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IG Assures Members of Car Dealers Association of Police Protection

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Some of Executive Members of the Car Dealers Association on Friday October 21, 2022 met with the Inspector General of Police, Fayia Sellu at his George Street, Police Headquarters Office in Freetown with the main objective of mapping out workable or acceptable ways of protecting their car dealing business throughout the country.

Secretary General of the Association, Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, thanked the IGP for granting them the opportunity to hold such a meeting with him recalled that prior to his appointment as IGP, Fayia Sellu, had always given them the attention they needed whenever required.

During the meeting, the Secretary-General informed the IGP about frequent incidences of fraudsters penetrating into their business and how vulnerable they could be under such circumstances.

Added to what he said, the Association’s Vice President, Alhaji Mohamed Shaw also intimated the IGP that they are faced with several challenges in their business of car dealing and requested the intervention and protection of the IGP over the Association; adding, that with his experience and expertise in handling criminals and fraudsters who infiltrated their business and the fruitful outcome of such interventions, they are optimistic of similar results.

In his reaction, the Inspector General expressed appreciation for all the praises and commendations from the Association’s Executive and advised them to always involve the Police when they suspect an act of fraud or deception in the line of their business. He further advised them to contact him directly, in worse situations, if necessary.

As the meeting was coming to a close, the IGP advised members of the Association to collaborate with the Press and the Police to develop a communication campaign geared towards sensitizing the public about the recent criminal ‘modus operandi’ when it comes to car dealing fraud. “I am sure such a strategy could either mitigate or avert incidences of car dealing fraud,” IGP assured the Association members.

 

 

 

 

UN Resident Coordinator Underscores Need to Work Concertedly to Support Sierra Leone

By Abubakarr Harding

The United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC), Babatunde Ahonsi, has called for a commitment to maximize the potential for pooled knowledge and efficient use of resources to realize the country’s vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2035.

Babatunde Ahonsi, who was speaking at an official engagement of the development partners in observance of the 77th anniversary of the United Nations, emphasized the need to work together to support Sierra Leone “in the overriding goals of peace and unity that will make it [development] all possible”.

The RC asked for reflections on how the UN and the development partners can be agents of peace and unity. This, he said, can best be achieved “by supporting activities such as inclusive dialogue, building capacity for peaceful resolution of grievances and conflict, promoting transparency in Government and freedom of the press, allowing for meaningful participation of women and youth in society, and providing building blocks for inclusive economic development.”

The RC also showed appreciation for the work of the Government of Sierra Leone, civil society, media, private sector, and other partners, who work steadfastly to advance the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in every part of the country, engaging community leaders, youth, women, farmers, entrepreneurs, health workers, teachers, and many others in building peaceful and cohesive communities.

“Government is guiding the economy to rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to address challenges brought on by the Russia-Ukraine conflict,” he said while acknowledging the difficulty of those tasks.

He reiterated the commitment of the UN system in Sierra Leone, to support the country to realize the Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Furthermore, he thanked the development partners for the variety of expertise and experience they bring to collaborations to advance rights and opportunities for all Sierra Leoneans.

The UN Day theme of ‘Peace and Unity’ was adopted to remind people of how important these two elements are to the development of the country and the opportunity available to further these goals through collective work.

“Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world…. let us renew our hope and conviction in what humanity can achieve when we work as one, in global solidarity,” the Resident Coordinator quoted UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in observance of the day.

Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corp, His Excellency the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Henry John Omaku said the UN Day celebration is a reminder of the need for continued solidarity, collaboration, and cooperation to achieve the objective of the UN charter, “and more importantly, rescue the SDGs.”

He called for peace and unity to be promoted in Sierra Leone and globally.

In his remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai said the Government is firmly committed to the ideals and principles of the UN and will continue to support the organization as the global body through which the world comes together to confront current challenges.

“Sierra Leone is ready and willing to work with the UN in the area of development cooperation across the board and globally,” reiterated the Minister.

He congratulated the UN in Sierra Leone for emerging as the best 2021 UN Country Results Report for Africa. “… I share the feeling of pride as your success is our success. Let’s keep the good work and together strive to make Sierra Leone a best performer in monitoring the SDGS, especially through the platform we have created for this purpose,” Minister Kai-Kai said.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Professor David Francis expressed appreciation to the UN System in Sierra Leone for its support towards the country’s implementation of the MTNDP and the progress towards the SDGs.

He said the Government was encouraged by the strong political will of President Julius Maada Bio, “to promote sustainable development and enhance inclusive governance, protect human rights including the fight against gender-based violence and the fight against corruption.”

Minister Francis assured that the Government is fully committed to conducting peaceful, free, and fair democratic elections in June next year.

Earlier on Monday, staff of the UN in Sierra Leone participated in a 5KM fun run and walk on Lumley Beach. Afterwards, they took part in a peace-themed t-shirt competition and an agency-mandate booth exhibition contest. IOM and UNFPA emerged as winners in the booth display contest, while UN Women and UNDP won the t-shirt competition. Ms Lucretia Mbogba of UNICEF won the female category of the run, and Foday Kabba of UNOPS emerged as the winner in the male category. Seven national staff who retired earlier in the year were also honoured with plaques of commendation.

 

 

 

 

 

NCRA DG Chairs UNECA Led Session on Integrated CRVS & ID Management System

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

During a parallel session at the Expert Group Meeting of the Sixth Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration, which was organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the theme: “Building Integrated Civil Registration and Vital Statistics and Digital Identity Systems’’, a Panel Session was held on the 25th October 2022 chaired by Sierra Leone’s Director General of the  National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed M. Massaquoi.

The Director General first thanked the organizers, UNECA & AUC, for selecting Sierra Leone to Chair the session on Building Integrated CRVS and Digital Identity Systems with Experts drawn from various African countries, Donor Partners, UN Agencies and other International Organizations.

He underscored that it is by no means an error on their part as the Government of Sierra Leone is actively committed to having an integrated CRVS and Identity Management System and has taken bold steps to digitize the integrated system.

The Director General told the audience that  Sierra Leone, is among the few in Africa that have gained some experience in integrating CRVS with Identity System into a one system.

He continued that as was heard from the Panelists in the past two days, many countries still have separate CRVS and Identity Systems, mostly headed by separate Government institutions.

Mohamed M. Massaquoi revealed that since 2016, the Government of Sierra Leone, following a Policy on Civil Registration Reform mandating all previously fragmented registration of vital events (Births, Deaths, Causes of Deaths, Marriages, Divorces, Adoptions, Nullities etc into one entity, which is the NCRA, a law on CRVS and Identity Management integration was passed in June 2016.

He continued how the 2016 National Civil Registration Act established the NCRA as the institution responsible for the management and coordination of all Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and National Identity Systems which, he stressed, is very much consistent with the UN Guidelines and International best practice with the APAI CRVS recommending integrating and digitizing the system.

He expressed the view that there are, however, pros and cons to both integration and digitizing CRVS, particularly in resource-challenged nations where internet and power are not readily available and remote rural communities cannot be easily reached with digitization which will further exacerbate the not deliberate marginalization of such populations.

The Director General pointed out that integration of systems that have hitherto been managed by other Government Agencies may not be automatic despite the legal framework maintaining that a transitioning phase is crucial, especially where Civil Registration has revenue generation aspects.

According to him, seeming territorial protection and duplicated mandates can become a bottleneck if not managed well.

He informed that in the case of Sierra Leone, the country’s march towards fully realizing the desired integration remain on track since 2016 as per the intention of the legal framework for integration.

“As it is now, all Government Agencies require the National Identification Number (NIN) assigned to Registrants who are enrolled into the integrated CRVS and Identity Management  System for service delivery including enlistment into Social Security Scheme, Vehicle Registration and Licenses, Immigration Services, enrolment into Public and Civil Service as well as placement into the Centralized Government Payroll System, Business Registration, Tax Administration, SIM Card Registration, Land and Property Registration, Enrolment into Academic Institutions, e-KYC for Financial Institutions and Credit Reference Checks to enhance financial inclusion, Extraction and Update of Voter Register from the Civil Register among many others,” he stated.

The NCRA Director General said in fact since 2018, Voter Register is Extracted and updated from the Civil Register in Sierra Leone.

According to him, such is all due to the dedicated political commitment at the highest level, the Presidency, towards CRVS and ID Management backed by the strong legal framework coupled with sustained stakeholder engagement and respect for diversity.

He pointed out that the confidence in the system as the only source for verifying the identities of citizens and residents has grown over the years to where Foreign Missions now verify the identities of candidates for immigration opportunities with our IDMS.

Mohamed M. Massaquoi told delegates that as the second APAI CRVS Strategy and Action Plan (2017-2021) has come to a close, to embark on the programmes for the next phase of 2022- 2030 it is imperative that the lessons learnt by States like Sierra Leone that have integrated or those that have attempted integration of CRVS and Digital Identity, be recognized and incorporated for more realistic and achievable goals.

He said we are all aware of the toll COVID-19 has placed on CRVS and Identity Systems some of which were discussed in the previous day’s sessions.

According to him, from the COVID 19 experience, it is worthy to note that CRVS and Identity Systems are more resilient in places where the systems were entirely digital as opposed to manual or partly.

He suggested that as they become more sensitive to the possibilities of future public health pandemics, States without Digital Identity /CRVS Systems need to be supported to go digital, at least partially.

The Director General pointed out that he said so partially as hybrid systems have also proven to be as efficient in some countries.

He expressed the view that maintaining manual registration in remote and poorly resourced communities while going digital where facilities are available yet ensuring that both manual and digital achieve the same end of Civil Registration of the population.

He also mentioned Interoperability/multi-sectoral linkages as key adding how just 2 weeks ago, he had the opportunity to be present at a Panel discussion in Rwanda where he emphasized that with the advancement of technology in such a connected digital world, Data Sovereignty in terms of physical storage/control should not be a problem recommending that countries and Regulators should focus on INTEROPERABILITY backed by appropriate legislations.

The NCRA Boss stated that with digital systems, interoperability is possible and reliable. He said linkages with the Health, Education, Statistics, Electoral and other Public/Governance Information and Data Management Systems will not only add value to the quality of data produced but will also increase its utility by a wide range of stakeholders.

He said it should, however, be noted that data protection legal frameworks and regulatory frameworks are essential to protect Data Subjects from misuse, undue transfer and commercialization of personal data of Registrants and security concerns by Data Users.

“In Sierra Leone, we have a draft Data Protection Bill at Parliament for enactment,” he disclosed adding that the Government pays strong attention to the privacy, confidentiality and security of data in the midst of assuring Interoperability.

Mohamed M Massaquoi stated that at COM 5 three years ago, proposals were put forward for innovative ways of modernizing and harmonizing digital systems were discussed.

He then asked: How far have countries come towards achieving them? How have countries fared with regards national prioritization and increased cooperation from the Donor community for resources towards Digital CRVS and Identity Systems? The Director General stated that it is expected that the Panelists will share with all some of their best practices and challenges.

The NCRA Boss said in Sierra Leone, citizens are grateful for the support received from UNICEF, UNDP, Irish Aid and the EU in supporting the GoSL to integrate the CRVS and Identity system and digitization process undergoing currently.

“Our Government’s support (financial and otherwise) towards an integrated CRVS and ID System is constant, predictable and assuring,” he informed adding that while it is noted that investment in the System can be huge but its value and reward  can be far greater and cost effective for many other cyclical and episodic events.

He added that it is imperative that even as many have emphasized South -South cooperation, the SDG 16.9 cannot be achieved without the support of the donor community.

Before ending his introduction, the Director General thanked the UN for choosing Sierra Leone as one of nine countries in the first set of pilot countries to pilot the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

He maintained that the Panel session will inform experts about the experiences of States with legal Reform, digital identity in forecasting and decentralization processes, and experiences in building integrated CRVS and Identity systems like there are in Sierra Leone.

The Director General ended up welcoming colleagues from Egypt, Tunisia, Mozambique, Botswana and Ethiopia to the podium.

 

Tourism Ministry Maps out Routes & Finish Line for 2022 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in a Press Release dated 25th October, 2022 has revealed that Sierra Leone will play host to the Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally Finish Line 2022 from the 6th to 8th November, 2022.

It furthered that the event, which has been dubbed; the “Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Challenge”, is the world’s largest amateur vehicular rally and Africa’s biggest humanitarian event.

Also stated was that the rally comprises 600 participants with 250 vehicles and 350 motor bikes arriving in Sierra Leone through Kambia on the 6th of November 2022 to Masiaka town where they will spend the night and on the 7th of November 2022 the teams will move to Bureh beach where a Beach Carnival will be organized in their honour.

According to the Ministry, the teams will drive through Waterloo, Up Gun, Kissy Road, Goderich Street, Rokel Street, Siaka Stevens Street, Sanders Street, St. John, Savage Street, Congo Cross, Wilkinson Road, Lumley Beach Road and arrive at the Finish Line, Jigibonta Restaurant, Lumley Beach on 8th November, 2022 where His Excellency the President is expected to receive them.

In light of the above, the Ministry is informing the public that some of the vehicles and motorbikes will be sold by the teams while in Freetown.

Interested buyers are requested to contact the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, B 28 King Harman Road, Brookfields Freetown or visit www.carmarket-bamako2022.lusteenet.hu for direct access to the owners of the said vehicles.

The Ministry concludes that the Budapest-Bamako- Freetown Challenge aims at actualizing His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision of making Sierra Leone an attractive tourist destination, create a platform for cultural exchange, facilitate foreign direct investment and provide jobs for the youth, women and other vulnerable groups.

 

 

 

 

Chinese Embassy Highlights Key Significances of the 20th CPC National Congress 

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone on the 26th October, 2022 held a seminar on the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress as well as the 5th “Chinese Embassy Information Salon” during the year in Freetown. The event centered on the just concluded 20th CPC National Congress which provides new opportunities for the world.

In attendance were Li Xiaoyong, Chargé d’affaires ad Interim of the Chinese Embassy, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the local media and Sierra-China friendship organizations attended the seminar.

Chargé d’affaires ad Interim of the Chinese Embassy succinctly informed that audience that the 20th CPC National Congress is an important meeting held at a critical moment when China, the world’s most populous and largest developing country, is embarking on a new journey to build a comprehensive socialist modern country. It will also have a positive impact on the world against the background of the current international situation full of instability and uncertainty and the serious challenges to global peace and development.

In highlighting the significance about the Congress he said the Congress summarized China’s past achievements maintaining that in the past decade, China has experienced three major events: first, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, second, socialism with Chinese characteristics entering a new era, and third, the completion of the historical task of eradicating poverty, and achieving its first centenary goal — building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

He continued that with the implementation of the new development concept, nearly 100 million rural poor people have been lifted out of poverty and China’s economy now accounts for 18.5% of the world economy, ranking second in the world.

Chargé d’affaires ad Interim furthered that the Congress clarified China’s future tasks. He said in doing so China will adhere to the leadership of the CPC, promote the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese modernization in a comprehensive manner, build a strong socialist modern country and achieve the second centenary goal which will build the country into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful in the middle of the century.

He also revealed how the Congress pointed out the way forward underscoring that China will never seek hegemony or engages in expansionism.

“China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards,” he pointed out adding that China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace.

He said it has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice.

According to him, the Congress also injected confidence and momentum into the world adding that the fact that President Xi Jinping continues to serve as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee reflects the collective will of the world’s largest ruling party with more than 96 million members and 1.4 billion Chinese people, and provides a solid guarantee for the huge ship of China to cut through the waves and make steady progress.

While summarizing the latest development of China-Sierra Leone cooperation, Mr. Li assured the participants that, under the great leadership of CPC, China and Sierra Leone will continue to treat each other with sincerity and mutual trust, work hand in glove for common development, and support each other in good faith.

On his part, the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, congratulated China on the successful convening of the CPC Congress, in particular on President Xi Jinping’s reelection as the General Secretary  of the CPC Central Committee. He commended the CPC for leading the Chinese people achieving miracles in their nation building which have positively affected the world.

He said the election of Xi Jinping as General Secretary is a demonstration of confidence by the CPC party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups that his leadership will continue to deliver on the collective aspiration of China.

The SLAJ President disclosed that Xi Jinping’s report to the Congress titled:“Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects” re-emphasises the need for China to continue to practice a political system that suits the context of China and the diversity of the Chinese people.

He noted that the report highlights 15 building blocks that will consolidate the strong foundation upon which China will continue to grow as a great nation, and from which, he believes, other ambitious nations could borrow a leaf.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla informed that key among these blocks are:

Pursuing Science and Education to develop a strong workforce for the Modernization Drive, Advancing people-based democracy to run the country, Applying the Rule of Law: exercising Law-based governance, Improving the People’s Wellbeing and Raising Quality of Life, Upholding the policy of One Country, and promoting national unity, Contributing to World Peace and Development, Respect for the environment by pursuing Green Development and Promoting Harmony between Humanity and Nature underscoring that he loves the quote: “We have acted on the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”   He lamented at what certain persons are doing to the country’s (Sierra Leone) hills, mountains and ocean.

He further revealed that what he loves most in Xi Jinping’s address to the Congress was where he stressed the need for the CPC to cultivate officials capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation, enhance the political and organizational functions of Party organizations, take strict steps to improve Party conduct and enforce Party discipline, and win the tough and protracted battle against corruption.

He expressed optimism that as Xi Jinping continues as leader there is hope to see the cooperation and ties between China and Africa, and particularly Sierra Leone further strengthened.

Nasralla also maintained that China-Africa economic, political and media platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and China-Africa Media Cooperation (CAMC) must also reflect the successes of the CPC party under the leadership of Xi Jinping.

He added that FOCAC should continue to be an important and dynamic platform for China and Africa to carry out collective dialogue as well as an effective mechanism for practical cooperation on the economic and political fronts, while the CAMC platform continues to facilitate extensive and in-depth cooperation in the field of media exchanges.

For Sierra Leone in particular, he stated, China-Sierra Leone cooperation last year celebrated 50 years of friendship saying the relationship has grown from strength to strength and it has been one of mutual understanding, respect and benefit.

“China’s bilateral support to Sierra Leone can be seen in the many infrastructural landmarks across the country; from roads to public office buildings, health, agriculture and mining sectors; during Ebola and now COVID-19, etc,” he intimated.

He pointed out how the media has also benefitted as journalists have benefitted (and continue to benefit) from study scholarships to China, short term courses and visitations.

“SLAJ and its affiliate bodies have also received logistical support from the Chinese Embassy in the form of office and media equipment,” he said with gratitude.

Nasralla concluded by thanking the Chinese Embassy for initiating the information salon platform which, according to him, is now serving as a meeting point between the Embassy and the media and CSOs to share information, promote cooperation and strengthen ties.

He once more congratulated the CPC party for a successful Congress, and wished them well in pursuing their aspirations of the next decade.

The 5th Chinese Embassy Information Salon climaxed with an interactive session taking the form of questions and answers as well as clarifications on issues related to the 20th CPC Congress.

 

 

 

 

NP-SL’s Cutting Edge Service Delivery Touch Continues to Positively Impact 

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

It is strongly incontestable that the leading petroleum company in the country, NP-Sierra Leone Limited, is highly known for being the first in the realm of customer care. This is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen on optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery on different fronts.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that results into a win-win situation. For this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways in positioning to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

With a capable and result-oriented Staff, working collaboratively and assiduously, where even the cleaner is regarded as highly relevant there is bound to be positive outcomes and the company has mastered this by ensuring that synergy is enhanced.

One admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd possesses is working tirelessly and effectively using its contacts with oil-producing countries in order to ensure that there is timely purchase and delivery of petroleum products to avoid shortages. It goes without saying that fuel, for example, could be a political commodity in the sense that fluctuation in its price would make a Government likeable or unpopular. When the price goes up then people blame the Government for that but if it goes down it is kudos for the political administration.

Its timely importation of petroleum products has earned NP high commendations from various quarters simply because it helps to cushion unrest and other forms of disadvantageous effects one of which is increase in transport fares, increase in the prices of certain commodities. The pro-activeness of the company invariably has a direct impact on poverty reduction in variable ways.

Some who may not be aware of the fact that NP-SL Ltd is wholly owned by Sierra Leoneans vis-à-vis the visibility of the company and how it is remarkably striving could find it hard to believe that it a truly indigenous company.

However, that remains the plain truth when it is learnt that it was Sierra Leonean 35 workers formerly working for British Petroleum (BP) who pulled together their end of service benefits to purchase shares which were used to establish NP, which today is a success story of an indigenous company, having branches in various parts of the country and in other four West African countries namely Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The company’s operations right across the spectrum is contributing towards revenue generation and job creation for many.

With gas as one its marketable products it was thought wise to be producing gas cookers, popularly known as NP Gas, which could be access at their different filling stations. According to investigation conducted NP Gas is cooking-friendly, safe and long lasting. It is going at an affordable price and many are going for it.

The company, in line with matching with technology,introduced the use of a Smart Card widely known as NP Smart Card which is a Card with memory chip embedded that can be credited with money and debited when it is used during the purchase of fuel. The holder only slots the loaded card into the space on the pumping machine after commanding the amount of fuel to be pumped and the exact amount is discharged with the card ready for another recharge to be used for the next purchase. It has been acknowledged that it is a safe, cashless way of conducting transactions assuring greater security and budgetary adjustments.

When reference is made to the effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL Ltd stands tall within that realm as nearly all its members of staff are Sierra Leoneans thereby making use of local talents everywhere they are operating. The Local Content Policy is indeed an engine of growth and NP is making full use of it.
Although these are trying times for the company in terms of easily accessing petroleum products as a result of the war between Russia and Ukraine, however, Management is doing everything possible to ensure that these products are available and accessible.

Joseph Koroma Bags Orange Social Venture Prize 2022 Awards

By Fatmata Jengbe

Joseph Koroma, a Sierra Leonean innovator has won the 12th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize Competition held during the first World Mobile Congress (WMC) in Kigali, Rwanda for an innovative project known as Life Blood-Sierra Leone.

Seventeen (17) countries where Orange Group is operating in both Africa and in the Middle East participated in the 2022 edition of OSVP in which Orange (SL) finalist clinched the first international grand prize award.

Life Blood Sierra Leone is a digital health platform designed to address the problem of acute shortage of blood products in the country’s healthcare delivery system.

The system is designed to, among other things to increase public awareness about safe blood services, increase the level of voluntary blood donation in the country with an improved facility to administer blood transfusion as well as National Safe Blood Service.

Joseph Koroma who was one of the eight finalists who contested in the National category general prize award of (Old Note) Le100,000, 000.00 in September this year.

In an exclusive interview, Joseph said: “In my country, mortality rate is high and the main factor is the limited availability of blood banks. So I am hoping that this project will address the problem of acute shortage of blood in the country’s health care system.,”

It must be underscored that at the national level, Orange Sierra Leone has been organizing the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) competition.

The 4th Edition was held on the 1st September 2022 in which eight (8) finalists participated for a whooping sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le150M).

According to the Head of Public Relations at Orange SL, Annie Wonnie Katta, Orange is positioned to be the lead digital partner for startups in Africa and the Middle East. This is why Orange Middle East & Africa (OMEA) initiated OSVP some 12 years ago to reward the best technological projects with positive impact and solution to social challenges mainly in the area of education, health, agriculture, mobile payments or sustainable development in Africa and the Middle East.

QI’s QUEST INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: THE “HARVARD” OF ASIA IN THE MAKING

QI Group’s Quest International University (QIU)
QI Group’s Quest International University (QIU)

By Bernard Ashiadey

The QI Group, a diversified multinational entity with a wide range of subsidiary companies in nearly 30 countries, has built a university that aspires to be the “Harvard” of Asia. QI Group’s Quest International University (QIU), is a private Malaysian university established in 2011 under a public-private partnership with the State Government of Perak. It is located in the state capital of Ipoh, in Perak which lies in the western coast of peninsular Malaysia. QIU offers cutting-edge and comprehensive Foundation, Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree and Postgraduate programmes.

The US-trained Chief Operating Officer of the University, Mr. Nicholas Goh, a passionate and experienced educationist, hosted a number of journalists from West Africa at the university’s campus, where he explained in detail, the institution’s mission, vision, philosophy, uniqueness, achievements, and teaching methodology, all aimed at churning out highly functional, problem-solving, market-fit and future-ready graduates.

An enthusiastic Mr. Goh recounted the University’s history. He narrated how the visionary entrepreneur Dr Vijay Eswaran, who also serves as the Council Chairman forthe University, conceived the idea of establishing a University with global excellence and a legacy of world-class education, delivered from Ipoh, a charming town known for food, culture, history and the arts, to Malaysia and to the rest of the world.

According to Mr. Goh, QIU’s education focuses on all-round development of students and covers a wide range of industries and sectors. The University has the following faculties and centres: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Business & Management, Computing & Engineering, Integrated Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Social Sciences, Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Centre for Research and Innovation.

QIU offers courses ranging from Foundation in Science, Environmental Technology, Biotechnology MSc, PhD (Science), Foundation in Business, Business Administration, Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, Finance, Accountancy, Hospitality Management MBA, PhD (Business Administration), DBA, Pharmacy, Pharmacy Bridge Programme with Pacific University, Oregon, IT, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Biomedical Sciences, MBBS, MSc Microbiology, Foundation in Arts, Mass Communication (Journalism & Advertising), Corporate Communication, Early Childhood & Special Needs Education to Psychology (BA, MEd, MA) among others.

Mr. Goh emphasized that the University’s philosophy of excellence is hinged on four cardinal pillars: knowledge, skills, attitude, and student experience. “Students are taught to demonstrate systematic and comprehensive knowledge of facts, concepts, theories and technical knowledge in their field of study. They are trained to exhibit cognitive, practical, digital, numeracy and entrepreneurial skills. They are shaped to develop a resilient, proactive, ambitious, ethical, professional and socially-responsible attitude. Their overall student experience is designed to be relevant, enlightening, practical and future-ready.”

“They are taught to acquire more varied, broader and specialised knowledge, critical thinking, analytical, operational and problem-solving skills, coupled with responsible, resilient and progressive attitude which could be applied in different situations in and outside the field of work to help them compete, withstand, recover or cope with challenging conditions anywhere.”

He reiterated that: “At QIU, we believe no one should be left behind. To accomplish this, we have put strategies and initiatives in place that allow students achieve their goals at their own pace. The Enhanced Academic Support for You (EASY) initiative provides extra support for students who may be facing difficulties with their lessons. If they have problems or issues in class, their lecturers provide extra guidance until they are able to fully grasp the concept of the topic.”

“They are also taught time management, goal setting and how to cite and reference properly. Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) are conducted by students for students. During PASS, appointed student leaders will facilitate the review of lectures, discussion on tutorials, or revision for final examinations. Supplementary tutoring is available for students, augmenting the tutorials conducted by course lecturers. Our finishing school, led by the Career and Professional Development Centre helps graduates build their resume and polish their interviewing and communication skills. The CPDC’s Career Portal connects alumni with hundreds of job vacancies and internship opportunities around the region. Our graduates are employed in a diverse range of fields and industries, with many starting their careers in multinational companies. Employability for 2019 was 92%, which went down to 81% in 2020 due to the pandemic, but bounced back to 93% last year (2021).

QIU is one of 19 Malaysian universities to be listed in the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking 2021. The University was awarded a 4-star rating by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Its medical degrees are fully accredited by the Malaysian Medical Council, Maldives Medical and Dental Council and the National Medical Council of India, among others.

QIU’s student population is diverse with students from Malaysia and other parts of the world including Africa.

While taking the visibly-impressed journalists from West Africa on a tour of the modern campus, Mr. Goh mentioned that the University is open to admitting students from any part of the world and that people should be wary of anyone or group of people who may want to use the School’s name or identity for unethical activities.  Details of the University’s admission requirement and application guidelines are available at: https://qiu.edu.my/.

OFP Organizes People-Centered Advocacy Training for Persons with Disabilities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to strengthen the advocacy skills of    Children and Youngsters with Disabilities, caregivers, Partner Organizations & Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to claim their rights to quality services in the country, One Family People has on Tuesday 18th October, 2022 held a one-day training on people-centered advocacy, Networking,  collaboration, and result-based reporting to strengthen the advocacy skills of CYWDs, caregivers, POs & OPDs to claim their rights to quality services in the country. The one day event was held at the Peace Museum, Former Residual Special Court on New England Ville in Freetown.

In his address, the Program Manager at One Family People, Samuel P.O.V. Macauley said as an organization that have been working towards the development of persons with disabilities in the country  and they are with the strong conviction that the training will help POs, CYWDs, Caregivers, OPDs to identify and prioritize key services and facilities that are available, accessible and affordable.

He added that the training will also strengthen the advocacy skills of CYWDs, caregivers, POs & OPDs to claim their rights to quality services in the country.

Samuel P.O.V. Macauley noted that over the years One Family People  partnered with organizations that have been working on  Child Empowerment Programs in the country, stating they believe that the effective and efficient implementation of the child empowerment program largely depends on the capacity of partner organizations to be sufficiently knowledgeable and equipped to implement the program of which he pointed out that the training will help build their capacities in that direction.

The Program Manager maintained that lobbying and advocacy are key components of CBR to increase their work for children with disabilities their parents and caregivers, furthering that over the years, One Family People and its Partner Organizations have engaged in lobbying and advocacy for disability rights across the country.

He revealed that at the end of the training the capacity of the caregiver’s POs, CYWDs, and OPDs that participated would have been strengthened and both POs, CYWDs, caregivers, OPDs will be able to identify and advocate for quality services.

The Program Manager also noted that participants of the training will be equipped in evidence-based advocacy.

In his presentation, the Executive Director for Center for Research Peace and Youth Affairs, Prezo Abdul Kpaka, commended One Family People for engaging CYWDs, caregivers, POs & OPDs on people-centered advocacy as a result-based reporting to strengthen their advocacy skills in order for them to claim their rights to quality services in the country.

He said that advocacy plays a major role in having the voices of citizens heard by individuals in power and that through advocacy individuals are able to foster a sense of community and solidarity in order to promote their cause to the wider public, adding that over the years there have been a lot of issues faced by persons with disabilities in the country and that through advocacy those issues will be mitigated.

Prezo Abdul Kpaka said that Sierra Leone has put in place the following legislative and policy framework to ensure the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities, adding that Sierra Leone domesticated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the form of the Persons with Disability Act, 2011.

He pointed out that the Persons with Disability Act, 2011 seeks to prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, achieve equalization of opportunities, establish the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities and to provide for other related matters, stating that since the enactment of the Persons with Disability Act, 2011, there has been a significant progress in mainstreaming disability issues at all levels but said more need to be done as issues faced by Persons with Disabilities are increasing on a daily basis.

The Executive Director stated that the Persons with Disability Act, 2011 wholly encompasses the general principles of respect of disability as part of human diversity, dignity of the individual, participation as equal citizens, elimination of all forms of discrimination and stigma on grounds of disability, full inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development processes and programmes, and the promotion of positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities in the country.

He called on all to see persons with disabilities in the country as very important people in society and further urged for the enforcement of all laws geared toward the protection of persons living with disabilities in the country.

Closing the session was an open discussion by participants in relation to the people-centered advocacy training.

 

Dr. Abdulamane Bah Calls for Reversal of Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie Appointments

By Alpha Barrie

The Former Secretary General of Tabital Pulaaku International, Dr. Abdulahmane Bah, has called for the reversal of the appointment of Abdul Razak Bah who was appointed as the 4thVice President of the Tabital Pulaaku International and Abdulai Barrie who was also appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General Tabital Pulaaku International. He made that disclosure during an exclusive interview with the producer and presenter of the Ko-Fewndii Show, Mohamed Silvin Bah, on Saturday 8th October, 2022 at his residence in Conakry, Guinea.

Dr. Abdulahmane Bah, the out gone Secretary General of Tabital Pulaaku International, said according to the Tabital Pulaaku International’s constitution, for one to be eligible to occupy any position in the organization’s structure at the international level he/she must have been a member for two consecutive years of the institution’s chapter in the country that the person is residing.

Dr. Bah maintained that there is every indication and likelihood that the appointments of Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie should be reversed in order to avoid a bad precedent for the organization, further pinpointing that the organization is going to pursue the full directives of its existing constitution in ensuring that the said error is corrected.

It could be recalled that on the 10thSeptember 2022 delegates from various chapters of the Tabital Pulaaku International (TPI) across different countries assembled in Nigeria, Abuja, for an Extraordinary-General Assembly to have its new Executives of which Lamido Muhammadu Sanusi, from Nigeria, took over from the leadership of a Guinean, Alhaji Amadu (Kooru) Jalloh, the long-term International President of Tabital Pulaaku. Delegates from different countries present at the ceremony appointed Lamido Muhammadu Sanusi as the President of the Tabital Pulaaku International (TPI).

At the ceremony, other Executive members were also appointed including Abdul Razak Bah from Sierra Leone as the 4th Vice President of Tabital Pulaaku International (TPI) and Abdulai Barrie from Sierra Leone was also appointed as the Deputy Secretary General of the Tabital Pulaaku International (TPI) respectively. After their appointments, they have been described as the first Sierra Leoneans to hold positions at the international level of the organization.

According to the existing procedure of the Tabital Pulaaku International, it was revealed that the appointments of International Officials are drawn locally from local chapters of the organization. That’s to say, before one attains any position in the organization internationally he/she has to meet the threshold of being a member of one of its national chapters in the various countries where the organization has been established.

That revelation, made by Dr. Abdulahmane Bah, has raised serious controversies relating to the appointments of Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie who are said to have not met the above requirement. Reportedly, both are allegedly not members of the Tabital Pulaaku Chapter in Sierra Leone.

According investigations, Abdul Razak Bah is the substantive Financial Secretary of the Fullah Progressive Union (FPU), and Abdulai Barrie is the Secretary-General of the Western Area Fullah Tribal Head Administration.

It could be recalled that these two institutions were Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie are members have been allegedly accused in a press conference held on Friday 3rd December 2021 of working against the activities of Tabital Pulaaku Chapter in Sierra Leone.

One of those activities as highlighted in the press conference was the cancellation of the Tabital Pulaaku International-Sierra Leone Chapter, Kenema branch officially launch of which after they had officially received Police Clearance on the 23rd November 2021it was a shock for their members to be told on the eve of the event, 27th November 2021, that their Police Clearance had been revoked and that the event can no longer hold.

It was alleged that the meeting was cancelled on the directive of the Fula Tribal Authority in Freetown and the Fula Progressive Union (FPU) on the allegations that the gathering is bent on dividing the Fulas in the country.

That and more had ensued; the rivalry between the aforesaid twin- institutions to that of the TPI’s Chapter in Sierra Leone has been very uneasy; there is no love lost between them, so more the reason it came as a great surprise to many here in Sierra Leone seeing the appointments of Abdul Razak Bah as 4th Vice President of the Tabital Pulaaku International and Abdulai Barrie as the Deputy Secretary-General Tabital Pulaaku International.

On his part, the Secretary-General of the TPI’s Chapter in Sierra Leone, in ascertaining the two appointees, Abdul Razak Bah and Abdulai Barrie, legitimacy in the Sierra Leone Chapter he disclosed that they have never been registered members of the Chapter, nor have they ever expressed interest in joining the chapter.

Other senior members of the Tabital Pulaaku International Sierra Leone Chapter both locally and internationally have expressed serious disappointment over the Abuja incident and described it as very unfortunate and that they do not recognize the appointments.

This medium made all reasonable steps to get the side of the Abdul Razak Bah who was appointed as the 4th Vice President of the Tabital Pulaaku International and Abdulai Barrie, the Deputy Secretary-General Tabital Pulaaku International, but all efforts proved futile.

 

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