Gay Patients Flee Hospital Amid Ongoing Police Attacked

August 10, 2022

Man outdoors wearing a black knit beanie and brown corduroy jacket with a furry collar, smiling at the camera with trees in the blurred background, chilly weather look.

By Karifa Thoronka

Panic spread through the central ward of a local hospital in Freetown on Thursday evening after reports emerged that police officers had entered the facility searching for David Sankoh who is believed to be connected to an ongoing investigation. Witnesses said several patients, including members of the gay community in Sierra Leone receiving treatment at the hospital, fled the premises fearing arrest or harassment.

According to hospital staff, the incident began shortly after police officers arrived and questioned workers about the whereabouts of David Sankoh the male suspect. As news of the search moved through the hospital building, confusion and fear quickly followed, prompting some patients to leave before completing their treatment.

Arbitrary arrests and detention of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Sierra Leone is alarming in the Country, and its causing serious intimidations and harassment for people practicing gay or those who are defending their acts.

“It is shocking that the police who should be protecting Sierra Leoneans raided a hospital in search of gay.

“One moment everything was calm, and the next people were rushing out,” said a nurse who requested anonymity because she was not authorized to speak publicly. “Some patients were terrified they might be questioned or targeted.”

While speaking with one close family member of David Sankoh. He said that David has been missing since he was assaulted and almost killed by his family and community members, and later eyewitness said he was taken to the hospital for treatment, that why the police went in search of him at the hospital.

Community leaders have called for calm while urging authorities to ensure that medical facilities remain protected from actions that could endanger patients or interrupt urgent care services. While continuing the search for David Sankoh.

The Truth about QNET and the Direct Selling Business

August 10, 2022

Introduction

The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) published its annual report recently which showed that more than 125.4 million people are involved in the direct selling industry in over 170 countries worldwide. After more than two years of adapting to the realities of the pandemic, direct selling has proven to be an agile and resilient industry.

In the last two years, as the pandemic ravaged the world, direct selling was a source of in-demand products such as health, wellness, and personal care. The pandemic also created new consumer behaviours. People have been forced to live differently, and as a result they are also shopping differently and spending their time differently. Staying indoors has naturally increased the need for online shopping, spending on self-care, mental health and physical wellness, and learning new things. All this has resulted in rapidchanges in behavior that would have otherwise taken years.The instability of jobs, combined with the fear and stress brought on by COVID-19 has also led many people to look for alternate sources of income.

This is the need that direct selling companies like QNET have tapped into. With its wide range of offerings in health, wellness, lifestyle, and education categories, all conveniently available through an e-commerce platform which also provides a micro-entrepreneurship opportunity through its direct selling business, QNET has seen a significant uptake in its product and business offerings in recent times, especially in the sub-Saharan Africa region.

QNET is one of the region’s fastest growing e-commerce based direct selling companies which has a global footprint of customers and distributors in nearly 100 countries.We spoke to Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager of QNET for the Sub-Saharan Africa region to understand why the Direct Selling industry is so attractive to micro-entrepreneurs and the attributes one needs to make it in this business.

CAN YOU GIVE US AN INSIGHT INTO WHAT IS DIRECT SELLING?

Direct selling is a retail channel used by various businesses across the globe; top global brands and smaller, entrepreneurial companies alike use direct selling as a method to market products and services to consumers. These companies operate in a wide array of industries including luxury goods, personal care, home and living, energy, insurance, and much more. Direct selling as a sales channel differs from traditional business-to-consumer (B2C) retail as it incorporates an additional aspect to the sales experience – it is not solely focused on getting great products and services into consumers’ hands, but an avenue where entrepreneurial-minded people can work independently to build their own business with relatively low barrier to entry.

Direct selling distributors work independently in affiliation with the company, which gives them the opportunity to retain freedom in running a microenterprise on their own terms while also cutting out the need to source and manage a lengthy supply chain. Distributors forge strong personal relationships with prospective customers, which is primarily through face-to-face discussions and demonstrations.

In the digital age, social networking is easier and more effective than ever before. Direct selling is quickly becoming a go-to market strategy that, for many companies and product lines, may be more effective than traditional advertising or securing premium shelf space. In fact, direct selling through effective social networking is an ideal incubator platform to catalyze a go-to market strategy for micro-entrepreneurs.

WHAT IS QNET ALL ABOUT?

QNET is a direct selling company that was started in 1998. While the company has an Asian heritage, our business has a global footprint. Our wide range of high quality and exclusive products are designed to help people live a healthier, holistic lifestyle and our business opportunity helps aspiring entrepreneurs improve their livelihood. In the last 24 years, hundreds of thousands of customers in nearly 100 countries have benefited greatly from our products and services, and the QNET business opportunity.

QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices and business agency partnerships in more than 25 countries. In this region, our West Africa regional office is in Cote d’Ivoire.

HOW DOES THE QNET BUSINESS WORK?

QNET’s direct selling business is straightforward. We reward our distributors for selling the products they use and love. The more products they sell, the more commissions they earn. The only way to earn an income with QNET is through product sales. When someone purchases a product from QNET and decides that they also want to take advantage of the business opportunity offered, they register as an independent representative (IR) of QNET. This makes them a distributor of our products. They then promote these products and their benefits to their friends and family and if these people purchase the products using the referral ID of the existing distributor the sale is attributed to them.

QNET uses a compensation plan that calculates commissions payable to the IR based on the sales volume generated through these successful sales referrals in our e-commerce portal. Many entrepreneurial people have taken advantage of our business model to build a sales team and earn a supplemental income.

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS ABOUT QNET AGENTS OFFERING JOBS AND CHEATING PEOPLE OF THEIR MONEY. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THAT?

We condemn the actions of these unscrupulous individuals who are misusing QNET’s name to promote illegal activities. We want to make it clear to everyone that QNET does not offer any type of jobs that requires people to pay money for. We do not have any such agents anywhere in the world who are authorised to offer a job in exchange for money. What these people are doing is reprehensible and criminal. If you are approached by any such individual, please immediately report them to the authorities and inform us through our dedicated email network.integrity@qnet.net

QNET will never ask for money from anyone to give them a job. As explained earlier, QNET offers a direct selling business opportunity that requires the person to register on our e-commerce platform as an independent representative and then promote our products to others. If they are successful in generating sales, they will get paid a commission. Many people have managed to build a successful sales business using this business model.

HOW ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS DISPELLING THE MISCONCEPTIONS SOME PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT QNET?

Over the years, we have deployed many ways to communicate how the business works. We regularly implement education and awareness campaigns by leveraging the Internet via social media campaigns, information videos,conducting stakeholder engagement sessions with authorities, government officials, media publications, as well as through advertising in newspapers, radio, online and television.

We have collaborated with stakeholders including regulatory and security agencies to provide in-depth awareness and education to the public to ensure transparency. All the information about QNET is available on our website. We urge anyone interested in QNET to go through our official website www.qnet.net which provides extensive information about our products, our business, and the company.

WHAT is the main thing you want the public to understand about QNET?

QNET has helped transform the lives of thousands of people around the world over the years through our products and our business. But none of this was overnight. QNET does not offer a get-rich-quick scheme or miracle products.

Our products are backed by years of research and testing and have proven benefits that have helped our customers live better lives. Those who have built a successful business with QNET have put in years of hard work and have overcome a number of challenges in order to succeed. This is a entrepreneurial opportunity just like any other. You must be prepared to put in the work, and follow the rules of the business diligently in order to reap the rewards. The best thing is that QNET provides you with a great support ecosystem. We provide you with the marketing and business tools you need, the training programmes to hone your skills, webinars for industry and product information, and so much more. We even provide a mobile app to help you manage your business from the palm of your hand from anywhere in the world.

When a person wishes to join the QNET business, it must be of their own free will. No one should force them to sign up for the QNET business or buy products if they are not ready or willing to do so.

HOW DOES QNET DEAL WITH DISTRIBUTORS WHO ARE FOUND ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL PRACTICES?

QNET has a zero-tolerance policy for any form of unethical behaviour that might jeopardize its brand and business model. Thus, sanctions range from suspension and/or termination of the distributor which incurs financial penalties to legal proceedings, if needed.

QNET hasa comprehensive set of policies and procedures that all our IRs must follow while conducting their business. This includes a set of10 Red Lines that our Independent Representatives must never cross. For example, we do not accept minors into any of QNET’s business activities. QNET distributors must be of legal age to do business in their respective countries. We oppose any misrepresentation, over-promise, or assertion that QNET or its products and services can do impossible things.

We take these red lines very seriously and those who are found in violation have been immediately suspended from our database cutting off their access to their account in QNET.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT QNET?

QNET has been in business since 1998. In the last 24 years, thousands of people around the world have benefited from our products and services and have been empowered to become entrepreneurs using our direct selling business opportunity.

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries around the world. Memberships into these industry organizations requires compliance to the highest standards of ethics and practices mandated by industry peers and regulators.

QNET is also active in sports sponsorships around the world. Some of the more prominent partnerships include being the Direct Selling Partner of Manchester City Football Club and the African Club League Championships of CAF

Human Rights Defenders SL Expresses Concern over Abuse of Civic Space

August 10, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Human Rights Defenders Network-SL, on the 6^th August, 2022, highlighted that the rule of law affirms that the people have a right to know what their Government does and how State institutions relate with each other.

It added that peaceful assembly and association in society have definitive watchdog qualities, which itself requires that human rights defenders (professional and non-professional human rights workers, volunteers, journalists, lawyers, etc.) enjoy free space for association, assembly, and access to information, especially public information, to advocate and report accurately and fairly.

Referencing Chapter III of the 1991 Constitution, which guarantees the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms, and Articles 10, 11, 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, which also guarantee the enjoyment and freedom to association, assemble and equality in the rule of law, the Human Rights Defenders Network-SL pointed out that the rule of law demands an acceptance of diversity of opinion, association and assembly, and when realized in society, it ensures equality before the law and guarantees to all equal protection of the law.

According to the Network, the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, defines a human rights defender as anyone working for the promotion and protection of human rights.

This broad definition, it continued, encompasses professional as well as non-professional human rights workers, volunteers, journalists, lawyers, and anyone else carrying out, even on an occasional basis, a human rights activist.

In addition, the Network claims that the Declaration articulates existing human rights in a way that makes it easier to apply them to the situation of human rights defenders specifying how the rights contained in the major MOTTO: “Defending the Defender” including the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly, apply to defenders. It also outlines the specific duties of States and the responsibility of everyone with regard to defending human rights.

The Human Rights Defenders Network-SL pointed out that it believes that every citizen has the rights to freely associate, assemble and express his or her opinion.

It stated how it has been following with grave concerns rumors of demonstration going round social media with no clear institution taking the responsibility of organizing such an assembly adding that it is with the opinion that every organized peaceful assembly or association has leadership that will ensure that their peaceful association and assembly will not affect the rights of other citizens and or undermine the security of other citizens.

“We believe that the proposed peaceful assembly and association (demonstration) did not only undermine the enjoyment of civic space by human rights defenders but also created panic and insecurity of peaceful citizens,” the Network maintained.

Against that backdrop the Network called for the following actions: The Sierra Leone Police should create an enabling environment to engage would be leaders of any proposed assembly and association, guarantee the protection of organizers of any form of peaceful assembly and association and ensure the safety and protection of other citizens not involved in whatever peaceful assembly and association.

To leaders of proposed peaceful Assembly and Association, to fulfill their responsibility for a peaceful assembly and association, ensure that they respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of other citizens.

The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) is a coalition of Civil Society Organizations and individuals working to promote and protect human rights with specific focus on defending human rights defenders.

Japan Provides USD 1.49M Grant to WFP to Support School Feeding Programme

August 10, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

A contribution of JPY 200 million (USD 1.49 million) from the Government of Japan was received by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday 8th August, 2022 to implement the school feeding programme in support of the national Free Quality Education initiative of the Government of Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the grant signing ceremony in Freetown, WFP’s Country Director in Sierra Leone, Yvonne Forsen stated that school feeding is a powerful support to achieving educational goals of enrolment, attendance and retention and that WFP was delighted to team up with Japan to support the Government to achieve those goals adding that WFP is grateful to the People of Japan for their long-standing contributions to education for the last decade.

The project will target some 42,000 primary school children attending grades 1-6 in 139 Government and Government-assisted schools in the most food insecure and vulnerable chiefdoms of Pujehun and Kambia districts for the 2023/2024 academic year.

This contribution from Japan will, in part, allow for the purchase of rice from local farmers that will pave the way for home-grown school feeding. This means that the food for the school meals is sourced from smallholder farmers within the community, thus providing a sustainable market for smallholder farmers, and contributing to the local economy.

“This is what partnerships are about – strengthening systems to promote sustainable development. Through school feeding, we are committed to building human capital to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans in the long term,” Mamusu P. Massaquoi, the Deputy Minister II of Basic and Senior Secondary Education stated and continued, “We are grateful for the resources from Japan which is a means to drive the agenda of the Government.”

The Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E Mochizuki Hisanobu, on his part expressed his joy on behalf of the People and Government of Japan to support both the school feeding programme and the project for strengthening the agricultural value chain, saying that, “the two projects will offer a sustainable way for the Government of Sierra Leone to address food security challenges during the current crisis.”

He also stressed that WFP and Japan, “can achieve a lot of success in the areas of cooperation in food security, agricultural development and other important areas of interest in Sierra Leone.”

The Ambassador also used the occasion to officially launch a new project worth JPY502 million (USD 3.856 million) for strengthening the agricultural value-chain that will support 8,100 smallholder farming households in Kambia, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, Moyamba, Kenema and Pujehun districts to: Increase their capacities in processing, management and marketing of their agricultural produce, improve and conserve soil quality of Inland Valley Swamps, increase production and income from vegetable production by piloting solar powered irrigation and cold storage facilities, strengthen the capacities of smallholder farmers through trainings in Technical Package for Rice Production, Post-harvest management, Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, FBO governance and financial literacy and Compost making.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Minister Dr. Theresa Tenneh Dick said that Government particularly noted with pleasure WFP’s partnership with two Japanese companies to provide rice processing machines and hybrid solar-powered walk-in cold rooms and solar-powered, drip irrigation to boost production.

“A project that gives priority to strengthening agricultural value chain based on their potential profitability and accessibility to poor farm families, women and young people is something the Government of Sierra Leone will continue to welcome,” she added.

Agric Ministry Commences Engagement on Technical Launch of $36M ADB Approved Rice Project

August 10, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The African Development Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone are supporting the $36million Rice Agro Industrial Cluster Project which is specifically geared towards enhancing rice self-sufficiency in Sierra Leone and improving the livelihoods of citizens in rural households.

In light of that, the Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a 3-day engagement on the Technical launch of the Rice Agro Industrial Cluster (SL RAIC) Project at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown on Monday, 8th August 2022.

The Project will be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture in Bonthe and Pujehun Districts, where it is projected to benefit 5000 farmers within a five-year period.

The SLRAIC project was borne out of the engagement held between President Bio and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adeseni in March 2020, when the President of the African Development Bank visited Sierra Leone and held fruitful discussions with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on areas of cooperation, especially on Agriculture.

The key project outcomes are improved food security, Agribusiness skills development for employability and entrepreneurship and improved value addition and commercialization of rice.

ECOWAS Speaker Reacts to Allegations of Marginalizing Nigerians in Recruitment Process

August 10, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a Press Release captioned, “Appointment of Independent Ad Hoc Committee, Allegations of Malpractices Against Nigerian Candidates in the Recruitment Process at the ECOWAS Parliament” issued by The Right Honorable Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, it was stated that having received written complaints from the 1st Deputy Speaker, Honorable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise at the ECOWAS Parliament, an Independent Ad Hoc Committee has been appointed to investigate allegations of marginalization and malpractice against Nigerian Candidates in the ongoing recruitment process.

It was further stated that the action of the Honorable Speaker is in conformity to Rule Thirty-three (33) and Thirty-four (34) of the Rules of Procedures of the Parliament which provides that a Special Committee may be set up to address specific matters further making provision that the Speaker, in response to pressing emergencies, can set up an Ad Hoc Committee, in consultation with the Bureau, and inform Parliament at its next Session.

According to the Press Release, the Adhoc Committee would be headed by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, Chairman of the Committee on Administration, Finance, and Budget and other Members include:

Hon. Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu – Nigeria, Hon. Fatoumatta Njai- The Gambia, Hon. Amadou Djibo Ali – Niger ,Hon. Kounon Nahou Agbandao -Togo, Hon. Caramo Camara-Guinea Bissau,Hon. Moussokora Chantal Fanny – Cote d’ Ivoire and Mr. Arboncana Oumarou Dicko – Clerk to the Committee.

Added was that the Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Committee shall be as follows: Investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct in the ongoing recruitment process at the ECOWAS Parliament; Investigate allegations of marginalization of Nigerian Candidates in the current recruitment process; Investigate and determine if indeed the plenary adopted any Resolution concerning the subject matter (Recruitment of Staff), using normal parliamentary procedure.

It was underscored that in the execution of its mandate, the Committee shall be granted access to all documents relating to the recruitment exercise and work with the Advisory Committee on Recruitment and Promotions at the ECOWAS Parliament, to under-study and review the exercise.

The Adhoc Committee, it was maintained, would be guided by the provisions of the Supplementary Act and the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.

Commencement of the work of the Ad Hoc Committee, it was mentioned, is expected to be on the 22nd August 2022 and its findings are expected to be reported to the Honorable Speaker in one week, following which a Bureau meeting will be convened to consider the report for onward submission to the Plenary.

It was also highlighted that in the meantime, the Right Honourable Speaker has directed the suspension of the ongoing recruitment exercises pending the outcome of the investigation by the Independent Adhoc Committee.

Concluding, the ECOWAS Parliament, under the leadership of Right Honourable Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, affirmed its stern commitment to fair labor practices and is devoted to upholding and protecting the rights of all Citizens of the Community to aspire for positions in any Community Institution in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Staff Regulations and all related Protocols.

In a Memorandum from the Rt. Honourable Speaker to the Secretary General of ECOWAS dated 4^th August 2022 with the Subject, “Appointment of Independent Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations Malpractice Against Nigerians in the Recruitment Process at the ECOWAS Parliament”, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, informed the Secretary General that as the latter may be aware, he received written complaints from the 1^stDeputy Speaker, Honorable Ahmed Idris Wase and the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise at the ECOWAS Parliament.

He revealed how, in response, he has decided to appoint an Independent Ad Hoc Committee to investigate allegations, in line with the provisions of Rule 33 and 34 of the Rules of Procedure.

He intimated the Secretary General that the Terms of Reference of the Ad Hoc Committee shall be as follows: To investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct in the ongoing recruitment process at the ECOWAS Parliament; Investigate allegations of marginalization of Nigerian Candidates in the current recruitment process; Investigate and determine if indeed the plenary adopted any Resolution concerning the subject matter (Recruitment of Staff), using normal parliamentary procedure.

The Speaker continued that in the execution of its mandate, the Committee shall be granted access to all documents relating to the recruitment exercise and work with the Advisory Committee on Recruitment and Promotions at the ECOWAS Parliament, to under-study and review the exercise.

He also informed that the Adhoc Committee would be guided by the provisions of the Supplementary Act and the ECOWAS Staff Regulations and went further to name the members of the Committee.

Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis pointed out that the work of the Ad Hoc Committee is expected to commence on 22nd August 2022 and its findings are expected to be reported to the Speaker in one week, following which a Bureau meeting will be convened to consider the report for onward submission to the Plenary.

He stated that consequently, the proposed Bureau meeting, scheduled to hold on the 15^th August, 2022, in Banjul, The Gambia, is cancelled.

The Speaker further mentioned that in the meantime, the ongoing recruitment exercises are hereby suspended pending the outcome of the investigation by the Independent Adhoc Committee.

He asked the Secretary General to kindly ensure that all modalities are concluded to facilitate the work of the Committee.

Parliament Enacts the National Land Commission Bill 2022

August 10, 2022

By Abubakarr Harding

The bill entitled, “National Land Commission Act, 2022”, which was piloted by the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, was debated and passed into law with some amendments on the 8^th August 2022.

It must be noted that the Act seeks to provide for the establishment of the National Land Commission and other land administrative bodies to secure effective and holistic land administration and to provide for other related matters.

In another development, Parliament on the same day debated and passed into law, with some amendments, another bill entitled “The Customary Land Right Act 2022”, which was also piloted by the Minister of Lands for the development of the country.

The Customary Land Right Act 2022 seeks to provide for the protection of customary land rights, the elimination of discrimination under customary law, and the management and administration of land subject to customary law, and other related matters.

Earlier, the dual bills were debated by Members of Parliament bringing out their importance towards the development of the land tenure system and administration for the country.

VP Juldeh Jalloh Admonishes Sierra Leoneans to be Law Abiding & Peaceful

August 10, 2022

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

When this medium caught up with the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, in the afternoon hours of the 8th August 2022, to sound his views on his impressions so far on how the day turned out to be, he initially responded that on his way to work he decided to visit King Harman Road Hospital and the Connaught Hospital respectively and moved around some streets in Freetown.

According to the Vice President, he was very pleased to see both hospitals in good sanitary conditions providing good quality care adding how he thanked the hospital staff, particularly the matrons and nurses for their hard work and dedication in keeping the hospitals running over the last few days.

The Vice President stated that he reiterated Government’s commitment to expanding the investment in healthcare for Sierra Leoneans and more to continue to improve working conditions for health professionals.

Dr Juldeh Jalloh intimated how on that same day he noticed that some shops were opened stating how security personnel, some officials of sector Ministries as well as other key players like the Motor Driver’s Union, the Petty Trader’s Union were encouraging people to open their shops with some people seen returning to do their businesses also maintaining that offices were opened. He added that there was no report of any incidence and even commercial drivers and riders were plying various routes.

The Hon. Vice President informed that he encouraged people to continue doing their businesses any other day.

“I assured the general public that President Bio’s Government is committed to make Sierra Leone peaceful and will continue to maintain the peace that every Sierra Leonean is enjoying today,” the Vice President stated.

He concluded by strongly encouraging Sierra Leoneans to be law abiding and peaceful further acknowledging that it is only law and order that will drive the nation to move forward.

Many, whom this medium reached out to get their views about the Vice President’s move applauded him for undertaking such a positive venture adding that it was indeed very timely.

Orange Foundation Graces Graduation of 150 Youth Trained by NYC

August 10, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

An invitation that was sent by the National Youth Commission (NAYCOM) to Orange Sierra Leone Foundation in order to grace the Certification Ceremony for Youth-in Business & Entrepreneurship was honoured by the latter.

The ceremony certified 150 youth (60 males & 90 females) who improved on their knowledge and skills through business development services.

It could be recalled that the NAYCOM partnered with Orange Sierra Leone Foundation for the operationalization of the Women’s Digital Centre where 126 women have been trained and certified in entrepreneurship, business skills and life skills.

On behalf of the Director of the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, Head of the Orange Digital Center Coding School, Priscilla Okechukwu delivered a statement, in which she highlighted the importance of the partnership between Orange Sierra Leone Foundation and NAYCOM and the many trainings the Orange Digital Center conducts that also build the capacity of youth and women including trainings such as Mobile & Web App Development, Word Press, Office Assistant, Summer Coding Camp for children and more.

Harmonizers Entertainment Group on a Mission to Sierra Leone to Unite People via Music

August 10, 2022

By Patrick A. Kai

A Liberian owned nonprofit organization founded in 2008 and incorporated in 2012, the Harmonizers Entertainment Group, has embarked on a five-day musical expedition to Sierra Leone under the leadership of Liberia award winning musician, James Coco Chea.

In an interview with this journalist, James, who is also one of the co-founders, informed that the aim of the entertainment industry is to promote peace, security, development, gender equality, respect, healthy living and respect for nature through outreach activities using music as tool to create awareness, sensitize and encourage community partnership.

James elaborated that the band, which arrived on Friday, 5 August 2022 under the theme, “Uniting People through Music in the Mano River Union Basin” is aimed at giving an insight into the originality of their musical tracks and portraying the rich culture of Liberia.

The award winning musician said, they have produced several hit songs like, “Even Wars Have Limits”, “Master Plan”, “Show Some Love”, “You Know Today” among other songs that contributed to the peace process in Liberia through its partnership with the United Nations Public Information Office (PIO) of the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL).

He furthered how the song, ‘Even Wars Have Limits’ was similarly used in Sierra Leone by the Talking Drum Studio to promote peace in the country and that it has been used by the ECOWAS Radio, since 2003, as a tool for peace and reconciliation in Liberia.

He maintained that the trip will also create new avenues for partnership with other counterparts in Sierra Leone to enhance cultural ties between the two countries.

While in Sierra Leone, the Harmonizers Entertainment Group will do some video documentaries in other towns and districts like Tienne, Solima, Bo and Kenema respectively. He underpinned the importance of the trip especially when elections are around the corner in the two countries.

The 22-man musical team is made up of instrumentalists, dancers, singers, coordinator,s and videographers.

He expressed gratitude for the warm reception their Sierra Leonean counterparts gave them and further promised to come back in the near future.

He concluded by appealing to Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful and use other methods for expressing their grievances instead of taking to demonstrations as an aftermath of hardship in the country and underscored that things are really difficult nowadays in all of the countries in the Mano River Basin and the whole wide world.