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NMA Introduces CTC Mining (SL) to Residents of Marampa & Maforki Chiefdoms

By Abubakarr Harding

It will indeed be a momentous and unforgettable day as the 16th November, 2022 would be etched in time and eternity as a great day for the people of Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms. Approaching the Port Loko Council office one would be tempted to think that a coronation or Dubar of Chiefs was going on.

One onlooker retorted that he has hardly seen this number of traditional rulers come to town for a normal meeting. The meeting was however far from normal.

In a jam-packed hall, stakeholders met to firstly present to the people of Marampa, Maforki, and the wider Port Loko, a mining company which according to a Paramount Chief fondly referred to as “The Lion” had found favour by meeting all the prescribed requirements by law and accorded the utmost respect to the Local Authorities and Landowners.

Secondly, but of greater importance the meeting was to allow the various other stakeholders an opportunity to comment, publicly agree, and or disagree.

Speaker after speaker ranging from youths to women, retired teachers, and the President of the Landowners, to artists and clerics joined the Paramount Chiefs, their representatives, and the entire hall to sound a unified and deafening sound of approval for the CTC Mining Company, whose parent body operates from Turkey.

The proceedings in the hall met stiff competition with the activities outside and many times could not match the drums and shouts from outside the hall. Traditional instruments, groups, and even a traditional music group with western styled uniforms were in attendance.

In what could be tagged as heartwarming and surreal was when the leader of the CTC mining company greeted the hall in the local language and said he was raised in Makeni. The hall erupted in joy as various groups broke out into dances. The CTC mining team was enveloped and dwarfed by the people. If someone was looking for a sign of approval, that should have ended their search.

CTC Mining Company promised in the presence of the District Chairman, the Mayor, the Rulers of Port Loko, the Senior District Officer, the Representative of the National Minerals Agency, the AIG regional North, the Military Brigade Commander, and as coined locally, before God and Man, that they are here to make a difference, and for the long run.

In addition to the mining business, the company also has investments in the renewable energy sector, primarily in biogas and solar energy. Effectively this could be the beginning of multiple employment avenues for the citizens of the country and new tax avenues for the Government of Sierra Leone.

 

3 Days National Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Fair Ends

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to bring job seekers and young entrepreneurs face to face with employers and experienced entrepreneurs in the country, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Vice President on Thursday 17th November 2022 concluded three days first National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair on the theme:  “Be inspired, take ownership of your future career!”  at the Freetown International Conference Centre on Aberdeen in Freetown.

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair which was hosted in collaboration with the Ministries of Labour & Social Security, Technical & Higher Education, Trade & Industry, and Youth Affairs brought together over 500 promising young Sierra Leoneans from across the country.

The National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship was officially declared opened Fair on Tuesday 15th November 2022 by His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Declaring the event opened the President addressed over 500 final-year students, graduates and young entrepreneurs from across the country, who have commenced a 3-day career fair, challenging them to be innovative and focused.

He said that he was informed that about six hundred young people, nearly fifty companies, and over two hundred entrepreneurs are participating in this fair. This fair not only connected young people to opportunities but also provided a platform for engaging all stakeholders about designing a cohesive, integrated, and sustainable job-creation strategy.

President Bio recalled that since 2018, twenty-four manufacturing factories, producing food, beverages, toiletries and more, had hired thousands of young people, while word processing, furniture, plastics, and metal-work factories had also hired yet thousands more.

He noted that water-processing and packaging factories had generated more jobs and that as a result Sierra Leone was now exporting vegetable oil, soap, and other essentials to the sub-regional markets.

“There are more mining-sector jobs, agriculture-value chain jobs, fisheries-sector jobs, renewable-energy jobs, infrastructure-sector jobs, tourism and entertainment-related jobs, youth-empowerment-focused jobs, and more sports-related jobs, among others,” he revealed.

He President maintained that more businesses have been registered in the last four years than in any four year-period before and his government has provided more soft SME loans including the MUNAFA loans to Sierra Leoneans right across the country to start up and invest in their businesses.

He emphasized that the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair was, therefore, not only hoping to build a bridge between his Government’s Human Capital Development investments and job creation, adding that it would also put young people directly in touch with potential employers.

He, however, said that potential employers will have an opportunity to listen to and take account of the voices and concerns of young people and also be able to support and advise them on navigating the job market.

He encouraged the participants to make use of the opportunity provided by his Government and build the skills and networking that they needed to not only get jobs but also start something around their own businesses.

The President thanked entrepreneurs, businesses, and service providers who supported the initiative of which he said as a Government, they are grateful for that initiative and look forward to working with the private sector to develop the business sector

He concluded by personally thanking the Vice President for collaborating with pertinent Ministries, Departments and Agencies in rolling out this maiden edition of the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair.

In his statement, Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh said the event was designed to invest in the young people of Sierra Leone and to help them unleash their full potential in terms of creating and accessing jobs.

“Your Excellency Sir, we also have tutors and facilitators who will help youths and guide them in starting their own businesses, as there is a training component of the event,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of development partners, World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge, said the youths made up a major component of the development agenda of any country and encouraged commercial banks to take risks and support young entrepreneurs, especially through access to loans with favorable interest rates.

Minister of Youth and Culture from Rwanda, Hon. Rosemary Mbabazi, praised the initiative by the Government and encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities and secure their future, adding that her country would continue to engage the Government on possible exchange programmes for young people and businesses.

Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohammed Orman Bangura, narrated his true-life story and inspired young people to stay committed to dealing with taking responsibility for their future, specifically discouraging them from always blaming their families and Government for conditions they could change.

YEDA-SL Honours Hellen Keller SL with a Prestigious Humanitarian Award

 

The Helen Keller International Sierra Leone received a Humanitarian Organization Award of the year 2022 for its immense contribution towards improving children’s health status on the 4th November, 2022.

Helen Keller, a not-for-profit global health organization, believes that everyone particularly children must be given the opportunity to live a healthy life and reach their true potential.

Children in Sierra Leone are facing some of the world’s worst health outcomes – a child mortality epidemic in which children’s risk of dying before their second birthday is 1 in every 10. Those who made it beyond their second birthdays have to overcome endless battles with malnutrition.

Contributing towards the improvement of children’s health status is one of the many things Helen Keller is known for nationwide.

Umu Hawa Jalloh, Nutrition Program Coordinator, who received the award on behalf of Helen Keller made a passionate call for a concerted effort in addressing issues affecting the growth and development of children.

“I encourage all of us to reflect critically on the problem of maternal and under 5 deaths, malnutrition and adolescent reproductive rights – its causes and consequences, its effects and possible solutions today, and every day, to save our mothers, and our children in 2022 and beyond,” she remarked.

Helen Keller’s presence in Sierra Leone stretches back two decades – providing financial and technical support to the Neglected Tropical Disease Program, Nutrition and Reproductive and Child Health Divisions within the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Extension Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. The support is provided with the aim to strengthen local health systems and support pregnant women, newborns, mothers and children with highly nutritious diets and vitamin A supplementation – all are vital body-building nutrients to improve health and wellness.

Youth Empowerment and Development Association (YEDA) Sierra Leone, a Youth-Focused organization, that gave the award said in the citation: “This national meritorious award is presented to Helen Keller for their contribution towards improving the health status of children in Sierra Leone”.

“This award is the hard work of a lot of people – our staff, donors, Ministry – both health and agriculture, the healthcare workers who are at the frontline and make this possible and last but not the least the communities for letting us work for them. I am thankful to YEDA for giving us this honor and we hope to continue to work with and for Sierra Leone,” added Sugandh Juneja, Country Director for Helen Keller International in Sierra Leone.

The meritorious award was granted through public voting followed by a rigorous selection panel from the private sector, government, and academia. The ceremony, held at the Family Kingdom Resort was witnessed by international non-governmental organizations, the United Nations agencies, government, departments and agencies, local representatives, academic institutions grassroots activists, and the media.

 

Executive Board Members of IFAD to Visit Sierra Leone 

By Abubakarr Harding

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on the 17th November, 2022 announced the visit of the delegation of its Executive Board members to Sierra Leone from the 19 to 26 November 2022. 

It was also indicated that the Board Members will be accompanied by the Associate Vice President in charge of programme department  , the Regional Director for West and Central Africa , the Country Director for Sierra Leone and Liberia of IFAD as well as other IFAD Senior Staff from HQ.

In line with the procedure approved at its session in December 2012 regarding the Executive Board’s annual country visits, the Board decided to undertake a country visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone in November 2022.

The objective of the visit is to promote strategic partnerships with the Government and IFAD on agriculture and rural development. The visit is also a great opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of IFAD’s work in the field, including the challenges and constraints faced by IFAD-supported operations.

In Freetown, the Members of the Executive Board will meet with the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Agriculture, The Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, other Government officials of Sierra Leone at the central and local level . They will meet also the United Nations Country Team and the Donors in the country.

The delegation will visit IFAD and the Government of Sierra Leone funded projects in Bo, south of the country, Kenema in the east, and Makeni and Lungi in Port Loko, north of the country. They will see first-hand how programme participants; in particular women and young people, have improved their lives, and discuss with them what further challenges they face.

IFAD is the largest and most active donor in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector, and it has supported the Government in its fight against the Ebola Outbreak from 2014 to 2016. When many of institutions close or downsized their operations, IFAD supported community banks and financial services associations known as village banks remained the sole providers of banking and financial services in most areas of the country. More recently, the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility, implemented through the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project has helped mitigating the negative impacts of Covid-19 on the livelihoods of the small-scale farmers and other rural people across the country.

“IFAD will never let down Sierra Leone,” said Pascaline Barankeba, IFAD Country Director for Sierra Leone. “IFAD is committed to accompany Sierra Leone in its process of recovery and rural development”.

Since 1979, IFAD has partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone to combat hunger and rural poverty. To date, the Fund has invested US$171.25 million in nine projects and programmes in the country benefiting 547,500 rural households.

 

 

Media Professionals Converge in Nairobi to Deepen China-Africa Media Cooperation

China-Africa Media Cooperation

By Amin Kef Sesay, Sierra Leone

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 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”.

 

Confucius Institute and Partners End Annual International Job Fair & Career Expo

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Confucius Institute at the Fourah Bay College University of Sierra Leone with collaboration with the Academic & Career Advisory Counselling & Student Complaints Services and the University of Sierra Leone has on Saturday 12th November, 2022 hosted its annual International Job Fair, Career Expo And Company Exhibition at the Amphitheater on Fourah Bay College Campus in Freetown.

At this year’s Job Fair and Career Expo a total of more than 50 Companies and enterprises in Sierra Leone participated, providing more than 600 job opportunities for young people.

The Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College, Professor Jing Man said that this year’s event has been the fourth time the Confucius Institute at USL is collaborating with the Academic and Advisory Counseling Services of the University of Sierra Leone, by building an effective and efficient platform for both employers and potential employees to find each other saying the employers included 24 Chinese businesses, adding that the Institute at the University of Sierra Leone has jointly held large-scale job fairs, which fully reflects the high emphasis on graduate employment.

She maintained that with the construction of the “Belt and Road” and the advancement of China-Africa cooperation, more and more Chinese enterprises have entered Sierra Leone, adding that the Confucius Institute at the University of Sierra Leone insists on focusing on the local area and serving the community, building an “employment bridge” connecting Chinese enterprises and the people of Sierra Leone, providing excellent human resources for Chinese-funded enterprises, and providing more employment opportunities for local people.

The Chinese Director hoped that all young people will take this job fair as an opportunity, cherish the opportunity, actively do a good job in docking and negotiation with employers, communicate with employers sincerely, fully display their talents, actively participate in market competition, and choose suitable jobs for themselves.

She urged young people present to continue to improve on their qualities and abilities, change wrong concepts and carry forward the spirit of not being afraid of hard work.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Labour at the Ministry of Labour Social Security, Chiblee Francis Kamara commended the Confucius Institute University of Sierra Leone and the Academic, Career Advisory, Counseling, Students Complaints Services for organizing the Annual International Company exhibition, Job Fair and Career Exposition which he considered as appropriate and timely in view of the nexus between education/training and employment on the one hand, and the mandate of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security generally.

He said that the provision of career advisory and counseling by tertiary institutions like the University of Sierra Leone is necessary and, is seen as an introduction to the kinds of situations potential job seekers are likely to encounter in transitioning from the World of Academia to the World of work.

He pointed out that the event, can be likened to a One-stop- Shop modern Employment Centre that provides the opportunity for the real actors of the economy (that is,  employers and prospective job seekers/workers) to meet physically and to discuss employment relations especially in respect of recruitment, placement and employment.

He concluded by assuring the gathering that the Ministry will continue to work with the organization of employers and workers, Private Employment Agencies and other relevant stakeholders for the promotion of labour administration.

The Deputy Registrar of FBC representing the VC and Principal of USL expressed their gratitude for the meticulous organization by the Confucius Institute and welcomed the arrival of Chinese-funded enterprises.

They said they hope to continue to carry out various cooperation with the Institute in the future and promote friendly exchanges between China and Sierra Leone, and wished that applicants can find suitable jobs.

On his part, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone Li Xiaoyong, said that in recent years, with the continuous development of Sino-China relations, the mutual beneficial cooperation between the two countries in various fields has been continuously strengthened.

He said that Chinese-funded enterprises in Sierra Leone are not only actively carrying out production and various operations, but are also actively fulfilling their social responsibilities and establishing a harmonious relationship with Sierra Leoneans and communities.

“This Job and career exhibition and talent recruitment fair is a good platform for Chinese enterprises and professionals with talents in various fields in Sierra Leone to enhance mutual understanding and exchange, I hope that everyone can promote their corporate culture, tell a good corporate story, and at the same time find the talents they need,” he revealed.

Closing the opening ceremony was the officially declaration of the International Job Fair, Career Expo and Company Exhibition during which time the young people had the opportunity to meet employers physically and discuss employment relations especially in respect of recruitment, placement and employment.

 

 

Leone Rock & China Medical Team Provide Medical Facilities to Orphans

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In commemorating World Orphans Day, which is celebrated on the 14rh November every year, an important date for countries to come together and show that they care for orphans in their countries, Leone Rock Metal Group, the parent company of Kingho Mining Company and Kingho Railway and Port in collaboration with Orphans Empowerment Society Sierra Leone and the 23rd batch of the China Medical Team has on Monday 14th November 2022 provided medical support to Orphans at the Raining Season Orphanage Home on Spur Road in Freetown.

The medical support provided to Orphans at the Raining Season Orphanage home included medical check-ups and donation of cartoons of medicines to the Home.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Director of the Public Relations and Media Unit at Leone Rock Metal Group Company Limited, Jacqueline Hong, commended the Management of the Raining Season Orphanage Home and the Orphans Empowerment Society Sierra Leone for overseeing the functions of orphans across Sierra Leone.

She stated that Leone Rock Metal Group Company Limited, which is a parent company of Kingho Mining Company and Kingho Railway & Port are very pleased to join the world to commemorate World Orphans Day.

Jacqueline Hong said that World Orphans Day has been put in place in order to draw attention to the plight of the world’s orphans, stating that on this day, people are encouraged to actively participate in helping raise awareness, support and funding for motherless and fatherless children worldwide of which she added that Leone Rock Metal Group Company Limited and partners deemed it fit to provide medical support to Orphans at the Raining Season Orphanage home.

She said that the growth and healthy wellbeing of orphans is very important, stating that as part of the medical support provided to the home they provided medical checkups, treatment and donation of medicine to the home.

The Director concluded by calling on all to support the development of Orphans in the country. She further encouraged orphans to be optimistic and steadfast in achieving their dreams.

On his part, the National Coordinator of the Orphans Empowerment Society Sierra Leone, Amb. Alie Conteh, expressed appreciation to Leone Rock Metal Group and the 23rd batch of the China Medical Team for providing the medical support to Orphans at the Raining Season Orphanage Home.

He described the intervention as not only important but a timely one in order to see that orphans recognize their full potentials,especially at this point when things are extremely difficult for them.

The National Coordinator said that as an organization that has been working towards the development of Orphans in the country, the organization approached Leone Rock Metal Group and the 23rd batch of the China Medical Team to support orphans in the country and the provision of the medical support to Orphans at the Raining Season Orphanage home was a response or an outcome of their call.

He said that tragically millions of children all over the globe have become orphaned for many reasons: war, famine, displacement, disease or poverty, adding that to make sure that they are not forgotten, once a year a special day is dedicated to them: World Orphans Day, which falls on the second Monday of each November.

Amb. Alie Conteh maintained that with a desire to take care of the orphans and a commitment to help bring an end to orphan poverty in the country an integral part of the Orphan Empowerment Society Sierra Leone’s agenda the organization will recognize individuals and institutions that have been providing excellent and humanitarian services towards orphans and the less privileged in the country with the Humanitarian Goodwill Award which is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17th November, 2022 at the New City Hall Auditorium.

He concluded by calling on the Government of Sierra Leone and other organizations to support orphans in the country.

Commenting on behalf of the Raining Season Orphanage Home, a Social Worker at the home, Mohamed Kargbo applauded the move by Leone Rock Metal Group and the 23rd batch of the China Medical Team to provide medical support to the home which he described as a move in the right direction towards the development of orphans in the country.

He said the home is currently having 99 children including children with disabilities, stating that the home has several challenges including feeding, accommodation, clothing and medical supplies but said with the intervention of the Leone Rock Metal Group and partners they will definitely address the issue of medical checkups and supplies.

Mohamed Kargbo called on other organizations to emulate the footprints of these organizations, as there are so many orphans in the country but said with the intervention of organizations these orphans will be given  better lives.

Miksi Chocolate Celebrates 50 Most Influential Students

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Miksi Chocolate, one of the brands marketed by Premium Divine Trading Company Limited, a food distribution company that operates as an agent for Promasidor Holdings, a leading distributor of quality food products in Sierra Leone, has on Saturday 12th November, 2022 supported the 50 Most Influential Students Award ceremony with 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.

The support to the 50 Most Influential Students Award was done within the context of the company’s massive education on healthy eating habits by availing their products to actual and potential consumers of chocolate, the Miksi nutritious package, to enable them and their families enjoy good nutrition through the consumption of Miksi chocolate drink that were sampled during the award ceremony.

Delivering a statement, 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.

He 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.

Fawaz Milton Kanu 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 have served as inspiration to other students in the country, furthering that after the nomination and voting process they are 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  Most Influential Students with a donation of 75 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Marketing Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, Kenneth Konuah, said that Premium Divine Trading Limited deemed it fit to support the award ceremony as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility in the country.

He informed students present at the ceremony that as students from different institutions one of the biggest decisions they will be making has to do with nutrition.

“As students what you eat is very important so when it comes to food choose right, choose well and choose quality food and that is what Premium Divine Trading Limited stands for,” he admonished.

Kenneth Konuah revealed that Miksi brand consists of Miksi powdered milk, Miksi Chocolate and Miksi Coffee of which he encouraged students to add Miksi as part of their daily food intake adding that Miksi offers a healthy beverage or snack anyway, anytime, adding that the company also distributes and markets Onga, Xploza, Kremela and Yumvita , the latter being an infant cereal with milk also consisting of wheat, rice and maize and wheat variants.

He concluded by appealing to all young people present to always buy the quality food products of Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd especially Miksi Chocolate and Miksi Coffee because they are enriched with all the necessary nutrients needed by the body.

Giving the keynote address, the aspiring candidate of Mayor of Freetown, Mohamed Gento Kamara commended the organizers and sponsors of the 50 Most Influential Students Award 2022.

He informed students that there are greater powers in academic pursuit 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.

“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 revealed.

He implored students to know that their goal to become graduates depend on what they do now as he strongly believes that his tomorrow depends on what he does now, adding that in pursuing their dreams or to get to the sky, there is always a vehicle and it must be noted that the vehicle needs proper service and maintenance at all times.

“As students, you have chosen academia as your vehicle to reach the sky. You will need regular service if you want to reach at your destination. 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.

Climaxing the ceremony was awarding the 50 Most Influential Students and giving each a cartoon of Miksi Chocolate.

 

SLBL Launches 60th Anniversary Celebration

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has on Tuesday 15th November, 2022 officially launched its 60thAnniversary Celebration to the media which was also followed by an announcement of a three days football gala organized for their immediate neighboring communities to participate in tagged: “True Togetherness Inter-Community Football Gala.” The ceremony was held at the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Head office on Wellington in the East End of Freetown.

Communications Manager of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Company, Unisa Conteh, informed newsmen that the company has already supplied customized football kits having their various brands of products which residents from the various communities balloted for.

He revealed that the first winner of the Football Gala will receive NLe 10,000; the first runner-up NLE 5,000 and NLE 2,000 each for the losing teams that would not make it to the grand finale.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Corporate Affairs Manager at Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Foday Daboh said that 60 years ago specifically on the 25th November, 1962, STAR Lager Beer was brewed by the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited which marked their journey to 60, adding that officially they are launching the SLBL’s 60th Anniversary Celebration demonstrating their purpose of the joy of true togetherness and celebrating in grand style.

He expressed the belief that when the Heineken African Foundation decided to make Sierra Leone the home of one of its operating companies in Africa, they would had by that time considered many things, one could be that Sierra Leoneans are one of the warmest people in world stating that where else it is better to serve beer than a place warm enough to bring people together and it could also be that they found young, willing, talented and able-bodied people who were ready to set the right foundations as locals supported by the experienced Heineken team at that time.

“Decades past and we have witnessed the highs and the lows of beautiful Mama Salone, the war that led to the Brewery being burnt or Ebola that claimed the lives of thousands of Sierra Leoneans, or the mudslide and then Corona virus. We have been a part of it all. But what remains constant is that we continue to bring people together in the spirit of true togetherness celebrating our nation’s resilience. We can only be the greatest company in Sierra Leone and there can only be 1 SLBL,” Foday Daboh said with pride.

The Corporate Affairs Manager disclosed that what has made them stand this test of time is their People, stating that the people who wake up every morning to build strong brands, the people who ensure that the lines are working, the people who toil day and night to ensure that their products are available, the people who make sure that consumers interact with their brands, the people who protect their business license and right to operate or those who work tirelessly to make the right financial decisions, the people who drive them every day, or those  who ensure they eat or work in a clean environment, and  those that keep them safe.

He stated they are an innovative company listening not only to their intuition but bringing in the consumers closer to everything they do stating that brands have come and gone but still one can see that Guinness, Mutzig, Heineken and Amstel are leading their premium portfolio, that Star Beer remains their national pride and they see Maltina leading the malt category, even considering female consumers with low ABV Star Citron and launching the first ever dark malt energy drink called Trenk

Foday Daboh pointed out that the journey of 60 years records immense contribution to nation building whilst also transforming lives demonstrating that they are indeed a partner for growth and development in the country.

“Colleagues all, we can only get better and I believe that we have the right people to push us to the next 60 years. The journey is only beginning. Winning is part of our culture and even at 60 years we will continue to win. We remain 60 years young,” he euphemistically concluded.

 

CEO of Pee Cee & Sons Commend Bringing together Employers & Job Seekers Together to Interact

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Vice President, hosted over 500 promising young Sierra Leoneans, aged 18-35 years, from across the country during the country’s first National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Fair (NYEEF).

It was launched by President Julius Maada Bio on the 15th November 2022 and the attendees included Government Officials, Diplomats, Development Partners, Private Sector representatives, The Republic of Rwanda’s Minister of Youth and Culture and representatives from YouthConnekt Africa.

The event commenced on the 15th November 2022 and is expected to end today, the 17th November, 2022 at the Freetown International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Representing the manufacturing, food production and distribution sector in the country at the event was the Chief Executive Officer and Proprietor of Pee Cee and Sons, which is one of the partners that organized the fair , Mahesh Nandwani, thanked his Excellency, the President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for availing them the opportunity to be part of such an important programme.

He registered his satisfaction and appreciation to be part of the epoch making event stating how it gave them the opportunity to interact with young graduates and job seekers and explained to them the competencies and skills that are needed to bolster the manufacturing and food production sector.

Mahesh Nandwani further informed that the manufacturing and food production as well as distribution sector form the largest job creation entity in the country as it provides more jobs for young people in various categories.

He made mention of the fact that out of his 40 years in the sector he can state categorically that the manufacturing, food production and distribution holds the key to job creation in this country.

He underscored how it is providing numerous opportunities and enormous potentials for young people from the processing to the marketing of various end products.

The Chief Executive Officer and Proprietor of Pee Cee and Sons, Mahesh Nandwani, also thanked the Government for the strides it has taken to make the sector very competitive making reference to improvements in the energy sector adding that such has reduced the overhead costs of production greatly on manufacturers.

He disclosed that since 2018 the country witnessed the establishment of various companies including Jollaks Manufacturing Company which, he said he owns and consists of an oil refinery and a soap noodle plant and after fulfilling certain local demands are now manufacturing and exporting cooking oil and soap noodles to over five countries in Africa.

The shrewd businessman intimated that through the exportation of the products they are manufacturing they have formed partnerships with other well established companies in the West African sub-region with emphasis on the one in Guinea.

Also making reference to the company in Guinea, he said, it is also participating in the fair and will obviously create job opportunities in its operations.

He said they are welcoming this new company into the country as a partner as they are poised to create various job opportunities and skills transfer that young people could benefit from immensely in terms of accessing jobs.

He assured the Government to continue to rely on them ending up suggesting that the Government should ensure that the fair becomes an annual event.

It must be noted that the NYEEF is part of the broader vision of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development agenda, designed to invest in the young people of Sierra Leone and unleash their potential.

The three-day networking and learning event with the tagline, “Be Inspired, Take Ownership of Your Future Career!” was held in collaboration with Ministries of Labour & Social Security, Technical & Higher Education, Trade & Industry and Youth Affairs.

The objectives of NYEEF are to connect final year students and job seekers to employers and place them in decent jobs, to improve the ability of students to apply for and secure jobs and to enhance the competencies of young people who choose entrepreneurship.

In total, 567 final year students, job seekers and (aspiring) entrepreneurs registered, and they were brought down to 514 participants representing each district. Participants were made up of 30 participants with disabilities and 206 women -in accordance with the NYEEFs inclusion policy.

Over the three-day period  26 young entrepreneurs showcase their products and services in the car park of the Freetown International Conference Centre..

Also, 40 employing organizations, recruiters and tertiary institutions were looking to engage job seekers and entrepreneurs with the aim of recruiting, developing skills and providing critical advice. These include public sector institutions and organizations from the agri-business, banking & finance, construction, energy, manufacturing, mining, service, technology, telecommunications and transport & logistics sectors.

Participants also benefitted from various sessions and activities, such as a Career Advisory Lab, DSTI’s Technology and Innovation Lab, Orange Sierra Leone’s Creative Corner, Elba’s ‘Ask me Anything’ for (aspiring) Entrepreneurs, ‘Cultivating Youth Resilience’ panel by YouthConnekt Africa, and workshops in Business Canvas Model, Business Etiquette, Communication Skills and Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving Skills, powered by AfRecruit, Afriqia HR Solutions, Grow Salone, Innovation SL, Insight Consulting and Sigicall.

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