of other United States businesses.

Sam maintained that the complimentary statements made by President Bio were very impressive as he was full of commendations of how the telecommunications company had been contributing towards the development of the country in diverse ways further encouraging them to continue the good work.

He further underscored that the compliments expressed by President Bio clearly show that they are making positive impacts in their operations in the country saying that they were very impressed.

The Communications Director further revealed that Africell has been in operations now for 21 years underscoring how the telecommunications company places high priority on rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility everywhere it is operating.

Sam Williams intimated that though their core businesses are building sites, rolling out coverage and do marketing, however, it is equally important that they focus on how to get the appreciation, support and acceptance of residents in communities maintaining that is the underlying reason why the company has been supporting the arts, music, innovation etc.

He pointed out that the telecommunications sector, unlike others, is not strictly controlled by market forces referencing when there was the COVID-19 outbreak saying when most companies were struggling the telecommunications sector was doing well because at that material time it was only feasible for most people and organizations to make use of digital communication.

He said that 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.

“Our 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,” he concluded during the interview.

The Communications Director ended up assuring that Africell will continue its operations in Africa including Sierra Leone assuring of rolling out of qualitative telecommunications services to their subscribers.

President Xi Jinping Says a Sound Ecosystem is Essential for Prosperity of Civilization

December 21, 2022

On the evening of 15 December, President Xi Jinping delivered a video message to the opening of the High-Level Segment of the second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity held in Montreal, Canada.

President Xi pointed out that humanity lives in a community with a shared future, and that solidarity and cooperation is the only effective way to address global challenges. A sound ecosystem is essential for the prosperity of civilization. It is important to work together to promote harmonious co-existence between man and Nature, build a community of all life on the Earth, and create a clean and beautiful world for us all.

To that end, President Xi proposed the following:

— To build global consensus on biodiversity protection, jointly work for the conclusion of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and identify targets and pathways for global biodiversity protection.

— To push forward the global process of biodiversity protection, turn ambitions into action, support developing countries in capacity-building and coordinate efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss and other global challenges.

— To promote green development through biodiversity protection, speed up the green transition of development modes and lifestyle, and leverage the Global Development Initiative (GDI) to deliver greater benefits to people of all countries.

— To uphold a fair and equitable global order on biodiversity protection, firmly defend true multilateralism; firmly support the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and form strong synergy for protecting the Earth, our common homeland.

President Xi stressed that China has made active efforts to promote ecological progress and biodiversity protection, and the diversity, stability and sustainability of its ecosystem have kept improving. China has found a path of biodiversity protection with Chinese characteristics. Going forward, China will continue to advance ecological progress, and plan its development in the context of promoting harmonious co-existence between man and Nature. China will respond to the Action Plan for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and launch a large number of key projects on biodiversity protection and restoration. China will deepen international exchanges and cooperation, and do its best to provide support and assistance to fellow developing countries through the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC) and the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, so as to elevate global biodiversity governance to a new height.

Tourism Minister Unveils APPWA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan

December 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The All Political Party Women Association (APPWA) Strategic Plan 2023-2026 was launched by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown on the 15^th December, 2022. Dr Memunatu Pratt did the launching on behalf of the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio.

It must be noted that the Strategic Plan was developed by its Executive Members in a participatory approach during a three-day retreat in December, 2022 with support from UN Women. The primary objective of APPWA, it must be noted, is to promote women’s empowerment and political participation. It also seeks to play an essential role in encouraging political dialogue and cooperation among all political parties and promoting political tolerance and non-violence.

Launching the Strategic Plan on behalf of the First Lady, Dr. Memunatu Pratt expressed delight at giving the keynote address and also launching APPWA strategic plan. She explained that the plan provides an opportunity for the organization to build its human and infrastructural resources. “We have witnessed decades of deprivation, lack of inclusivity, education, training and political will in providing the space for equal opportunities and gender parity, but I thank President Bio for passing the Gender Bill into law which is the catalyst for commitment and political will to commence the journey of actual legislative promotion of women participation in politics and achieving gender equity,” she said.

She gave a brief run-down of the political history of Sierra Leone and the role played by women in the protection of their territories against other antagonizing warring ethnic groups. She mentioned the challenges faced by women leaders and proffered solutions in addressing those obstacles.

She concluded by emphasizing that women’s engagement in politics is critical for successful governance.

The Minister, on behalf of the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio congratulated APPWA for the development of the Strategic Plan and encouraged all donors and partners to continue supporting APPWA.

IPAM Inducts Over 4,000 Newly Admitted Students

December 21, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

Over 4000 newly-admitted students went through an orientation ceremony on the 14^th December, 2022 at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone. The occasion was meant to introduce the new students to the rules and regulations which they are expected to abide by while pursuing their courses at the University.

In addressing the new students, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Prof Miriam Conteh-Morgan, reminded the students of how important they are in the history of IPAM for they are the first set of students to join the IPAM family when the institution has its first female Student Union Government President and the first female Vice Chancellor.

She encouraged the students to work together in making IPAM a beautiful experience for to go through. She advised that choosing IPAM means that they have decided to become professionals in their respective fields of study which means the students have decided to become productive citizens of Sierra Leone. She emphasized that each student will not leave IPAM the same person and urged them to follow the rules and regulations on campus. She concluded by reminding the students to work hard and play less.

Giving an overview of the University of Sierra Leone the Registrar, University of Sierra Leone, Madam Olive Barrie welcomed the new students to the University of Sierra Leone and explained the University administrative structures and how they function to the students in order for them to know the lines of communication and reporting. She maintained that the leadership of the three institutions FBC, COMAHS and IPAM is ready to give students the required support at all times.

Madam Barrie dilated on some of the rules and regulations of the University relating to the conduct of students and appealed to the students to disassociate from all forms of indiscipline.

Deputy Registrar, IPAM-USL,

Munda J. S. Lebbie said that at IPAM, lecturers add value to the thinking abilities of their students and that students must keep an open mind and embrace diversity and tolerate different views. He noted that students must uphold academic freedom and freedom of expression and accept responsibility. He reminded them of the university’s mission of demonstrating and transmitting knowledge through quality teaching and research. He ended by admonishing the students that the road to success is not easy but with hard work and perseverance it is possible to achieve your dreams.

The Dean of the Faculty of Accountancy and Finance, Dr. Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh, warned that students should not allow themselves to be distracted by the special syndicate and emphasized to students that at IPAM, lecturers do not make or sell pamphlets and therefore urged students not to allow themselves to be exploited. He ended by encouraging the students to take classes, pay attention and study well.

The Dean of the Faculty of Leadership and Governance, Dr. Hindowa B. Momoh added that students need to be serious to survive in his department. He further encouraged the students to know how important his department is in equipping them with leadership and managerial skills. He also advised students to take their work seriously since as a department they give students the encouragement and skills to possess such qualities.

Dr. Mohamed Sheriff, Dean of the Faculty of Information Systems & Technology, said that they have assessed students to know that they are capable of receiving a degree. He also reminded students of how tough the competition was to gain admission and he therefore urged students not to let the administration down by wasting this opportunity provided by the university. He concluded by urging students to be serious so that at the end of their four years’ course they will come out as educated people.

The Assistant Dean of Faculty of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ernest Udeh, disclosed that the faculty consists of three departments ie: Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management and Entrepreneurship and Marketing and that these courses are tailored to meet the demands of the country. He called on the students to be attentive and to take their work seriously.

The students were also given an overview of detailed information about University life ranging from academic to social life.

On behalf of the USL, the Finance Director encouraged the students to meet all financial obligations on time as that is key in their registration process.

The vote of thanks was given by the Students Union President who advised her colleagues to be diligent, respect authority and be law-abiding to be successful in their work.

IMC Outlines Recent Research Findings as well as Successes

December 21, 2022

By Brima Sannoh

During a snap engagement by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) at its Conference Room, on the 19^th December, 2022, the Chairman of the media regulatory entity, Dr Victor Massaquoi, intimated editors, from the print and electronic media, about key findings of a recent research they conducted as well as some of successes that the institution achieved in the past 10 months amidst varying challenges they faced and still continue to face.

Present during the engagement were the Executive Secretary of the IMC, Khalil Kallon, Commissioners, Newspaper, Radio and Television Editors.

The IMC Chairman maintained that within the ten months he has been in office, they conducted a research/inspection related to Media Poverty in full display and as a team they were able to generate knowledge of what currently obtains within the media landscape in the country.

He revealed that the main objective of undertaking the professional and technical exercise was to physically visit, engage and collect data, interpret, analyze and draw conclusions with recommendations for possible action.

Dr. Victor Massaquoi furthered how, as an institution, they wanted to know the existing operational state of media houses stating how the study was limited to newspapers, radio and television.

He also revealed that the pre data collection activities included review of existing data while employing specific theoretical frames to interpret the data collected.

“Media management, Governance and Broadcast theories were reviewed and applied,” he added continuing how the 2020 IMC Act was reviewed and its mandate analyzed and applied.

According to the Chairman, the tentative findings are valid and reliable by every empirical measure. He started by saying they observed/identified weak governance system in almost 70% of the media houses. He maintained that the absence of or non-functioning of boards perforates the ability to provide policy oversight by a competent body hence established key challenge during the research.

He continued that the current crop (over 65%) of managers of media houses have very little training or previous practical management experience, that 70% of the stations, for example, are in relative poor management state needing serious oversight, training and investment.

“Over 90% of the radio stations, especial those in the rural areas (dubbed community radio stations), lack critical spare transmitters, sandwiched by poor “Earthing” thus any technical anomaly would lead to silence,” he disclosed adding that over 75% of the newspapers and magazines are one reel away from closure.

Dr Massaquoi informed that newsprints are expensive and other management and production processes are cumbersome.

He said the inability or unwillingness of consumers to pay for TV content is badly draining resources and affecting the production of quality content.

Quoting, Wilbur Schramm, he said that if the media is poor it is reflected in its content and the drivers of professional outputs.

He told Editors present that many other small but important findings, bordering on capacity building, investment, tools, equipment and ownership, licence, registration and more, have been identified

In drawing conclusions and suggesting recommendations, the IMC Chairman said the responsibility to ensure that the media operate professionally and observe ethical compliance lies with the IMC and with the support of SLAJ.

He revealed that their yearly data collection exercise is deemed appropriate as it helps the IMC, SLAJ, Media Houses and by extension the people and the Government to know what obtains.

Proffering recommendations, he said, there is need to facilitate the development and training of governance structures of media houses, intensify media monitoring to ensure governance and management function, suggest ways media houses should address management issues through training ,speed up investment in media houses for example, International Fund for Public Interest Media.

He also mentioned the need to encourage media houses to go digital by producing consumable online content that comes with financial benefits for sustainability. He added that in line with the provisions in the 2020 Act, the IMC must ensure key provisions are enforced ,support given to media houses and that Government must , as a matter of urgency, improve the financial and material support for the IMC to do its work, especially now that elections are edging near.

In terms of some of the successes, he stated, the holding of a staff retreat in Bo where they assessed IMC’s operations, identifying 16 major challenges.

He informed how in March 2022 two of its members of staff and one Commissioner benefited from a comprehensive training programme in paralegal studies organized by the Judiciary through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute of Paralegal Studies organized by the Judiciary with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), that the Commission has developed over half a dozen project proposals and concept notes of which three are in the pipeline.

He also talked of the IMC conducting a number of trainings and seminars for practitioners to enhance their capacity highlighting how they embarked on media counselling which took the form of conducting a one-on-one media counseling engagements with troublesome media houses, he talked about how the Commission has negotiated with the Chief Justice and Attorney General to speed up IMC cases and assign a legal officer to the IMC cases saying they have done it now amidst other successes which he outlined and also categorized as successes.

He concluded by that the Independent Media Commission has the potential to grow and live true to its mandate but stated that all that they need are new office space, vehicles, staff and financial support.

On his part, the Executive Secretary of the IMC, Khalil Kallon, intimated that the Commission has gazzetted the Revised Media Code of Practice and Election Reporting Guidelines which two documents will be laid in Parliament this week to be debated and finally enacted. He informed that prior to that countrywide consultations were made during which media practitioners made salient contributions adding that a validation of the documents were also done. He also revealed that the Commission has also reviewed the Advertizing Code of Practice which will be taken out for consultations and validation early in 2023.

The engagement with Editors was climaxed with a question and answer session during which clarifications on certain issues were also made.

Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium Concludes 6th Interfaith Dialogue

December 21, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, which comprises Tzu Chi Foundation, Healey International Relief Foundation, Lanyi Foundation and Caritas Freetown has on Tuesday 20^th December, 2022 held its 6^th edition of Interfaith Dialogue on the theme: “Strengthening Peace and Cohesiveness through Religious Dialoguing and Cooperation”, which was later followed by the distribution of 6,600 bags (10 Kilograms) of rice to 2,200 less privileged people within the Freetown Municipality. The event took place at the Dr. June Holst Roness Primary School on Skye Street in Freetown.

Giving the purpose of the gathering, the Larson Officer of Partnering to Serve Humanity Consortium, Ishmael Alfred Charles, said that the gathering is geared towards holding an interfaith dialogue among the various religions in the country in order to discuss how they can use religion towards enhancing peace and national cohesion in the country.

He said that the consortium thought it fit that every year they should have an interfaith dialogue of which he added that this year’s interfaith dialogue marked the 6^th edition, furthering that as part of the dialogue the consortium deemed it necessary to distribute 3 bags of 10kg bags of rice and gari each to 2,200 less privileged people within the Freetown Municipality as a clear manifestation of their continuous support towards the course of serving humanity, adding that as religious bodies they have active components that look at charity and compassion out of which the activity is organized.

On his part, the Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Muslim Missionary Union, Sheik Fomba Abubakar Swaray, expressed gratitude to the consortium for organizing the interfaith dialogue and undertaking the distribution of rice which he described as not only important but very timely.

He said Sierra Leone is a religious tolerant country which he said is as a result of religious leaders rejecting any religious conflict in the country.

Sheik Fomba Abubakar Swaray noted that the interfaith dialogue exemplifies the religious tolerance in the country, furthering that Sierra Leoneans should not tolerate any disunity among religious sects in the country of which he called on all, as the country is poised to hold elections in 2023,to embrace peace and desist from any act that will threaten the peace and stability of the country.

The Honorable Member of Parliament of Consistency 125, Hon, Alusine Conteh, applauded the move by the consortium for holding the interfaith dialogue which he described as very important towards building the peace of the country.

He urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity and further ensure that they cascade the peace messages they have learnt during the interfaith dialogue in their various communities.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji Kella, said that through the leadership of President Maada Bio and the entire Government he is very pleased with such an event that is geared towards preaching unity among Sierra Leoneans and also the less privileged in the country.

He said Sierra Leone is one country that is proud of not having any form of religious division saying we should be proud as citizens and in that regard he applauded the religious leaders for the tremendous work they have been doing in maintaining peace and unity among all citizens.

The Deputy Minister took the opportunity to express appreciation to the consortium for the gesture and said as a Government they are in it together and their strides are well appreciated .

One of the beneficiaries, Alma Sesay expressed appreciation to the consortium for the gesture which she described as very timely, adding that now things are not really easy.

She pointed out that the interfaith dialogue that is geared towards strengthening peace and cohesiveness in the country is very important of which she joined stakeholders to call on all citizens to work towards preaching peace in communities.

Alma Sesay also called on other humanitarian organizations and individuals to follow the footsteps of the consortium during a crucial moment like this.

Sick Pikin Project Rolls Out Annual Marathon & Walkathon to Raise Funds

December 19, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Sick Pikin Project, a non profitable organization, helping sick children in the country with support from the German Embassy, SLCB, Vista Bank, Shri Gurudwara Sahib Association, Chicken Town, and other donors, held its annual Marathon and Walkathon on the 17^th December, 2022 with participants taking off from the National Stadium on Syke Street and ending at the Aberdeen Beach in Freetown.

Giving an overview of the event, the Founder of the Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Charles, stated that, the marathon and walkathon is part of their fundraising activities that is done with the objective of continuing to medically support sick children in the country.

He continued that, it is an opportunity for donors to meet with the beneficiaries face to face and to actually see the work they have been doing.

He further appreciated the Government and all their donors for their relentless efforts in supporting them to save the lives of children. According to him, since the commencement of the Sick Pikin Project, they have flown a total of 250 children out of the country for treatment adding that in this year alone, they have sent a total of 16 children to India for treatment.

He commended everyone who took part of the marathon and walkathon maintain that taking off from the National Stadium, where they started, to the Aberdeen beach was indeed quite a distance.

The Founder of the India association, Shri Gurudwara Sahib Association, Mohimder Bir Singh, intimated that they appreciate the work Ishmael Alfred Charles is doing disclosing that such is the reason why they ,as an organization, are supporting the Sick Pikin Foundation to help support the poor and less privileged who can’t afford to take their children to hospital.

He disclosed that as an organization, all the monies received from donors are being sent to the Sick Pikin Project to help children, and how they also went out with the Sick Pikin donation boxes to the streets to beg money for the sick children. He further appealed to the Lebanese and other foreigners to do the same.

The German Ambassador, Jens Kraos-Masse, revealed that he is there with his whole team to support the Sick Pikin Project. He further affirmed that they appreciate the work Charles had been doing, and how they will continue to render their support to the organization to save the lives of children.

The representative of the National Revenue Authority, expressed how excited she is to be there further stating how they don’t only collect taxes, they also support the Sick Pikin Project using the opportunity to appeal to business people to pay their taxes, for them to continue supporting the organization.

Ishmael Alfred Charles appreciated four doctors with gifts and also cash for their dedication in helping to diagnose these children, and for also operating children with minor cases. The doctors were Dr. Aiah Lebbie, Dr. John Lavalie, Dr. Abubakarr Bah and Dr. Karim Kabineh.

The mother of Tanu Bundu, one of the beneficiaries, Kadijatu Bundu, commended the organization and donors for their support, stating how her child was having a congenital heart disease but with the intervention of the Sick Pikin Project her child underwent operation in India and he is now doing fine.

The mother of another beneficiary, Mariama Sesay, also thanked God and the organization for helping her child. According to her, her child’s brain was on her face furthering how it was the Sick Pikin Project that helped her Child to be operated on in India and called on all Sierra Leoneans who have the will power to support the Sick Pikin Project to save the lives of more children and give hope to parents.

The event was climaxed with the giving out of medals to participants. Mondeh Sahr took the first place in the Marathon; Andrew Davies took the second place, medals were given to them and other participants.

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Awards 10 Long Serving Employees

December 19, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), the country’s leading manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages which majority of its esteemed customers have praised for their rich contents, has on Friday 16^th December 2022, at the Wellington Industrial Estate in the East End of Freetown held its Long Service Awards Ceremony to recognize employees that have served the Brewery dedicatedly for 10, 15 and 20 years.

During the ceremony, the following employees were meritoriously awarded: George Campbell who has served the company for 25 years, Humu Kamara, Adel Kaibanja, Tamba Thomas, John Idriss, Sylvester Changah , Victor Gandi , Esther Kalokoh, Maseray Kamara who have served the company for 10 years, and Reginald Davies, who has served the company for 15 years respectively.

In his statement, the Finance Manager of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Ayokunle Joshua, stated that SLBL is extending its sincere gratitude to employees who have contributed ten, fifteen, or twenty years of continuous service and are thus qualified to be recipients of the said prestigious award, adding that as a good corporate citizen, they have continued to recognize and acknowledge the roles played by long-serving and loyal employees of the company.

He said that the longer people work for the organization, the more they are expected to foster a sense of belonging that will inspire them to perform at their highest level at all times and that the company would continue to work hard to be a desirable place to work for the mutual benefits of their employees and all other stakeholders.

The Finance Manager emphasized that as part of the Long Service Awards they will, as in the past, give all the recipients, a medal of merit, a certificate, and cash prizes. He emphasized how the gesture must be seen as one of recognition and acknowledgement for good services to their company.

He also extended gratitude to the spouses and families of the esteemed workers who have been making contributions in their own capacities to make sure the business continues to accomplish its business objectives.

Commenting on the award, one of the recipients, Humu Kamara, who has worked for the company for 10 years, expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Brewery for awarding her saying such a move will motivate them to give their best at all times.

She encouraged other members of staff who have not served the company for 10 years and above to be steadfast and committed in their job assignments as that will qualify them to be recipients of the said award in the future.

Diaspora Focus Awards Lithin K. Nasani as IT Guru of the Year

December 19, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In recognition of his esteemed contributions to the dynamic world of Information Technology in the country, Diaspora Focus, an organization established in the United Kingdom (UK) to advance the cause and welfare of Africans living abroad and returning home to better integrate and contribute meaningfully to their societies as a whole, through its National Development Awards 2022 has on Friday 16^th December, 2022 awarded Rokel Commercial Bank’s IT Consultant, Lithin Kumar Nasani, as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) guru of the Year 2022.

The Award ceremony that was graced by top dignitaries including Government officials, diplomats, heads / reps of International Organizations, top officials of the Police, the Military, NGOs, Banks, Members of Parliament, academics & business magnets was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown.

Presenting the award, the International Director/ CEO of Diaspora Focus, Dr. Emmanuel J.M. Stafford, said Lithin Kumar Nasani was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the dynamic world of Information Technology in the country citing his outstanding performance at Rokel Commercial Bank as IT consultant for the bank, adding that during his tenure as IT consultant at the bank he rose to the challenge of transforming the Bank’s IT unit to a lively, robust and effective force, developing various applications (apps) to digitize various new products required by the Bank to upgrade and transform its customer service.

He informed the gathering that Diaspora Focus is an organization established in the United Kingdom (UK) to advance the cause and welfare of Africans living abroad and returning home to better integrate and contribute meaningfully to their societies as a whole.

Commenting on the award, Lithin Kumar Nasani expressed appreciation to Diaspora Focus through its National Development Awards for finding him worthy to be a recipient of the award and assured them of his continued contribution towards the development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the country.

He said that as the Technical Head/IT of VLN Solutions, a Private Limited software company which provides services to Financial Institutions like Banks, Micro Finances and Community Banks etc. he has been working tremendously towards the development of ICT in the country, stating that as a qualified degree holder in Information Technology with eight years sound experience in mobile and web applications, he is the brain behind the SIMKORPOR PLUS mobile app that has ‘brought banking to the bedroom’.

Lithin Kumar Nasani further informed the gathering that he also created apps that facilitated the Bank’s Corporate Banking product as well as its new Online Banking Service and as a result of further innovations, many of the Bank’s corporate clients now have direct access to their accounts with special tailor-made features to enhance their specific banking requirements.

He maintained that through VLN Solutions Private Limited he has worked for so many companies in the country which include NRA, ITAS , RCBank, Keystone, Vista Bank, Skye Bank, Dangote Collection, Mercury International (Red Box & Black Box), SLRSA Payment, USL, EDSA, Orange Money, Orange Airtime, Sierra Leone Voters & Driver’s License (KYC) UNDP, NP-SL, E-Korpor, NaCSA, Qcell, AFELS, Sierra Star etc.

He further used the opportunity to inform the gathering that he has created his new E-Commerce site “Salone Bly” were people can shop from anywhere in the world, adding that it will be launched by the end of the month.

“I am pleased to receive the award, and I will like to dedicate this award to my Managing Director Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, my IT Manager Alhaji Lewally and all those who have been supporting me which includes my driver, brother and most especially my wife for their tremendous support towards me over the years,” Lithin Kumar Nasani concluded.