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NP-SL Always Stands Tall for its Timely & Effective Service Delivery

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to be the proud recipient of warm commendations in and out of the country for its efficiency in timely service delivery and proactive stance in partnering with well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to construct and commission state of the art Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

These moves on the part of the petroleum importing and marketing company has ensured that residents in far to reach areas, which hitherto face serious constraints in accessing fuel and other petroleum products, can now do so with ease. Typical examples are the recent commissioning of Filling Stations in Mile 91, Kenema, Mattru Jong, Koidu City within the Kono District and Gbalamuya where before residents have to travel miles and miles away just to procure fuel, an ordeal that bike riders, boat owners, business individuals operating cinemas and even for domestic use wrestled with.

It is in that direction that we can actually see that NP-SL Ltd is not only interested in making profits but takes it that it has the responsibility of mitigating the petroleum sufferings that residents in remote parts of the country have been going through.

What this pro-active stance on the part of the company also means is helping to make available job opportunities from which the qualified fortunate beneficiaries do earn a living. The benefits will cascade to other family members and friends.

It must be underscored that NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to demonstrate that it is determined to ensure that the vast majority of individuals and institutions gain easy access to petroleum products.

As a progressive business entity, the company, which has been in the business of importing and marketing various petroleum products, for over forty years, from time to time there are individuals that do partner with the company to open new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

NP-SL Ltd continues to make meaningful inroads within the petroleum landscape of this country. Based on effective and efficient service delivery, the result oriented company has drawn wide-spread commendations from near and far for holding the fort for far too long, weathering various storms.

One thing that the company lays emphasis on is to give preference, in terms of employment, to exclusively Sierra Leoneans instead of considering bringing foreigners on board, except in instances where local expertise could not be sourced. This stance on the part of the company is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy.

The company’s introduction of a Smart Card to purchase fuel has been widely applauded as a very good initiative. A particular customer, with money in his or her NP Smart Card, could easily put in for the quantity of petrol or diesel that he or she wants and the supply is facilitated, after which the amount of money expended is deducted from the card.

Some users of NP Gas that this medium spoke with, intimated how it is a very good device which has a high speed performance and very environmentally useful and friendly. Manufactured in different cylinder shapes, it is portable and affordable. NP Gas could be secured at all the company’s major Filling Stations, where the gas to refill it could be accessed.

Indisputably, there is no way that we can talk of a very successful company, amidst challenges encumbered along the way, without mentioning NP-SL because the company is hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of nations.

Management is very keen in ensuring taking the company to every nook and cranny in the country.

Telecoms Companies & Government Need to Reach an Agreeable Position on Operational Costs 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The writing is clearly on the wall that in contemporary Sierra Leone, telecommunications companies are indeed going through very trying and disturbing times as their operations are seriously affected by high costs due to the high inflation that is rocking the country’s economy.

As the situation currently stands, these GSM Companies are presently expending so much resources in their efforts to offer qualitative telecommunications services but lamentably are not deriving the expected returns from the huge investments they are making.

It is very understandable that the prices of basic commodities and services are determined by a variety of reasons but most importantly the amount of capital expended on a particular business enterprise will to a large extent determine the ultimate prices meaning that the higher the costs of production then expectedly the higher will be the cost of the finished goods and services.

When situations like such emerge it is expected that investors will obviously increase the prices of their finished goods and services just to ensure that they realize some amount of profits instead of running at losses.

Based on the huge costs that they incur to offer telecommunications services to subscribers GSM Companies have attempted to increase the tariff or data prices with the aim of offsetting the huge capital they are expending just to maximize profits.

As could be the case with any business venture, such a move by the telecommunications companies was seen as a step in the right direction. However, for an impoverished  population that has been battered by difficult economic situations, where accessing bread and butter has been  a herculean task, just like finding a needle on the beach, an increase in tariff or data prices was seen as an additional burden provoking a large hue and cry from the populace.

Fearing of losing face, becoming unpopular vis-à-vis an electioneering period, the current SLPP ruling Government reacted swiftly to the attempted price and tariff increase by ordering that the telecommunications companies revert to the old prices until proper consultations are done and a way forward charted out.

Regrettably, since the regulatory institution, NATCOM issued a Press Release to that effect saying that they will look into the issue and map out the way forward, the situation has been left to float in limbo with no end in sight.

As the situation now stands, there seems to be no end in the increase in Foreign Exchange rate against the Leones. The present day value of the UD Dollar is at Le. 18,000 (Old Leones) to $1.  This record an increase of 148% since the last GSM tariff adjustment was done in 2017 when the exchange rate was Le. 7,258 (Old Leones) to $1. Obviously, with these new increases, telecommunications companies are forced to make adjustments in data prices just to ensure that they are not losing.

Telecommunications companies are also presently contending with an increase in fuel cost. It must be noted that Fuel price is at Le 25,000 (Old Leones) against Le 6,000 per litre 5 years ago when the telecommunications sector tariff was last reviewed. This records a colossal increase of 317% for a product that account for a major part of the total operations of telecommunications companies in this country.

As if to add salt to injury, the cost of Electricity Tariff has also gone up. Even electricity tariff which is a similar utility service and a cost driver for telecommunication services has witnessed a significant increase of 78% from Le. 1,890 (old Leones) to Le. 3,364 (New Leones) as at July, 2022.

Presently, the use of the internet has become very trending as many are using it for various purposes, other than, to conduct academic research. Since Zoodlabs took over the control of the internet from SALCAB the connectivity cost has increased. It is worthy of note that at the beginning of 2022, the cost of 1 Gbps data from Zoodlabs was Le 156 Million (Old Leones). Today, it is Le234 Million per Gbps recording 53% increase in the direct cost of the internet.

There are companies that are using the Terrestrial Fiber for internet connections. As at present, the cost per Mbps that was $0.4 has also increased to $10 recording a 2,400% increase. Telecommunications companies have no alternative but to comply.

For now it has been indicated that very soon these telecommunications companies will have to lay off some of its employees if the situation remains the same because it will not make sense for them to continue to retain them while making losses.

It is also speculated that these telecommunications companies may likely cut down on the number of projects that they would like to implement through the rolling out of their Corporate Social Responsibilities.

There is no joke that indeed the telecommunications companies are really experiencing astronomical high production costs and as the situation now stands, these telecommunications companies are now walking on a tight rope.

It is expected that for the situation not to degenerate into an impasse it is but very significant for the relevant stakeholders to sit around the table with GSM Operators and try to iron out things before it results into a very unfortunate situation.

 

 

 

 

Chinese Embassy Li Xiaoyong Pays a Visit to UNIMAK

By Chinese Embassy 

Chargé d’affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy, Li Xiaoyong, on November 24, 2022, paid a visit to the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) and met with Vice Chancellor Dr. Joseph Turay, representatives of the faculties and around 500 students.

Mr. Li briefed the teachers and students on the recently-concluded 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its significance to the world. He said that one of the highlights of this important Congress is about the Chinese Modernization, which is the modernization of a huge population, of common prosperity for all, of the combination with material and cultural-ethical advancement, of harmony with nature, and of peaceful development.

Mr. Li elaborated that the Chinese Modernization will provide new opportunities for African countries and will further boost China-Sierra Leone cooperation and China’s peaceful development will promote the steady and long-term development of China-Sierra Leone friendship. He encouraged the students of UNIMAK to study hard to make more contributions to a better Sierra Leone and a stronger China-Sierra Leone Partnership.

Dr. Turay and the faculties expressed sincere appreciation for China’s continuing support to the development of Sierra Leone and to UNIMAK in particular. They vowed to play a more active role in promoting the mutual understanding between Sierra Leone and China.

Mr. Li also donated the Fourth Volume of the Governance of China by H.E. President Xi Jinping to UNIMAK.

 

 

 

 

What has Parliament turned into?

By Millicent Senava Mannah

The Parliamentary body of Sierra Leone has the constitutional right to make laws and hold the Executive of the state accountable. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission says “Parliament, as the principal law-making body in Sierra Leone, has a special responsibility to check abuses by the Executive branch.” (Vol 2, Chpt 3, Para 241, Page 155)

The people of Sierra Leone voted in Parliamentarians they trust, to be their mouthpieces in Parliament, though some were unconstitutionally removed, and replaced with others, however, the people are counting on these parliamentarians to make decisions that are in the interest of all.

In recent times, we have seen Parliament been on fire, some members of Parliament need to go back and cross-check the reason they were voted for. Are they really representing the people who voted them in, or themselves?

Parliamentarians must be aware of the fact that, if they fail to represent the people well or remain dormant, allowing Bills to be passed that are not in the favor of the peace of the state, they must accept responsibility of the negative outcome.

The TRC Report says, “In 1966, Parliament passed the first reading for the passage of Sierra Leone to a one-party state. In 1978, Parliament failed to oppose the introduction of the one-party state. Parliament must accept responsibility for the effective entrenchment of dictatorship and bad governance that laid the grounds for war.” (Vol 2, Chpt 3, Para 241, Page 155)

This country has suffered a ten year war, wherein lives and properties were lost, and the country is still suffering from postwar problems, this is the place where we don’t want to go back to as a nation.

If fights like this nature are happening in Parliament, what is the future of our country? If the police force is asked to investigate inward fights in Parliament, where are we heading to? What kind of signal do we want to send to the outside world?

How can we attract foreign investors at this time, when prices are inflating, our economy is crumbling, and those we entrust the power to make decisions for us are busy fighting themselves?

If they as a law-making body are calling on external forces to solve their own problems, who would we now depend on to solve the problems in this country? The people of this country are left with so many unanswered questions.

Is the Parliament for the Ruling Party, or one set of people, or for the people of this country? Who will answer the questions of the ordinary Sierra Leoneans who can’t even afford a 3 course meal per day?

This nation needs parliamentarians that will be in favor of the progress of the state, not parliamentarians who only care about their selfish gains. This nation needs a Parliament where laws that are in the favor of all will be enacted, not the ones for a particular set of people.

We are tired of seeing a Parliament where members of the opposition are oppressed and suppressed, and their voices are less important. We are tired of seeing a Parliament wherein a Ruling Party enact laws forcefully that are not even in the interest of the people.

The voice of each parliamentarian is important, as they are all representing thousands of people in each constituency, regardless of their political parties. Therefore, they all must be heard, and put into consideration.

We want a Parliament where parliamentarians see themselves as fighters of the people and not their political parties, as fighters of democracy and not dictatorship, as fighters of the progress of the nation and not for their personal gains. That what Sierra Leone deserves.

This article is produced with support from MRCG through the ATJLF Project on “Engaging the media and communities to change the narrative on Transitional Justice (TJ) issues in Sierra Leone.

 

 

 

Yulisa Ahmadu Becomes New Brand Influencer for BnB CashApp

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Yulisa Ahmadu aka Dr. Love who is a United States-based Sierra Leonean relationship therapist, Project Manager, Entrepreneur, and Entertainment influencer has been officially announced by BnB Sierra Leone as their new Brand Ambassador.

According to Yulisa: “I am happy to announce a partnership with BnB Sierra Leone as one of the Brand Influencers of the company. Funds from the deal will be used to support other initiatives under the Yulisa Ahmadu seed Foundation.”

It is expected that it’ll be an exciting journey with the Dr Love tiktok videos in partnership with BnB CashApp.

Congratulations have been pouring in for the CEO, Youth Ambassador, and recipient of Sierra Leone’s 50 Most Influential Young Sierra Leoneans Award (ILEAD), who has been named the newest brand influencer for BnB Sierra Leone.

More Brand Influencers will be unveiled soon.

 

 

Mahesh Choithram Nandwani Officially Confirmed as  South Korean Consul to  Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Mahesh Choithram Nandwani was officially confirmed as the South Korean Consul to the Republic of Sierra Leone by the Republic of Korea Ambassador accredited to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, at a ceremony held on Wednesday 30th November 2022. The ceremony also marked the official opening of the Honorary Consulate Office of the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone on 32 Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

South Korean Ambassador accredited to Sierra Leone, His Excellency KIM Young Chae, while making the pronouncement stated that he is very happy to have a successful businessman as a Korean Consul in Sierra Leone after they have been long looking for such a qualified person that will represent his country well in Sierra Leone.

He remarked that they have gotten somebody that meets all the criteria to be a Consul, such as being financially sound, politically neutral, and have no criminal record. “We saw that Mahesh Nandwani has a good track record and he is capable enough to discharge his duties,” he said and added that he is sure that the new Consul will be an excellent and formidable speaker and he will help promote and protect the interest of Koreans in Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Chae congratulated Consul Nandwani and his family and pledged to continue to promote the existing good relationship between the two countries. He admonished the Koreans in Sierra Leone and the Government and People to give the new Consul the honor and privileges to continue promoting the existing good relationships.

In his response, Mahesh Nandwani said “I look at my mirror this morning and saw how a Trader at Sani Abacha Street has joined the diplomatic community”. “I wholeheartedly accept the appointment and I pledge to discharge my duties as required,” he said and continued that he will promote the values and visions of the Korean Republic, promote cultural relations and uphold fairness, friendliness, and peace between the two countries.

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. David Francis, revealed that the ceremony marked an important milestone in the sixty years celebrations. “Celebrating sixty years also marked the beginning of another sixty years of relationship,” he said and furthered that he is happy about the credibility seen in the new Consul in representing the Republic of Korea in Sierra Leone. ”We expect trade and investment opportunities from the new Consulate,” he said and added that the Republic of Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world. “Sierra Leone has invested in human capital development to make the country achieve a middle-income country status by following the Korean example,” Prof. Francis said and further revealed that his Government is advancing the country to have a United Nations Security Council Seat at the time the Republic of Korea will also be part of the stage. “I have no doubt that Mahesh Nandwani will do well in representing the strategic interest of the Korean Republic and he will be an Ambassador in promoting Sierra Leone’s interest,” he concluded.

The ceremony climaxed with the taking of the oath by the new Consul, Mahesh Nandwani, during which he promised to work to the best of his ability to handle the affairs of the Republic of Korea in the discharge of his duties.

 

 

 

 

 

Africell to Stage Marathon in Various Categories on the 4th of December

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 1st December 2022 at Africell Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown, Africell Sierra Leone has briefed pressmen on its Freetown Marathon scheduled to hold on Sunday 4th December 2022.

Giving an overview on the planning process of the Marathon, the Head of Events and Sponsorship at Africell, Abdul Aziz Kamara, said that the Freetown Africell Marathon slated for 4th December 2022, was launched by the Chairman of Africell Ziad Dallou during his recent visit to Sierra Leone.

He added that it is an event that seeks to promote healthy wellbeing and sports, stating that athletics is the 2nd most popular sports in the world and in Sierra Leone and that they want to make sure opportunities are given to talented athletes to showcase their talents and have the platform to take their skills to the world stage.

Abdul Aziz Kamara pointed out that this will not be a one-off marathon but it is something they plan on doing every year and they want to have an event that people from all over the world will look forward to attend every year, the Africell Freetown Marathon.

“This is why we are collaborating the Sierra Leone Athletics Association who will not only be responsible for providing us with the officials but have also helped with mapping out the route for the different categories (5K, 10K and half Marathon),” he revealed.

He disclosed that a total of 523 People have signed up for the Marathon, adding that 356 have signed up for the 5K, 98 signed up for the 10K and 60 Half Marathon.

The Head of Events and Sponsorship disclosed that 18 winners will be announced for this year’s Africell Freetown Marathon in all the 3 categories, furthering that 6 winners from each category will be announced, that is the first 3 participants in both the male and female categories.

Unveiling the prizes, he said, that for the 5K category, the winner will receive NLE5, 000, the first runner-up will receive NLE3, 000 and the second runner-up will receive NLE2, 000 for both male and female.

For the 10K Category Abdul Aziz Kamara said that the winner will receive NLE10, 000, the first runner-up will receive NLE7, 000 and the second runner-up will receive NLE5, 000 for both males and females.

Finally for the half Marathon he stated that the winner will receive NLE15, 000, the first runner-up will receive NLE10, 000 and the second runner-up will receive NLE7, 000 for both male and female.

The Head of Events and Sponsorship concluded by informing the gathering that they are very pleased to partner with the Sierra Leone Athletics Association and Street Child.

Oh his part, the Head of Marketing at the Sierra Leone Athletics Association, Donrick Moore, said that the Association is very pleased to provide support towards the Africell Freetown Marathon, stating that the Association is going to provide the pathway in order for the Marathon to be recognized globally.

He described the Marathon as an opportunity for talented athletes to showcase their talents and have the platform to take their skills to the world stage.

The Country Director of Street Child, Kelfa Kargbo commended Africell for holding the Africell Freetown Marathon. He assured the company of their support in order for the Marathon to become a success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peace Commission Receives IT Equipment from AU Commission

Peace Commission

By Abubakarr Harding

In a bid to set up an early warning situation room that will effectively monitor peculiar issues that threaten governance, security, and development in the country, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), through the African Union Commission Peace and Security Department has on Wednesday 30th November 2022 donated IT equipment worth millions of Leones to the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion  Sierra Leone (ICPNC). The handing-over ceremony was held at the Peace Commission Building on Lamina Sankoh Street in Freetown.

In her address, Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC ), Hawa Sally Samai, stated that the ceremony is to display their partnership and to show how much they are getting ready in terms of election preparedness and also how far they have gone with their mandate and strategic plans in terms of setting up systems and structures to promote sustainable peace and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.

She said the donated items will help them in strategizing their early warning and responsive terms for it to become effective and efficient for the good and benefit of Sierra Leone and they are also there to capacitate them in terms of training their technical team so that they would be able to use the systems.

The Executive Secretary applauded GIZ and the African Union Commission Peace and Security for the donation of IT equipment so that they can be able to visually see their activities in the situation room and also promise to send photos to their partners after setting it up.

She also used the opportunity to thank NATCOM for giving the Commission a toll free line which is 898 for their operation.

The Coordinator, Secretariat of  Special Envoys, High Representative and Panel of Wives, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, Ms.Mfrekeobang Ukpanah,  stated that it is their pleasure to provide support to the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion towards striking its capacity to systematically collect information, analyze information and begin to work towards responding to issues that will threaten the peace, security and stability within Sierra Leone.

She added that within that framework this is why the AU is providing this support, stating that the AU underscores the primary mandate for the promotion of good governance, peace security and stability, the rest of member States are there to accompany the process. As they underscore that locally, driven initiatives to promote peace are what should be supported for its sustainability.

“It is easier to come in and provide support but not easier to run the technical or day to day policy and programmatic intervention, that is why the Commission would be accompanied through the process. The team that would be coming from the African Union has provided same support to a lot of other members’ States on the continent, the idea is to build capacities for early waning and early response,” she maintained.

According to MsUkpanah the equipment donated which includes; all in one stationary printer, one television, one high power gigabyte router, one desktop and laptop as they will be used to monitor the day to day running of issues within the country

The Director of Finance and Administration at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit(GIZ), Evance Mundia, said it is an honor for GIZ to be part – albeit from the distance-of this special occasion of the handing over of IT equipment required for the establishment of the situation room at the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone.

He added that within the framework of the GlZ, AU, APSA support program, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, they will support the implementation of AU instruments in its member states. As today’s handover is made in the framework of the ongoing support to establish and strengthen national infrastructures for peace in order to enhance the capacity of AU member States for structural conflict prevention, adding that rather than letting conflicts build and destabilize countries, the focus on conflict prevention is necessary to move away from the constant management of conflicts and wars to silencing the guns completely-an aspiration of the AU and its member states.

He further pointed out that through the donated IT equipment, Sierra Leone’s National Commission for Peace will establish a situation room which will monitor and identify potential risks to peace and security.

Mundia concluded by stating that it gives them great pleasure to hand over the equipment to the Commission and expressed optimism that the items will be used for the greater purpose of early warning.

Closing the ceremony was the official handing over of the items by the Coordinator, Secretariat of  Special Envoys, High Representative and Panel of Wives Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, African Union Commission, Ms. Mfrekeobang Ukpanah to the  Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace for and National Cohesion(ICPNC ), Hawa Sally Samai.

 

 

 

 

Republic of Korea to open Honorary Consul’s Office Today

The Republic of Korea will today Wednesday 30th November 2022 open the new Honorary Consul’s Office at 32 Wilkinson Road in Freetown. The event is part of the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the diplomatic relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The South Korean Honorary Consul in Sierra Leone, Mahesh Nandwani, will be responsible for assisting Korean nationals in Sierra Leone and representing Korean trade interests. He is expected to create unique economic opportunities for Korean companies, open doors for the business community and facilitate visits, and maintain close ties with the local Korean community.

It could be recalled during a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer on Tuesday 18th October, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea covering Sierra Leone, HE Kim Young Chae, introduced His Excellency Mahesh Nandwani as the new Honorary Consul of the Republic of South Korea to Sierra Leone.

The introduction took place at the New City Hall building in Freetown where Ambassador Chae and his delegation were meeting with the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer to discuss some issues which included the New City Hall building which was funded by the Government of the Republic of South Korea, the forthcoming 60th-anniversary celebrations of the diplomatic ties between South Korea and Sierra Leone among other things.

The Korean Ambassador assigned to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Kim Young Chae, remarked on Monday that even before taking office, the newly appointed Honorary Consul, Mahesh Nandwani mobilized his team and even his family members to support the 60th-anniversary celebration events. “I thank Mr. Nandwani and his family members,” he said.

Sierra Leone’s Prof. David Francis praised the newly appointed Korean Honorary Consul, for taking the lead in facilitating the process. “We look forward to celebrating a solid relationship in the next sixty years,” he noted and added that the new Consul has been playing a key role in driving private sector investments in Sierra Leone. “Taking up such an office will bring more opportunities in the area of trade and investments from the Korean Republic,” he said.

The celebration events, which will run until Friday 2nd December, will have colorful programs such as public policy seminars and a Korean film screening. Even though geographically apart, the two countries have built friendly relations over the last 60 years, by helping each other in times of need and working together in the international arena such as the United Nations and the African Union.

The symbol of deepening relations is the reconstruction of Freetown City Hall, and the Korean Government will further deepen its development cooperation with Sierra Leone in the coming years. This is said to be another meaningful milestone in bilateral relations.

“Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to those who helped tremendously our preparations for the week-long celebration events, particularly, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Freetown City Council, and Korea’s new Honorary Consul’s office. Indeed, it is our strong hope that the celebration events of this week serve as a memorable occasion to capture our 60-year history as well as to open a new chapter for upgrading our relations,” Korean Officials noted.

 

 

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair was a “timely and amazing event!”

By Sade Beckley-Lines

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF) launched on Tuesday 15th November with an exhilarating Opening Ceremony. The event, which commenced with live music from Telem, was well attended with numerous dignitaries present, including the President and Vice President of Sierra Leone, Minister of Youth and Culture in Rwanda, Government Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corp and Development Partners, in addition to distinguished guests, partners, sponsors and participants of the NYEEF.

The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh welcomed the audience to the “maiden edition” of the NYEEF, which he explained in his speech was “a part of His Excellency’s Human Capital Development agenda designed to invest in the young people of Sierra Leone to unleash their potential in order to access jobs.” He continued: “We see this event as an occasion to bring job seekers and young entrepreneurs to connect with employers and experienced entrepreneurs and to establish beneficial relationships that may support their future career prospects.” Over 500 young people between the ages of 18 – 35 from all 16 districts across the country participated, including participants with disabilities and over 200 women in accordance with the NYEEFs inclusion policy. When asked why it was important for young women to participate, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said: “Young women constitute a large majority of the skilled youths. There is no better way to demonstrate our investment in women’s empowerment than by providing young women with skills and job opportunities.” He also mentioned that there would be “custom-made training and mentoring” at the NYEEF, and assured the audience that the momentum would continue after the three days. He said: “We have been engaging the partners and employers here at this event to create internships for the participants”.

The guest of honour, Minister of Youth and Culture in Rwanda, Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, travelled to Sierra Leone especially for the NYEEF. She said it was her very first visit to the country and she felt it “was important to show support to the Government of Sierra Leone and share Rwanda’s experience in youth employment and entrepreneurship.” In her speech, she gave a message to the NYEEF participants: “Remember that it’s not what my country can do for me, but what can I do for my country?” On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone and her Ministry, Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi made a pledge to the participants. She said: “We will be behind you, cheering you on and supporting you.”

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Mohamed Orman Bangura, gave a moving speech illustrated with his inspirational life story. He reaffirmed the NYEEF tagline that young people in Sierra Leone need to do their part to “take ownership of their future career”. In his speech, he said: “Young people, your destiny is in your hands, take control!”

His Excellency The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, closed the Opening Ceremony with a heartfelt speech. His encouraging words to “be bold” echoed throughout the auditorium, and his genuine concern for young people in Sierra Leone indicated to each and every person present that the NYEEF was going to be a truly remarkable event.

Following the Opening Ceremony, the President and Vice President of Sierra Leone took a tour around the Freetown International Conference Centre. Firstly, they visited the employers’ booths in which over 40 companies in Sierra Leone were represented. This included companies from a wide range of sectors including mining, energy, banking, agribusiness, manufacturing and public service such as the army and the police.

The next stop on the tour was a visit to the Business Etiquette workshop facilitated by the Founder of Sigiay Group Ltd, Sama Forna-King. Participants had the honour of the President and Vice President of Sierra Leone sitting in on their workshop. Furthermore, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, gave his own token of advice to attendees of the workshop. He said: “It is how you comport yourself and carry yourself…” Other workshops held that morning were Business Etiquette, facilitated by Farida Bassa-Rivera of Insight Consulting and Communication Skills, facilitated by Andrea Williams of AfRecruit and Tafadzwa Chiganga of Grow Salone.

Undoubtedly, it was an unforgettable first day at the NYEEF. Amongst the multiple highlights, the live performances by Drizilik, Solo’s Beat and Markmuday were the cherry on top.

On the second day, participants were ready and raring to “CREATE networks LEARN from experts CONNECT with employers” as stated on their NYEEF t-shirts. It kicked off with the Cultivating Youth Resilience conversation, in which the Executive Director of YouthConnekt Africa, Oulie Keita participated. Young entrepreneurs displayed their products at the entrance of the Freetown International Conference Centre. Companies such as Shea & More, Revive & Glow and Abie’s showcased local content from young, female entrepreneurs in Sierra Leone. Moreover, handmade handbags and jewellery made by young women in the Sierra Leone Correctional Centre were also on sale, with all proceeds going towards their skills development and legal representation fees.

One of the well-received workshops was Critical Thinking and Problem Solving by the Founder of Afriqia HR Solutions, Maryam Darwich. A participant at the NYEEF, Clement Puee, said: “We were encouraged to stay curious and never stop asking questions. We played a fun game and I learnt techniques on how to solve issues in the workplace.” Other workshops were Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs and Job Seekers, facilitated by Tanya Phiri of UNICEF and Financing Options for Entrepreneurs, which saw presentations from CONET and Innovation SL.

Last month, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, was asked what he hoped the NYEEF would achieve. He said: “We want to create a space that would allow job seekers and potential employers to discuss the skills required in order to gain employment.” The Human Resources Manager at Africell, Patricia Jangah, helped accomplish that goal. She patiently provided individual career advice, CV guidance and essential interview tips.

Orange introduced a contest for participants at the NYEEF to pitch their ideas on stage in front of three judges for a chance to win NLe 5,000. Out of 32 courageous aspiring entrepreneurs, two winners emerged. One of them, Etta Vandy said: “I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I’ve had the best two days at the NYEEF!”

On the third day, participants were just as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as the first. They had formed a queue to sign in from 7 AM and were eager to make the most out of their final day. The Ask Me Anything panel by the Founder of Elba SL, Edleen Elba, and the Business Canvas Model workshop by the Founder of Innovation SL, Francis Stevens George were tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs in the process of developing their businesses. Additionally, female entrepreneurs were invited to join the interactive Women in Business session by the Founder of Women Mean Business, Ajara Bomah. A platform was provided to present their business, learn about the power of branding, discuss the challenges in Sierra Leone and share solutions with each other.

Throughout the three days, Meet The Employers sessions focused on a diverse range of sectors including telecommunications, construction, energy, mining, agribusiness, manufacturing, banking, finance, public service, transport and aviation. They provided an opportunity for young people who missed out on being a participant at the NYEEF to also join, learn and network.

Overall, the NYEEF was an impressive event that exceeded all expectations. One of the participants, Christiana Banja-Sesay said: “The NYEEF was exceptionally great. The best ever!” Another participant, Ramdul Kargbo, commented: “It was engaging, educational and inspiring. I hope it takes place every year.” Finally, Sallieu Sankoh thanked the NYEEF “for creating this timely and amazing event”.

During the Closing Ceremony, the Vice President of Sierra Leone, Hon. Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, gave the final speech. He congratulated participants, promised continued support for young people and reassured the audience that the NYEEF was only the beginning. He closed the historic event on a high note with his announcement of a National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme.

 

 

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