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LEWAF Organizes Annual Women’s Fun Fair Event

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of achieving one of their thematic areas which is Economic and Social Empowerment For Women in the country, the Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation (LEWAF)has on Saturday 5th November 2022 organized their Annual Women Fun Fair Athletics sport Meet at the Brima Attouga Mini Stadium in the East End of Freetown.

The event attracted thousands of women across Freetown seeking to promote unity and national cohesion among the beneficiaries whom 90% are women.

In his address, the National Program Officer of Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation, Lamin Aaron Kamara, intimated that LEWAF is an independent, non-political, non-sectarian and not for profit making national non-governmental organization established over 8 years ago, adding that the Foundation, over the years, has been supporting Petty Traders and vulnerable women within Freetown and other parts of the country.

He maintained that the Foundation has a mission to create opportunities for Women and Girls to recover from the immediate trauma of violence and transform their lives by empowering them to advocate for their rights and be able to safely enjoy those rights with equal economic, social and decision making opportunities in their households and communities.

Lamin Aaron Kamara added that the Annual Women Fun Fair Athletics sport Meet is one of their projects tagged Economic and Social Empowerment For Women in which the organization every year brings together their beneficiaries, adding that most of their beneficiaries undergo domestic violence and most times suffer stress but such an event will help to relieve them of their problems.

He expressed appreciation to their beneficiaries gracing the Annual Women Fun Fair Athletics sport Meet adding that the event has created an opportunity for them to interact with colleague beneficiaries especially because most of them are too connected with their businesses and they don’t spare time for social interaction.

The National Program Officer revealed that the Foundation seeks the collaboration and partnership of potential sponsors to give the event it deserving glamour as their over two thousand women beneficiaries desire to continue such an atmosphere in a more colorful fashion and to give more women the opportunity.

On her part, an Intern from Canada at Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation, Patricia Sesay, said that after hectic business activities by their beneficiaries every year they organize such activities in order to bring them together and interact with their colleague beneficiaries across the country.

She said that the Foundation has a vision to see Women and Girls live in every community in Sierra Leone free from all forms of violence and in-equality; and are valued, dignified and respected in their households and communities where they live adding that through the intervention of the Foundation they have been able to gradually achieve their vision.

Patricia Sesay revealed that the Foundation has been working with women in Freetown both Western Rural and Urban district and in other parts of the country providing community based legal services such as legal education, ADR, Mediation, etc. stating that currently the Foundation has over 5,000 beneficiaries that the Foundation is supporting.

Commenting on behalf of the beneficiaries, Aminata Bangura commended the Lady Ellen Women’s Aid Foundation for the support the Foundation has been giving to Petty Traders and vulnerable women in the country.

She said that through LEWAF she was able to secure a land and also brought her children close to her as a single parent, adding that through their support she has been able to further her eldest child’s education.

“This Annual Women Fun Fair Athletics sport Meet enables us as women to interact with ourselves and relieve our stresses because some of us are engaged in our business activities on a daily basis without sparing time for social events,” she disclosed.

Miksi Chocolate Supports Girls Empowerment in Sierra Leone

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 supported The Basita Michael Public Speaking for Girls on the theme: “Digital Generation, Our Generation,” organized by the Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (PAN-SL), at the Hill Valley Academy Multipurpose Hall, on Mambo, West End of Freetown.

The grand finale of the competition featured the participation of twenty girls who participated in the Public Speaking, Spoken Words, and Music Categories.

Miksi Chocolate has been commended as one of the best healthy beverages that give nourishment by many young people who joined The Basita Michael Public Speaking for Girls grand finale competition.

Premium Divine Trading Company Limited’s support to Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (PAN-SL), in their The Basita Michael Public Speaking for Girls grand finale competition, 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 competition.

Speaking on behalf of the company, the Marketing Manager of Premium Divine Trading Ltd, Kwaku Ampadu Afoani spoke on the importance of Public Speaking for Girls of which he pointed out that the event will empower young girls with the necessary skills needed towards their development.

He encouraged the participants in the Hall to believe in themselves and also make good use of the opportunity given to them, adding that Public Speaking is very important as it enables them to be outspoken.

He said that as part of their corporate social responsibility as a company the company is pleased to donate 80 cartoons of Miksi Chocolate to the Patriotic Advocacy Network which will use used as part of the prizes to be given to the participants of the competition.

The Marketing Manager further revealed that the Miksi brand consists of Miksi powdered milk, Miksi Chocolate and Miksi Coffee of which he encouraged participants to add Miksi as part of their daily food intake adding that Miksi offers a healthy beverage or snack anyway, anytime.

He maintained that Premium Divine Trading Company Ltd 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.

In her opening statement, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of PAN-SL ,who also doubles as the Lead Project for The Public Speaking for Girls, Patriot Janet S. Kallon said that in celebrating this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, PAN-SL and partners recognized it with the 2nd Edition of Public Speaking Training, Career Building and Competition for Girls who are attending various secondary schools in the Western Area Urban and Rural.

She said that PAN is a nonprofit making organization that is operating across Sierra Leone with a large membership of over 1,500 and has chapters in all major schools in the country.

In her statement, the Principal of the Hill Valley Academy, Madam Zainab Kamara threw light on the background of her school which was established in 2018 with the Motto: “Together We Can Achieve The Extraordinary”

She welcomed all and sundry to the prestigious school; Hill Valley Academy and said that they encourage a sense of responsibility and they will continue to support initiatives that aim at building a better Sierra Leone.
In her keynote Address, one of Sierra  Leone’s brilliant Lawyers and vociferous rights activist,  Basita Michael stated :“I was so humbled to be given the opportunity by the Patriotic Advocacy Network to serve as the keynote speaker. The first thing I did was to look at the theme: “Digital Generation, Our Generation”.

How many girls in Sierra Leone have access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) and how many girls have the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively operate ICT??? Basita asked.
She said that it’s time we close the gender gap in Sierra Leone and give access to digital generation.

“I have observed in many campaigns, they are just emphasizing on education, it’s time we focus on the access to technology,” she stated.

She reaffirmed that to create Sierra Leone no one should not be left behind as we can all have access to  the digital world but admonished to make the digital world in Sierra Leone for reality.

Closing the programme was a certification and awarding ceremony of participants, of which certificates were given to the twenty schools that participated in the entire competition, all the sixty (60) girls who competed were awarded and medals and cash prizes were given to the best three from each category including cartoons of Miksi Chocolate.

 

 

November 18 Becomes “World Day Against Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence”

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Her Excellency, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone has on Monday 7 November 2022 introduced a Draft Resolution to Declare November 18 the “World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence” at the UN General Assembly

The said Resolution was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 7th November 2022.

The groundbreaking resolution was initiated by Sierra Leone in collaboration with Nigeria to declare November 18 the “World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence”.

At the heart of the resolution is the need, among other things, to establish and implement an annual universal mechanism to promote and reinforce greater awareness, commitment and responsibility of the world body, Governments, international organizations, and civil society toward safeguarding the dignity of children as well as ensuring their right to live free from violence and to end exploitation, abuse, trafficking, torture and all forms of violence and harmful practices against children.

While introducing the draft resolution at the UN General Assembly under agenda item 131 – “Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: Implementing a Zero-Tolerance Policy”, Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio conveyed a message of best wishes from His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone adding that her participation in the plenary meeting was a testament to the importance His Excellency President Maada Bio and his and Government attach to the concerns of women, children and the marginalized.

First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio who, since the assumption of office of President Bio, embarked upon the cause of protecting girls and vulnerable adolescents through her ‘Hands off our Girls’ flagship campaign, reminded the General Assembly that children, especially girls have continued to endure greater risk of the scourge of forced sex and sexual exploitation with all the related crimes ranging from abuse, violence to chronic and life-threatening diseases.

In thanking all the delegations that joined in the co-sponsorship of the draft resolution, and the entire General Assembly for the resounding adoption of the resolution, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio called on the world body to mobilize the necessary political will and the provision of much-needed resources to address the menace and protect women and girls and other vulnerable sectors of society. She particularly also called for the enhancement of laws that protect children in their homes, online, and in their communities and to bring perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice.

As an ardent advocate and hands-on champion of social justice, she reminded the august Assembly that preventing child sexual abuse is an emergency which is do-able and requires a multisectoral approach. Thus, she appealed to Governments, international organizations, and civil society to support parents; help teach positive parenting skills and increase the awareness among every stakeholder to build a strong coalition to combat child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence.

In concluding, Her Excellency, First Lady Fatima Bio commended the General Assembly for declaring the 18th November as World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence, adding that it was a bold step toward the raising of increasing awareness of Child Sexual Abuse with regularity and on a global scale.

First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio also seized the opportunity to remind the Member States of the UN of Sierra Leone‘s bid for membership of the UN Security Council in the non-Permanent category for the 2024-25 term, highlighting the commitment to pursue similar objectives and priorities.

The moment when the President of the United Nations General Assembly used his Gavel to announce that the Resolution presented by Her Excellency the First Lady of Sierra Leone Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, had unanimously been adopted by the global community of the United Nations from across the World was shortly after the representative of The Holy See on behalf of the Catholic Pope, gave the closing remarks to passionately thank the Republic of Sierra Leone.

H.E. Ambassador Fanday Turay addressed a Press Conference at the United Nations after Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, addressed the UN General Assembly on the need for November 18th every year to be commemorated as “World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence”. The outcome was a resounding support for the Call by the First Lady by well over 100 countries – and eventually it was adopted unanimously.

 

 

Cross Border Project Launched to De-Escalate Tensions between Cattle Herders & Farmers

By Abubakarr Harding

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP), Talking Drum Studio (TDS) and the Sierra Leonean and Guinean authorities on the 3rd November, 2022 officially unveiled two border posts in Koindukura (Falaba district) and Hérémakono (Faranah prefecture) and 50 hectares of Inland Valley Swamps (IVS) implemented under the project ‘Building Cross Border Peace and Strengthening Sustainable Livelihoods of Cattle Herders and Crop Farmers in Sierra Leone and Guinea.’

The UN Agencies and their Government counterparts in the two countries have been working with civil society entities, communities, and local Governments to resolve long-standing conflicts, compounded by climate change, between cattle herders and farmers along Sierra Leone’s northern border with Guinea.

With increasing numbers of cattle herders migrating from Guinea into Sierra Leone, the conflicts, if left unaddressed, could escalate, and destabilize both countries. The project, financed by the UN Peace Building Fund, addresses a critical gap on cross-border peacebuilding between the cattle herders and farmers in this zone.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Christos Christodoulides, Country Director of IOM Sierra Leone said that the posts would address different needs related to border management including monitoring, and data collection on the migration of cattle herders and farmers across the borders as they look for grazing or cultivable land, which could be used for the development of evidence-based policies that aim to reduce tension and sustain peace.

“I am with the conviction that with the implementation of this project, communities in Falaba district and Faranah prefecture will benefit from a good border regulation that promotes peaceful coexistence between the herders and crop farmers,” said David Panda Noah, Minister of Internal Affairs. He added that Government would do its utmost to support this well-thought-out project and for it to be replicated in other areas.

To strengthen the livelihoods of cattle herders and farmers, WFP in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, has assisted over 500 smallholder farming households to develop 50 hectares of irrigation systems in IVS across 10 border lying communities in Sulima and Mongo chiefdoms. A 23.5 Km of fencing was also constructed to protect the crops from the cattle. These swamps will not only ensure year-round cultivation but will save the environment as well.

TDS on the other hand, has to date produced 12 editions of the radio soap opera Cross-border Bush Wahala. The dramatization of the issues in this soap opera has helped not only to raise awareness about the Cattle Settlement Policy to reduce risk of conflicts but to bring it into public discourse.

The project will support 1,000 smallholder households to reclaim inland valley swamps and build irrigation schemes for higher crop yields and continuous food production.

Also, some 300 herder households in Sierra Leone and Guinea will benefit from access to solar water points and improved species of grass to graze their cattle.

Some 60 chiefdom/livestock movement officials and 140 community members will be trained and equipped in managing, mitigating, and resolving conflicts. (A far greater number of people will be reached through radio broadcasts that will inform communities on the Cattle Settlement Policy to reduce risk of conflicts).

 

 

 

IPAM Student Prayer Group Donates Food Items to 150 Disable Persons in Freetown

By Isata Fofanah

One of the Christian groups belonging to the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), The Applied Accounting Prayer Group, has generously donated food items and also ministered the word of God to 150 disable persons at the historic Cotton Tree environ in Freetown, on the 25th October, 2022.

From what this news medium learnt, the humanitarian gesture is geared towards helping the vulnerable and needy as it is stated in the Holy Bible.

The donated food items include, rice, maggi, salt and onions.

Silvanus Saidu Kanu, the Founder of the aforementioned Prayer Group intimated that such generosity is a direct command from Jesus further maintaining that, they as an organization, have been donating food items yearly to disable persons and according to him, this is their second annual donation.

Speaking to this medium, Silvanus revealed that, this Prayer Group is a vision from God, which according to him, is to serve mankind, and also preach the gospel to the lost. He continued that as a student of the aforementioned institution, he brought together some of his colleague students of the Applied Accounting Department to form the prayer group.

Silvanus revealed that as an organization they have been facing numerous challenges, especially in terms of bringing together colleague students on campus to preach the word of God to them. Another challenge he mentioned is, the existence of cultism on campus.

“Some people don’t listen to us because of their unbelief, and another challenge we are having is financial constraints, as the group lacks financial support from other sources. It is out of our little savings as students, we use to provide these donated items,” the Founder stated.

One of the executive members of the group, Aiah  Boima, mentioned that the organization is not only there to preach the gospel to the needy but also provide some food items for them, which he says, serves as an act of fulfilling the word of God.

He noted that, the group was able to sustain and execute its task of donating because of the daily morning prayers contributions derived from other students as well as the contributions from members of the group.

Against that backdrop, he used the opportunity to request from likeminded organizations or groups to support their vision, as they are experiencing financial constraints.

Aruna Brima, one of the beneficiaries, expressed satisfaction over the kind gesture of the Applied Accounting Prayer Group of IPAM stating that it is not the first time they are receiving food items from the group and prayed for God’s blessings upon the group members for such a gesture.

Kadiatu Sillah, the Chairlady of the National Cotton Tree Disable Persons expressed her gratitude to the organization, stating how they received the same package from the students last year.

She said they cannot pay the group back for what they have done for them, but they will  pray to God to help them succeed in their academic pursuits.

 

 

Two Veteran APC Politicians Endorse President Bio

By Abubakarr Harding

Victor Bockarie Foh and Alhaji Alpha Kanu, Former Vice President and Resident Minister, of Northwest Region and also Presidential Spokesman, respectively over the weekend thrilled the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) members and supporters in Sembehun 17 in Bo District.

The occasion was part of His Excellency President Brig (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio’s four days working visit to towns and villages in the Southern Region, engaging his people on his achievements since 2018 and warning young people against drug abuse.

Addressing a mammoth crowd in Krio, erstwhile Vice President, Victor Bockarie Foh, who served the then APC Government in that capacity said:   “we like Maada Bio because he makes this country peaceful. Maada is a man of peace. If God gives me power, I will give Maada Bio the symbol of unity. All hands on deck. He changed the North, South, East and Western Area. What else do we want? Let’s vote for Maada Bio. We like Salone, we admire Maada Bio as our President. Anyone who wants development in this country should vote for Maada.”

In his speech at Sembehun 17, President Bio said the purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows, adding that a country where education is valued not as a formality but as a pride will never be poor.

He said it is on that conviction he has taken such a huge burden to massively invest in the children of Sierra Leone through education.

President Bio told the cheering parents and children that no other investment yields more dividends as an investment in education.

He concluded that an educated workforce is the foundation of any community, country and the future of every economy.

The Resident Minister Northwest and also Presidential Spokesman, thrilled members and supporters of the SLPP and called on them to vote massively for President Bio on the 24th June, 2023 Presidential election so that he would continue with his development strides across the country.

 

Doubts Hang over APC’s Preparedness for 2023 Election

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

It is seemingly apparent that the random way in which politics is unfolding ahead of the General Elections, which is expected to take place next year in the small West African State of Sierra Leone, the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party may not actively participate in the forthcoming elections.

Such an assertion is made against the backdrop that the Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Lawyer Abdullai Masiambay Bangurah, has raised concerns over the All People’s Congress (APC) party’s preparedness to compete effectively in the country’s forthcoming general elections next year due to its prolonged internal power struggle.

He raised the concerns when the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) on the 3rd November, 2022 held fruitful conversations with pressmen about recent happenings related to the Commission.

He blamed the problem on the sharp division among members of the Interim Governance Transition Committee (IGTC), and also the Transitional Interim Independent Elections Management Committee (TIIEMC) as the electoral circle is at hand.

The PPRC Boss fears that the party’s internal struggle may lead to a national security threat; judging from the August 10 violent anti-government insurrection which erupted in part of Freetown and two other towns in the north of the country.

The PPRC doubts that if what is happening in the APC is not taken care of ahead of the tight deadlines, the party cannot pose a serious challenge in the June 2023 election.

The PPRC Boss said: “We expect that by now they are supposed to organize themselves so that they can compete effectively in the 2023 election that is looming.”

Lawyer Abdullai Masiyambay Bangurah said if the APC fails to settle themselves ahead of time and fails to compete effectively in the election, they may end up giving the impression that they have been stifled by the Government and the reaction from their members may be unfavorable.

He said the division within the 21-man IGTC has continued to widen ever since its formation, as the PPRC has received contrasting responses within the Committee in response to the 12 objections received from members of the public to the rules for the conduct of the party’s lower-level elections.

“I first received a response signed by the Secretary, Hon. Abdul Kargbo…a day after that, I also received another one approved by the Chairman of the IGTC,” said Mr Bangurah during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Freetown.

He added that both responses were conflicting as one side will be conceding to an objection, while the other side will be arguing or opposing an objection. There is still no agreement, according to the PPRC Chairman.

The rules for the conduct of the lower-level elections have been published in the Government Gazette and became effective on November 1, and the body that is supposed to conduct the lower-level elections has not been constituted and the 60 days deadline has begun.

In the wake of the publication of the rules there has been a reportedly mad rush for executive positions in the main opposition, All Peoples Congress (APC).

According to sources within the APC, several eminent personalities have expressed keen interest to grab national executive positions, including but not limited to, Chairman =, Secretary General, Organizing Secretary, Publicity Secretary and Women’s Wing Positions.

The source furthered that apart from national executive positions being eyed by big guns of the party, other various positions, including zonal constituency, district, regional chairman positions are also said to be targeted by party stalwarts.

The struggle for the positions, according to the source, also includes Members of Parliament who would be battling to retain their seats in Parliament.

Many are said to be jittery as to whether or not the much-trumpeted Proportional Representation (PR) system will see them retain their seats.

Meanwhile, many political pundits opine that the current mad rush for positions by members should be handled cautiously if the party is to take over State House, come 2023.

 

 

Jihad N Eter Expresses Hope that Rally will Inspire Ideas & Commitment to Strengthen bilateral Ties

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs received a cross-section of participants that took part in the Budapest-Bamako Freetown finish line rally at the Sierra Leone-Guinea border in Kambia on the 6th November 2022.

The participants were received by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, William I.K Robinson on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone.

566 participants from over 40 countries with 242 vehicles and motorbikes entered Sierra Leone through Gbalamuya and Madina Oula respectively to participate in the 2022 Budapest-Bamako Freetown finish line rally.

The participants left Hungary for Sierra Leone on the 21th October, 2022. They journeyed through Austria, Slovenia, Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, West Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Guinea into Sierra Leone. They covered a total of 11,000 kilometres to get into Sierra Leone.

The participants spent the night on the 7th November, 2022 at Magbando Village in Masiaka where they interacted with the community people.

They headed for Bureh beach on the 7th November, 2022 for a beach fiesta and then attended the finish line event at Gigibonta Car Park at Lumley beach on the 8th November 2022.

During a well attended ceremony chaired by the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, at the Gigibonta car park on Lumley beach on the 8th November 2022  graced by His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt, a host of Government Ministers, officials as well as members of the private sector, the participants were warmly welcomed into the country.

In their statements, President Bio, the Minister of Tourism, Dr Memunatu Pratt and other public officials welcomed the participants and wished them a fruitful stay in the country. They all made references to the beauty of the country, its attractive landscape, the friendliness of Sierra Leoneans and opportunities that abound to be explored.

The Director of Budapest-Bamako Rally, Andrew Szabo, said Sierra Leone was a natural choice for the finish line as the Government and people of Sierra Leone have been very hospitable and premium has been placed on the Tourism industry. He mentioned that they were pleased to be in Sierra Leone and there are plans for more finish line events in Sierra Leone.

In his statement, the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, Jihad N Eter, stated that it is with great delight and immense pleasure to stand on existing protocols to address this profoundly honored event at this climactic stage of the Budapest Bamako Rally in Freetown.

He said he would like to use the golden opportunity to thank His Excellency the President, and the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, for graciously consenting amidst their very busy schedule to attend the event.

According to him, such has clearly demonstrated the love, willingness and commitment of both His Excellency the President and the Vice President to rebrand the image of the beloved country Sierra Leone at every given opportunity, all in the spirit of patriotism and nationalism.

He registered his great respect and admiration for the hardworking Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, whose contribution in the tourism sector has been excellent since she assumed that office.

The Consul pointed out that her vision for Sierra Leone to be the hub of tourism and one of the best touristic destinations in the world is extremely encouraging.

“With all the negative global challenges like COVID-19 Pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the rising economic hardship which have hampered the smooth visits of so many tourists all over the world, you still manage to convince many to come and visit our beautiful touristic sites in Sierra Leone,” he commended the tourists adding that tourists are always impressed with the beauty of the country and its touristic sites, citing the comfortable weather condition and unique natural landscapes.

He said since 2018 when he assumed the office of the Honorary Consul of Hungary to Sierra Leone, his office has been working very hard to further strengthen the already existing friendly relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and Hungary.

He assured the President, the Vice President and the people of Sierra Leone that his office would ensure that it maintains the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Jihad N Eter stated that he is delighted to emphasize on the fifty (50) scholarships the Government of Hungary is giving out every year to Sierra Leonean Students to study in Hungary in various fields of study, through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education,as a way of supporting His Excellency the President’s flagship program of Free and Quality Education.

He disclosed that forty-four (44) Sierra Leonean students were successful in this year’s application to study in Hungary.

“I am delighted to let you all know that Sierra Leonean students will continue to benefit from scholarships to study in Hungary as a way of enhancing His Excellency the President’s human capital development stride,” he said with pride adding that Knowledge is Power.

He also revealed that his office recently participated in the just concluded event of West Africa Agribusiness, Development of Trade and Economic Relation among West African Countries, which was organized by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture, the Embassy of Hungary in Accra and the Ghanaian-Hungarian Business Council.

He intimated that the event gave the opportunity to West African countries especially Sierra Leone to share their experiences, views on the state of play in agribusiness and on future cooperation opportunities.

According to him, in that event, he informed strategic stakeholders, agriculturists and diplomats how blessed Sierra Leone is with vast land and fertile soil suitable for agriculture.

He continued that Sierra Leone is blessed with rivers for irrigation purposes to help boost farms productivity especially with the growing effects of climate change.

“My office encouraged Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with globalized networks, with extending international policies and international working partners to come onboard to partner with strategic stakeholders in the agribusiness industry to ensure agribusiness enterprises thrive in Sierra Leone,” he pointed out.

He said the numerous achievements of His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio marching with his motto “tok and do” and having provided the people of Kono with electricity, roads and the recent Kono University of Technology, the people are very much delighted for the water project in their diamond-rich district of Kono which the President reliably promised them that upon his second term in office he will ensure that they have quality, safe and pure drinking water.

“I wish to let them know that through His Excellency’s commitment and his hard working Hon Minister of Water Resources, Philip K. Lansana in collaboration with their Hungarian counterpart through the Hungarian-Exim Bank have put everything in place for the commencement of the said project,” he said.

He disclosed that it is also important to note that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, His Excellency, Peter Szijjarto is making preparation to visit Sierra Leone.

To all participants in this year’s Budapest Bamako Rally, the Consul said he would like to extend a special welcome to them all and it is so wonderful to see them all here on the special event.

“Thanks for your hard work and dedication to make this rally a success,” he stated expressing hope that they would enjoy the serenity of the beautiful beaches, Islands, parks and other places.

He said they are hopeful that this rally inspires ideas, discussions, willingness and commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Let me say to you all that you are heartily welcome to visit Sierra Leone with your families, friends, and loved ones so that you can tell the rest of the world about the beauty of Sierra Leone and the excellent hospitality you experienced,” he enjoined extending special thanks to the Sierra Leone Police for their relentless efforts and selfless service to provide security.

 

Chief Kadiru Kaikai Woos & Entices Stakeholders in Kabala for the Re-Election of President Bio

By Abubakarr Harding

Chief Kadiru Kaikai received a rousing welcome in Kabala District when he visited that part of the country recently as he was assured by main stakeholders that they will ensure that President Julius Maada Bio is reelected as President of the country in order to complete some of the development projects that he has started. Stating that they have heard of the numerous strides that he has been taking to pledge his unflinching support for the first gentleman of the country, they have been eagerly looking forward to meet with him.

In his normal calm and calculated message for the inevitable re-election of President Julius Maada Bio come 2023, Chief Kadiru Kaikai, convincingly told the indigenes of Kabala District, once dubbed as the stronghold of the  main opposition All People’s  Congress Party , some of the good reasons why Sierra Leoneans should re-elect President Bio for a second term.

He assured the People of Kabala that President Bio is the only President with a golden heart that has the people and country at heart only succeeding to entice and seduce them into believing that he is passionate about their welfare and ready to go at great lengths to ensure that development is taken to every part of the country.

Chief Kadiru Kaikai also admonished stakeholders in Kabala that President Bio cares about every citizen of Sierra Leone irrespective of tribal, regional and political orientation.

“My fellow Sierra Leoneans, the only person we need to look up to for more sustainable development is President Bio. President Bio is the only President who does not take into consideration political, regional and tribal sentiments or bias in addressing certain national issues. We should come together and support the President to succeed because when he does it is all of us that will succeed,” he said followed by a thunderous round of applauses.

Chief Kadiru Kaikai anchored that President Bio’s Presidency is not only meant for South-Easterner or North-Westerners, but for all Sierra Leoneans.

He made a clarion call for the people to join the united bandwagon of the SLPP mantra of One Country, One People.

Stakeholders in Kabala expressed gratitude to Chief Kadiru Kaikai for taking time off his busy schedule to pay them a visit.

They acknowledged that after God, next are their leaders which is the more reason why they as residents of Kabala District have decided to support President Bio and his Government.

They equally promised Chief Kadiru Kaikai that they would not engage in any violence that will disrupt the peace and tranquility of the country. The entire event was climaxed with a melodious traditional musical dance, performance and offering of prayers for President Julius Maada Bio and the SLPP Party.

President Bio Warns Youths to Desist from Drugs

By Abubakarr Harding

President Julius Maada Bio has continued his working visit to towns and villages South of the country, engaging his people on his achievements since 2018 and warning young people against drug abuse.

In Tikonko, where he presented the hospital with some medical equipment, the President referred to concerns about substance abuse in the country and particularly used the occasion to admonish the youths to desist from taking harmful drugs that could destroy their future. He added that his Free Quality Education initiative and investments in Technical and Vocational Education Training were meant to engage the minds of young people with skills that would be beneficial to them and their communities.

President Bio also said he was in that part of the country to reiterate his people-centred approach to leadership and governance, noting that he was also seeking firsthand information about developments and challenges. He encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities his massive investment in education was creating, including sending their children to school for sustainable development.

On his way to Wonde Gboyama, President Bio stopped over at the Tivamia Agricultural Center where the Chief Executive Officer, Madam Lilian Rogers, talked about their investment in fish farming, rice cultivation, local soap making and honey processing, all of which directly serve the needs of the immediate communities and provide jobs for young people.

He thanked her for contributing to the growth of the agriculture sector and encouraged them to continue expanding so that the importation of certain foodstuffs and consumer products would be minimized.

The people of Teli Bongor and Wonde Gboyama expressed great delight at the President’s visit and thanked him for the many development efforts in the country, adding that they would continue to pledge their support to him and his Government as the country prepares for the 2023 elections.

Earlier in Tikonko, Paramount Chief Joe Kangbai Macavoray said he was happy to receive the President and his entourage, noting that that was the first time they were hosting a sitting President in that part of the country.

On behalf of the stakeholders of Tikonko, Samba Moriba described the visit as historic and noted that they as indigenes were pleased with the leadership of His Excellency the President.

The Youth Leader, Christopher Foday Sam King, also praised the President’s human capital development initiative that young people were benefiting from and particularly thanked him for the completion of the road from Bo to Tikonko and the electricity supply that was recently installed.

 

 

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