During 3rd Information Salon-2022… Chinese Embassy Physically Engages Major Stakeholders & the Media

June 10, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Chinese Embassy hosted its third Information Salon in this year, 2022, on Wednesday 8 June, 2022 at the China House, Freetown marking the first to be held physically as all the previous ones were held virtually. It was geared towards exchanging views on contemporary international situations, China’s development, its foreign policy as well as the current status of China-Sierra Leone relations.

In attendance were H.E. Hu Zhangliang, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hon. Member of Parliament and Chairman of Sierra Leone China Friendship Society, Hindolo Gevao, Chairperson of Sierra Leone China Friendship Association Ms. Onike King, Chairman of Sierra Leone China Foundation, Mohamed Kamara, President of the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association, Alhaji Javombo, other representatives of Sierra Leone-China Friendship Organizations, members of the Fourth Estate as well as staff of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.

Following statements made by the various representatives of the various Sierra Leone-China Friendship Organizations, the keynote address was delivered by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, HE Hu Zhangliang. He commenced by pointing out that facing the complicated international situation and new challenges and risks, China has all along stood on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, international equity and justice as well as the vast developing countries.

He furthered how China has chosen cooperation over confrontation, openness over isolation, mutual benefit over zero-sum game, and equality over power politics and bullying.

“China opposes all kinds of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction,” he asserted maintaining how certain countries believe in power politics, try to provoke camp confrontation and attempt to drag the world into a “new cold war”, seriously threatening world peace and security.

Ambassador Hu intimated how China has injected tremendous impetus and provided strong support to world peace and development adding that the common modernization of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people is a great progress for mankind.

“China has sent more than 50,000 staffs to UN peacekeeping operations, being the largest peacekeepers provider among the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the second largest funding contributor to UN peacekeeping missions,” he proudly informed the audience adding that China has provided more than 2.1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the International Community and making active efforts to fill the “immunity gap”.

He continued by stating that President Xi Jinping’s “Belt and Road” Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative provide Chinese solutions to global governance deficit, trust deficit, peace deficit and development deficit.

“China will continue to follow the development path with its own characteristics and continue to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order,” he said.

Ambassador Hu intimated how the Embassy appreciates the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Organizations for their important contributions to the development of China-Sierra Leone relations adding that China and Sierra Leone should cherish and make every effort to consolidate their time-honored friendship, vigorously enhance China-Sierra Leone cooperation and jointly achieve common development.

Representatives of the Sierra Leone-China friendship organizations spoke highly of China’s rapid development and the long-term sincere help China has rendered and still continues to render to Sierra Leone. They affirmed that their organizations will stand in firm solidarity with China and continue to work on deepening the exchanges and friendship between the two countries and its people.

Hindolo Gevao, Chairman of the Sierra Leone China friendship Society, said it behooves all to stand up and defend the good name of China against negative publications adding that they will continue to pursue legal action to reclaim some of the encroached portions of land, were China House is situated, that has been trespassed on until justice is meted out.

Chairperson of the Sierra Leone China Friendship Association, Onike King, also dilated on negative and unfounded publications against China also disclosing of having a branch in Makeni with moves to expand into other districts as well as embarking on the cultivation of groundnuts and vegetables at Waterloo. She further revealed about the organization of an upcoming competition for a designated number of children who are learning Small-Small Chinese stating how the children are now reading poems and singing songs in Chinese.

President of the Sierra Leone China Foundation, Mohamed Kamara, said since 1971 when China and Sierra Leone entered into bilateral relations there have been immense benefits to the country evident in tangible infrastructural developments made by China.

He however pointed out that telling the real Chinese story has been lacking and therefore called for all to go beyond making references to Chinese phones, products and point out significant developments that have been rolled out.

Alhaji Javombo, the President of the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association, informed that theirs is an association of academics which was formed in 2013 now having a membership of over 500 grandaunts. He continued that they undertake information sharing to assist those who want to travel to China for the first time, provision of translation services and counter baseless media attacks against China. Javombo asked for more support to enhance the implementation of their activities.

The highpoint of the programme was a discussion session on some hot topics relating to international issues such as the standoff between China and Taiwan, the Uyghurs etc and it was chaired by the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Hu Zhangliang.

At Queen Elizabeth 11 Port… First Lady Turns the Sod for the Implementation of NSTB Berth Expansion Project

June 10, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The ground breaking ceremony for the implementation of a Berth Expansion Project by Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) was done by the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio at the Queen Elizabeth the 11 Port commonly known as Water Quay in Freetown on the 9^th June, 2022 during which occasion she served as the Guest of Honour.

The auspicious occasion was graced by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Hinga Sandy, the Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation ,Rex Bonapha, the Member of Parliament of Constituency 121, where the Project is implemented, Hon. Miniru Lansana, other high profiled personalities including the General Manager of the Sierra Leone Ports Authority (SLPA) and his Deputy, Dr Abdulai Fofana and Yakuba Askia Bio respectively, the SLPA Board Chairman , Manso Dumbuya, the Nectar Group Director, Guy Wikes, the Project Consultant, Gordon Rankine, Project Contractor, Guilbaud Laurent, a representative from the National Commission for Privatization, Saffura Rogers, Staff of NSTB, well wishers and members of the Fourth Estate.

Chairman of the event, Dr Julius Spenser, underscored how the groundbreaking ceremony was a clear indication and manifestation of the fact that the country is making headway further expressing the hope that not too long the project will be completed and all will converge again to witness its commissioning. “It is a very good development as an additional berth will provide the congenial space for more ships to berth at the port,” he expressed optimism.

In her address as the Guest of Honour, the First Lady, Dr. Fatima Bio, stated that she is present for two main reasons as a product of Her Majesty the Queen of England and because NSTB has been one of the biggest supporters of the Hands Off Our Girls Initiative. She stated that when she started the Hands Off Our Girls Initiative some thought it was a gimmick stating how today it is impacting positively as is evident in the retention of girls in schools for longer periods as opposed to the past. The First Lady talked about how the implementation and completion of the project will positively transform the lives of residents within the community, help the economy to grow and provide job opportunities.

“This project implemented by NSBT is a validation of the Government’s commitment to deepen development,” she stated adding that throughout the outbreak of COVID-19 no company departed from the country attributing such to the proactive stance taken by the Government to combat the spread of the virus. She reiterated that NSBT’s move certifies that the Government and SLPA are doing fantastic works. She commended the Management of SLPA for providing the enabling environment for NSBT to go ahead with the project. The First Lady also extended appreciation and thanks to all the staff of SLPP.

Earlier the NSBT Group Director, Guy Wilkes said in a statement that NSTB is involved with terminal management services and the discharge from vessels of bulk, dry and free flowing commodities such as grain, rice, and fertilizer as well as raw materials such as Coal utilizing the Group’s highly experienced and trained personnel.

He continued that the Group portfolio of services includes Bulk Terminal ownership and management, maintenance of bulk handling equipment, ship to shore gantry cranes and mobile harbour cranes under long term contracts with clients.

“The Group provides bulk discharge and bagging services in a large number of ports around world and also has expanded into logistics and warehouse management,” he revealed adding that the Project, when completed, will be very advantageous in aiding their work and will benefit the country tremendously.

In his statement, the Project Consultant, Gordon Rankine, mentioned how they assisted NSBT to develop and plan the project adding that the main benefit that will accrue to the country will be seen in the increase number of ships that will be berthing at the Queen Elizabeth 11 Port. He dilated on some of the challenges that have been encountered so far including escalation in the prices of building materials or equipment that are used, constraints in travelling further assuring of support from his team in order to ensure that everything works out well.

General Manager of SLPA, Dr Abdulai Fofana said he is delighted to be part of the programme. He noted that the implementation of the project by NSBT will definitely inspire confidence in potential investors and raise the profile of the country internationally. He informed that the Port has now become very serene and strike free attributing such to sound administrative and prudent management amidst various challenges faced.

The SLPA General Manager also highlighted how increased coordination will lead to sustainable policies and activities maintaining that Sierra Leone has the 3^rd natural harbour in the world through which there are major shipping routes. He stated that with sound initiatives the harbour could be transformed into a shipping hub. He revealed how there are seven berths at the port and disclosed of how they relinquished some of SLPA’s functions to other entities who have concessions to operate at the Port one of which is NSBT adding that the relationship with the company is cordial.

“I am encouraging other entities to invest in other sectors just as NSTB has done,” he stated and mentioned some of the benefits which the Project, when completed, will bring.

Guilbaud Laurent, the Project Contractor, informed of the mobilization of equipment and manpower to the project site further expressing hope that after implementation the Project will bring wealth and happiness to the people of Sierra Leone.

On his part, the Member of Parliament , Constituency 121 Hon Miniru Lansana said NSTB has made him a happy personality as he has been sleeping soundly for the simple fact that whenever NSBT wants to implement a project they do not give him cash to do so but rather the company undertakes the implementation freeing him from pestering. He commended the company for constructing a standard Police Station within his Constituency, which he said has helped reduce crime rate. The Member of Parliament also lauded the company for enhancing sanitation through support to waste management and education within communities in the Constituency. He implored for consultation in order to recommend educated and qualified residents of the Constituency for any job vacancy within the company.

Representative of the Chairman of NCP, Saffura Rogers, who happens to be the Executive Secretary of that institution said the implementation of the project by NSBT is a response to President Bio’s call for investment. She underscored that the realization of the President’s vision will be seen in the implementation of meaningful projects and revealed how they will be providing monitoring and oversight functions for the project.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Rex Bonapha, expressed the view that with the expansion by NSBT more vessels will be berthing saying such will place the country at a vantage position. He extended thanks to NSTB for making the dream and vision of President Bio become a reality maintaining that with more investments and improvements by entities or individuals it will be a win-win situation.

The climax of the programme was the turning of the sod by the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio at the project site.

Nectar Group Limited (NGL) is a global market leader of specialist bulk cargo handling services at ports and terminals across the world.

The history of NSBT in Sierra Leone can be traced back to the late 1980’s when the company pioneered Bulk/Bagging operations at Freetown under the USAID Title II programme and pioneered logistical savings for importers of rice and other basic commodities.

Since 2015 investment in Sierra Leone is focused around the Freetown Port which serves as the major logistics hub for Sierra Leone’s imports and exports. The Port is an essential component of the Sierra Leon economic prosperity and is invaluable for the local economy.

It has significant commercial advantages but, however, its potential has yet to be fully realized

Highlights of the Project include designing and constructing a new deep-water jetty with a new berth and refurbish existing berth to enable a larger class of vessel size (up to Panamax size) to call at Freetown.

Nectar Group currently has a 21-year + 7-year option concession with the Government of Sierra Leone and has been operating in the port from September 2015.

The growth objectives will be an increase in easing shipment, competitiveness, viability and profitability of the port facilities and attraction of greater international traffic. It will also provide modern facilities and expand the existing berths and quayside space, increase import capacities and enable more cost-effective shipments by having deeper draft, more efficient unloading systems and a reduction in operational costs for importers and ship-owners alike.

It also include doubling tonnage handled in 9 years from 400,000mts (2016) to 800,000mts (2025) at QEII Berths (excluding 1.6m tons handled per annum at Nitti) , handling clinker, cement, rice, palm oil, fertilizers & wheat and further develop handling of bauxite and iron ore.

NSBT will continue to provide services including unloading of vessels to storing of cargo in the port warehouses, as well as maintenance of all terminal equipment.

The company regards social impact as important as having an economic impact . So far NSBT has donated fire engines to the Sierra Leone Ports Authority in 2017 along with uniforms and ancillary fire-fighting kit, partnered with “Street Child Sierra Leone” in 2017 to sponsor 25 homeless children in the Cline Town area of the city in order to get them off the streets and into long-term education, built 6 classrooms, the Headmaster’s office and Staff Room at the Muslim Brotherhood Primary School (Cline Town) in 2017.

In 2018, refurbished classrooms at the Bishop Crowther Primary School and refurbished Freetown Cheshire Home (Cline Town) and in 2019/2020, support to Freetown Cheshire Home (Cline Town), the Sierra Leone Ports Authority Football Club and donation towards the construction of a Vocational Centre along with local COVID- 19 initiatives, in 2021, NSBT funded the construction of the new Kanikay Police Station in Cline Town, continues to support the First Lady’s foundation and since 2017, NSBT has committed funds in excess of Le 2 Billion on local community projects.

Kingho Mining Company Adds 3 Brand New Locomotives to its Existing Stock

June 10, 2022

By Elisha Harding

To enable Kingho Mining Company haulage its iron ore from the New Tonkolili Iron Ore Mines in Ferengbey, Tonkolili District to the port of Pepel in Port Loko District President Julius Maada Bio has commissioned three (3) brand new locomotives.

The commissioning took place on Tuesday 24th May 2022 during a separate event after the President earlier unveiled a Le 5.3 billion paid into the accounts of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) fund by Kingho Mining Company, a subsidiary of Leone Rock Metals. The fund is 1% of annual revenue made by the company during its operation at the mines.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at the Train Load Out (TLO), Jay Chen, Deputy General Manager of Kingho Railway and Port Company said when the company took over in 2020, the rail system was not operational. He added that the company made enormous efforts and invested a huge sum of money for the restoration of the railway facilities.

Jay Chen added that the commissioning is significant because it is the first time locomotives have been imported into the country in ten years. He said it is important to note that his department is gender sensitive as a result they currently have female Sierra Leonean train drivers.

He assured that the railway department of the company also plans to hire more locomotives and upgrade the railway in the future.

It is worth noting that the locomotive is a rail transport vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. A single locomotive has the capacity to pull 30 wagons which are used to transport iron ore from the mines to the port. So far, the train sets 112 wagons to 4 locomotives and 90 wagons to 3 locomotives.

The commissioning of three additional locomotives by the President will improve the haulage capacity of the company to achieve a target of 25,200 tonnes daily and 9 million tonnes annually.

For Miss Orange Makit Uman Pageant… Calaba Town Market Fish Monger Stands Out Among Five Interested Aspirants

June 10, 2022

By Mohamed Jaward Nyallay

Miss Orange Makit Uman contestant, Juliana Kenneh has said her fans like her not just because of her beauty, but for so much more. Kenneh who is representing Calaba Town was speaking in an exclusive interview with influential blogger, Precious Amabel Smith.

“Five of us were up for selection but the people of Calaba Town chose me. They didn’t choose me just because of my beauty, because all of us are beautiful but they saw other qualities in me,” she said.

28-year-old Kanneh is commonly known as Julie Gold in her market. She is a fish monger. Julie is light-skinned, medium height and very cheerful as she speaks on her goals for the competition.

Julie Gold explained that she had a very tough upbringing, having to leave school at an early age because of financial challenges.

“Trading has changed my life, my journey has been a tough one, but thank God,” she said.

She said no matter what happens, she was grateful for the platform Orange has given her.

Julie is very passionate about sanitation in her market, she said that is something she will want to change.

“Our market structure is poor, we don’t have any water to wash cassava leaves, some women have to fetch water from far distance just to wash their products. We need taps, I want us to have two or three taps all over the market. We also need to have a bin for to deal with the flies,” she said.

Winner of the pageant will win Le50million and her market will also get additional Le50million in the form of a project that will be sponsored by Orange Sierra Leone.

At 28, Julie said she might not be back in school even if she wins; she is also a mother of two: “I want to continue my trading, trading has changed my life. I don’t know if I will return back to school because am 28, but I don’t think I am too old to return to school,” a very confident Julie said.

Julie Gold is up against 11 other contestants for the show, she is contestant Number 3, fans can vote for her by dialing *25# on any Orange number.

Abdulai Fornah Escapes from replacing his late Father as a Poro Member

June 10, 2022

Abdulai Fornah.jpg — The Missing Abdulai Fornah

By Karifa Thoronka

Report reaching this media says that Abdulai Fornah who is the first son of the late Pa Abdurrahman Fornah in Makaba village has escaped for refusing to be initiate into the Poro society. According to the traditional and cultural laws of Sierra Leone, Abdulai Fornah being the first son of his late Father Pa Abdurrahman Fornah is destined to succeed the position of his father as the Poro society member to continue the linage.

After a successful burial of his father, members of the Poro Secret Society demanded that he (Abdulai Fornah) be prepared to replace his father as the new member of the society and must undergo robust initiation ceremony.

There was a physical confrontation and in no time, a group of the Poro secret society descended on Abdulai Fornah, overpowered him and dragged him to a think forest reported to be the secret shrine of the Poro society where he was subjected to the initiate stage of initiation. Abdulai Fornah reported that the process was inhuman, barbaric, painful and unenduring. By stroke of luck, he managed to escape after burning the shrine believing it will stop the initiation ceremony.

While explaining to the press a brother of Abdulai Fornah, who refused for his name to be mentioned, noted that his brother Abdulai Fornah might have traversed through dangerous terrain to escape the Secret Society initiation.

Referencing experiences, one of the son of the soil Mohamed Kamara revealed that two young men has lost their lives to forceful initiations in the same village, noting that the two young men were student who visited the village on holidays.

Until press time, a close friend of Abdulai Fornah says that the search for Abdulai is still ongoing as members of the society are still harassing family members to the extent that they have been limited from enjoying and attending certain functions in the Village until they produce their Son (Abdulai Fornah). It was revealed by close source that a bounty was place on the head of Abdulai and handsome reward was placed for any person who will show his way about.

What is more of concern in Abdulai’s case is the fact that some of the State holders are part of this Poro Society in the Country which includes Politicians, Police, Military personnel and many others who are still serving as active members.

Western Area Rural District to Benefit from Ongoing School Feeding

June 8, 2022

Deputy Minister ll of Basic and Senior Secondary Education

By Elisha Harding

Commencing in September 2022, to be precise during the next academic year, the Western Area Rural District will be included in the school feeding programme slated to benefit a total of 800,000 (Eight hundred thousand) pupils nationwide.

That disclosure was made by the Deputy Minister ll of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Madam Mamusu Patricia Massaquoi, who has the responsibility of managing the School Feeding Programme.

According to her, the school feeding started in 2018 with 50,000 pupils further revealing that by then implementation was only done in Falaba and Koinadugu by the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) in complementing the efforts of the Government.

“In 2019, we increased school feeding to 320,000 pupils when we have the World Food Programme (WFP) joining in feeding pupils in Kambia and Pujehun Districts. In 2020 when we had the outbreak of COVID-19, we still increased school feeding to a total of eleven districts feeding a total of 430,000 pupils,” she said.

Madam Massaquoi pointed out that in 2021, the Ministry expanded school feeding to all fourteen provincial districts feeding 441,000 pupils, and in 2022 expanded to 630,000 pupils from 90 Chiefdoms in all fourteen districts.

“By September 2022/2023 academic year, we will increase school feeding to fifteen chiefdoms including the Western Area Rural District, we will be targeting 2,930 pre-primary and primary schools and we will be feeding a total of 800,000 pupils which is about 60 percent coverage nationwide,” she said.

It must be noted that the policy builds on the Government of Sierra Leone’s pioneering Free Quality School Education (FQSE) initiative and pursues the guiding principles of the MBSSE that include universal access to quality and equitable education, radical inclusion, quality teaching and learning and comprehensive safety of all learners.

The policy’s goal is to promote the holistic development of children, local farmers, producers, and the community by ensuring that school feeding is recognized and treated as a sustainable, multi-sectoral investment program that receives support from various actors, including the Government at central and decentralized levels, communities, the private sector, civil society, the diaspora, and external donors.

The long-term objective of the policy is to ensure that school feeding contributes to the vision, mission, and goals of the Government of Sierra as articulated in the Mid-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Education Sector Plan (ESP). Procuring and providing locally produced and processed nutritious and healthy school meals to pupils, contributes to education attainment and improvement of children’s nutritional status.

“Yagba-ing” by 18 Housemates Continues to Thrill Viewers Across the World

June 8, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Those shown the exit door on Sunday 5^th June, 2022 were Edward Wright, Ina Elizabeth Cole, Daniel Sesay and Juliet Konya Sesay. For them it marked the end of what has been their amazing journey. With the eviction, notwithstanding, the #Yagba still continues for the Le 250 Million cash prize & a round trip to Dubai. Members of the public could continue to watch the Yagba on AYV DStv Channel 399, AYV Channel 34, You Tube Channel in real-time 24/7.

Indeed, the House was very, very ‘hot’ on that unforgettable night as DJ Neptune from Nigeria rocked the Housemates Salone Party with his mix of both Salone and global hit songs really demonstrating that we live in a small global village and have to learn to work with others to build countries collectively.

Indisputably, Housemates is now a global platform on Dstv 399 and so AYV Media Empire and its lead partner, Africell-Sierra Leone, have a legal responsibility to provide contents for audiences both in Sierra Leone and across the world.

The two organizers of the Reality TV Show, AYV and Africell SL, are working with both international and national DJs like when the celebrated DJ Mose was invited and performed at the Pool Party.

AYV and Africell -SL are both putting Salone music out to the world and one of the best songs for that night was “Mammy Na Power” done by Zainab Sheriff. The organizers have now made it a must to play Salone music on the Housemates Show and are supporting the national music playlist.

According to Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr, the Chief Executive Officer of AYV Media Empire, “We may all have our differences, but that should not put us apart. Let us join our hands together to build a better entertainment environment in Sierra Leone and Africa at large”.

In as much as there are now 18 Housemates in the House, who sometimes appear sexy by displaying some form of nudity, who again at times talk harshly because they are also expected to intermittently use strong language and be humorous, the proper manifestation of those traits as often seen are really making the Reality TV Show very captivating and interesting to watch, providing some form of comic relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.

Housemates Salone Season 3 is all about Youth Empowerment and is socially considered to be a Youth Empowerment platform which succeeded both Seasons 1 & 2.

As it has been realized, the boarding of twenty-two Housemates under one roof, for a specific length of time, giving them the opportunity to interact on a daily basis is somehow exposing the innate potentials the Housemates possess that, in the future, could be harnessed and tapped for productive ends.

They are perfecting assignments delegated to them by a sort of moderator who is controlling their moves and actions as well as grading them as and when the show is progressing.

Along the way they are learning new skills from their co competitors in the House, displaying coping mechanisms under various conditions and learning how to comport themselves when they find themselves in any public arena or gathering.

The Housemates are taught or learning by themselves how to prop up their self esteem, to be courteous, courageous and control their ego under stressful conditions. They are taught how to express themselves publicly, responding to questions, playing certain roles in real life situations.

Already, certain corporate institutions are using the platform not only to advertize but to also teach or school the Housemates and by extension the watching public what types of services they have to offer, how to go about performing certain tasks and anything else that has to do with empowering their minds geared towards cultivating positive mindsets.

The Reality TV Show is also exposing the Housemates to the outside world as it is viewed far and wide.

Talents are spotted and interested individuals may want to harness those talents to be used for the advancement of various human endeavours.

Indeed, the Housemates are presently “Yagba-ing” to up their games.

For now people are relaxing in their comfort zones and enjoying watching Reality TV Show per excellence.

NP-SL Values its Credible Customers Nationwide as it Markets High grade Petroleum Products

June 8, 2022

NP-SL: Held in Esteem for Being Foremost as a Resilient Company

By Amin Kef-Ranger

There is no doubt that NP-Sierra Leone Limited is highly known for prioritizing customer care and taking it to the highest pedestal in the country. Indeed such is indisputable when cognizance is taken of how Management is very keen in optimizing customer satisfaction in its service delivery and marketing of high grade petroleum products.

Members of staff of the company are very mindful of the fact that it is the customer that comes first and therefore needs the utmost attention always ensuring that transactions are conducted under a congenial atmosphere that always result into a win-win situation.

Through this brilliant and managerial initiative, the company has been making positive headways, positioning it to stand tall among other business entities in this part of the world.

The well-established oil marketing company is also relentlessly enhancing its strides to always ensure that imported petroleum products are available on the market and easily accessible to its numerous and esteemed customers. Management of the company has made it a matter of must for these products to be present in all the nook and cranny of the country.

Amidst various challenges that the company has encountered it has, however, successfully weathered those storms that could have dwarfed it or exposed it to extinction, save therapeutic intermittent Managerial injections that keep it upright and on the right course.

Demonstrating its true Sierra Leonean identity the company has maintained a policy of strictly adhering to the Local Content Policy ensuring that it has a maximum indigenous staff in its employ. What this actually means is empowering our brothers and sisters to access employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

As a matter of fact some members of staff continue to benefit from various trainings that have afforded them the conduit to imbibe useful skills to efficiently carry out certain assigned tasks. If we are counting the number of companies that have upheld the Local Content Policy, without any iota of doubt, NP-SL could be seen at the top.

1st for Customer Care was earned by the company because it has been widely acclaimed by many for solidly executing such.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers.

This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the purview of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in a position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). NP is one big tax payer to Government and it has been doing so timely.

NP-SL remains undaunted, unperturbed amidst all the challenges it is going through and conscientiously it is steadily contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as well as positively changing communities and lives.

Bio May Likely Appoint a Young Man to Lead Correctional Service

June 8, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

This medium was reliably informed that plans are underway for the appointment of a new Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS) by President Julius Maada Bio in the coming days.

It is believed that among the lot being considered a very young man will be given the mantle to lead.

The young man, it was also learnt, has the right CV and has served in different capacities at the SLCS with his experience running as deep as more than 20 years in service.

There is a school of thought that holds the view that the young man will be able to stabilize the ship amid rumours of tense in- fighting among senior officers.

However, it is significant to note that the new appointment will also place the Government in a good stead in the eyes of the public and international community as well.

The appointment, which for now is in the offing, will see the departure of Joe Lamboi, who on the 31^st May, 2022 , bade farewell to the Sierra Leone Correctional Services.

He served the department for forty- two (42) years and during his service, he worked as Prisons Manager, Head of Public Relations, Regional Commander West, Director of Support Services, Deputy Director General, and he now leaves the Service having ultimately worked as Director General.

Joe Lamboi served as DG for two years plus. His term of service was supposed to have ended in October 2020, but the Government extended it by a year.

Under his regime as DG, he diverted funds towards the construction of a child- friendly Centre for children of female inmates, a meeting room, senior officers’ mess, a resource centre, a tuck shop for inmates among others.

He also saw to it that young officers with the right character are placed in positions of trust contrary to when such positions were held in the past by officers who were advanced in age and experience.

Mr. Lamboi will be fondly remembered for his broad smiles and his cautious oratory.

New Orange Money app Open Doors to Digital Inclusion

June 8, 2022

By Mary Kabay

Orange Money app is leading the way in expanding access to financial services in Sierra Leone. The app, which was designed and launched by Orange Money Limited this year, has all the features for Orange Money services in one hub.

Orange Money is the biggest mobile money service in Sierra Leone with over one million customers using the service. Even before the launch of the app, the service can boast of the biggest customer base, more than any of its competitors.

The launch of this new app has just solidified its position in the digital money market.

“Financial inclusion has been a key challenge for a long time now in Sierra Leone, this new app solves that problem. Imagine with just one click you can do everything that you are used to doing with Orange Money, only this time it is much simpler. Now, more people can easily access money and do business easily,” Orange Money said about the app.

The new app is available for download on popular sites like Google Play Store and Apple Store.

Already customers have been excited about it because of how user-friendly it is.

Nicol Williams, a student said he no longer needs to memorize shortcodes to do his business through Orange Money.

“With the app it is much simpler for me, the moment I open the app I can do anything I want, from sending money to reversing it. It also means I can locate Orange Money merchants anywhere, this means I won’t be stranded anymore,” he said.

The app has features that customer can use to pay utility bills, check balance, receive and send money, instantly checking balance and a lot more. Through the platform cross transaction from Orange Money to bank and the reverse can also be done.