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Three Sent to Jail for 21 Months by Magistrate Sellu-Tucker 

By Abubakarr Harding

Three accused persons were, on the 17th November, 2022, sentenced by Magistrate Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker of Pademba Road Magistrate’s Court No.2 to twenty one (21) months imprisonment each.

The accused persons: John Koroma of No. 7 Stoco Road in Makeni; Mohamed Samura of Wilberforce Barracks; Ali Jalloh of 11 Abu Lane in Makeni and Charles Caulker of No. 26 Sahid Kamara Street in Makeni were before the Court to answer to two Counts of Riotous Conduct contrary to Section 12 (a) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965 as repealed and replaced by Act No.15 of 1973; and Insulting Behaviour contrary to Section 3(1) of the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965 as amended by Act No.15 of 1973.

The Particulars of Offence revealed that accused persons on Wednesday 10th August, 2022 at NP Parking ground area, Azzolini Highway, Makeni in Bombali Shebora Chiefdom in Bombali Judicial District in the North-East Region of the Republic of Sierra Leone behaved in a Riotous manner.

Magistrate Isata Susan Sellu-Tucker found them guilty and sentenced them accordingly, on Count one, accused persons were sentenced to 18 months and 3 months on Count Two. They were also ordered to pay a fine of four thousand Leones (new notes) each.

 

 

 

 

NP-SL Helps in Enhancing Road Worthiness of Vehicles & Safety

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The foremost importing and marketing of high grade quality petroleum products and for timely delivery of related services remain to be the indomitable NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), which, out of dedication and commitment has been treating its numerous customers right across the country with respect, care and rapt attention. As a pro-people business entity the company is highly renowned for giving utmost satisfaction to all its customers in a fairly manner.

It is on record and a highly commendable feat that in as much as the company is chiefly involved in providing fuel, mainly petrol and diesel, to enhance transportation across the country, it is also interested in contributing to maintain the state of vehicles on the road and ensure the comfort as well as safety of passengers, drivers and the ordinary man on the street.

In this vein, it has on offer at all their  Filling Stations across the country, including the one that was commissioned recently at Gbalamuya, in the Kambia District, several lubricants of high quality for vehicles.
Engine oil for heavy duty vehicles and machines (diesel) are available, whilst the other brand for jeeps and other types of vehicles of both petrol and diesel engines are also available for sale in their different outlets.

It is worthy of note that these lubricants are developed with the right formula to meet the needs of the engine specification. This is made possible by the professional work of the company’s engineers, under the watchful eyes of its Management and team. With expert technicians, NP has been able to provide such services for its numerous customers.

Within the realm of making effective usage of technology, NP is currently availing its numerous customers the opportunity to make use of Smart Cards to procure fuel. With this sim card known as NP Smart Card, its customers can purchase any amount of fuel they want. Customers have a stipulated amount of fuel on the card in accordance with what they had paid for (a pre-paid system).

Thus the customer has a choice to request for a lesser quantity of fuel as he or she so desires or takes the whole total commensurate to what is on the sim card.
Presently, apart from private customers patronizing this system, International organizations, Banks and certain Government institutions, including the Judiciary, have these sim cards. This system alleviates the long process of dealing with LPOs as was done in the past. Drivers in such institutions can now easily access fuel from the fuel station with the production of the sim card, which is then run through a small device and service is rendered quickly without any itch.

As far as customer care is concern, NP-SL Ltd the company is always trying its best to give them satisfaction. Smartly dressed, its pump attendants exude the quality service that the company is known for. Politely talking to its customers and directing them to the various pumping points, they deliver a service that is exceptional in that field.

In its determination to genuinely serve the public, NP offers the exact litre or quantity of its products, thereby attracting many customers, including commercial drivers to its stations. Mohamed Kamara, a taxi driver, maintained that he buys fuel from NP because their quality and quantity are good and cannot be compared to any in the petroleum landscape of the country.

Again, the company markets the eco-friendly cooker widely known as NP Gas. Noting that cooking is part of human activity but because of poverty, the vast majority of the citizenry rely on traditional and archaic means of cooking such as using fire-wood and charcoal.

However, the effects of the use of such practices have endangered the environment, prompting environmentalists to raise alarm about the hazards that deforestation and inhalation of fumes from coal can cause to human health.

With the introduction of NP Gas it is believed that it is a better alternative as it is environment friendly.
These NP Gas Cookers are readily available at the company’s different Filling Stations and are going at affordable prices.

Most of those this medium interviewed disclosed that the cookers are very user friendly and good to be used for various cooking purposes. “We derive optimum satisfaction in using our NP Gas Cooker as it is very fast and reliable,” Mariatu Kanu proudly disclosed adding that accessing gas to replenish used stock is very easy as it could be accessed at NP Filling Stations.

According to one of the Managers of the company, there are plans underway for the company to partner with entrepreneurs to open more Filling Stations in different parts of the country. “We are very committed to diligently serve the people of Sierra Leone to the best of our abilities in order to give them maximum satisfaction,” he optimistically stated.

 

 

 

Elections Observer Network (EON-SL) Launched

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a well-attended ceremony held on Thursday 17th November 2022 at the New City Hall Auditorium in Freetown, the Chairman Board of Directors of the Ahmed Kabbah Tejan Foundation for Peace and Democracy, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Samura has officially launched the Elections Observer Network (EON-SL).

In his statement, while launching the Elections Observer Network, Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Samura, revealed that the Elections Observer Network is here to stay to represent credible and transparent elections.

He said that elections observers networks like EON-SL are valuable conduits to improve the quality of elections and that they help build public confidence in the honesty of electoral processes.

Ambassador Dr. Mohamed Samura concluded by making a declaration of the official launch of the Elections Observer Network in the country.

The Elections Observer Network (EON-SL) is said to be a non-profit and non-partisan conglomerate of over one hundred organizations that advocate for peaceful co-existence, good governance, and respect for democratic processes and serving as a consortium.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator of Elections Observer Network Sierra Leone (EON-SL), William Tucker said that EON-SL is a non-profit and non-partisan conglomerate of organizations that advocate for peaceful coexistence, good governance, and respect for democratic processes as a Consortium, adding that the mission of EON-SL is to work in partner-ship with organizations in Sierra Leone to support electoral processes in the country, with a vision of creating a democratic society where transparent and credible elections exist for the furtherance of Good Governance and Democracy.

The National Coordinator maintained that EON-SL is very committed towards supporting the Commission for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

He concluded his address by presenting a cross-section of the membership of the network of which he further asked political parties present to look at the members presented to them and make objection if they are not satisfied with any of the members.

The Deputy Director of the Political Parties Registration Commission(PPRC), Josephine P.M. Panda, commended the initiators for forming the Elections Observer Network of which she assured them of the wiliness and preparedness of the Political Parties Registration Commission to work with them.

She said that democracy is far more than elections, adding that the holding of transparent, accountable and credible elections is an important cornerstone of democratic processes in any country and that elections observers do make significant contributions in the process.

Josephine P.M. Panda stated that alongside political parties and the media, Civil Society is of vital importance towards enhancing democratic activities and that civil society groups and election observers can actively encourage the emergence of the popular and political will which is so vital for democracy in any society to thrive.

The Spokesperson for the National Grand Coalition, Nyamacoro Silla, said that regardless of the fact that people hold allegiance to their political parties but when it comes to elections she encouraged Sierra Leoneans to put the country first.

She said that elections are very trying times in the country of which she recommended that political parties or individuals should engage residents in communities with awareness raising on the need to put their country first rather than preaching negative messages.

The Spokesperson concluded by expressing appreciation for the launch of the Elections Observer Network (EON-SL) in order to advocate for peaceful co-existence, good governance, and respect for democratic processes in the country.

The Deputy Leader of the Sierra Leone People’s Party National Young Generation, Patrick K.M Gibrilla, said that the SLPP is very committed to non-violent elections in the country.

He said that the party has over the years supported the activities of civil society organizations and that the party will like always support the Elections Observer Network (EON-SL) as a new elections observer group in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Sheku C. Johnny, said that the launching of the Elections Observer Network is very important for supporting the work of the Commission towards conducting  transparent, free and fair elections in the country.

He maintained that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone is charged with the responsibility of conducting elections in the country in a free and fair manner, stating that currently the Commission is working tireless in order to ensure that it fulfills its mandate.

The Executive Secretary further used the opportunity to inform the gathering on the activities of the Commission relating to the conduct of the 2023 elections in the country.

Other dignitaries, including the Ministry of Defence Chief of Staff , Major General Christian Fahim Marah, the Resident Minister of North-West who also doubles as Presidential Spokesman, Alpha Khan, a representative from the Office of National Security (ONS) also made incisive statements.

 

Gento Kamara Admonishes & Inspires Students

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Aspiring candidate for the Mayoral Seat of the Freetown City Council (FCC), Mohamed Gento-Kamara has informed students that there are greater powers in academic pursuits but said in pursuing their academic goals, they always have to be aware of self-discipline, because with self-discipline, the sky will be their limit.

He made that statement while addressing students at this year’s 50 Most Influential Students Award on the Theme: “Student Power In Academic Pursuit” organized by Girl Pikin for Betteh Foundation and Mendelian Inheritance Foundation at the New Freetown City Hall Auditorium.

“In pursuing your academic goals you have to be very mindful of the invisible distractions. In Sierra Leone today, there is an epidemic that is eating up the future of our youth and that epidemic is ‘kush’ a major distraction for the youthful generation. With all due respect, I will encourage you to be mindful of this kind of distraction,” he admonished.

He implored students to know that their goals to become graduates depend on what they do now as he strongly believes that one’s tomorrow depends on what one does now, adding that in pursuing their dreams or to get to the sky, there is always a vehicle reminding them that their vehicles need proper servicing and maintenance at all times.

“As students, you have chosen the academia as your vehicle to reach the sky. You will need regular servicing if you want to reach at your destinations. This could mean studying hard, proper planning, avoiding all forms of distractions having an unwavering focus on your course work. On that note, I congratulate all awardees. And to those who will not be receiving awards, I hope this ceremony will serve as an inspiration to you,” he concluded.

Earlier before delivering his keynote address, the Executive Director of Girl Pikin for Betteh Foundation, Fawaz Milton Kanu said that the 50 Most Influential Students award is an initiative of two women- led organizations powered by Girl Pikin for Betteh Foundation and Mendelian Inheritance Foundation.

He stated that students play very important roles towards national development and that their efforts should be recognized, revealing that the Fifty Influential Students award recipients represent the most influential students in various departments in college, entertainment etc.

Fawaz Milton Kanu disclosed that in November 2021, they held their first ever 50 Most Influential Students’ Awards Ceremony as a way of recognizing the efforts of students towards National Development among thirteen universities and colleges across the country.

He pointed out that the Award Committee called on students and the public to nominate & vote for exemplary students that have contributed towards community and national development for the past years and who are promoting education, entertainment or served as inspiration to other students in the country, furthering that after the nomination and voting process they were finally proud to award the deserving students of this year’s 50 Fifty Most Influential Students.

He concluded by expressing appreciation to Premium Divine Trading Limited for supporting this year’s 50 Fifty Most Influential Students with a donation of 75 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate.

 

 

 

Omrie Golley Poise to Revolutionize Agriculture in Sierra Leone

By Abubakarr Harding

Former Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Omrie Golley, has  in a series of ceremonies between the 8-14 November 2022, initiated the construction of agric-education centres in different parts of the country.

Ambassador Omrie Golley is the CEO of the Golley Agriculture Development Company which aims at introducing a new agricultural system based on drip irrigation technology, perfected in Israel,  to enable crop production continuously throughout the year, instead of seasonally.

The four agric centers are already being constructed in Port Loko City in the Northwestern Region, Bumbuna Town in the Northern Region, Gelehun Town in Bo District Southern Region, and Belabu Town, Kenema City ,Eastern Region.

The 4 locations have been carefully selected to serve as demonstration centres of people of the 4 provincial regions of Sierra Leone.

The purpose of the Agric-Education Centre, is to train local student farmers in the latest agriculture technology, including the use of the drip irrigation.

At the end of the training the beneficiaries would be able to create and manage efficiently local farms.

The vision and direction of this project is for each trainee to be capable of functioning both individually and as a member of a team, and will be skilled in agricultural activities such as planning, growing, storing, and distributing agricultural products to domestic markets. The trainees will also learn how to run agricultural projects as economic and profitable businesses through the use of modern agricultural technologies and management systems, thus increasing production and quality, and reducing costs.

In very colourful and joyful ceremonies across the four regions, Ambassador Golley was feted by the people for bringing in Israeli technology to advance food sufficiency and security as well as an opportunity for export.

The programmes in each of the locations ended with great fanfare and celebration with the traditional ‘Matoma’ in Bumbuna, Gomboi in Kenema, Ngongor-bee in Bo City, and Bondo women in Port Loko City.

 

 

FAO Ends Four Day Workshop on Sustainable & Inclusive Agri-Food Systems

Dr. Martha Williams

By Abubakarr Harding

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Freetown will today 18th November 2022 end a four-day workshop on sustainable agri-food systems in Freetown which commenced in Freetown on 15th November 2022.

Worthy of note is that the Agri-Food System Transformation Initiative is an initiative developed out of a partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone, FAO, European Union (EU), and Agri-Food System stakeholders, with the objective of improving the planning, design, investment and accountable delivery of interventions for sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems’ transformation of the country.

In her presentation on ensuring food and nutrition security and safe food for all in Sierra Leone, Dr. Martha Williams said that about 81% of Sierra Leoneans are food insecure while the food consumption rate is about 27%

She highlighted that the major challenges to food insecurity in Sierra Leone include low food consumption and dependency on food import, food affordability due to hikes in the prices of the staple food, and food accessibility due to high cost of transportation, low storage, and low food processing and preservation technique.

Dr Williams also dilated on the consumption patterns, food culture and taboo in Sierra Leone, noting that there is low dietary diversity or food diet, inadequate food intake, low nutrition education, poor feeding practices and behaviour, and intra household food distribution in Sierra Leone.

“Only 4.9% of children in Sierra Leone meet minimum acceptable diet and only 4.9% of Sierra Leone is consuming animal source food,”  she pointed out.

She stated that rising in food import dependency is making Sierra Leone vulnerable to global shocks and resulting in low foreign exchange, mentioning that there is huge food wastages in both quality and quantity leading to unavailability of food and nutrition.

She added that low dietary diversity leads to increase sickness, reduced productivity, reduced learning ability in children, and reduced quality of life and life expectancy, pointing out that there is low nutrition education which has also led to increased risk of illness and malnutrition impacting the productivity of the labor force and rising health cost.

The first day of the workshop was climaxed with participants coming up with challenges with food insecurity in Sierra Leone.

 

NP-SL Takes the Lead in Efficient Marketing & Service Delivery

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is the most outstanding and widely recognized petroleum entity that is doing well within the business landscape of this country. The company has gained both internal and international recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing which has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1st for Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country. In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company has good, up and running tanker vehicles which transport fuel from the fuel depot to the various Filling Stations everywhere in the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities. Interestingly, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a company a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card.

The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a thriving company among the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

 

High Inflation & Costs of Doing Business Hitting GSM Companies Harder

By Abubakarr Harding

In contemporary Sierra Leone, inflation continues to eat deep into the fabric of the economy as it is evidently seen in the high costs of living and low standards of living the vast majority is going through. The masses are grappling with how to access basic commodities and services, struggling hard to make ends meet.

Under these difficult times business entities, from corporate entities to small, medium enterprises are really going through the burning furnace as investigations mounted by this news medium have revealed that the costs of doing business in the country are really high. As a matter of fact prices have recently increased tremendously to points that they are even suffocating certain businesses only left with the options of shutting down or increasing prices for various telecommunications services provided. Little wonder why everyday prices of basic commodities and services keep going up astronomically.

The telecommunications companies are really feeling the heat as they continue to fraught with a lot of emerging challenges negatively eroding their profit margins.

It has been anticipated that from the look of things the costs of telecommunications will have to be adjusted in order for GSM Companies in this country to continue to operate efficiently and effectively.

Under such a debilitating economic situation, there is every indication that sooner rather than later telecommunications companies operating in the country will soon take the decisive situation of whether they should increase data prices for the various services they are currently providing, mainly voice calls and internet services.

From what this medium understood, a recent attempt made by the telecommunications companies to increase data prices was not welcomed by the Government.

However, that move on the part of Government did not totally resolve a situation that is becoming more compounded. As of now the gap keeps widening between the resources used in rolling out telecommunications services on a daily basis, on the one hand in comparison to the proceeds they are deriving on the other.

Simply put, the telecommunications companies are pumping more resources to provide services for which they are not deriving the desired proceeds from, meaning that they are losing more than what they are getting back, which could not be in the best interest of any thriving business entity.

Paradoxically, as the country’s economy continues to slump the fact is glaring that the Government is unable to control the spiral inflation in which the country is engulfed in as evident in the continuous escalation in the prices of basic commodities.

Notwithstanding the above stance, it must be underscored that as long as the conditions that militate against the operations of telecommunications companies keep persisting there will inevitably come a time when a decisive action will have to be taken and that will not take long.

Contextualizing it, there have been rapid increases in Foreign Exchange rates against the Leones. The present day value of the UD Dollar is at Le. 18,000 (Old Leones) to $1. This record an increase since the last time the GSM tariff adjustment took place the exchange rate was far below what it is today.

The cost of telecommunications companies doing business is also enormous when consideration is taken of the fact the cost of Terrestrial Fiber (Leoncom) has also gone up. The cost per Mbps that was $0.4 has also increased to $10 recording a 2,400% increase.

Besides, the cost of electricity tariff today has become a public hue and cry as individuals and institutions as well are loudly grumbling that it has gone up exponentially.

Even electricity tariff, which is a similar utility service and a cost driver for telecommunications businesses, has witnessed a significant increase of 78% from Le. 1,890 (old Leones) to Le. 3,364 (New Leones) as at July, 2022.

It must be noted that since SALCAB folded up and Zoodlabs took over control of the internet there has been improvement in terms of speed. Worthy of note is 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 internet.

To any right thinking individual, the sharp increase in the price of the internet will invariably not encourage telecommunications service providers to maintain the same old data prices.

Telecommunications companies are always trying their best to woo as many subscribers to their networks which is why some are even attempting to access hard to reach areas of communities. To address that, they, from time to time have to construct telecommunications sites, towers erected etc. Lamentably, the costs of site construction materials (Steel and Cement) have gone up.

Whilst the cost of cement per bag and steel per ton were Le 65,000 and Le 6,000,000 (Old Leones) in the past, they presently stand at Le. 120,000 and Le. 11,500,000 respectively accounting for 92% increase.

Increase in fuel cost is now the order of the day. Telecommunications companies utilize fuel in large quantities meaning that they have to pay for more fuel.

Fuel price is at Le.25, 000 (Old Leones) against Le. 6,000 per litre 5 years ago when the sector tariff was last reviewed. It recorded a colossal increase of 317%.

Though a Government official said it openly that Government is mindful of the difficult economic climate under which these telecommunications companies are operating and until it conducts a cost study of telecommunications companies and more importantly reach a consensus after engaging the populace to determine the next move to be taken, the fact still stands that the current financial constraints telecommunications companies are going through need tangible economic solutions to reach an acceptable position and could not be solved by public consultations or political coercion. Such could be short-lived and not sustainable.

There is a school of thought that there is the likelihood that these telecommunications companies if denied the right to increase data prices will reduce funding on their Corporate Social Responsibility.

This medium will continue to monitor the situation as well as go ahead with its investigations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calabash’s Managing Editor Attends Media Cooperation Forum 2022 in Kenya

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As a way of exploring, deepening and expanding channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation, the China Media Group (CMG) Africa and Communication University of China co-launched the African Partners CMG Media Cooperation Forum 2022 on the 16th November, 2022, as a hybrid event, at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence in Nairobi Arboretum area, Kenya’s capital.

The theme for this year’s summit was, “Planning Common Development in the New Journey and Enhancing Global Communication Between Chinese and African Media”.

In attendance were Chinese and African media professionals and scholars who participated in two sub-forums online each themed on “Building China-Africa Media Dialogue Mechanism” and “Construction on the China-Africa Media Public Opinion Ecology”.

Participants shared their insights on how to build a China-Africa Community with a shared future at the event titled “China and the World Embarking on a New Journey”.

During the opening ceremony of the forum, the Media Professional from Sierra Leone, Amin Kef Sesay aka Ranger, the Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper in Sierra Leone, which has a strong online presence, proffered constructive ideas and ways on how to expand channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation.

Delivering a statement on: “The Need to Open up Channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation”, the erudite and charismatic Publisher and Managing Editor of one of the fastest growing media entities in Sierra Leone, expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the China Media Group (CMG) Africa and Communication University of China for inviting him to witness the co-launching of the African Partners CMG Media Cooperation Forum, which this year is held in Africa, to be precise, Nairobi, Kenya.

He congratulated the People’s Republic of China for successfully concluding its 20th Communist Party of China National Congress that was recently held further wishing China well as it embarks on a new journey to build a comprehensive socialist modern state.

Amin Kef also expressed hope that China’s new journey will have a positive impact on the world in this current international situation that is full of instability, uncertainty and the serious challenges to global peace and development.

He intimated that it must be noted that, since the Forum on China- Africa Media Cooperation was established 10 years ago, various Online and Offline modes of enhancing that cooperation have been proffered by delegates from the two sides agreeing to strengthen media cooperation.

The prolific Publisher and Managing Editor pointed out that without saying the least, fruitful results and valuable experiences have been achieved in strengthening the cooperation, with delegates from both sides agreeing to deepen China-Africa friendship and enhance people to people bonds.

Dilating on the Channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation he reiterated that China has been helpful to African nations in not only developing their media capacity but assisting African nations in many other areas of development for which he commended China.

He informed that as media practitioners, it is an established and well known fact that the cardinal responsibilities of the media is to inform, educate and entertain in an objective manner as opposed to misinform.

Ranger underscored that, at times, certain individuals deliberately misinform with the objective to create an ulterior impression far from the truth adding that  in a world where international relations matters we have witnessed the rivalry among certain countries trying to gain superiority and in their attempts at trying to achieve that will want to woo other countries on their sides.

He maintained that the media should stand in-between, neutral, to give the populace the right facts as opposed to propaganda and falsehoods.

“It is only by strengthening cooperation that the media can expose the real facts from lies as international politics is full of hypocrisy and deceptions,” he proffered evoking a thunderous round of applause from the audience.

He continued that within the context of strengthening the relationship between Africa and China, the media has significant roles to play in enhancing that.

“The media should objectively portray the advantages that are being derived from the bi-lateral or multi-lateral relationships that China has with African countries,” he pointed out furthering that whether it is providing funding for any project or services highly needed, those should be reported by the media with emphasis on the mutual benefits to be derived.

He stressed that by informing the populace, people will know the rationale behind certain bi-lateral or multi-lateral moves or offers otherwise speculation will take over.

Amin Kef stated that such is important against the backdrop that dating back to the Cold War era there has been trading of misinformation between the Western World and the East maintaining that it is his belief that China has been making serious efforts to correct that trend which could be the major reason why it is strongly interacting with the African Media to put things into proper perspectives.

He suggested that in order to put events, activities, gestures etc into their proper perspectives in truthful ways, then conscious efforts must be made to open up more Channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation.

The influential media professional stated that though it was at the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, South-Africa that President Xi initiated the China-Africa Press Exchange Centre program which aims to train and build capacity for African countries’ news officials and reporters, promote more exchanges and mutual visits between Chinese and African journalists and press professionals, train 1,000 African media professionals each year, and support exchanges of reporters by more media organizations, those channels or opportunities that are already established must be strengthened and  other channels created that could enhance media cooperation.

“In as much as the media world is becoming more digital, I would recommend that the Chinese and African media should promote access to digital innovation and deepen cooperation in areas of digital technology and digital economy to strengthen exchanges and share opportunities and ideas,” he also proffered adding that China could help in the digital migration that various African media groups are conforming to which could help greatly to promote professionalism and objectivity.

“Help could come in the form of technical assistances and provision of useful equipment,” he also maintained emphasizing that strengthening exchange of journalists on both sides should be maintained and where possible expanded to incorporate more participants who will end up benefitting from learning new ideas.

In a constructive manner, he suggested that Chinese Embassies in African countries must try to align themselves closely to African Media groups in friendly and cooperative ways so that they can work closely on certain issues.

He said without any attempt at ideological indoctrination, a close affinity with media entities in Africa will help in broadening wider understanding in many areas or fields between the Chinese and Africans as well as make available useful information.

Amin Kef Sesay pointed out that historical reference could be made to the genesis of the cooperation, how it has developed over the years and t could be improved on. He said abridged books for children could help in reinforcing truthful stories or narratives of the relationship between China and Africa, their cultural differences and beliefs also adding that simple films could be developed on various aspects of media cooperation between China and Africa which could also help in creating strong impressions.

The highly respected Media Professional suggested that China and Africa should continue to uphold the principles of equality, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation, and push forward China-Africa media cooperation to a higher level through strengthening exchanges on media policies, media communications, and cooperation in media industries, thus playing a more significant role in improving people’s well-being and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He admonished that China and African countries should intensify policy dialogues, deepen cooperation in key areas such as news coverage, content creation and channel building.

“In as much as China also provides a means for the education for African students such could be maintained. The knowledge that they garner from there is invaluable and once they have completed their courses, they can return back to Africa and assist in the growth of the continent among which could be media practitioners,” he said adding that as of now China is also pursuing greater relationships with African ‘think tanks’ so as to improve and help implement policies on social, political, economic and military issues.

He expressed the hope that China will open up its border completely, after effectively combating COVID-19, so it will be easier for more exchanges between the media on both sides.

The Publisher and Managing Editor concluded by stating that the media on both sides have been upholding the spirit of friendly cooperation and working continuously to safeguard fairness and justice, telling stories about China-Africa cooperation in the new era and shouldering responsibilities to advance global development, promote common values of mankind and actively create an international public opinion atmosphere of cohesive development and cooperation.

He said, however, it is his expectation that with time the relationship will become deeper as more channels of cooperation between China and Africa are opened up to benefit as many as possible.

Other delegates or participants that delivered statements during the opening ceremony included Cao Ri, Acting Bureau Chief of China Media Group Africa, Samuel Maina, Acting Managing Director of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Aziz Hartley, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Media Group, Ali Reynald Radjoumba, General Manager of Gabon Télévision Group.

There was also a session during which guests discussed the topic “Channels for China-Africa Media Cooperation” and the participants included Amin Kef Sesay, Managing Editor, The Calabash Newspaper, Sierra Leone,Patrick Oyet, President, Union of Journalists of South Sudan; Co-owner of Juba Echo  Donatien Niyonzima, Reporter, China-Africa Magazine (online), Lovering Sichizya, Reporter, Zambia News and Information Services!online” and Susan Karago, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Baraka FM. It was a very impressive session as all the participants dealt well with the topic as their expressed views and suggestions were well in place, enlightening and very informative.

In another session, Bernard Momanyi, the Editorial Director of Capital FM, introduced their integrated media column in cooperation with CMG Africa and Zhang Shuting, President of Communication University of China, delivered a video message.

The highpoint of the opening ceremony of the summit was when CMG Africa together with representatives from the African

Union, East Africa Community and African Broadcasting Union unveiled the “China Media Group Program Exhibition-Africa Stop”.

 

 

 

Orange SL Partners with other Stakeholders to Organize 1st Youth Employment &Entrepreneurship Fair

By Abubakarr Harding

One of the partners that made relentless strides to ensure that the  Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair turns out to be a reality was Orange-Sierra Leone. The three-day National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair commenced on the 15th November 2022 and ended yesterday at the Bintumani Conference Centre and was aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship for knowledge and exposure.

Showcasing young aspiring entrepreneurs, the event allowed them to display their products and services and network with potential buyers and financiers.

The trade fair came in as a component to support, provide guidance and protection capital for potential young graduates in the country to overcome challenges associated with launching and sustaining a business.

So, the launching served as a platform to give additional networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Orange Sierra Leone launched its business booth on Tuesday, 15 November 2022, displaying its products and services it is offering..

According to Annie Wonnie Katta, Head of Orange Public Relations, “Orange is really interested in capacity building and empowerment, which is why we are here. We wish to provide possibilities for young people as well as training and premium entertainment. We enable young people to send off their CVs at this trade show and publish job openings at Orange, and also offer coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs.
We are also planning a pitch for entrepreneurs with great ideas for solving societal problems. The pitch session is set for Thursday and will include a price tag so that the winners may use the money to expand their existing small businesses.”

Orange, as a key sponsor of the youth event, had as its aim, to provide young people with job prospects, company growth courses, and quality entertainment.

She explained the reason why Orange SL is a major supporter of this event: “We are aware that this administration is enthusiastic about digital inclusion; therefore, we are not only helping the Government, but we are also preparing the kids for the future.”

During the event, Orange SL also gave young people the opportunity to win 5,000 NL by pitching business ideas at the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair.

Participants were guided by professional coaches to create their own business plans through one-on-one coaching. That provided them insights into Government services, the regulatory environment, industry know-how, market networks and access to further capital or support.

The programme also had group coaching sessions, where participants met on their own to support each other, and mentorship sessions, where professionals with industry experience guided participants on the reality of Sierra Leone.

“Thanks to this training, I learned how to manage my business, how to be a good entrepreneur, how to manage my funds and how to attract customers,” said a participant of the trade fair whose business specializes in catering services.

The programme also enhanced participants’ soft skills essential to managing businesses. “I gained confidence and I learned a lot,” explained an entrepreneur who sells handmade products using local materials and textiles. “I believe this program will help many people. They might have rough ideas, but they need guidance and coaching to get a vision of how their businesses will take shape.”

 

 

 

 

 

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