With heavy heart, we regret to announce the death of James Kajue popularly known as JB Roy, former editor of The Calabash Newspaper and Consultant Editor for The Satellite Newspaper, which sad event took place in Kenema on Friday 4th November, 2022.
Age 64 years
He has already been buried on Saturday 5th November 2022 in Kenema.
Sympathizers may contact Hawa Barrie on 076-63-98-30
May His Soul Rest In Peace
By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a bid to raise awareness on flood mitigation, CARE-Sierra Leone in Partnership with Health Alert and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) on Wednesday 28th September 2022 embarked on one-day flood sensitization and mitigation awareness campaign within the Cassava Farm Community in Freetown. The flood sensitization and mitigation awareness campaign, which attracted stakeholders from the Cassava Farm Community, was held at the Leicester and Gloucester Community Center on Leicester Village in Freetown.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Documentary Officer of Health Alert-Abdul Karim Sankoh stated that the meeting was geared towards raising awareness on flood and disaster mitigation in those flood prone communities.
He further emphasized the importance of organizing such Community Stakeholders engagement and awareness raising.
Abdul Karim Sankoh maintained that the meeting was borne out of an initiative that emanated from CARE-Sierra Leone with funds from Start Fund to engage disaster affected communities in Freetown like Cassava Farm community with sensitization on how disasters like flooding could be prevented.
He said Health Alert, as an advocacy organization on Health and Human Rights, was contacted by CARE- Sierra Leone to engage the communities through meetings, mass sensitization, door to door meeting, among other activities, all geared towards mitigating flood and other emerging disasters of which he disclosed some of the preventive measures needed to be taken by community residents to avert disasters which are but not limited to construction of drainages, maintenance of those drainages, proper hygiene practices etc.
The Documentary Officer explained further that community residents are in the habit of blocking the water runways to erect buildings, dumping of wastes in drainages and cutting down of trees.
As a result of these harmful environmental practices, he furthered that communities have been exposed to flooding and other disasters especially during the rainy season, continuing that therefore, in order to ameliorate disasters like flooding and mudslide, community stakeholders need to be capacitated with the right information that will influence behavioral change.
Abdul Karim Sankoh called on stakeholders to serve as ambassadors in ensuring that the message is cascaded to everyone in the community as they’re influential people in their various communities.
Commenting on behalf of residents of Cassava Farm Community, Pa Samuel Turay, a community stakeholder, profusely thanked CARE-Sierra Leone and Health Alert for their intervention in ensuring a behavioral change.
He assured Health Alert and Partners of his commitment to cascade the message to others that were not present in the stakeholders’ engagement and to also form some bye laws in order to ameliorate flooding and other disasters that have befallen them.
Pa Samuel Turay stressed on the need for such stakeholders engagement particularly in a time like this adding that during the rains Cassava Farm is one of the communities that do suffer from flooding which sometimes lead to destruction of properties.
On her part, second in Charge Nurse at the Leicester CHP, Fatu A. Sheriff, also commended CARE-Sierra Leone and Health Alert for embarking on flood sensitization and mitigation awareness campaign within the Cassava Farm Community.
She encouraged residents to maintain proper hygiene which she said will enhance their wellbeing and their children.
By Foday Moriba Conteh
During a Press Conference held on Wednesday 2nd November, 2022 at Africell’s Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown, one of Sierra Leone’s biggest and finest GSM operator in the country, Africell Sierra Leone has presented the sum of NLe 250,000 equivalent to Le 250,000,000 Old Leones to Mohamed Sesay as the first prize winner in their ongoing “Win Kopo” Promotion tagged: ‘NA U TEM DIS, Yu sef Kin win with WIN KOPO.’
Speaking on the “Win Kopo” promotion, the Media Manager at Africell Sierra Leone, John Konteh, stated that the promotion has daily, weekly and monthly draws, adding that points are calculated from every recharge done by subscribers before midnight the same day and that the more subscribers recharge, the more chances they have in the daily draw of which he said a daily electronic draw is done to select a lucky winner of NLe 250 for the daily draw.
He said that the second part is the SMS trivia, where questions are posed via SMS and for subscribers to participate, they need to Dial *4888# or send START to 4888 from an Africell line for NLe 0.80 or 80 cents daily, furthering that winners from the SMS trivia will be announced weekly and monthly; the grand prize winner will be announced every 6 months.
John Konteh pointed out that subscribers or participants must have received at least one chance during the week and month leading to the weekly and monthly draws to qualify and that the participant also must have received one chance during the monthly draws to qualify for the grand draw.
He maintained that the promotion has a weekly cash prize of NLe 5,000(Le 5,000,000), NLe 25,000(Le 25,000,000) monthly and a grand prize of NLe 250,000 (Le 250,000,000) are up for grabs by Africell subscribers.
Presenting the first grand draw winner from the Africell “Win Kopo ”Trivia Promotions, the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Joe Abass Bangura, on behalf of Africell Sierra Leone congratulated the first grand draw winner of the “Win Kopo” promotion, Mohamed Sesay, whom he described as NLe 250,000 rich.
“So far, a total of 222 subscribers have won over NLE 270,000 (Le 270,000,000) with WIN KOPO by simply recharging regularly and participating in the SMS trivia. ‘Wetin you dae wait for’, ‘NA YU TEM DIS for WIN KOPO,” he revealed.
In closing, he said that Africell will like to remind their loyal subscribers, that the only number that will call them during their promotions is 077 777 777 and encourage subscribers not to respond to calls from numbers claiming to be representatives of Africell.
Joe Abass Bangura noted that the lottery laws of Sierra Leone make provision for a stipulated percentage to be deducted from every cash prize won. An amount will be deducted from the total won by Mohamed and that the money will be paid to him on his Afrimoney account.
“It can be your time too, recharge more today or dial *4888# or send START to 4888, on behalf of the Management and Staff of Africell Sierra Leone congratulations once more Mohamed. Na U Tem Dis!” he concluded.
Mohamed Sesay, a commercial driver who won the promotion said he has been with Africell from the time they started operation to date and he has never won until yesterday after recharging several times.
Mohamed described his winning as a total turnaround for him and his family as they will continue the structure they have started at Waterloo among others.
He thanked Africell for the promotion and promised to be an Ambassador for them.
By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Professor Kelfala Kallon, has on Thursday 3rd November 2022 officially launched the Public Sensitization Campaign of the Sierra Leone Collateral Registry at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Aberdeen in Freetown.
The Sierra Leone Collateral Registry is supported by the Sierra Leone Diversification Project under the Ministry of Finance and funded by the World Bank.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Governor, Financial Stability at the Bank of Sierra Leone, Sheik Alhaji Yayah Sesay, on behalf of the Governor, Management, and Staff of the Bank of Sierra Leone commended the Project Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Diversification Project for their support to the Bank of Sierra Leone in ensuring that the upgrade of the Sierra Leone Collateral Registry was done in line with international best practices on secure transactions.
He described the public sensitization rollouts launch as a continuation of the process in explaining to key stakeholders the challenges made in the upgraded Sierra Leone Collateral Registry System that was launched a year ago as part of an ongoing financial sector reforms.
Sheik Alhaji Yayah Sesay said that the campaign will take the form of Radio and TV discussions, production of jingles, handbills, posters, as well as town hall meetings, with targeted groups aimed at familiarizing members with the concepts and principles of security transactions.
He pointed out that given the recent developments with respect to the upgraded Sierra Leone Collateral Registry system there is a dire need to conduct public education and awareness raising for the various stakeholders including financial service providers, the business sector, the legal sector, and the general public on the changes made in the Act and system and the benefits of the collateral registry system in the country.
Giving an update on the Secure Transaction and Collateral Registry Project, the Assistant Director of Banking Supervision at the Bank of Sierra Leone, Philip Bangura, said that the Bank of Sierra Leone with support from the Legal Consultant, hired under the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), drafted and submitted the Borrowers and Lenders Regulations to the Ministry of Finance after consultations with key stakeholders. The Regulations explain the detailed implementation of key provisions in the Borrower and Lenders Act, 2019.
He noted that the Bank of Sierra Leone continues to provide training for staff of newly licensed financial institutions as well as staff of existing financial institutions on how to navigate and use the Collateral Registry System and that a total of 964 security interest notices have been registered on the Collateral Registry Platform as at 31s October 2022. 469 (48.65%) of the registration was done in 2022 following the upgrade.
Philip Bangura maintained that a total of One thousand Five hundred and Fifty-three (1,553) collaterals have so far been registered on the Registry as at 31st October, 2022, adding that the top four collaterals registered were Inventory (238), Money (215), Motor vehicle (211), Plant and Machinery (121) and despite making entrance only in 2022, the number of buildings, registered and unregistered lands as at 31st October, 2022 were 32, 51 and 64 respectively.
Launching the public sensitization campaign of the Sierra Leone Collateral Registry, the Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Professor Kelfala Kallon, said it is very important with regards educating the public on the upgraded Sierra Leone Collateral Registry system in the country.
He said that the Collateral Registry System significantly allows people who have been excluded out of the financial system to give them access, stating that traditionally if people go to the bank in order for them to expand or start a business they are requesting for immovable assets which includes lands, houses etc.
The Bank Governor, however, said that with the launch of the upgraded Sierra Leone Collateral Registry System it will bring in other assets which majority of people can use in order to access loans to start or expand their businesses of which he said will give access to women and youth that do not have traditional assets that have been used by financial institutions in order to give out credits.
He stated that the launch of the public sensitization campaign of the Sierra Leone Collateral Registry will give opportunity to Sierra Leoneans to be informed on the upgraded Sierra Leone Collateral Registry system in the country.
Professor Kelfala Kallon concluded by officially launching the Public Sensitization Campaign of the Sierra Leone Collateral Registry.
By Babatunde Ahonsi (UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone)
Sierra Leone is among the 10 percent of countries in the world that are most vulnerable to the adverse consequences of climate change, and presently one of the least able to cope with the effects. Unpredictable weather patterns, severe flooding, mudslides, and associated crop failures are becoming more frequent even as the country is witnessing trees being cut down at a faster rate than being planted. And climate scientists tell us that if the world does not achieve a sharp drop in global warming in the next eight years, the natural calamities that we have seen in recent times around the world will be child’s play compared to what is to come.
COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties, taking place from next week in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt is the annual gathering by the United Nations of governments, scientists, and other key stakeholders from all countries of the world to review progress in efforts to avert environmental catastrophe, against commitments contained in global climate action agreements.
Africa, the global region which has contributed the least to the ongoing climate crisis, has experienced some of the worst losses and damages attributable to human-induced climate change. So, as the continent hosts this year’s COP, the key preoccupation will be generating a roadmap for the implementation of unfulfilled promises from previous COPs. This is especially in relation to the pending financial pledges made by rich countries to support developing countries like Sierra Leone to lessen the impact of and adapt to climate change. The point must be made that the issue of fulfilling climate finance obligations of high-income countries to developing countries is far less a matter of aid dependency than of climate justice.
There will justifiably be a significant push for increased funding for adaptation and resilience projects in low- and lower-middle-income countries to generate positive impacts towards economic growth, social progress, and enhanced resilience to climate change. A specific demand will be for wealthier countries to make good on their $100 billion annual climate finance commitment and on the doubling of adaptation support to $40 billion by 2025 agreed to in Glasgow last year during COP26.
Among the other concrete proposals to be strongly canvassed at COP27 is the establishment and activation within the next five years of an early warning system for climate emergencies that would cover the whole world. Another is a pipeline of bankable climate-smart projects (around 400) in areas such as agriculture, energy, transportation, digital technologies and platforms, and organic products. There will also be much attention to decisions and actions, especially financing, to address ‘loss and damage’ that are beyond countries’ abilities to cope with.
Sierra Leone, like many developing countries, is today beset by a multi-faceted crisis of food insecurity, near-debt distress, galloping cost of living, and energy deficit which may be limiting attention to the clear and present danger posed by the climate crisis to humanity. But, given that the prevailing challenges cannot be addressed with presently available development finance and usual ways of doing things, now is the time for the country to maximally exploit opportunities to benefit from innovative climate finance and sustainability solutions.
There must be a shift in policy mindset towards integrated approaches that simultaneously address two or more issues related to livelihoods, employment generation, human capital development, public health, environmental protection, gender equality, food security, and energy access. One simple example is solar energy interventions that directly link with improved agro-processing operations, potable water sources, health care delivery, and Internet connectivity for secondary schools in targeted districts. Even more innovative and ambitious nature-positive examples of integrated sustainable development solutions will be highlighted, discussed, and promoted at COP27.
To enhance participation of the high-level delegation from Sierra Leone in COP27, the Government of Sierra Leone joined the United Nations, the UK High Commission, and the EU Delegation and other stakeholders from across society for a Climate Action Dialogue on 13th October 2022. The meeting focused on concrete ways that Sierra Leone could leverage its impressive natural assets (forests, agricultural assets, water resources, biodiversity, and solar endowment) to access significant climate finance and nature-based solutions for driving its economic recovery and long-term development. It was clear from this Dialogue that Sierra Leone’s rich natural resources could be better used to leverage the finance and technologies the country needs for inclusive, green, and sustainable economic growth, rather than merely exporting key resources cheaply as primary products.
It is our hope that Sierra Leone’s participation in COP27 will help to fast-track implementation of the crucial next steps agreed at the Dialogue related to climate finance models, and prompt the rapid scaling up of ongoing climate-smart projects around the country in forest conservation, solar and hydro energy generation and distribution, fisheries and coastal management, and agriculture and agro-processing. It should also strengthen commitment to deliver on the promise the country has made to end deforestation by 2030.
As with the rest of the world, climate change is affecting every aspect of the Sierra Leonean economy and society. COP27 will therefore also serve to underline for everyone the fact that urgent climate action is not the responsibility of government alone. So, we encourage delegates to the Conference, not only from government, but also from civil society organizations, the private sector, mass media, international development agencies, and higher educational institutions, to return to the country with renewed commitment and ambition to join hands to pursue urgent climate actions and engage fully on climate finance. Only in this way, can the country truly address the climate crisis in a manner that safeguards national environmental resources, builds resilience to climate-related shocks, and advances sustainable development that leaves no one behind.
By Abubakarr Harding
In his continued demonstration of unflinching support for the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in general and President Julius Maada Bio in particular, Chief Abdul Kadiru Kaikai, over the weekend, held talks with traditional healers in Kenema District on how they could contribute their respective traditional medical skills into positive processes that could help in the health sector and invariably contribute to the national well-being of both citizens and foreigners. The meeting also saw Chief Kaikai further explaining about President Bio’s desire to make their skills more profitable to both them and the nation.
Speaking during the meeting Chief Kadiru Kaikai recognized the role these traditional healers played during the war, acting as civil defence forces to protect their land, and assured them that President Bio is desirous of transforming their skills to meaningful contributions to the country’s development agenda, where they would be able to use their skills to address certain pressing ailments that cannot be treated by western medical means.
He furthered that President Bio is a development oriented President and is looking at all ways to develop the capacity of citizens. He mentioned that as the election is getting closer, they should support the President and vote him in for a second term, so that he will be able to continue to realize his dream of transforming them into a viable entity that will be nationally and internationally recognized for their respective expertise.
He furthered that the perception of many people is that traditional healers are merely involved in negative actions like what is normally known as Fangay etc, but many do not know about the good side of their work, that they could be very useful in addressing most of the illnesses that have not been addressed by western medicine.
Kadiru Kaikai furthered that with President Bio at the helm of affairs in governance, he is aware of the immense benefits of traditional medicine and is determined to promote their work and make it more visible and give it a status in the health sector. He, therefore, admonished them to throw their support behind President Bio for the second term bid and see the realization of his promises, stressing that His Excellency is a man of his word, and whatever he promises; he ensures that they become reality. He called on them to take President Bio as their younger brother and work with him for the betterment of the nation, adding that as someone who pioneered democracy and peace in the country, President Bio is determined to make this peace sustainable and ensure that development is brought to every part of the country. He reminded them of the various development drive of the President in education, infrastructure, agriculture, health, electricity and a whole lot of other development achievements.
President of the Traditional Healers, Mohamed Konneh, expressed appreciation for the move made by Chief Kadiru Kaikai for having them in mind and his continued support. They also commended the President for showing the desire to work with them in transforming the lives of citizens, and assured him that they will support the President’s second term bid and will continue to work with the Government.
Other Traditional Healers in the gathering expressed joy of hearing about the transformative drive of President Bio to change their narrative, and expressed their determination to give him their unflinching support in the 2023 Presidential and General Elections. They also acknowledged the strides made by the President in bringing development to various parts of the country and assured Kadiru Kaikai of their continued support to the Government of President Bio and his re-election in 2023.
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a Press Release dated 2nd November 2022, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the National Security Sector institutions joined the world to commemorate the International Day To End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists, and to reiterate their collective commitment to work together, and with other stakeholders, to ensure the safety and security of journalists and the maintenance of Law and Order in Sierra Leone.
It was stated that the 2nd November 2022, marked exactly one year since the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SLAJ and the security sector institutions to work together in that regard. In the spirit of working together in the interest of the general good, the parties committed to the values of Non-partisanship, Neutrality, Independence, Professionalism, and Objectivity in the discharge of their duties.
Highlighted was that within this period, under the platform of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), the parties have developed a framework and a national policy on the safety and security of journalists in Sierra Leone.
In addition, a National Coordination Committee on the Safety and Security of Journalists in Sierra Leone has been established, comprising media stakeholders, the security sector, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, Civil Society, traditional, and religious leaders.
Furthermore, it was pointed out that a joint training for personnel of both the media and the security sector is being planned ahead of the public elections to promote understanding of the role of the media and the role of the security sector and to foster partnership, cooperation, and support for each other to ensure free, fair, transparent, credible and violence free elections.
“In spite of these positive developments in the media-security relations, we need to manage expectations that this does not mark the end to clashes between journalists and the security sector personnel. Rather, there is now a concerted effort to create platforms to prevent and resolve such issues amicably,” said SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla.
In the same vein, the National Coordinator, Office of National Security (ONS), Abdulai Caulker, said: “It is expected that the media and security sector should be complimentary to each other in order to ensure tranquility in the society. We hope this cooperation will continue and strengthened in the interest of public good.”
Meanwhile, the public has been assured that the two will continue to collaborate and support each other in the discharge of their national duties within the confines of professionalism.
In line to end impunity for crimes against Journalists, the Secretary of State Anthony Blinken of the United States of America, in his twitter stated that no member of the Press should be threatened, harassed, attacked, arrested, or killed for doing their job.
He added that on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists that they vowed to continue to protect and promote the rights of a free Press and the safety of journalists.
By Isata Fofanah
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Young Voices Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr on the 1st November 2022 hosted invitees to a social event at the Africa Young Voices Media Empire on Wesley Street in Freetown, including the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Managing Director of Africell-SL, Shadi Gerjawi, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, other dignitaries and members of the Press with the objective of appreciating and celebrating the contribution of employees, volunteers, partners, sponsors and friends to socialize in order to celebrate Africa Youth Day.
In his brief statement, Ambassador Navo stated that the purpose of staging the celebration is not only to observe such an important day but to also serve as a way of paying back young people, especially members of staff, for their hard work and for ensuring that their voices are heard in society.
He mentioned that after the war the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) outlined certain recommendations to forestall the future reoccurrence of the war and one of them was to create a platform through which young people could freely express their opinions and views on issues rather than to tot guns and cause mayhem.
Ambassador Navo added that since he was elected as a Youth Ambassador across the country, he decided to establish the Africa Young Voices to serve as a medium for young people not just in Sierra Leone but also across Africa to make their voices heard on national issues because the very war that took place in Sierra Leone was similar to that which took places in other Africa countries.
He extended thanks to previous and present Government officials for the liberty and free will that are given to media practitioners and young people to challenge leaders, politicians in the country without being muzzled or humiliated and also the partners, stakeholders for their tremendous support towards the growth of the institution as well the staff.
The Founder and Chairman started that as the situation now stands most of his employees are young people and 99% of them are youth which is a clear manifestation of young people running their own affairs.
During the event, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, enjoined young people to always strive to defeat challenges in life. He said the challenges of growing up always start by letting one’s presence felt in whatever role one finds him or herself advising that as young people they should take every opportunity as a joke but with utmost importance.
He continued by stating that as a Government they are investing in young people to ensure that they can be fully prepared for the numerous tasks ahead of them.
He admonished young people to stay out of trouble maintaining that where there is violence, investors and tourists will not be encouraged to do business.
The Minister concluded by saying that on this special day, he is speaking directly to youths to always be patient, deviate from violence and also ensure that peace is highly maintained in the country adding that if the youth want to reach their goals they must try to do things right because an opportunity once lost cannot be regained.
Climaxing the event was the serving of ‘Pemahun’, a locally prepared dish of potato leaves and rice cooked together by the Chief Executive Officer of AYV Media Empire, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, which all the guests who ate it attested was truly delicious and enjoyable.
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Women on Boards and in Business Leadership program, under the leadership of Loty Salazar has come out with a recent publication comprising case studies that were authored by Ann Moline, with additional material provided by Brenda Bowman and Jacqueline Williams.
Titled “Being Bold—Case Studies on Women’s Business Leadership in Sierra Leone and Liberia” the publication presents four powerful examples of how women leaders in fragile markets are using their passion, intelligence, skills, and talents to transform their economies and societies.
Importantly, it showcases role models for career women in markets where women’s presence in business leadership lags.
The efforts were designed to influence change at all levels of business ecosystems in the regions where IFC works and the program was part of IFC’s holistic approach to advancing gender equality—tied to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
It is also aligned with IFC’s mission to create markets and drive diverse, inclusive, and sustainable private sector growth in developing countries.
Dr. Williette James is one of the case studies or personalities portrayed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Women on Boards and in Business Leadership program featured under the category of “Women And The Media”.
For Dr. Williette James, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the University of Sierra Leone’s Fourah Bay College, and seasoned journalist, change in societal perceptions of what women can do wasn’t happening fast enough. Well aware of the power of the media to drive messages and influence public opinion, she understood that she needed to win places at decision-making tables, to push for more coverage of women’s professional successes, and increase women’s representation in the industry.
The Big Challenge for her was overcoming gender bias in Sierra Leone’s media and equalizing coverage of women. Williette’s Solution Shattering the glass ceiling to become a change leader who could influence future generations of journalists and a Board Director of a major media conglomerate who could help drive increased coverage of women’s issues.
Williette’s Story:
She grew up where children didn’t typically have professional career aspirations. Boys often dropped out of school early. And, in a country with one of world’s highest teen pregnancy rates, many girls became mothers while still children themselves.
In her traditional community, these circumstances represented societal norms. But Williette always knew she wasn’t like most children in her community.
Determined to pursue an education, she made up her mind to defy tradition every step of the way. It wasn’t easy, to be sure. But she learned to face her challenges head on, persisting despite the odds. Case-in-point: She retook her college entry examinations four times before finally earning the score needed for acceptance at the highly competitive Fourah Bay College.
The persistence paid off: Williette went on to earn a PhD in Communication and Media Studies—the first woman to do so at Fourah Bay. Today, she heads the faculty. “If you give up on your dream, then it was never your dream to begin with,” she says. A role model for female students, Williette is a prominent figure in the Sierra Leonean media. She has worked as a television anchor.
She has held top management and editorial positions at newspapers and in broadcast media. And she has served as a gender advisor on a radio drama series. As a journalist, Williette uses her influential position to write and speak out about women’s issues, including increasing women’s participation and representation in politics and addressing gender-based violence. She is a media lecturer and trainer. She also sits on the board of Sierra Leone’s leading media conglomerate, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation.
A role model for female students, Williette is a prominent figure in the Sierra Leonean media. She has worked as a television anchor. She has held top management and editorial positions at newspapers and in broadcast media. And she has served as a gender advisor on a radio drama series. As a journalist, Williette uses her influential position to write and
“If institutions are to thrive, women must be an integral part of leadership. They must always be ready to smash every glass ceiling above them and walk through the debris with bravery and wisdom.” – Dr. Williette James
Legacy and Influence:
Today, as an active member of the Women on Boards Network of Sierra Leone, Williette is paying it forward by encouraging other women to pursue similar trajectories in other fields. She’s finding camaraderie and kinship with women who, like her, were not content with the biased status quo. She is proud of her accomplishments—and particularly aware of the impact she is having on future generations of diverse journalists as an industry leader.
“What I would love to be remembered for is the hundreds of media students I keep investing knowledge in, on a daily basis. My hope is that they will grow to also invest in others, so this virtuous cycle continues.
The other Sierra Leonean women featured by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Women on Boards and in Business Leadership program were Ajara Boma, Stephanie Duncan, and Dr. Fatou Taqi.
By Amin Kef-Ranger
NP (SL-Ltd) is tirelessly working round the clock, engaging oil producing companies in business discussions, to always ensure that supply is continually flowing in or maintained. This pro-activeness, on the part of the company, has made it quite possible for stocks to last over periods of time in order to avert the occurrence of shortages.
Interestingly, NP-SL is not a Government entity or appendage; no politician has a share in it as its shareholders are mere ordinary Sierra Leoneans, starting with 35 of them who some time ago bought shares from the Government out of their end of service benefits to establish what today has become a towering entity (NP-SL) to reckon with in the business landscape.
As had been fallaciously propagated by certain ill-motivated persons, who do not mean well for this country, that there are certain politicians that have vested interests in the company, our investigations have proven otherwise.
NP-SL is a 100% indigenous company to the letter and it has weathered various storms that could have dwarfed it or left it to extinct save therapeutic intermittent Managerial injections that keep it upright and on the right course.
Demonstrating its true Sierra Leonean identity the company has maintained a policy of strictly adhering to the Local Content Policy ensuring that it has a maximum indigenous staff in its employ. What this actually means is empowering our brothers and sisters to access employment opportunities and reduce poverty.
As a matter of fact some of its members continue to benefit from various trainings that have afforded them the conduit to imbibe useful skills to efficiently carry out certain tasks. If we are counting the number of companies that have upheld the Local Content Policy, without any iota of doubt, NP-SL could be seen at the top.
This intrinsic nationalistic posture of the company runs through and it is a sine qua non to overall national development. If such a compliance rate should have been followed by other local companies, willingly, without any pressure from the relevant authorities then indisputably this country should have been miles away in its development trajectory.
Business Management experts have made it abundantly clear that the way and manner in which customers are cared for in terms of talking to them, making them feel at ease go a long way in attracting them. Such should be done sincerely in order to make them more important. NP-SL for a very long period now has mastered that art and executing it so well which definitely is paying dividends.
1st for Customer Care was earned by the company because it has been widely acclaimed by many for solidly executing such.
In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers.
This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.
Still within the purview of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.
When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honoring their obligations.
For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.
NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.
To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). NP is one big tax payer to Government and it has been doing so timely.
NP-SL remains undaunted, and unperturbed amidst all the challenges it is going through and conscientiously it is steadily contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as well as positively changing communities and lives.