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To Support Companies’ Digital Transformation… Orange SL Offers Catalogue of Cloud ServicesTo Support Companies’ Digital Transformation… Orange SL Offers Catalogue of Cloud Services

June 29, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

One of the leading telecommunications companies operating in Sierra Leone, Orange SL in its desire to support companies in their digital transformation has launched its catalog of cloud services. Enterprises that are customers of the company can now benefit from the IT infrastructure and data backup services in Orange’s secure data center.

As they are simple to use, the offers will allow Orange SL customers to be more agile in the development of their businesses and enhance their competitiveness. The company is also available to customers for personalized support.

The offers are Virtual Server which is quickly deployable for IT development or application hosting. This new and secure platform facilitates the deployment of business entities’ IT Projects.

Another is the Virtual Datacenter which has a set of computer resources to host an entire information system. It is a secured cloud infrastructure that allows someone to calmly manage the deployment of information systems.

There is also a Back up as a Service that easily and automatically saves data in the Orange Secure Cloud. That solution allows someone or a business entity to backup and restore the data of their servers and workstations as needed.

The Physical Server Hosting provides a safe and secure space for individuals or business entities’ physical “hardware” infrastructures in Orange SL’s Secure Datacenter.

For more information, contact enterprisebusiness@orange-sonatel.com or call +23273420420

Attending Biennial Conference… UN Women Deputy Executive Director & UNFPA Regional Executive in Sierra Leone

June 29, 2022

By Mary Kabay

This medium was reliably informed that senior officials of UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), drawn from the two institution’s headquarters and regional offices, are in the country to engage in several activities including the 10^thAfrica Conference on Sexual and Health Rights (ACSHR) which commenced at the Bintumani International Conference Center on the 27th June and will last until the 1^st July 2022, with about 700 participants from across the continent attending.

Ms. Åsa Regnér, UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), and UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director are accompanied on the visit by Ms. Oulimata Sarr, UN Women Regional Director for West and Central Africa. Both were in Liberia, where they met with top Government officials, including the Liberian President, His Excellency George Opong Weah, and members of the UN Country Team there.

Ms. Fabrizia Falcione, UNFPA Deputy Director for West and Central Africa Region is also in Freetown as part of a week-long visit to the country. She will have an opportunity to familiarize herself with UNFPA’s programs in Sierra Leone and will meet with Government officials, development partners, and program beneficiaries.

“I am looking forward to being in Sierra Leone and engaging with Africa’s civil society organizations and other key stakeholders on critical thematic issues on gender-based violence and reproductive health and rights, but also to meeting with governmental and non-governmental partners and with beneficiaries of UNFPA’s programs in Sierra Leone,” noted Ms. Fabrizia Falcione before she came.

For ASG Regnér and Regional Director Oulimattu Sarr, their visit to Sierra Leone is aimed at strengthening and re-affirming UN Women’s support toward the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls with a view to furthering advocacy and partnerships in line with the development agenda of Sierra Leone and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The ASG is expected to meet with His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Bundu, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Gender and Finance, and members of the Female Parliamentary Caucus, and the Statistician-General.

She will also meet with members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) development partners, civil society organizations, women, and youth groups in Sierra Leone.

The three senior UN officials will also meet with the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), Babatunde Ahonsi, and members of the UN Country Team in Sierra Leone.

Close to 24 international UN staff, mainly from UNFPA and UN Women, are attending the Conference, where the RC delivered remarks at the opening ceremony.

UNFPA’s Executive Director, Ms. Natalia Kanem, addressed the Conference at the opening via video link. ASG Regner made a statement at the closing ceremony, and Ms. Falcione will participate in a panel on “Partnerships to End Violence: Centering Social Movements as the solutions for perspectives and commitments from Governments, UN agencies, and donors.”

The 10th Africa Conference on Sexual Health and Rights (ACSHR) is a biennial conference convened by the African Federation for Sexual Health and Rights. It is hosted by Purposeful, an Africa-rooted global hub for girls’ organizing and activism. First Lady Fatima Bio is the Chief Patron.

NEW Updates on Six Recent Bye-Elections & Proffers Recommendations

June 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a Press Statement by the National Election Watch (NEW) dated 27^th June 2022 it was stated how the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) on Saturday 25th June 2022 conducted six bye-elections in Constituency 056 Tonkolili District; Ward 031, Kenema district; Ward 138, Falaba district; Ward 252, Port Loko District; and Wards 212 and 216 in Karene District.

Further highlighted was that the National Election Watch (NEW) observed all six bye-elections noting that there was no major violence but a very high rate of invalid votes across all election localities disclosing that the six bye-elections registered a total of 1,259 invalid votes.

According to NEW, the bye-elections were a result of vacancies due to various reasons in the constituency and five wards revealing how in Constituency 056, the Member of Parliament representing the constituency contested a Paramount Chieftaincy Election in one of the chiefdoms (Sambaia Bendugu chiefdom) in the constituency and won thereby losing his seat in Parliament.

It continued by also disclosing that in Ward 216 in Karene District, the long absence of the substantive Councillor accounted for the vacancy were as in Wards 031 in Kenema, 138 in Falaba, 212 in Karene and 252 in Port Loko districts, were all as a result of deaths of the substantive Councillors.

The elections watch entity stated its observation of the six bye-elections was in conformity with provisions in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Public Elections Act 2012 and International, Regional and Sub Regional instruments guiding election observation to contribute to the conduct of credible free and fair elections.

It furthered how it recruited, trained and deployed stationed observers in all polling stations in Constituency 056 in Tonkolili district and in all polling centres in the five Wards where bye-elections were conducted.

NEW added how it also deployed teams of supervisors and roving observers in all election locations to support the stationed observers as part of their problem-solving mechanism by promptly moving information about incidents from the polling stations to the relevant authorities for timely intervention to avoid such incidents adversely affecting the outcome of the electoral process.

The Elections Monitoring and Observer body stated that it observed the entire activities in the conduct of the six bye-elections including a pre-election assessment of the elections environment and the entire Election Day processes of the opening of polls, closing, reconciliation and counting, and the following day the tallying and announcement of the provisional results.

It continued by pointing out that it noted the professional and efficient manner in which the ECSL conducted all six bye-elections and the presence of very senior members of the Commission including the Chief Electoral Commissioner who doubles as the Chairman of the Commission, Commissioner for Eastern Region and the newly appointed Commissioner for Northern Region.

NEW also underscored how it equally noted the visible presence of both the Sierra Leone Police and personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and their professional conduct in maintaining peace and order yet not obstructing or interfering in the elections process.

The entity said it further observed an impressive and well-coordinated observation strategy of international partners, Embassies with the visible presence of Heads of Missions maintaining how that effort added value to the credence of the election process in the Constituency and some wards.

It also noted the presence of other democratic institutions, civil society groups and the media.

Among NEW’s findings were that: Polling Stations opened on time, ECSL staff was mainly youth with more males deployed in Constituency 056 and more females in the Ward elections, there were tactile ballot guides in some polling stations but did not observe it being used, all the political parties deployed party agents in all Polling Stations except in Ward 252, Port Loko district where the NDA party did not deploy party agents.

Also, in Constituency 056, Tonkolili district, Wards 252 and 216 in Port Loko and Karene districts respectively, NEW observed that it was only the APC party agents that had the Final Voter Register in polling stations which they used to cross-check registered voters.

That in Constituency 056, APC deployed senior party officials as party agents, Voter turn-out in Constituency 056 was 50.6%, in Ward 031 Kenema district 38.7%, in Ward 138 Falaba district 48.0%, in Ward 252 Port Loko district 33.6%, ward 212 in Karene district 30.5% and in ward 216 Karene district also, 50.9%.

It discovered that Police and military presence was highly visible in all polling centres in Constituency 056, Tonkolili district and in Ward 138 in Falaba District, that in Ward 138, Falaba District, both APC and SLPP party agents displayed peaceful and cordial relationships and jointly resolved minor issues that occurred on polling day.

NEW found out that tallying of bye-election results was conducted without interruption for all the wards but such was not the case for the tallying of results for Constituency 056 in Tonkolili district.

It was discovered that in some way in the tallying process, the two SLPP agents in the Tallying Centre handed over a letter to the tallying officers and left the Tallying Centre.

Later on, it was observed that another set of SLPP party agents different from the initial two came into the Tallying Centre.

And just before the announcement of the provisional results, another four SLPP supporters entered the Tallying Centre and requested that the announcement be put on hold as they had a complaint to make.

NEW said they then brandished Results Reconciliation Forms (RRFs) which they claimed recorded over voting and some not signed by the Presiding Officer and their party agents.

However, NEW stated that it was unable to verify the claim because they could not examine the said RRFs and the Regional Returning Officer informed that he will perform his duty of announcing the Provisional results but that they will look into the complaint afterwards.

The institution raised certain concerns, among which were, at Polling centre 7230 RC Primary School Kanigban with 3 polling stations, the former National Women’s Leader of the SLPP, Madam Fatmata Sawaneh, to enter the centre and ordered the Polling Center Manager (PCM) of ECSL, to ask out all NEW observers from the polling stations claiming the NEW observers to be members of the APC party.

It was mentioned that the PCM consulted one of his Line Managers who instructed him to allow all accredited NEW Observers to stay in the polling stations and continue the observation of the elections.

That the 2023 elections will be held in June, and they are concerned about the difficult terrain that will be a hindrance to the easy deployment of ECSL personnel, election materials, voters, observers and the supervisory component of the election exercises.

NEW said it is also concerned about the poor internet connectivity and limited or no mobile phone coverage in some parts of the country as is the case in several locations where the bye-elections were conducted.

That the incidence of invalid votes was alarming in the six bye-elections as the number of invalid votes can change the outcome of an election.

In terms of incidents observed NEW said there were few but not significant.

NEW recommended that the ECSL must continue to exhibit neutrality and professionalism in the conduct of elections and to be proactive in managing incidences to ensure credible, free and fair elections and that the ECSL and political parties should endeavour to step up voter education to reduce the incidence of invalid votes, ECSL should enforce the equal representation of political party agents at results Tallying Centres.

That the PPRC should continue their robust engagements with the election processes especially the conduct of the float parade that has contributed to a peaceful Election Day environment, the ONS, SLP and RSLAF continue to maintain professionalism in providing security for subsequent elections among other recommendations

ICPNC Actively Monitors & Observes Bye-Election in Tonkolili District

June 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Samai, on the 24^th of June 2022 led a team of employees of that institution to Samaia Bendugu Chiefdom with the primary objective of being present to monitor and observe the just concluded bye-election, that was held on the 25^th June 2022, in Constituency 056 within the Tonkolili district, Northern Sierra Leone.

The team arrived on Friday and met with Paramount Chief Musa Jalloh, town and section chiefs, and other local authorities. PC Musa Jalloh commended the ICPNC team for being part of the process of ensuring that peace is maintained in his chiefdom.

He said Bendugu has always been peaceful and will continue to maintain peace during and after the elections. He attributed the violence that occurred during the run-up to the elections as acts perpetrated by people he called strangers imported from other areas.

On her part, the Executive Secretary of the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), Hawa Samai, intimated how the mandate of the ICPNC is to ensure that there is peace throughout the county.

She furthered that they are in Bendugu to monitor the elections to ensure that peace prevails also maintaining that after the conduct of a peaceful election what the Commission would like to follow is for the authorities to focus on development activities.

The ICPNC team also met with officials of the APC and SLPP Political Parties, diplomats and representatives of various foreign missions in Sierra Leone, including the Head of the European Union, the Netherlands and Irish Embassies, etc, members of the security sector, and other stakeholders who were also at Bendugu to observe the elections.

Voting processes were observed by the team in various centers including Folia, Kathombo, Kemagugu, Kholifaga, MCA Primary School Kaningban, MCA Primary Schools in Dangowalia, and Bendugu among others.

What was observed was that in all the polling stations, the process was generally peaceful and few incidents were reported.

The observer mission was preceded by an earlier visit of three (3) personnel from the Commission led by the Director of MEAL, Lilian Wilberforce, who had gone on a fact-finding mission to identify the causes of the violent incident in Bendugu during the campaigning process and make recommendations as to how much could be avoided on polling day.

Among the recommendations was the need for increased security personnel, a recommendation that was conveyed to the appropriate authorities by the Commission.

For the Housemates to Continue their Amazing Journey Our Votes Really Matter

June 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Abdul Alhadi aka Double-A and Yeanie H. Sundufu were the two that were evicted last Sunday bringing the number of those evicted from the House in the Reality TV Show, Housemates Salone Season 3, with the slogan “Di Game Get Yagba If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand” to ten with twelve now remaining and battling in the House.

As those remaining continue to perform assigned tasks delegated by Sir Chief and display their talents winning points so are members of the public who continue to vote for their favorite Housemates. For some, they would have been shown the exit door had it not been for the numbers of votes they have been securing which keep them staying within the competition.

With Le250M and a round trip to Dubai up for grabs, it is all the more reason why support should be given to these Housemates in a Reality TV Show organized by AYV Media Empire and Africell Sierra Leone.

Members of the public residing in Sierra Leone could either start or continue to vote via Afrimoney. To do so, they should just dial *161*10*1# with the NUMBERS of the Housemates. For International voting, it must be done via www.housematessl.com or www.africell.sl.

Voting could also be done via PayPal or Scratch card from Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB) website, at: www.slcbvote.com.

Housemates Season 3 could be watched on AYV DStv CH 399, AYV CH 34, and YouTube channel in real-time 24/7.

According to the organizers, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL, the upcoming exciting Reality TV Show is put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans who believe that they have talents that they could showcase which will provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioral patterns of young people living together.

However, the most important aspect of the Reality TV Show is that it is serving as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through mental and physical exercises that will end up molding and shaping their characters.

They are benefitting from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how healthily interact, how to solve problems, cook, sing, dance, and control emotions, and stress.

These competitors are given opportunities to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions are teaching them, learning how to play games, and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

If it could be succinctly put in other words that Housemates Salone is a kind of refinery where the competitors are going through life overhauling experiences to an extent that life after Housemates Salone will be completely and positively different for them.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is indeed captivating, a learning platform, and is exuding a lot of fun but don’t forget that you have a big role to play. Vote for your favorite Housemates otherwise, Eviction is right behind the corner waiting to snatch him or her out of the House and bring to an end their amazing journey in life.

NP-SL Rated as a Result-Oriented Business Entity & 1st for Customer Care

June 29, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

NP-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been rated as a business entity that is first in terms of customer care. Dealing in various petroleum products, the company has been widely acclaimed for the cordial, smart, and efficient manner in which Filling Station Pump Attendants are treating its numerous customers in different parts of the country.

The company has become very endearing simply because its dedicated members of staff are trained to respond to the needs of customers. Giving satisfaction to customers forms a cardinal part of the Mission of NP-SL Ltd and so far have been learned it has been maximizing that very well.

Very mindful that without their cherished customers there will be no NP-SL, the shareholders and Management have made customer care a number one priority which is why the company is synonymous with 1^st For Customer Care. In order to give maximum and optimal satisfaction to customers, NP-SL has always ensured that it operates in tandem with international standards and best practices so that after any service delivery customers get the good feeling that they have derived value for money. Most of the company’s affiliated Filling stations are state-of-the-art structures having modern calibrated pumping machines that are transparent and accurate in terms of measurement.

It is on record that certain Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and private institutions have Memoranda of Understanding with the petroleum marketing entity bordering on supplying their vehicles fuel and payments made later. This hire purchase agreement is a true manifestation of how the company is geared toward being customer friendly and it is a business strategy that has resulted in business conveniences.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown by leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the centerpiece that has propelled the company to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Put in other words, the selflessness and commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it in a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

Besides marketing petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, gas, and various lubricants, the company is also known for selling affordable NP Gas cookers of various sizes, which have been proven to be safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at NP Filling Stations or from authorized dealers across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish the one that has been used.

“I always carry my NP Smart Card with me just in case my car’s fuel gauge will show red and I may not exactly have the required amount of money to refill or even if I have it such could have been put aside for another purpose. With my card, I can just breeze into any NP Filling Station and by using my card the attendant will pump the quantity of petrol I need,” Felix Sesay, an engineer intimated adding how the card’s security features are unique and could not be easily falsified.

“When I first heard of ‘Your fuel on Smart Card’ I thought it was a joke but only realized its efficacy when I started making use of it,” he furthered saying he is really finding it very convenient in doing so and as such prevent him from withdrawing big cash from his bank account for purchasing fuel adding how it as well helps in also saving him time.

Holders of NP Smart Cards only need to be regularly crediting their cards in other words topping it up with the money. As long as they contain credits the holders are at liberty to use them at Filling Stations to get the amount of fuel required without exchanging cash with the pump attendants.

NP Gas is now the talk of the day as numerous individuals are every day coming to the realization that it is very suitable for cooking purposes without posing any serious health risks. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas is marketed at all the company’s filling stations and by authorized dealers going at affordable prices. Advantageously, NP Gas can be refilled with gas that the company imports and markets making them simple for customers to continue their use.

The company gives preferential treatment to indigenes in terms of employment in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia not to talk of here Sierra Leone where NP has a presence and operates vibrantly.

Besides, the company is one of the largest taxpayers to the Government and meaningfully rolled out its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Indeed even at this material time when situations on the global stage are negatively impinging the world market and an enduring price for fuel is very uncertain, Management is, however, assuring its esteemed customers and the general public that NP Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) will continue to make frantic efforts to give utmost satisfaction to its numerous and cherished customers.

As SLPP Secures 2 Council Seats…. APC Emerges Winner of Parliamentary Bye Elections in Tonkolili District

June 29, 2022

Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone(ECSL)

By Amin Kef-Ranger

In a Press Statement signed on the 28^th June 2022 by Mohamed Kenewui Konneh as National Returning Officer, Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner it was stated that by the powers vested in him under Section 33 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.6 of 1991) and pursuant to the provisions of Section 39(1) of the said Constitution, Sections 69 (1) and 70 (1) of the Public Elections Act, 2012 (Act No 4 of 2012), Section 10 (1) of the Local Government Act, 2004 (Act No. 1 of 2004), one Parliamentary Bye-Election was successfully conducted in Tonkolili District, and five Local Council Bye Elections were also conducted in Kenema, Falaba, Karene and Port Loko Districts by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone(ECSL) on the 25^th Day of June 2022, in accordance with the relevant electoral legal framework.

It continued that Pursuant to Section 77 (1)(f) and (j) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone,1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991), the Clerk of the House of Parliament notified the Electoral Commission of a vacant seat in Tonkolili District, Constituency 056 following the inauguration ceremony of former Member of Parliament Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh as Paramount Chief of Sambaia Chiefdom.

Further stated was according to letters from the Chief Administrators from Falaba, Karene and Port Loko District Councils, the vacancies occurred as a result of the death of Councillors in the aforementioned District Councils.

Equally so, according to letters from the Chief Administrators of the Kenema District Council dated 15^th November 2021, the vacancy occurred as a result of the appointment of Councillor Ismael Koroma as Chiefdom Speaker in Small Bo Chiefdom, Kenema. District and for Ward 216 in Karene District, the vacancy occurred as a result of a leave of

It was included how Two (2) Political Parties contested the Parliamentary Bye-Election in Constituency 056, Tonkolili District; The All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and Four (4) Political Parties contested the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 031, Kenema District: the People’s Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), the All Peoples Congress (APC), the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP); Two (2)

Political Parties that contested the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 138, Falaba District were the All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).

Also, Two(2)Political Parties contested the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 216, Karene District: The All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).

In addition, two (2) Political Parties contested the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 212, Karene District: The All Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).

Three (03)Political Parties contested the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 252, Port Loko District; the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples Congress (APC).

It was stated that the results of the Parliamentary Bye-Election in Constituency o56, Tonkolili District on the 25^th June 2022 were as follows: Jawah Sesay of the APC Party obtained total valid votes of 5,487 which is 56.7% of the votes cast. Foyoh Tholley of the SLPP obtained total valid votes of 4,188 which is 43.3% of the votes cast.

In the Kenema Local Bye-Election in Ward 031, Kadiatu Katta of the PMDC obtained 102 of the valid votes which is 2.5%, Momoh Musa of APC secured 814 votes which are 20.4%, Jeneba Sheriff of the SLPP secured 2,993 votes which is 74.8% and Kelvin Samai of the NDA got 91 votes which are 2.3% of the votes cast.

In Falaba District for the Local Council Bye-Election held in Ward 138, the results were: Mohamed Kamara of the APC Party secured total valid votes of 525 is 81.4 % were as Karifa Turay of the SLPP secured 120 votes which is 18.6%

For Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 212 in Karene District, Amadu Kandeh Kamara of the APC secured total valid votes of 408 35.3% of the votes and Mohamed Amara Turay of the SLPP got 747 votes a percentage of 64.7.

In the Local Council Bye-Election in Ward 216 of Karene District, Idrissa Bangura of the APC got 1,227 votes which are 65.3% of the votes cast and Sorie Bangura of the SLPP secured 653 of the votes which are 34.7% of the votes cast.

For the Local Council Bye-Election held in Ward 252 of the Port Loko District the NDA Candidate, Mohamed Abass Bangura secured 43 votes that are 1.9%, the SLPP Candidate, Thomas Kainesie got 559 votes that are 24.7% and James Gassimu Kamara of the APC secured 1,661 votes which are 73.4% of the votes cast.

According to the National Returning Officer in the exercise, of the powers conferred on him by Section 94 Subsection (4) of the Public Elections Act,2012 (Act No. 4 of 2012),

He declares Jawah Sesay of the All Peoples Congress (APC), who had polled 5,487, being the highest number of valid votes cast, duly elected Member of Parliament for Constituency 056 in the Tonkolili District.

Jeneba Sheriff of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), who had polled 2,993, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Councillor for Ward 031 in the Kenema District.

Mohamed Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC), who had polled 525, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Councillor for Ward 138 in the Falaba District.

Mohamed Amara Turay of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), who had polled 747, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Councillor for Ward 212 in the Karene District.

Idrissa Bangura of the All Peoples Congress (APC)who has polled 1,227, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Councillor for Ward 216 in the Karene District.

James Gassimu Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC), who had polled 1,661, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Councillor for Ward 252 in the Port Loko District.

QNET Launches Fingreen Financial Literacy Programme To Empower Women And Youth In Sub-Saharan Africa

June 28, 2022

Economic fortune of many countries in the sub-Saharan Africa region is dwindling. Inflation is rising, cost of living is sky-rocketing and many women and young people remain unemployed. Developing financial knowledge, skills, and habits are important at a critical time like this. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development^[1], financial literacy is essential for economic stability and growth, especially among youth in developing economies.

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), e-commerce based direct selling company QNET is proud to kick off FinGreen, its signature financial literacy programme aiming to develop healthy financial habits through education and training in the most vulnerable communities, especially among young adults.

Financial literacy is one of the main drivers of the developmental goals in modern society. Under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), financial literacy and education are interlinked with multiple objectives, such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10). It also plays a vital role in supporting overall economic growth and encouraging governments, corporations, and communities to achieve broader development goals, such as establishing solid social security and providing equal opportunity for all, regardless of demographic.

Conceived in 2021, FinGreen aligns with the United Nations SDGs ^[2] and the Addis Ababa Agenda ^[3] to provide adequate skills and proper developmental training for all, particularly for youth, women, and those aspiring to be entrepreneurs. The programme will play a pivotal role in supporting marginalised communities in emerging economies reduce poverty through capacity building and equipping participants with basic financial knowledge for better decision-making in their daily life.

FinGreen aims to address the challenges of young adults’ financial know-how by equipping them with the proper knowledge and confidence to make conscious decisions on effectively managing financial services based on these three pillars:

Assess – FinGreen’s first approach to educating communities on financial know-how is planted from the ground up. FinGreen collaborates with local experts and partners to assess who, where, and how best to implement training sessions. FinGreen will also run surveys throughout the programme to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of the training, alongside addressing any issues along the way.
Train – Training is divided into short sessions that are conducted face-to-face or online, where peer-to-peer conversations are highly encouraged. This is especially important for young adults, especially those from economically underprivileged backgrounds, who may lack the resources to complete longer courses. FinGreen trainers are carefully vetted based on their qualifications and teaching methods.
Advocate – A unique facet of FinGreen is its commitment to building a sustainable programme, serving as a foundation for developing curiosity, self-esteem, and relational skills through education. Participants are encouraged to become points of reference for their peers and community on financial literacy topics, creating a ripple effect that makes financial knowledge more accessible and has a long-lasting influence on the community.

In sub-Saharan Africa, QNET is rolling out the pilot for FinGreen in Nigeria, with plans for expansion into more markets within the West African sub-region in the next phase.

ADVOCATING FOR FINANCIAL INCLUSIVITY

Additionally, FinGreen addresses common financial barriers faced by young entrepreneurs and women looking to participate in the global e-commerce boom. FinGreen aims to educate these communities about financial risk awareness in an increasingly knowledge-based and digital world. This is especially pertinent now as global online transactions increased by 10% last year as the pandemic accelerated demand for digital purchases ^[6].

“Financial literacy is a key skill for individuals, especially the youth,” QNET CEO, Malou Caluza comments. “Higher mobile phone penetration and earlier adoption of technological services mean that the younger generation is likely to be exposed to more financial products compared to their parents. They have access to banking facilities, payment platforms, and financial services at an earlier age. Developing their skills and equipping them with proper financial understanding will give youth the tools they need to make savvy and informed decisions regarding their finances, such as managing their savings or planning their budget responsibly.”

She adds, “As a business that is focused on developing micro-entrepreneurs, we understand that financial independence starts with education and inclusion. Through our FinGreen programme, we strive to help young people and women learn the skills, habits, and attitude to make informed financial decisions, online and offline.”

About QNET

QNET is one of Asia’s leading e-commerce based direct selling companies offering a wide range of health, wellness and lifestyle products that enable people to lead better lives. QNET’s grass-roots business model fuelled by the power of e-commerce has helped empower millions of entrepreneurs in more than 100 countries worldwide.

QNET is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a presence in more than 25 countries around the world through subsidiaries, branch offices, agency partnerships, and franchisees.

QNET is a member of the Direct Selling Association in several countries, as well as the Hong Kong Health Food Association and the Health Supplements Industry Association of Singapore, among others.

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.

For more information, please visit QNET’s website at www.qnet.net , www.qnetafrique.com/en

About FinGreen

FinGreen is QNET’s signature programme for financial literacy, aiming to develop healthy financial habits through education and training in the most vulnerable communities, especially among young adults. The goal is to build the essential financial knowledge and skills to give a firm foundation for managing money, savings, and payments, alongside providing the tools to train others in their community.

Participants of the programme learn the basics of personal finance, especially critical planning and management skills, to give them a head start in establishing a foundation for their future financial growth and stability.

FinGreen is part of QNET’s overall corporate social responsibility initiative to empower entrepreneurs and create a better future for all.

At Kroo Bay Community… Orange Foundation Hands Over Newly Renovated Community Health Centre

June 27, 2022

By Millicent Senava Mannah

An appendage of Orange Sierra Leone, the parent company, which is Orange Foundation, the philanthropic wing of the telecommunications company, in partnership with ICAP, has handed over a renovated Community Hospital to the Kroo Bay Community on the 24th of June 2022, geared toward safeguarding maternal mortality of female residents.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers at Kroo Bay community were in jubilant moods as Orange Foundation handed over the newly renovated health facility a feat accomplished in fulfilment of a pledge made last year by one of the leading telecoms service providers in the country.

Before it was renovated the health centre was in a dilapidated condition badly in need of repairs since it was constructed over 10 years ago. It was noted that the lack of confidentiality and comfort in the delivery room was a determining factor that shied away women from delivering in the health centre for a long time. It was indeed a factor that was responsible for maternal mortality.

As a result of the transformation, the women were so elated that they sang songs in appreciation of Orange Sierra Leone. Neatly painted, tiled and sanitized, the facility is indeed a standard one that is suitable to accommodate pregnant and lactating mothers. From what has been experienced the women residing within the community and its environs are willing to be visiting the centre for medical check-ups.

Several personalities within the country’s health sector, including the Director of Reproductive and Child Health, Dr Tom Sesay were in attendance.

In her address to the women, the Director for Orange Foundation, Jestina Betts, assured them that one of Orange Sierra Leone’s current missions is to improve maternal and child health in Kroo Bay Community.

She said recent statistics indicate that Sierra Leone is one the worst countries for a woman to give birth to and that Kroo Bay, the biggest and most densely populated slum community in Freetown remains the most vulnerable.

The community, she went on, became a focus for the Maternal Health Project which was launched in 2019 owing to ICAP (International Centre for Aids Care and Treatment Programmes) data on maternal deaths.

“Kroo Bay was the highest in vulnerability according to ICAP data. We will make a difference with our partnership with ICAP,” the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation Director assured.

Betts further informed the audience that Orange Sierra Leone started the health project in Kroo Bay by screening for malaria, HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus) and other diseases.

According to her, it was a pilot project and the company had been pulling and pushing against all odds and plans for the extension of health services.

She called on the women to attend antenatal and postnatal clinics to safeguard their health and that of their babies. A multi-screening room, she assured, would be opened for proper treatment of women to whom she appealed to take ownership of the health facility.

An ICAP official, Emeka King said his agency came into the community based on a partnership with Orange Sierra Leone to cut down on the rolling statistics of maternal and child deaths. King also informed the audience that ICAP had worked with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation in several health programmes in Sierra Leone and that his institution had enjoyed a good relationship with the Kroo Bay community since they intervened there.

“Our key priority is to improve maternal health in the community,” he intimated.

He said to realize that goal ICAP conducted a health sensitization targeting 2, 000 residents, identified 396 pregnant women, provided start-up kits to 50 pregnant women, and also offered blood pressure and HIV sugar screening services for safe delivery.

ICAP, he said did not stop there but ensured enhanced IPC (Infection Prevention and Control) standards in the health facility by making sure that there was proper disposal of used instruments and enhancing sanitation among others.

“With ICAP, death among children and pregnant women would be a thing of the past in the community,” he assured.

Speaking on behalf of MoHS, Dr Tom Sesay confirmed that Sierra Leone is still a challenging place for women to give birth. “Close to 2, 000 women die out of 100, 000 live births,” he pointed out. He, however, stated that the figure had been 717 deaths out of 100, 000 live births and that his Ministry is working hard to keep the figure at an appreciable level or even ensure zero occurrences.

Dr Sesay also pointed out bleeding as one of the major health complications women encounter during deliveries, and that 15 out of 100 women suffer from such a complication. The Reproductive Health Director singled out giving birth at home as the main cause of the complication.

Women, he said, were most times attended by traditional birth attendants who lack basic medical knowledge. He, therefore, encouraged women to give birth in the health facility and urged nurses to immediately refer complicated cases to senior medical officers so that lives could be saved. “Without the right intervention, life could be lost within one to two hours,” he said. Medicines, Dr Sesay went on, should be bought at the hospital where there is proper care and high storage system. Education also plays a big role in saving the lives of pregnant women and their children, he said.

The Demographic Health Survey conducted every five years shows that women who are educated have high chances of survival during delivery than those who are not educated, according to Dr Tom.

“It is painful for a woman to lose a child during delivery. Life could be lost in the process of looking for another child,” he lamented.

Dr Sesay has been working with Orange Sierra Leone since Corona Virus broke out in March 2020.

Section Chief of Kroo Bay Community, Pa Alimamy Kargbo 1 appreciated Orange Foundation and by extension Orange Sierra Leone for the good work and appealed for more support.

Joint cutting of the tape by Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Sekou Amadu Bah, Dr Tom Sesay and Jestina Betts formed the highpoint of the occasion.

Sick Pikin Project Partners with Vista Bank to Save the Lives of Children

June 27, 2022

In a new development, the Vista Bank Ltd Sierra Leone has partnered with The Sick Pikin Project to save the lives of severely sick children in the country whose parents or guardians are challenged financially and cannot afford to pay for their medical bills.

The partnership between the two parties is aimed at providing and supporting the work of The Sick Pikin Project with the necessary funds needed to execute their mandate – to save lives and restore lost hopes.

The partnership agreement will run through from now to December 2022 during which period the bank will provide medical funding to severely sick children from 0-16 years who are suffering from varied complex conditions and may need urgent medical surgery which could mainly be done in Sierra Leone.

As part of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility and commitment to providing services to not just its financial customers, and executing one of its core values which is service, Vista Bank Sierra Leone has continued to be a keen supporter of The Sick Pikin Project and its vision. The bank is keen to strengthen the work of The Sick Pikin Project in saving the lives of sick children in Sierra Leone.

The partnership is also aimed at speeding up the process of saving the lives of sick children and preventing delay in treatment which most times is caused by lack of funds and sometimes may result in severe consequences. It was learnt that the cases will be handled one after the other in order to ensure transparency and an accountable process.

The entire team at The Sick Pikin Project expressed their heartfelt gratitude and unquantifiable thanks to Vista Bank Sierra Leone for the groundbreaking partnership in support of their goal, mission and objective – saving the lives of sick children in Sierra Leone one step at a time.

They continued that the Bank has shown that they do not only value financial related partnerships but also without an iota of doubt values the lives of the country’s future leaders.

“The astute leadership at Vista Bank has proven to be one of those whom we can trust our finances with without doubts and mishaps,” an official of The Sick Pikin Project said adding how they want to wholeheartedly thank the Management and Board of the Bank under the leadership of Pa Ousman Njie, Managing Director and Karefa Kargbo Board Member, who from the start of their first conversation showed great concern and love for what they do.

The humanitarian organization extended gratitude also to the entire staff of Vista Bank Sierra Leone for their relentless, selfless, and outstanding work ethic which they say is gravely felt in all positivity and which is why such a life-saving partnership was achieved.

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