ICPNC Kick-Starts Engagements with Various Interest Groups

August 22, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) kick-started engagements with various stakeholders in Freetown on how to collaborate to promote sustainable Peace in the country.

On Monday, 15th August 2022 the Commission met with the Executives of the transport sector including the Motor Drivers and General Workers Union, the Bike Riders, and Kekeh Riders Unions.

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Samai, informed members of the various Executive bodies that the meeting was geared towards discussing and mapping out strategies to consolidate peace, national cohesion and how they could work together to uphold them underscoring the important roles played by drivers in the country.

She continued by telling them of ICPNC’s intention to work with them with the objective of promoting peace in the country and to ensure that their members don’t get involved in conflicts or disturbances that have the potential of derailing the progress of the country.

The Executive Secretary admonished them to come up with suggestions on how the various Unions could collaborate and work with the Commission to be peace agents to their passengers, within their communities and even families.

On their part, the Union representatives expressed their willingness to work with the ICPNC, saying they already have existing structures at National, Regional, District and Park levels that are fully operational and through which they will channel their messages in partnership with the Commission.

The various Executive members underscored the importance of rolling out peace education right across the country, pointing out that war does not only lead to loss of lives and properties but also erodes donor confidence and forestalls job creation.

Kainnamu Kumabeh11 of the Motor Drivers’ Union said the activities of drivers border on the security of the country suggesting that peace messages to be developed should be apt and must appeal to their constituents. He also spoke of the need to involve boat owners whom he noted also are part of the transportation sector and are active in cross-border activities.

Madam Nassu Yarjah of the Bike Riders Union called on the Commission to also target owners of ghettos and Ataya bases.

Ibrahim Serry of the Kekeh Riders Union said they are ready to work with the Commission as Peace Ambassadors, adding that the process should start now to pave the way for peaceful elections next year.

The ICPNC on Tuesday met with the Executive body of the Market Women Association led by its Chairperson, Haja Marie Bob-Kandeh.

The importance of women generally and how market women, in particular, could promote peace in the country were discussed.

The Market Women Association also disclosed having existing structures across the country and expressed their readiness to work with the Commission to ensure lasting peace in the country.

The women highlighted a number of issues facing them which officials of the Commission said will be further discussed bringing other stakeholders on board.

Sierra Leone Urges G7+ Members to Reaffirm their Commitments to its Mandate

August 22, 2022

By Mohamed Massaquoi – Information Attache United Nations, New York

Since its inception in 2010, member States of the G7+ have been scaling up efforts at addressing gaps associated with conflict-affected States toward resilience and the achievement of sustainable Development Goals and effective service delivery.

Against that background, the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations in New York, in its capacity as Chair of the G7+, has been championing the cause of the Member States of the group with a view to ensuring that conflict-affected States are best positioned to learn from one another about these hard-won experiences.

These States collectively advocate for contextually tailored development policies.

On the 16th of August 2022, the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Timor Leste-based G7+ Secretariat invited Permanent Representatives of member countries to an experience-sharing meeting.

The objective of the meeting was to develop consensus among member countries on the agenda and outcome of the planned High-Level summit during the upcoming UN General Assembly in September 2022 and to also agree on coordination for optimizing the Observer Status of the G7+ at the United Nations.

In his presentation, the Chairperson of the group, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, H.E. Alhaji Fanday Turay reiterated that as the Member States of the G7+, it is significant to reaffirm their commitments to the mandate of the group which is to advance the common vision of global solidarity, voluntarism, and cooperation.

He further advised that during the High-Level Summit, they should consolidate their perspectives and views on how best to safeguard conflict-affected countries from the impact of the recent crises that has affected the whole world.

“Even though it has almost become a norm for the g7+ to regularly engage at the United Nations during the High-Level week of UNGA, this year should be an epoch-making one, as our collective advocacy is crucial in identifying with the world’s farthest left behind countries,” he said adding that having achieved Observer Status at the UN, the platform could be used to advocate and speak with one voice for their common needs and priorities.

Ambassador Turay concluded by assuring members of the group that Sierra Leone will remain committed to providing leadership that will build on the gains made and develop consensus in coordinating the next steps necessary to enhance the Observer Status of the G7+ at the United Nations.

President Bio Ends Stakeholders Engagement with CSOs, the Media & Bar Association

August 22, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

As part of scaling up engagements with various facets of society in the aftermath of the 10 August 2022 violent protests, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on the 18^th August, 2022, met with the leadership of Civil Society Organizations, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Sierra Leone Bar Association, SLBA.

The President thanked them for their constructive criticisms of his Government and for their assessments of governance issues, the majority of which, he said, were both negative and positive.

President Bio intimated that despite the various efforts to keep the country and Government in check, as part of the democratic process, his Government had been constantly reminded to walk on the path of a positive trajectory.

He also reminded the gathering of how, collectively as a nation, they had built a positive image of a country that was resilient and one that had championed its own course to development, irrespective of the odds.

“In just a few hours, last week, all that was thrown out of the window by a group of Sierra Leoneans with no leadership, likely because the perpetrators are ashamed of taking responsibility for the act,” he said, adding that despite the ongoing denial, with the assistance of technology, his Government was able to identify those behind the insurrection of August 10 based on their footprint on the cyberspace.

The President said it was against that backdrop that his Government is engaging with various stakeholders and moral guarantors of the nation’s peace, democracy, development and national cohesion, to map out a way forward.

President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Ms. Eddinia Michaela Swallow, said the day was sad and terrible after the end of the civil war 20 years ago. She said the successful democratic transfer of power was a positive indicator that demonstrated how civilized we were as a nation. She, however, noted that even though the riot was faceless, it was fuelled by individuals and as lawyers, they look forward to the Government bringing those people to book.

Executive Director of the Centre of Accountability and Rule of Law, Ibrahim Tommy, said: “In a democracy, there is a right for peaceful assembly and peaceful demonstration. But what we saw on August 10 was something else. We believe that those acts of violence must be investigated and those responsible must be brought to justice”.

SLAJ President Underscores that Engagement Does Not Signify Weakness but Strength

August 22, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Maybe those who have been dogmatically nurturing the wrong notion that the media is of late not calling things by their real names may by now having a rethink when they listened to the remarks of the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla , during the engagement between President Julius Maada Bio and the Civil Society Organizations plus the Media on the 18^th August, 2022 in the wake of the August, 10 violent protests.

The SLAJ President started by re-echoing SLAJ’s condemnation of the unfortunate incidents starting from August 8th to the violent protests of August 10th, 2022 extending, on behalf of the Association, heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, including police officers, as a result of those incidents.

He told President Bio that various sections of the populace should take responsibility for what has happened- the Government, the Opposition, the Security Sector, the Media, CSOs, our Traditional and Religious leaders, Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora reiterating that all of us are responsible.

The unassuming President of SLAJ opined that if there was have a correctional center as big as Freetown, he would have recommended that all those he has mentioned were responsible should spend some time there in order to go through some form of mindset rehabilitation before released back to their respective communities and society at large.

He, however, digressed that since we don’t have that, the engagements the President has started with key stakeholder groups in the country can suffice underscoring that such is the way the President must go.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla cautioned that, as a nation, we need to pipe down maintaining that we are playing too much politics and the politics is dividing us across the middle.

“The politics is diverting and distracting Government from focusing on the NEW DIRECTION that you promised Sierra Leoneans,” he intimated the President and by extension all Sierra Leoneans.

He emphasized that the too much politics is promoting hate and hypocrisy; undermining patriotism, nationalism, and peace and national cohesion.

“The too much politics is eroding our core values of labour and expect, dignity in labour, excellence, dedication to duty, integrity and trust,” he continued stressing and admonished all to please de-escalate.

The SLAJ President told President Bio that as Father of the nation he should be the last person to get angry provided if he wants to get angry at all.

He continued telling the President that his approach in response to the unfortunate incident in the country should be conciliatory in tone and in action.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla admonished the President to tell the citizenry that he understands the problems of the country and he is doing something about addressing them and to tell them in the language they understand and by stressing that that doesn’t mean people should take the law into their hands.

He called for deliberating the problems and for all to play a role in addressing them as the President is doing now with various stakeholder groups in the country underscoring that it is the way to go calling at the same time to punish law breakers using due process.

“In the midst of our problems let us sit down and talk. Lek we kin say pa krio- mek we sidon talk man to man,” he reiterated calling for engagement saying such is not a sign of weakness but strength averring how the President will succeed to break down recalcitrant and ill-motivated people when he talks with them rather than talk to them or talk at them.

He stated that as a leader of a smaller but very troublesome community within the bigger Sierra Leone community such is the approach he is using and it is yielding good results for the media in Sierra Leone.

He commended the President by maintaining that under his leadership, they have achieved great things for the media in Sierra Leone adding how he cannot solve the problems of the media because they are many likening them to onion shells of which when one peels one layer another layer appears maintaining that he could only do his best.

The SLAJ President said it is the same with the President expressing the view that he can only do his best and posterity will judge him.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla stated that SLAJ is calling for an independent and impartial inquiry into the incidents of August 10th to get to the bottom of the underlying issues suggesting that the law should take its course.

He said images of the August 18th violent protests were shown on international media screens across the world; and now they are also showing images and reporting news stories of extra judicial killings and unlawful arrests and detention of civilians lamenting that such is not good for the country, not good for the President’s leadership underscoring how those are the things the international community will use to evaluate the country stressing that is not the Sierra Leone that we all know and love.

To the opposition, the SLAJ President advised them to please change their approach expressing the view that as opposition their responsibility is to provide an alternative to the Government averring that they are a shadow Government; a Government in waiting.

He said if Government says it is going to build a bridge from Freetown across to Lungi and it will cost the country X amount and it will take Y years to complete, all expect the opposition to give the masses an alternative.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said it is expected of the opposition to say that it is good to have a bridge to Lungi but it is a long term project with huge capital and as an opposition, and if we were in Government, we will focus on the immediate needs by procuring 2 or 3 ferries as it will cost us less, and it will ease the transportation challenges to and fro Lungi in the interim.

He said that is the kind of opposition we want.

“Nor to Opposition wea just de go en hol meeting all over the place and fan ethnic rivalry and say den wan ya we de pull dem na power by all means,” he said.

The SLAJ President intimated that he does not remember the opposition condemning and calling on the public to disregard the invectives, inciting audios and videos coming from Adebayor and his likes, all of which basically makes the elected Government unpopular and favors them as Opposition.

“The Government is stretching its hand for dialogue, reach out and grab it,” he told the Opposition stressing that their role is not to undermine the Government of the day but to work with it in the interest of the general good.

To Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora he said they also need to pipe down expressing the view that before now they were a blessing to the country through their endless and much needed remittances to family members and loved ones to help cushion the difficult economic situation.

He lamented that nowadays, some of them have become something else as all they seem to be doing now is to share vulgar and inciting audios and videos far and wide because they have unlimited data.

“You open unregulated online TVs, radios and Facebook live programs to talk about issues happening at home that you know very little about,” he expressed disgust and asked what they are actually doing out there.

He told them that when they succeed in burning the country, then they will not have a motherland to come back to and will spend the rest of their lives as slaves in other people’s countries.

To the media he said he has responded as if the media is the only Saint left in the country saying they are absolutely not as they are equally liable for what is befalling the nation.

He said the media, as it is usually said, is a clear reflection of the society called Sierra Leone and so the media is part of the problem.

The SLAJ President, trying to qualify his condemnation, said there is a newspaper called, “Night Watch”, which is notorious for criticizing Government.

He said during the sit down strike the newspaper carried the banner headline on its front page: “Adebayor is Popular than President Bio”.

Again, he pointed out that the day after the President gave his stern nationwide address in response to the August 10th incident, the newspaper got the message correctly and carried the following headline: “Maada Bio is in Control”.

He said he is not sure he is the right person to evaluate the media saying he will leave that to the people and pleaded for help to make the media become better placed to safeguard democracy and promote peace and national cohesion.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla disclosed collaboration with the international community to see how they can work together to strengthen the media to play their part in the coming elections in a professional and responsible manner also calling for the need to invest in public interest media to prevent the media from being used as a tool to destabilize this nation.

With regards the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) he said we are all mourning with them as they have lost loved ones but they should also be concerned about the living further encouraging the SLP to show concern for civilian lives lost and for those that have been arrested and detained by respecting their rights to legal representation and justice.

“Finally, Mr. President, I say to all of us that the responsibility to ensure the security, stability, peace, and national cohesion does not only lie with the State, or the Police or the Army but all of us,” he concluded.

NP-SL Ltd Remains an Invaluable Economic Development Partner

August 22, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Very remarkable, Very ground-breaking and indeed Very unique that a wholly-owned Sierra Leonean Oil marketing company has not only succeeded in stamping concrete footsteps across the country but ventured beyond to become a household name in Guinea, Liberia , Ivory Coast and The Gambia for quality petroleum products and excellent customer service.

NP- Sierra Leone Limited whose origin dates back to 1954 since it became NP-SL Ltd in February 2011 has become the undisputed Oil Marketing Company in Sierra Leone with a reputation for excellent customer service.

Currently headed by the visionary Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker, ably assisted by a highly qualified professional management team, NP-SL with headquarters at the imposing NP House on Siaka Stevens Street in Central Freetown supplies the nation with a range of petroleum products among which are petrol, diesel and Castrol engine oil of high grade that wheels the smoothly running of the economy.

NP-SL also helps in reducing the effects of climate change in the country by marketing environmentally friendly cooking gas for households.

NP-SL contributes to national economic development in very meaningful ways.

Indisputably, the petroleum marketing company is a leading exponent of the Government’s Local Content Policy that seeks to address unemployment in the country by encouraging businesses to hire labour, purchase materials and services locally.

In terms of contributing to reducing unemployment and creating much needed incomes to mitigate poverty, the company provides direct employment to up a considerable number of employees.

But over and beyond that, sale and use of NP’s petroleum products on a daily basis across the country provides thousands of indirect jobs for Pump Attendants, drivers and mates of commercial vehicles.

NP-SL is highly committed to be giving customers the utmost value and satisfaction for their money by not only diligently ensuring that they supply the market with the highest quality petroleum products but also that the pumping machines at all their Filling Stations are meticulously calibrated to give customers the exact quantity that they pay for.

As a humane corporate citizen, NP-SL Ltd, is renowned for having always contributed to worthy individual, institutional, social and national causes, such as the construction of a Water Facility for the National Fire Force Kissy Branch, demonstrating efforts to mitigate the spread of the Ebola and Corona Viruses, providing solace to the Regent mudslide and COVID-19 victims, contributing hugely to the construction of a Burns Unit at Connaught Hospital, as well as uncountable sporting and social demands that it has honoured giving relief and solace to many in need.

HISTORY OF NP-SL – It dates back to as far as 1954 when the British Petroleum (BP) acquired 10 percent equity from Atlantic West Africa Oil Company that was operated and managed by Paterson Zochonis (PZ).

In 1971, BP acquired the shares of AGIP when the Government of Sierra Leone acquired 60 percent shares from NP-SL Ltd. The new company became Sierra Leone National Petrol.

Towards the end of 1984, BP-SL divested their remaining 40 percent to an indigenous company, Precious Minerals Mining Company. In 1996, the company was privatized. GoSL sold 55 percent equity to Leone Oil and the remaining 5 percent to its staff which makes NP-SL a wholly owned indigenous OMC. In February 2011, in a bid to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the Company, Sierra Leone National Petrol Company was rebranded and its name changed to NP (SL) Ltd.

Presidential Spokesman Addresses the Press

August 22, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The Minister of the North-Western Region, who also now doubles as the Presidential Spokesman, Honourable Alpha Kanu has had his first official engagement with newsmen since his new assignment on Thursday, August 18th, 2022 during the weekly Government Press Briefing hosted at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Information and Communications.

The new Presidential Spokesman informed the Press that President Bio has a positive vision for Sierra Leone, and that is why Government is embracing inclusive and collaborative Governance. He said that there have been economic challenges the world over and that Sierra Leone’s case was not an exception. He however stated that people should be appreciative of the strides that Government is making, noting that Sierra Leoneans are resilient people.

Hon. Alpha Kanu further spoke on the ugly incident of August 10th, 2022 where a group of unruly and lawless characters attempted to overthrow President Bio’s Government. He said it is not surprising that Government has labeled such persons as terrorists, adding that there has been a strong and justified need to condemn such violent activities and assured all that the perpetrators will be brought to book.

The Presidential Spokesman also dilated on President Bio’s unification drive, especially in the area of appointing qualified Sierra Leoneans from all tribes and districts across the country. He said that the New Direction Government of President Bio is worth celebrating and appreciating.

Hon. Alpha Kanu advised that divisive agendas and political fallacies should be avoided in such times, noting that what matters at a time like this is to support Government in achieving results that will bring about sustained growth and development to Sierra Leone.

The Presidential Spokesman ended the conference by assuring the media that his doors are always available and open to and for members of the Press.

Minister of Information and Communications, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, on his part, said that negativities should be discouraged in times like these and called on all persons to condemn illegality.

Citizenship Education is a Pre-requisite for Overall National Development

August 22, 2022

By Ranger

Loosely put, citizenship is the status of a person recognized under law as being a member of a State. Such an individual is subjected to the laws of that country and it is his or her responsibility to always conform to the dictates of those laws otherwise he or she could face legal penalties for failure to do so.

Equally too, the body of persons who have the constitutional mandate to run the affairs of the country are expected to provide those basic things necessary which could make it possible for the citizens to live progressive, affordable and comfortable lifestyles.

In democratic countries, citizens have the sacred responsibility to choose or in other words periodically elect those individuals who should constitute the Government. The exercise of such an important right cannot be over emphasized because absolute political power lies in the hands of the people and it is only by judiciously making use of it that it will be ensured that it elects individuals who are capable of governing them democratically.

Without any amount of doubt, citizenship education is very much important for the simple fact that if citizens are properly sensitized or trained they will become knowledgeable about their rights and responsibilities.

Furthermore, empowering citizens with education about their country makes it possible for them to become more nationalistic, patriotic and to a greater part law abiding.

So far the National Council of Civic Education and Development, headed by the pragmatic Kalilu Totangi, has being making significant in-roads. It was welcome news that the entity has developed various civic books that will be used in schools in the incoming academic year. Such will imbibe a sense of belonging, enhance a sense of valuing public properties, refrain from corrupt practices, love one another (tolerance) and help in solidifying national cohesion.

However, it is believed that with more funding and collaboration the National Council of Civic Education and Development will be at a vantage position to broaden its scope of operations in the direction of enhancing Civic Education with particular emphasis on targeting more youths across the country via informal engagements.

The significance for the Government to lay premium on the compulsory teaching of civics in schools, starting from the elementary stage, cannot be overemphasized.

As young people advance in their various educational pursuits, they will become very au fait with various issues relating to citizenship. In actual fact, citizenship education enables people to make informed decisions and to take responsibility of their actions and their communities.

Modern day democratic societies need active, informed and responsible citizens who are always willing and able to take full ownership and responsibility of themselves and their communities as well as contributing meaningfully within the political space.

Such societies depend on citizens who are more aware of their rights, and responsibilities, are active in their communities and articulate in relaying their opinions and arguments. All the outlined attributes cannot be developed if they are not taught or learnt.

Although some could be imbibed via personal experiences derived at home or in other places, however, they can never be sufficient to equip the citizens for the sort of active roles required of them in today’s complex and diverse world.

Proper nurturing of our kids, in terms of heightening civic education at all levels will make it possible for more positive participation in various development programmes in the future.

It can therefore be concluded that citizenship education is very much important for the development of any progressive nation in the world like Sierra Leone and it must be embraced as well as enhanced.

Focus 1000 Calls for Enforcement of the Tobacco and Nicotine Act, 2022

August 22, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Chief Executive Officer of FOCUS 1000, Alhaji Bailor Jalloh has called for the enforcement of the “Tobacco and Nicotine Act, 2022” which was recently passed into law by the Parliament of Sierra Leone in order to eliminate smoking in public places.

He made that disclosure at a media breakfast held on Friday 19^th August 2022 at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.

Alhaji Bailor Jalloh said that FOCUS 1000 is a non-profit, national development agency in the country that is committed to making the best investment in the most crucial time in a child’s life from conception and pregnancy until the child reaches age two, stating that during that period, the child is fragile and susceptible to many illnesses and environmental conditions such as diarrheal diseases, malaria, malnutrition, and lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

He pointed out that FOCUS 1000 partners with the Government, UN Agencies, and other local and international organizations to promote simple, cost-effective and high impact interventions that can help build a solid foundation for children to survive, thrive and develop to become productive citizens.

The CEO maintained that as an organization they are very pleased that the Parliament Sierra Leone has on the 3^rd August 2022 enacted into law, with some amendments, the Bill entitled “The Tobacco and Nicotine Act, 2022”, after committing it to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny, furthering that the Bill sought to provide for the control and regulation of the production, manufacturing, importation, packaging and labeling, advertising, promotion and sponsorship, sale and use of tobacco, tobacco products, and other nicotine products, to provide for the improvement of public health by limiting the health harms caused by the use of, and exposure to, tobacco including nicotine in the country.

He informed all that Tobacco use is harmful to one’s health and that the chemicals in tobacco and tobacco smoke can cause damage to most of the body’s organs.

Alhaji Bailor Jalloh further pointed out that Tobacco use is damaging to teens because their bodies are still growing, that the chemicals in tobacco interfere with the process of their growth and development.

He said smoking leads to disease and disability and harms nearly every organ of the body, adding that for every person who dies because of smoking, at least 30 people live with a serious smoking-related illness, continuing that eliminating tobacco can protect millions from heart attacks and stroke as tobacco causes over 2 million deaths from cardiovascular diseases every year adding that worldwide, 1 in 10 heart
disease deaths are linked to tobacco.

The CEO pointed out that tobacco kills half of all its users and that it is a leading cause of cancer, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes. In addition, it causes infertility; impotence; miscarriage; bad breath, and high blood pressure.

“If you use tobacco, quitting brings immediate and long-term benefits. In just 1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s, while your lung cancer risk
halves after 10 years,” he stated maintaining that some tips to leave tobacco behind include: Staying busy and active and changing one’s routine to avoid the triggers of tobacco use, such as alcohol or being around other smokers.

The Honourable Member of Parliament for Constituency 026 Kono District, Hon. Aiah Kassegbama, said the bill, which has been enacted into law, would address the issue of smoking in the country.

He urged stakeholders to ensure the popularization of the “Tobacco and Nicotine Act, 2022” in order to get citizens informed about the law.

The Member of Parliament stated that with the passing into law the act of public smoking becomes a crime, of which he encouraged citizens to be mindful of the act and that defaulters will face the law.

The Quality Control Officer at World Health Organization (WHO) FCTC/NCDs, Reynold Senesi, said that tobacco has been responsible for millions of deaths around the world, adding that Tobacco kills 8 million people every year, 1.2 million of which are due to second-hand smoke expose.

He stated that Tobacco toxins cause damage to blood vessels leading to narrowing and reducing flow of blood to vital parts of the heart and that more than 50% of all smokers die of a disease known to be smoking-related.

The Quality Control Officer said that Sierra Leone is among 38 countries that have passed the “Tobacco and Nicotine Act, 2022” into law which he described as a laudable venture towards eliminating smoking in the country.

A representative from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation also expressed similar sentiments during the ceremony.

Africell & AYV Dish Out Star Prize & Other Prizes Housemate Season 3 Winners

August 22, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of fulfilling their commitment towards successfully rolling out the Housemate Season 3 Reality TV Show, Africell Sierra Leone and the African Young Voices Media Empire (AYV-TV) has on Friday 19th August 2022, handed over the Star Prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250 M Old Leones) to Juliana Conteh aka Julie Tombo, the winner of the competition. The official handing over ceremony took place at Africell Headquarters on Wilberforce in Freetown.

Additional prizes were also given to other competitors. The first runners-up received Le 5,000, in other words Le 5M cash, an Africell 4G Mi-fi with unlimited data and a Le 250 in other words Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Old Money) airtime monthly subscription for 6 months.

The second runners-up received Le 3,000 (Three Million Leones Old Note) and an Africell 4G Mi-fi with unlimited data and Le 250 Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Leones (Old Money) airtime subscription monthly subscription for 3 months.

In his opening statement, the Media and Marketing Officer at Africell Sierra Leone, John Konteh, gave an overview of the just concluded Reality TV show in Sierra Leone, stating that it was a hectic and thrilling process leading to the show, from the announcement to the audition, to the show itself. “It was an exciting nine weeks of entertainment and education in this year’s edition of the show.”

The Media and Marketing Officer furthered that the event was occasioned to fulfill the promises made to the contestants, especially the winner.

He maintained that the handing over of the Star Prize of Le 250,000 (Le250 Million Old Leones) to Juliana Conteh is a fulfillment of their commitment towards the show, adding that they also promised that the winner will be taken on a vacation trip to Dubai, which he revealed was fulfilled underscoring how the handing over ceremony of the Star Prize is also a fulfillment of another promise.

Representing AYV TV, Samuel Wise Bangura described his institution’s (AYV) relationship with Africell as “a family relationship” – as they share similar values and goals to promote entertainment in Sierra Leone.

He said that the CEO of AYV ,Anthony Navo Jnr, will continue to commit to his promise to promote and showcase Sierra Leone through entertainment, adding that the organizers are currently planning on the upcoming edition (the Season 4), which he said will be epic.

The Corporate Affairs Manager of Africell, Joe Abass Bangura, gave a motivational address, by referencing Julie’s story as a classic inspiration to young girls and women, who felt let down in society and are ready to fight back to success.

He also mentioned that Juliana Conteh and Almon Sall have been contracted as Brand Ambassadors for Afrimoney, for winning the Mr. and Miss Housemates Salone Season 3 Pageant in the House for both male and female respectively.

In her statement, the HMSL Season 3 winner Juliana Conteh aka Julie Tombo expressed her appreciation to the Almighty for leading her to the Show and also extended her gratitude to AYV and Africell for the platform given to her and colleagues to share their stories with the people.

Julie also recognized a woman she described as a caregiver and mentor, who looked after her kids when she was away who was also delighted to see her transformation and encouraged her to believe in herself.

Expressing her delight for receiving her Star Prize and her new endorsement as Brand Ambassador for Afrimoney she dedicated the achievement to the people who supported her, her kids, her boyfriend Nohmi George and her ‘Tombolistic’ team.

The ceremony was fully attended by the organizers, the media, Ex-Housemates and fans. Presentation of the Star Prize and other prizes climaxed the event.

Opposition Member Sam B. Fangawa Targeted During August 10 Protests, Home Vandalized

August 20, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Human rights activists have condemned what they describe as politically motivated intimidation and violent attacks on young people during the violent protests of August 10, 2022, which swept across Sierra Leone. The demonstrations, sparked by rising economic hardship, turned deadly in Freetown, Makeni, Lungi, and other towns, leaving both civilians and police officers dead.

Among those affected was Sam Bangali Fangawa, an Air Traffic Controller at the Freetown International Airport and a known member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party.

Fangawa was reportedly targeted by supporters of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) in what investigations suggest was a politically motivated attack linked to his support for the opposition. His residence in Lungi was vandalized during the chaos.

“I received a distress call informing me that my home had been attacked and vandalised,” Fangawa told Calabash Newspaper. “I had only recently moved in with all my belongings, and everything was destroyed.”

Reports further indicate that Fangawa was accused by some ruling party loyalists of calling for the resignation of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio during the August 10 protest an accusation he denies.

The Sierra Leone Police later declared him wanted, while several others connected to the protests were arrested, tried, and sentenced.

The government has described the unrest as “terrorism at the highest” and continues to accuse the opposition of orchestrating the violence an allegation the APC has consistently denied.

Fangawa, who insists his political identity made him a target, says he now lives in fear. “People like us who openly support the opposition feel unsafe. The threats are real,” he lamented, noting that he no longer feels secure either at his home, workplace and the country.

As Sierra Leone approaches the 2023 general elections, Fangawa’s story highlights the deepening political divides and the dangers faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of partisan conflict. Human rights defenders warn that unless urgent steps are taken to address political intolerance, the risk of further violence looms large.

As at press time, Fangawa said he remains in hiding, seeking refuge in places he considers safe.