Home Blog Page 640

Project 1808, Inc. to Host Sixth National Science and Leadership Festival in Kabala, Koinadugu District

 

The Founder and Chief Strategist of Project 1808, Dr. Alhaji U N’jai, has said, in a Press Release dated 25th November,2022  that the sixth national annual Science and Leadership (#SciLead) Festival, will be held in Kabala, Koinadugu District, Northern Sierra Leone. The event is slated for January 20-22, 2023 and the theme of the festival is #STEAM: Ideas to Action – Building Entrepreneurship, Economic Freedom, and Sustainability.

“After a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19 Pandemic, it is just wonderful to see the return of this amazing unique educational event that has grown to national recognition. I feel a great sense of satisfaction from the community ownership, the active engagement of the young people in implementation, and in being able to sustain the program all these years,” said Dr. N’jai.

Dr. Alhaji U. N’jai, a Senior Biomedical Scientist from United States and lecturer at Fourah Bay College and College of Medicine (COMAHS), University of Sierra Leone, is pleased with the strides and accomplishments of the program over the past years.

The goal of the annual festival organized by Project 1808 as the theme suggests is to nurture talents, build technical and leadership capability among young people and adults to solve their own problems, create entrepreneurships and job opportunities, and be competitive globally. The organization thrives to enhance economic freedom by promoting local ideas, build next generation of ethically minded transformational leaders, and mitigate corruption through servant leadership and technical excellence.

According to Dr. N’jai, Project 1808; almost six years down the line in organizing the festival, has made significant impact. “We Dae Pan Di Journey” – “We are on the journey as they would say in Krio. I would say we have made good strides from where we started with barely no structures or huge funding. We have a good number of students in college. Our students are growing in technical depth and breadth as shown in them facilitating many of our workshops. Significantly, they are taking active ownership of the program by taking the lead in organizing the festival for the last three years. I am very happy about the direction we are heading. The future looks bright.”

Science and technology are fundamental to advancing quality of life in all societies and translating ideas to practice in communities requires effective and visionary leadership. The SciLead events have been successful over the years through collaborative efforts and blend of international and national volunteers, facilitators and sponsors; and a huge number of Project 1808 students as well as other students and adults within and outside the community.

“This has been good over the years and we will like to maintain that high level of diversity. However, this year, we would like to plan better for the participants and reach as many schools as possible. So we will be inviting schools and asking them to send five to ten participants for the program. This way, we ensure we cover as much schools in the district and the country,” Dr. N’jai added.

Annually, the SciLead has small pointed and targeted activities that build science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (STEAM) and leadership capacity among students, youths, and adults in the community. Facilitators work with small groups of students and adults on each day of the three-day session, helping them to explore the worlds and fields of biology, ecology, physics, chemistry, storytelling, creative arts, music, leadership, entrepreneurship, and more. In addition, we plan on having career guidance sessions, mindfulness and empathy, and entrepreneurship stations.

In January 2020, over 500 students and community members attended the festival in Kabala where they observed, experimented, and explored the various fields through hands-on experiments and demonstrations. Project 1808 anticipates the 2023 SciLead to be much bigger and fun – arts, entertainment, more professional facilitators, and engagement with organizations. It hopes to amalgamate some stations to streamline the program and allow participants to spend more time at the stations.

“We hope to introduce new concepts and a call for innovations or inventions with prizes for best entries. Due to the large turn outs we have experienced in previous years, we want to initiate a registration process ahead of SciLead this time to better plan and manage for participants nationally, “disclosed Dr. N’jai.

Generally, Project 1808 is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin that has long been involved in youth capacity building and community development in Sierra Leone through a school-community-University partnership model. Project 1808 currently supports the education and wellbeing of over 400 students in the Koinadugu District of Sierra Leone through scholarships, after-school classes, computer literacy programs, and leadership opportunities. The organization is also currently working on establishing a college in the district.

 

 

 

NPPA Boss Refutes Claims of Not Accessing Job if One Hails from Makeni or is SLPP

By National Public Procurement Authority

The  Chief Executive Officer of the  National Public Procurement Authority, Ibrahim Brima Swarray has been supporting education in the country through the organization of spelling and debates among pupils and students at the provincial level with the aim of motivating them to put more on their studies.

This time around the event was held in the Northern City of Makeni.

According to him,  “All those who are saying you can’t have a job in Sierra Leone because you’re not SLPP are not serving their conscience.”

He said those words in Makeni at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, Makeni on 26th November 2022.

During the Ibrahim Brima Swarray’s Foundation’s first Inter-secondary School Quiz and Debate Competition in the Northern Province at EBK University, Makeni campus registered his dissatisfaction about the way some politicians have been and are still badly brainwashing the children of this country, more especially in Makeni that they can’t get a job even if they are educated as long as they are from Makeni and are not members of the Sierra Leone People’s Party.

Chief Swarray made that statement based on his observations of the Children’s arguments on one of the debating topics “Employment and Under-employment is entirely Responsible for Illegal Migration in Africa.”

“It is not a mistake for organizing a debate in Makeni. It’s not a mistake for the Government of President Julius Maada Bio to make Free Quality Education a mantra. If we want to see a better future for this country, it’s deliberate that the President wants to see every child being educated.

Today, I have witnessed a lot of debaters discussing requirements and political interference in the awards of jobs. It manifests why we have Free Quality Education. The discussions, I have heard clearly show that even the kids would be brainwashed that Sierra Leone is divided. And that particular message to children, and especially for kids in Makeni is not good for this country. Chief Swarray expressed.

He furthered that, Free Quality Education is given to every kid in this country to ensure that jobs are awarded on a level playing field because nobody will get a better job if they are not carefully educated; hence the Free Quality Education by the President is to mitigate against inequality in this country.

The NPPA boss emphasized and pleaded with the kids of Makeni that they should not listen to anybody who says even if they are educated, they wouldn’t get a job in this country because of their socio-political, regional or tribal orientation.

“Let me use this opportunity to admonish my younger brothers and sisters here today, all those who are saying you can’t have a job in Sierra Leone because you’re from Makeni because you’re a Temne, or because you’re not a member of SLPP are not serving their conscience.

Therefore, please don’t allow them to negatively brainwash you. It is only political ineffectiveness that is making people preach tribalism in Sierra Leone,” he emphasized and admonished the kids.

The NPPA Czar, Chief Ibrahim Brima Swarray committed that year in and year out, Makeni will continue to enjoy the Quiz and Debate Competition, and concluded that we have just one country and one people.

Chief Ibrahim Brima Swarray also admonished the children, especially the girl child to take advantage of the opportunity the Government has accorded them through the enactment of the Gender Empowerment Bill. Chief briefly educated the kids on the Bill that in the award of jobs in every sector now, a 30% quota should be reserved entirely for women. A justification that President Bio wants everybody in this country.

Speaking to the gathering, the Deputy Director of Education, Makeni District, Joseph Ishmael Kargbo suggested to teachers and other education stakeholders in the educational sector to rejuvenate or reintroduce the Literary and Debating Societies (L&DS) into the School Curriculum as they have done with the Civic Education. The reason he said was to equip our children to master public speaking skills.

D.D. Kargbo applauded the President of Sierra Leone for his continued commitment to ensuring that every child from everywhere in Sierra Leone has access to quality and affordable education.

St. Joseph (Convent) Junior Secondary School Makeni won the Best Quiz Team, and Alberta M. Kovoma bagged home the Best Quizzer’s award.

Every Nation Junior Secondary School Makeni secured the Second Best Quiz Team and Abdulai Tholley won the 1st Runner-up prize.

The Dwight International Senior Secondary School clinched the Best Debate Team, and St. Joseph (Convent) Senior Secondary School won the Second Best Debate Team.

The Ibrahim Brima Swarray Foundation is committed to making sure that children of Sierra Leone have mastered the art of Literary and Debating tactics in Schools.

 

Ambassador to Turkey Expresses Grave Concerns Over Arrests & Deportation of Sierra Leoneans

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Mohamed Hassan Kai-Samba has on the 28th November,2022 engaged the Turkish Director-General for Africa, Ambassador Nur Sağman, and has expressed serious concerns over the well-being of Sierra Leoneans living in Türkiye, particularly their frequent and massive deportation.

Ambassador Kai-Samba thanked the Turkish Director for Africa for her tireless endeavors in deepening the bilateral relationships between Sierra Leone and other Africa nations, saying that he particularly visited for growing concerns at the rate at which his citizens were arrested, detained and deported; adding that even those with valid resident permits and with no criminal records were been victims of arrests and deportations.

“My team and I are here this mornings to know and chat the way forward for the massive deportation of my citizens. As ambassador, I need to know their crimes, and if possible have audience with them while they are been held in the various prisons”, Ambassador Kai-Samba noted.

Ambassador Kai-Samba further informed that the Sierra Leone Embassy has on several occasion written note verbal to the Turkish Ministry of Interior so as to look for possible ways for both sides to engage on the matters of arrest and deportation.

“I am also reliably informed that some of my citizens who are on studies in Türkiye are also being arrested and deported. I need to have a clear understanding on what is going on. I am aware that diplomatically I am not supposed to interfere with the laws of the host country, but it is also my responsibility to ensure my citizens are safe and protected in Türkiye”, he maintained.

On her path, the Turkish Director-General for Africa, Ambassador Nur Sağman thanked Ambassador Kai-Samba and team for their visit, and for his bold and frank concerns over the well-being of his people; saying that Sierra Leone was one of the few embassies in Türkiye who has engaged the Turkish authorities on many occasions on matters regarding arrests and deportations of their citizens.

Ambassador Nur Sağman further noted that she would inform the Turkish Ministry of Interior and organize a meeting for both sides to look into those alleged issues. She also explained that she was aware of many Africans and other nationals in Türkiye who were being deported because they entered the country with tourist visas but have over stayed their visit in the country.

She also thanked Ambassador Kai-Samba and the Government of Sierra Leone for signing many bilateral agreements with Türkiye, saying that she was optimistic that the two countries would continue to work together for mutual benefits.

 

 

Online Violence an Obstacle to Women’s Empowerment in Sierra Leone

By: Millicent Kargbo, Executive President of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ)

The advancement of digital technology has enabled people to easily communicate, raise awareness, share important information, connect with family members, socialize, and work together. However, as access to the internet continues to expand around the world, the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) that women and girls face offline is now replicated online. When women and girls enter online platforms– ranging from messaging apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, to Twitter, TikTok, and gaming apps– they are frequently faced with digital threats.

The digital threats faced by women online include, among others: harassment (which can include name-calling, as well as repeated negative or threatening comments made to or about a person), cyberbullying, stalking, doxing (which is the act of sharing private information about a person or organization publicly, which could put them at risk), and the non-consensual distribution of images of a person. Besides having the potential for causing serious emotional harm and distress to those affected, such actions can also act to shame women, and silence or discourage them from using online platforms and/or engaging in public discussions – which they have every right to do. While men can face similar types of online violence, women and girls are often the most affected – particularly in Sierra Leone.

A report launched by the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) in July 2022on “Threats Against Public-Facing Women in Sierra Leone” focused on highlighting the experiences of women human rights defenders and female journalists in the country. Of the women journalists and activists consulted by SLAWIJ as part of the research project, 64% said that they have personally experienced at least one form of threat, harassment, and/or violence against them, either as a result of their role or during the course of their working life. According to those consulted, the three most common threats that are experienced by Public-Facing Women in Sierra Leone include harassment, verbal insults, and verbal threats.

While bullying and harassment remain an age-long challenge for women, SLAWIJ has found that online harassment has taken it to a new level – one where women often feel particularly vulnerable against perpetrators (which can include men as well as other women), and many of those affected are unsure of how or where to seek assistance.

Sierra Leone recently enacted the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which criminalizes cyberbullying – meaning that, in theory, it should now be much easier to report such cases of online harassment to the police. However, SLAWIJ’s report highlighted a number of challenges for women who may wish to pursue a case of cyberbullying and/or online violence in Sierra Leone – including a widespread hesitancy to report cases of violence (due to fear of stigmatization and/or retaliation by perpetrators), as well as a lack of understanding and technical skills necessary to document such incidents. This last challenge is particularly important to note, since according to SLAWIJ’s research, despite the law now being in place, the burden of proof still rests largely on the individuals experiencing the online abuse. For the most part, the state has still not provided law enforcement agencies and personnel with the training and support necessary for them to fully investigate (let alone track or identify) such incidents – meaning that it is up to those affected to personally take responsibility for collecting evidence of the harassment they face. This can be done, for example, by downloading images or taking screenshots that document threatening messages posted online, and saving the contact information of those involved.

Meanwhile, for SLAWIJ’s part, since the publication of its report in July, the organisation has been following the social media pages of various public-facing women in Sierra Leone – women who are in leadership roles or other public-facing professions (such as journalism, politics, law, medicine, etc.) – to identify and document cases of online bullying or harassment perpetrated against them. Through this process, it has been observed that there seems to be an increase in online bullying, not only from men but also from other women. As such, SLAWIJ believes that there is a growing need for the public to be better informed about what constitutes online bullying, what are some of the effects on women and their families, and what types of statements qualify as “bully statements”. There is also an opportunity for citizens to learn from strong public-facing women about how they manage online bullying, and continue with their work in the face of such challenges.

If online violence and cyberbullying continue to grow, it is conceivable that more women might disappear from public scenes. This will limit women’s participation in public life with serious consequences on women’s empowerment. Already, some women have restricted their platforms for fear of negative comments or attacks from the public. Women need a safe space online to thrive and share their work.

 

 

 

Deputy Education Minister Appeals to India for Technical Educational Support

Hon. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, Education Deputy Minister led Sierra Leone’s team to this year’s UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon 2022 held in New Delhi, India.

Sierra Leone students representing various universities excelled by winning three prizes for developing healthcare and agriculture innovative application solutions as part of the 36-hour non-stop Hackathon in Delhi, India held from 22nd -25th November.

As part of his engagements in India, the Deputy Minister met with the External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subarahmanyam Jaishankar and conveyed the appreciation of the Government of Sierra Leone for the long-standing bi-lateral relationship and cooperation between India and Sierra Leone and commended the support over the years in diverse fields including education, health, agriculture, ICT, defence and humanitarian assistance.

He noted that the recent visit of the Indian Vice President to Sierra Leone has further consolidated the bi-lateral relationship with the opening of India Mission in Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment under the visionary leadership of President Bio focusing on Human Capital Development.

He elaborated on the Government’s prioritization of Education, noting the investment of 22% of budgetary allocation towards free quality school education, support to STEM education for girls, foundational learning, radical inclusion policy and ensuring access to higher education with new technical universities and focus on technical vocational education and training to develop the middle-level manpower base and promote employment opportunities for young people.

He appealed for further support from the India Government to consolidate the gains made by the Government. The India External Affairs Minister applauded the long standing bi-lateral relationship with Sierra Leone and appealed for sustained cooperation in relation to trade, ICT cultural exchange and promotion of international peace. He praised the strides made by the Government towards education and human capital development.

Furthermore, at a round-table Ministerial meeting with the Indian Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan during the Hackathon, Deputy Minister Hon. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara outlined possible areas for collaboration and support from the Indian Government. In particular, he requested support towards ICT infrastructure for the universities to promote digital learning in the Higher education institutions, support to research and technical vocational education and training and towards the Government programme on developing STEM skills and training of science teachers. He thanked the Government of India for supporting students with international scholarships to study in India.

The Indian Education Minister acknowledged the progress Sierra Leone has made towards Human Capital Development and the Free Quality School Education programme, noting that with education a country can achieve sustainable development at a faster pace.

He expressed the commitment of the Indian government to south-south cooperation and encouraged exploring opportunities for mutual benefits of Sierra Leone and India.

 

 

 

 

President Bio & ECSL Boss to Explain to Supreme Court Use of PR System

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Statement issued by the JFK & Partners dated 28th November 2022 signed by Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq, Plaintiffs Solicitor, it was stated that the general public is hereby informed that on the 28th November 2022, an Originating Notice of Motion has been filed with the Supreme Court for a Declaration amongst others, that the ‘Directive’ issued by the President, Rtd. Brig. Dr Julius Maada Bio, to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), to  hold public elections for ordinary Members of Parliament by the Proportional Representation System, where there are extant and subsisting constituencies, is inconsistent with Section 38A of Constitutional Amendment, Act No.15 of 2001.

According to JFK & Partners it will be recalled that Proportional Representation, is itself a product of its time, a fall-back position; when there are no constituencies or wards for the purposes of public elections in the country.

They argued that such was the rationale and the prevailing circumstances that warranted and justified the amendment introduced in 2001 as now contained in section 38A of the Constitution.

It was stated that the country had then just come through a brutal and destabilizing rebel war foisted on the country which resulted in the destabilization of communities nationwide, apart from the loss of human lives and destruction of property.

They continued that an immediate effect of such a situation was the absence of settled Proportional communities and constituencies hence, the justification for the introduction of Proportional Representation System.

JFK & Partners argued that it was then seen as a contingency provision and not intended to be a regular format for public or general elections for Parliament.

According to them, plainly those conditions do not now prevail in the country and therefore recourse cannot lawfully and properly be had to such a system, in the face of existing constituencies and wards.

Furthermore, they argued that the power given to the Electoral Commission is to conduct and supervise elections, and not to determine the form or mode of Elections.

In their argument they stated that Section 68 of  the Public elections Act 2022 is clear as to what constitutes the conduct of elections, to change the format or mode of elections. They maintained that to change the format or mode of elections is a matter of primary legislation, reserved for the Legislature and not the subject of a Statutory Instrument.

They said in all of these, the controversy generated by the purported Presidential Directive and the irregularity of Statutory Instrument No.83 2022 cannot be underscored, as it degenerated into Parliamentary chaos, public shock and concern.

JFK & Partners said therefore, the Supreme Court in the filed Originating Notice of Motion is urged to declare null and void the Presidential Directive and Statutory Instruments No. 83 of 16th November 2022 now purportedly laid before Parliament.

The Counsels on record are Dr Abdullai Conteh, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Africanus Sesay, Ady Macauley, Wara Serry-Kamal and Gassim Conteh.

 

 

 

Africa-Dubai Summit Honours RCBank MD for Excellence in Leadership & Global Enterprise  

By Calabash Newspaper

Amb, Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin,  Managing Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, was among business executives and leaders from across the Globe to be honoured by the Africa-Dubai Business Investment Summit that was recently held at the Hotel Raffles in Dubai.  Gilpin was honoured for “Excellence in Leadership and Global Enterprise.”  Under the auspices of the Private Office of Dubai’s prominent royal family member and business mogul, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Fasal Al-Qassimi, the event was organized by Leaders without Borders (LWB) to discuss the future of global investments, business sustainability and collaborative business strategies across the world.

The BLW is a global initiative created to encourage strong strategic and geopolitical partnership by promoting trade and investment.

The yearly investment summits and Global Honours bring together high-achieving level professionals in the business world to leverage on available business opportunities and form coalitions that would invariably serve to improve the business climates of their respective countries. Consequently, the Global Honours is a side event hosted to celebrate key players including captain of industries, companies, corporations, Government officials, public office holders and individuals that have contributed to the global growth and development of mankind.  The honourees would have demonstrated share resilience as well as records showing how their contributions to economic growth through enterprise development schemes have benefitted entrepreneurs.

Due to workload back home, Gilpin could not travel to Dubai to receive the prestigious award but in a conversation with this medium, he expressed great delight at been once again recognized by an independent and reputable international organization like Leaders Without Borders.

“I am deeply honoured for yet another recognition from outside Sierra Leone. This is indeed inspiring…with great humility, I will dedicate this award to all those hardworking staff of Rokel Commercial Bank and our esteemed customers. They are the reason we are here and keep excelling to mark our footprints in the sands of time…” he said.

 

 

 

Korea – Sierra Leone celebrate 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations

A week-long activity marking the 60th Anniversary of the Korean – Sierra Leone diplomatic ties was officially opened by the Korean Embassy in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and the Freetown City Council.

Events of the celebration will run to Friday 2 December with colorful programs such as public policy seminar and Korean film screening. Particularly, the famous Korean group, LEENALCHI band, will visit Freetown to hold a joint cultural performance with the Sierra Leone Jazz Team which is expected to serve as an opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity of the two countries.

The two countries have built friendly relations over the last 60 years, by helping each other in time of need and working together on the international arena such as the United Nations and the African Union. The two countries leaders, President Yoon and President Bio,are expected to exchange good will messages to each other and to the peoples of both countries.

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. The President of KOICA, the major Korean Government development agency, will sign an MOU with the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, during the 60th anniversary celebration week, which will be another meaningful milestone in the bilateral relations.

Against this backdrop, the Republic of Korea cultural exhibition was officially opened on Monday 28th November 2022 at the New Freetown City Council Ground Floor, an event that marked the celebrations of 60th anniversary of Korea-Sierra Leone diplomatic relationship, which has brought so many benefits and opportunities.

The Korean Ambassador assigned to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Kim Young Chae remarked that the week-long celebration will feature activities like Korean Performing Arts screening, Public Policy Seminar, Signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and KCCN, Opening ceremony of Honorary Consul’s Office, signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and KOICA, Joint Cultural Performance, handing over of vehicles to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs etc.

He praised the construction of the new City Council Building, which is a symbol of a good relationship between the two countries and went on to thank the Government of Sierra Leone for supporting the 60th anniversary events. The Ambassador commended the newly appointed Republic of Korean Consul in Sierra Leone, His Excellency Mahesh Nandwani for mobilizing his family and team to support the celebrations, and went on to commend his Korean Team for helping the process. Ambassador Kim commended LG Electronics Company for coming to Sierra Leone to showcase its items. He pledged his country’s further commitment in strengthening the bilateral ties.

The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyarr said celebrating trade and cultural opportunities is an excellent idea, which demonstrates a true relationship between the two countries and added that the construction of the City Council Building is a power of partnership between the sister countries. She praised the Korean Republic for growing from a developing nation to an industrialized country. “This is an opportunity for a more industrial relationship and I look forward to stronger ties,” she said.

Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister, Professor David Francis congratulated the Government and People of Korea for maintaining a strong relationship with Sierra Leone, which started on 25th June 1962. “The relationship has gravitated to a very strong tie with an unbroken record in a very challenging competition amongst states,” the Minister said and continued that the New City Council Building is a shining example of the good relationship. “We have so Sierra Leoneans that have studied in Korea and the two countries have shared so many opportunities,” the Minister remarked and furthered that the Korean private sector is key in taking forward a stronger partnership in the next sixty years. “We are now moving to economic diplomacy that will help Sierra Leone grow to an industrialized country,” he said and revealed that there will be a 20% increase of Korean Private Sector investment in Sierra Leone in the coming years. “No country has ever developed through aid. We now want to focus on trade and investment,” Prof. Francis said and went on to appeal to Korean Private Sector Investors to support the process. He praised the newly appointed Korean Consul, Mahesh Nandwani for taking the lead in facilitating the process. “We look forward to celebrating a very strong relationship in the next sixty years,” he noted.

Present at the occasion was the Minister of Trade, some Government and private sector officials, Korean Officials and invited dignitaries.

 

Telecommunications Companies to Lay Off Over 500 Staff  

By Abubakarr Harding

Series of investigations conducted by this medium have revealed that as a result of the increase in operational and management costs, Mobile or GSM Companies are now on the verge of laying off over five hundred staff working in the telecommunications sector.

It must be noted that the telecommunications sector provides employment for many especially young people and it is the leading private sector employer.

For now there is widespread fear that if action is not taken swiftly to address the difficult constraints that these telecommunications companies are going through at the moment, in terms of operational costs, such will add to the existing number of unemployed young people in the country.

It is worthy of note that the telecommunication sector , through the rolling out of its Corporate Social Responsibility ,has supported very worthy causes or funded various development projects. They have supported education, sport, financial inclusion, media, trade, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and lots more.

Significantly, it is important to note that over the years, the telecommunication sector has helped the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving key development deliverables in meeting the needs of the people.

At this crucial juncture, it is important to note that in order to avert any untoward breakdown in telecommunication services in the country it is but highly important for the necessary stakeholders within the sector to come together and chart an amicable way forward. Such is necessary against the backdrop that the telecommunications companies cannot continue to incur huge operational costs without getting in return the expected profits.

On the other hand the Government is trying very hard to protect the interests of the masses against any form of increase in the prices of data but the reality of the situation is that the telecommunications companies are business entities with the aim of maximizing profits and not charitable organizations that dish out handouts.

At this turbulent time for all mobile companies in the country, it is worth mentioning that it is expedient for the regulatory body, the Ministry of Information and Communication and other Ministries and Agencies that are concerned to put hands on deck and salvage the challenges that these network service providers are facing in the country.

Our investigations further indicated that, the special charges levied on mobile service operators on petroleum products and the astronomical rise of the foreign exchange rate as against the leones have posed major challenges for all mobile service operators in the country.

The current foreign exchange rate, particularly the dollar which is the most popular currency in Sierra Leone, has toppled the Leones in an unimaginable manner and has adversely affected all mobile service operators in the country. It is no fun that the astronomical rise of the dollar as against the Leones has badly hit the telecommunication sector of the country.

Our sources are also concerned that if things do not change most of the mobile service operators will lay-off some staff until things return to normal.

 

 

NP-SL Capable Managerial Teams Continue to Optimize Marketing Initiatives

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is indeed one successful indigenous company which most of the citizens can boast of especially when consideration is given to the fact that this entity has stood the test of time weathering challenges that may have led to its downfall. For such a commendable feat to be achieved during quite a long period of time now means that the company has been blessed with capable shareholders and Managerial teams that have been providing the requisite ideas and initiatives that continue to take NP from one higher level to another.

Providing its esteemed and cherished customers, right across the country, with rapt and efficient attention by always ensuring that their needs are well satisfied which with all amount of certainty is identified as one of the secrets behind the successes of the company. Management is very keen on prioritizing customer care which is why it is keen to know about their reactions as well as to listen to various concerns raised and always be in a position to address them.

Having amassed the strength and seeing the need to expand appropriately, NP-SL thought it fit to open branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia and all of them are extremely functioning well to the utmost satisfaction of Governments plus its ever growing customers. In doing so, the company has been contributing towards job creation and poverty reduction more especially as it is virtually impossible for the Governments of these countries to provide all job opportunities for citizens.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that Governments need revenue to finance development projects it is important to find the sources of generating such. NP, as a company, is one of the biggest taxpayers to Government. Management always makes it as a point of duty to timely pay taxes and despite battling with existing and unforeseeable challenges there has never been an instance when it has been coerced to do so.

Many have praised NP for making available cookers popularly known as NP Gas which is safe for cooking purposes. These NP Gas cookers are sold at reasonable prices and could be procured in all their filling stations as well as from authorized dealers. At a time like this when it has been recognized that it is advisable, for health reasons, to avoid using firewood or charcoal for cooking purposes the best option could be NP Gas, which is hygienic, clean and quick.

Talking about effective implementation of Local Content Policy, NP-SL stands tall as it is truly the only 100% indigenous company that employs 100% Sierra Leoneans as workers. The company gives preference to employing Sierra Leoneans which is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy as utilizing local talents makes it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through various training programs.

It is important to know that the company deals with individuals and various entities, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. There is a good business strategy in place whereby entities or customers are permitted to use chits to secure fuel and pay later. Such is very advantageous more so when those entities do not always have cash at hand to be purchasing petroleum products from time to time.  This  symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

With regards recognition, the regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, Petroleum Directorate, has also lauded NP in recent time for its efficient service delivery in its areas of operation.

There could be no doubt to authoritatively state that NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It therefore came as no big surprise why on the 6th July 2019 it was awarded as the “Best Company of the Year” during the National Business Award 2018/2019 held at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel.

Without mincing the truth NP stands tall within the business landscape in and out of the country growing stronger and stronger as time goes by.

 

 

 

 

 

1...639640641...1,369Page 640 of 1,369