As they Celebrate 2 Years of Existence… Executive President of SLAWIJ Dilates on Successes & Challenges

March 18, 2022

Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ).jpg

By Mary Kabay

The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) celebrates its second year anniversary on the 16^th March 2022 which marked the foundation day of the organization as it was established on that date in 2020.

Two years of the existence of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) in existence has created tremendous impact in changing the narrative of female journalists and other female-led organizations in the country.

Giving a historical run down of the Association, Eminent Lady Millicent Kargbo intimated that SLAWIJ was established on the16th March, 2020 by 18 Eminent Ladies within the Sierra Leone media landscape with the aim of promoting the welfare of female journalists in Sierra Leone, increase their visibility in their bid to transform the media landscape through professional development programs and advocacy.

She continued by explaining that their thematic focus is to stand out as a voice of equality and empowerment for female media practitioners, women/girls, and the less privileged in Sierra Leone.

The Executive President in dilating on gender issues pointed out that SLAWIJ recognizes that gender inequality and inequity put barriers that impede the effective work of journalists in the country.

Madam Millicent disclosed how the Association is harnessing the potentials of its members to give women and gender issues visibility in society.

It goes without saying that two years on SLAWIJ has made tremendous strides in achieving its vision to build an informed gender-sensitive media with empowered women journalists. Through its partnerships and collaborations with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the United Nations Women, Integrated Trade Services, Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone, Defense for Children International, Internews, Orange Sierra Leone, and individual contributions from friends its family of Eminent Ladies many issues have been discussed and action points adopted implemented.

Referencing some of the key achievements, she stated that they include: Supporting the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic by focusing specifically on mothers and children in deprived communities, donating hygiene and handwashing kits and providing information that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19.

She also disclosed how they have also developed a five-year strategic plan and has a membership of 97 female journalists including communication professionals.

The Executive President mentioned the commencement of a special radio program in partnership with the Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone called ‘Fambul Tok’ that raises awareness on gender-based violence.

She also highlighted leading Media activities on the campaign of the Gender Empowerment Bill 2021, supporting the She Leads Project to increase ethical media coverage on Women and Young Girls’ issues, contributed to the Bournemouth University research on Impact of Covid-19 on Journalists in Sierra Leone, collaborated with Fellows of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the Women’s Communication and Leadership Conference to build the capacity of female journalists, engaged in a series of public education programmes on International Celebrations, especially in schools, collaborated with Inter-news on research on online/offline harassment of public facing women especially female journalists and women human right defenders.

She concluded by mentioning some of the challenges female journalists face which includes abuse, sexual harassment and marital issues.

“In addition, some women are restricted to undertaking less challenging assignments or programs compared to their male counterparts in the industry,” she underscored adding that increasing the voice of women leaders and experts in the news can build greater trust among the audience and improve the quality of journalism.

Gaining 2Million Streams on Audiomack… Drizilik Reaches New Streaming Milestone

March 18, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It was reported on the 15^th March, 2022 that a young Sierra Leonean musician, Drizilik has reached a new streaming milestone. He is the first Sierra Leonean musician across all genres to get two million plays on a music streaming platform. The hip-hop and afrobeats artist became the most streamed on Audiomack. Music streaming has revolutionized the way listeners discover music across the globe, but for creators like Drizilik, more streams mean royalties.

Drizilik joined Audiomack in 2018 to make it easier for fans to explore and share his music. He released his most played songs on Audiomack during the pandemic. In October 2021, Drizilik released Exodus, the first single from his upcoming sophomore album Ashobi. It has 315,000 plays. Waste Time, released in October 2020, has 215,000 plays. Tell, which he released in April 2020, has 196,000 plays.

Drizilik credits his fans and his management for his digital success.

“I have an amazing team beside me; they make it possible for me to be able to continue to make music for my fans––but two million streams? That’s nothing but fan love,” said Drizilik, real name Benjamin M. George.

Audiomack is the preferred streaming platform in Sierra Leone. Unlike Apple and Spotify, which operate on a subscription model, Audiomack has an ad-based freemium model. Users don’t have to pay to access music, making Audiomack more accessible to Sierra Leoneans. Artists also prefer Audiomack because of the brand’s commitment to African talent.

“When fans stream our music on Audiomack, it creates more visibility for artists, and we increase our earnings.”

Other top Sierra Leonean artists with notable streams on Audiomack include Kao Denero with 883,000 plays, Emmerson with 665,000 plays, Star Zee with 577,000 plays, and Rozzy Sokota with 146,000 plays.

About Drizilik

Benjamin Menelik George, commonly known as Drizilik is a Sierra Leonean hip-hop and afrobeats artist. Born and raised in Freetown, Drizilik gained recognition with “Pop Collar” in 2016. Before launching his career as a music performing artist, he honed his skills at Sierra Leone’s prestigious Ballanta Academy of Music and toured with the Freetown Uncut Band. His first album, Shukubly released in December 2018, won four National Entertainment Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Live Performer. In 2019, he won the All Works Of Life (AWOL) Artist of the Year Award. In October 2021, he released Exodus, the first single from his highly anticipated sophomore album Aschobi.

IMC Concludes Two-Day Retreat in Bo to Prepare Ushering of New Board

March 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

A two-day maiden retreat for Commissioners and Senior Management staffs of the Commission was held at the Galliness Paradise Hotel, Bo City on the 12th March 2022 by the Independent Media Commission (IMC) with support from the BBC Media Action PRIMED Project.

The retreat was officially opened by the Resident Minister South, Hon. Mohamed Alie. The purpose of the retreat was to usher in the new Board borne out of the provisions of the 2020 IMC Act, in order for the newly appointed Chairman and Commissioners to hit the ground running and operate optimally; and to bring Board members up to speed with the provisions of the 2020 IMC Act which is the key document that guides and defines the operations of the Independent Media Commission, focusing on the key duties and responsibilities of Commissioners and the key powers given to the Commission in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking on his vision and mission for the Commission the Chairman Dr. Victor Massaquoi said among other things he plans to rebrand the Commission to regain respectability; mobilize resources to address critical needs of media monitoring and other IMC operational needs (logistical needs); acquire Media monitoring equipment and software for the Headquarter and 5 regional offices (radio, television); digitalize the IMC library; relocate the office to ensure security, independence, respectability and space; increase staff number – professionals, media monitors; conduct nationwide training for all media houses on the IMC Codes of Practices to ensure continuous ethical behaviour and professional practices; intensive weekly complaints hearings at the headquarters and monthly complaints sessions in the provinces to enforce the implementation of the provisions in the IMC Act 2020 and Media Code of Practice; enforce compliance by media houses to pay minimum wage, NASSIT and Taxes; and to review the Media Code on Elections Coverage and Reporting and aggressive collection of licencing fees and fines and to secure vehicle(s) and motor bike(s) for sensitization, monitoring and provincial complaints hearings, among other things.

Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq. Commissioner representing Civil Society on the new IMC Board took participants through the legal framework of the IMC Act 2020 giving all its précised and appropriate interpretations. Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) spoke on the relationship between his association and the Independent Media Commission which he said is cordial though there were some minor complaints about unfair treatments by the commission during complaint hearings.

Dr. Francis Sowa took the new Board and senior management staff through the provisions of the reviewed IMC Media Code of Practice for print and electronic which awaits parliamentary approval and the strategic vision of the Commission (Strategic Plan); while Commissioner Mustapha Mende Koko Sesay spoke on the committees of the commission with special reference to the complaints committee. Among other topic covered was Strategic Media Monitoring Technologies\technical capacity building system for IMC facilitated by Commissioner Samba Sesay; and strategies for resource mobilization and working relationship between IMC Commissioners and the staff were jointly facilitated by the Chairman Dr. Victor Massaquoi and the Executive Secretary Khalil Kallon.

Statement of commitment to support the media in Sierra Leone was also made by the Country Director, BBC Media Action Dr. Mahmoud Tarawallie. The launching of the special IMC Newsletter (Media Watch) on Complaints and Rulings 2021 by the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists formed the high point of the occasion.

NCRA Enters into Partnership with FIU to Combat Financial Crimes

March 18, 2022

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The National Civil Registration Authority ( NCRA) has on the 15^th March, 2022 partnered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Ministry of Finance in Sierra Leone in an effort to combat Financial Crimes, Money Laundering and Terrorists Financing in the country.

This new partnership brings together the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), an institution that provides Civil Registration, Vital Statistics and Digital Identity Services in Sierra Leone, and the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), a unit of the Ministry of Finance that develops financial intelligence in order to detect money laundering or terrorists financing activities in Sierra Leone, to fight financial crimes in the country.

It is expected that in the partnership, the FIU will rely on the NCRA’s 85% plus Identity Data on the population of Sierra Leone to help provide financial intelligence using the identity of persons involved in Financial Crimes. The partnership will also enable NCRA to share identity data of designated persons detected for Financial Fraud and Terrorists Financing with the FIU to aid the investigation process.

In Sierra Leone, the FIU receives the UN “Lists” of designated persons from MoFAIC for freezing, seizing, or confiscation of terrorist funds/assets and FIU provides intelligence and forwards to appropriate authority for investigation as per the FIU procedures and mandates.

The partnership will make a significant difference in promoting information sharing to combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the country, in line with international standards and protocols.

Director General of NCRA, Mohammed M. Massaquoi expressed satisfaction and willingness to work with the FIU to support such a Public Administration and good Governance activities in the fight against Financial Crimes using Digital Identity Data in Sierra Leone. He further cited that NCRA has been collaborating with other institutions to support them with identity data; for the issuance of Driver’s License, Tax payer’s verification, sanitizing Government payroll, recruitment into the public and civil service, Social Security among others.

“In our collective efforts to combat money laundering terrorists financing, we require credible information from other institutions and reporting entities. It cannot be gain-said that NCRA is one very important institution in this regard,” said David Borbor, Director of FIU as he signs the partnership agreement on behalf of the FIU.

He added that “in the process of Identity Verification, FIU would rely on the NCRA as an independent source of credible information for identity issues. This will help FIU in building up profiles necessary for the collection of intelligence and drafting of intelligence reports to disseminate to appropriate law enforcement institutions for proper investigations.

Speaking with the Senior ICT and Identity Manager of NCRA Moses Vibbie, he said the two institutions are collaborating in a responsible way to share information that will aid investigation into Financial Crimes and Terrorist Financing, in a secure way and in line with best practices and applicable laws. Moses added that identity data will only be shared for individuals declared or suspected of financial crimes by the FIU, this is to maintain data Protection and Privacy.

According to Basel System Report (2021), the estimated amount of money laundered globally in one year is from 2 – 5% of global GDP, or equivalent of $800 billion – $2 trillion in current US dollars. 50% money laundering activities go undetected globally. 62% compliance officers believe that criminal activity around money laundry and terrorist Financing is getting harder to spot, hence the increase.

This indeed calls for Governments to put strict measures in place and take necessary actions in order to curb this global financial Crime.

The Head Directors from the two institutions appended their signatories witnessed by the legal representatives of the two collaborating institutions. The NCRA and FIU partnership denotes the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to fighting crime and fraud in the country.

President Bio Says there is a Lot to Learn from Vietnam

March 18, 2022

By Theresa Kef Sesay

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has on the 15^th March, 2022 shared his plans for this country with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc of Vietnam while addressing an official state dinner marking his visit to the world’s third largest exporter of rice.

During the State banquet attended by top Government officials, Heads of Ministries and Prime Minister, Phạm Minh Chính, President Bio disclosed that on April 18, 2018, the late President Trần Đại Quang, sent him a congratulatory message on his election and in that gesture, he assured that Vietnam had not forgotten Sierra Leone.

“Sierra Leone, like Vietnam, has triumphed over a history of adversity and war. But Sierra Leone is inspired by the patriotism, commitment, and staying power of the people of Vietnam. Out of war, you have developed a peaceful and thriving nation.

“But we are even more inspired that your leadership took bold and well-thought-out decisions to open up the economy, lower the cost of doing business, and invest in purposeful infrastructure and human capital development. No doubt, the impact of those decisions is evident in how well your country has thrived since then. Our country’s new direction philosophy is closely aligned with that mindset that transformed this nation,” he said.

President Bio noted that within a spirit of solidarity and mutual cooperation, Sierra Leone was eager to share ideas and experiences, explore strengths, and offer opportunities for closer ties with a friendly nation like Vietnam, adding that his Government believed that there is a lot to learn from Vietnam apart from deepening the ties at all levels.

In his response, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam reemphasized his commitment to collaborate with the Government of Sierra Leone and promised to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.

For Babies Aged 6 +… Nutribom Oats Flavour is Easy to Prepare & a Perfect Daily Supplementary Food

March 18, 2022

By Esther Wright

Nutribom Oats Flavour – (350g) for babies aged 6 months+, rich in vitamins and iron and contains all the important nutrients for your child’s growth and easy to prepare (lukewarm water). Nutribom oats cereal is easy to prepare and is the perfect daily supplementary food for your baby.

Nutribom Oats Flavour is an excellent everyday food source ideal for the healthy balanced diet for babies from six months of age which ensures their healthy growth and development. Nutribom contains important vitamins such as iron; vitamins A, C & D and zinc to name a few and is easy to digest as well as easy to prepare. Nutribom Oats Flavour is the perfect daily complementary food for your baby.

Nutribom Oats Flavour – (350g) for babies aged 6 months+, Rich in vitamins and iron and contains all the important nutrients for your child’s growth. Easy to prepare, using lukewarm water.

Having a baby is one of the happiest moments of any parents’ life of which Nutribom wants to be part of that amazing life experience.

The best of ingredients have been selected to provide balanced and delicious meals in Nutribom Oats Flavour which is the perfect daily supplementary food for your baby.

Contact Emkay Store SL Ltd as it is the sole distributor of Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6months 400G, Olinda Slim Tea & Olinda Pure Ceylon Tea and many other products which include: Nutribom Infant Cereal, Nutrilon and H&H infant formulas (Corn milk and Cereal for infants), Confectioneries (inclusive of items for children’s birthday parties), etc.

Emkay Store SL Ltd could be located at No:12 Sani Abacha Street Freetown, Sierra Leone or call +23288 604-402.

NP-SL Ltd is Committed to Give Customers Qualitative Services

March 18, 2022

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) has publicly made known that pump prices for petrol, diesel, kerosene and fuel oil have been adjusted from Le12, 000 to Le15, 000 per litre.

It must be underscored that the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has led to the surge in oil prices in the global market.

Indeed, for the past one week, petrol and diesel have been rationed by oil marketing companies in anticipation of a price hike and according to the Executive Chairman of PRA (Petroleum Regulatory Agency), Dr Brima Baluwa Koroma, the Government was reluctant in agreeing to increase the pump price of fuel.

He, however, allayed the fears of the public that once the situation in the global market normalizes the prices will be adjusted accordingly.

The Management of NP-SL Ltd maintains that these are trying times imploring its numerous customers across the country to understand the current situation and apply themselves accordingly. It went further to assure all that it will explore all available possibilities to ensure that petroleum products are available on the market.

When it comes to customer Care the company has created a niche for itself. As a matter of fact the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited has been lauded for making positive and invaluable contributions related to overall national development as it continues to make meaningful inputs to the economy.

As an efficient petroleum marketing entity NP-SL Ltd is proud of having various filling stations in various parts of the country and for the mere fact that the company is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various employment opportunities to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, keeping in line with the Local Content policy thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Furthermore, worthy of note is that it is one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), one of the institutions that financially empower the Government, through payment of taxes, to roll out various development projects.

Also, it introduced what is now known as NP Smart Card which is a memory chip that could be credited from time to time by the holder in order to buy fuel. It is a cashless way of conducting business and many have attested that it is very convenient.

There is also NP-Gas which is a cooking devise that could be refilled with gas. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes it is said to be very efficient and they are sold at the company’s Filling Stations or authorized dealers at affordable prices.

With its core values of NP-SL Ltd anchored on: Safe Working Environment, Good Customer Service, High quality products, environmental sustainability and building positive teams, NP-SL Ltd has come a long way in executing its roadmap to become a viable business entity.

Watch AYV TV on Weekend as … Housemates Salone Audition Replay Will Be Aired for Voting Preparation

March 18, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

Housemates Salone Season 3 audition is done with as the sessions ended on the 14^th March, 2022 with up to eight hundred applicants going through the process. To really get the twenty (20) or twenty two (22) successful applicants that will ultimately enter the House seemingly appears to be an uphill task. However, the organizers of the Reality TV Show, AYV Media Empire and Africell-SL, who are so au fait with entertainment issues, have come up with a solution or panacea that will ensure a smooth sail.

This time around they have availed the general public the responsibility to make the final choice stating that now it is their turn (the General Public) to watch #DiYagba, the hype, the drama and the stories. For proper understanding, the audition processes that were conducted from the 11^th to the 14^th March 2022 will be replayed on the African Young Voices (AYV) Television on two separate weekends.

The first replay will be aired on AYV Channel 33 at 9:00PM and Channel 34 at 10 PM and DStv Channel 34 at 10:00PM on the 19^th and 20^th March, 2022 to avail members of the public or viewers the opportunity to see how the auditions went.

The other replay will take place on the 26^th and 27^th March, 2022 on Channel 33 @ 9 PM, Channel 34 @ 10 PM and DStv Channel 399 @ 9 PM as well as on AfriRadio 103.5FM @ 9 PM. The rationale is for viewers to see firsthand the performances of the various aspirants who went through audition.

What follows next on the 28^th March, 2022 is the announcement of the names of Fifty-Two (52) as those who successfully went through the audition. Out of these Fifty-Two the organizers are looking for the best Twenty (20) or Twenty-Two (22) who should enter the House. How is that going to be achieved?

A voting process will be opened in which members of the public should actively participate in to choose the aforementioned number of Housemates required. When that time gets closer the voting process link will be communicated and it will be done via Africell-SL. As stated by the organizers the ‘Yagba’ in terms of making the right choices will commence but if logically done then we will be assured of a very thrilling Reality TV Show.

What in actual fact is up for grabs by the contestants, in the ongoing Reality TV Show, is the winning prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai. That besides, every day spent in the House qualifies each Housemate to earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

Youth empowerment is at the core of this Reality TV Show as designed by the organizers, Africell Sierra Leone and the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Empire. Throughout the show the Housemates will be mentally and physically tested on various occasions availing them the opportunity to learn new skills and improving on existing ones.

They are expected to improve on their cooking abilities, learn how to play new games, they will be asked to debate in teams various topics and subject matters, benefit from motivational speeches, how to dress for certain occasions, learn how to express themselves fluently among a host of others.

The Housemates will be socializing, pairing, exchanging ideas, gossiping and courting relationships which presumably will span for a considerable period of time beyond the show.

They will be widely exposed. This exposure could put them at vantage positions to be earmarked for the performances of certain assignments after Housemates Salone. Obviously, some of them could be spotted to do advertisements for corporate institutions as Brand Ambassadors, role models etc. As a matter of fact, their lifestyles will never remain the same again and it is possible that what they have learnt could be cascaded to benefit other young people.

At the Launch of National Health Summit… Africell Sierra Leone Pledges Support

March 18, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During the launch of the National Health Summit &Recognition Award 2022 on the theme: “Transforming Health Care Delivery Toward Universal Health Coverage” by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and Partners at the Ministry of Information and Communications Conference Hall at Youyi Building on Brookfields in Freetown, one of the leading mobile telecommunications in the country, Africell Sierra Leone pledged their support to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to support the upcoming National Health Summit and Recognition Award 2022 which is slated to take place on the 7th, 8th & 9th April 2022 at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.

Speaking during the launch, the Managing Director of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Gerjawi, said that Africell was particularly attracted to the theme for the summit which is: “Transforming Health Care Delivery toward Universal Health Coverage”, adding that in the telecommunications industry the theme has terminologies that are commonplace which they utilize in terms of setting their yearly targets.

He maintained that they are driven by the quest to ensure communication is accessible to the most remote communities in the country and in all of this, they see Africell as a strategic development partner that has provided the requisite tools which the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has utilized and will continue to make use of.

The Managing Director stated that Africell has, “Support to Health” as a key CSR pillar and that is why they were amongst the first responders to provide the much-needed support when an unfortunate disaster occurred referencing the November 5 fire disaster at PMB junction, Wellington, where in its wake they provided food and medical supplies to the victims that were admitted at Connaught Hospital in Freetown.

“In providing access to communication and Universal Coverage, the company is involved in an extensive coverage expansion drive connecting thousands of communities nationwide. These communities when connected will be able to seek health-related information by going to Community Health Centers (CHC),” he revealed.

He suggested that the Government of Sierra Leone and its development partners can eliminate fraud and ghost beneficiaries among the service delivery infrastructure by utilizing the AfriMoney platform to pay their workforce or beneficiaries, adding that as they continue with their expansion, and as the Ministry of Health and Sanitation works towards transforming health care delivery to achieve universal health coverage, it is important to note that as a private sector partner, their expansion cannot be done in isolation. It would require a concerted effort from the Government of Sierra Leone, development partner, and other private sector players.

He pointed out that these possibilities are all geared towards ensuring that as a sector leader they continue to lead with seamless transformation, prompt delivery, and un-segregated access to their services through universal coverage saying together they can reach the unreachable, deliver and serve the people and Nation of Sierra Leone.

“I wish the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby and his team all the best as they prepare to host what will arguably be the largest and first ever health summit in Sierra Leone to determine from the workforce on the ground how to successfully Transform Health Care Delivery Toward Universal Health Coverage in Sierra Leone. You can count on Africell for technical and branding support before and during the summit,” he concluded.

Launching the National Health Summit & Recognition Award 2022, the Minister of Health and Sanitation,Dr. Austin Demby, noted that as investments in health sector is made by the Government, Local Councils, faith-based partners, NGOs as well as their bilateral and multilateral organizations, there is a need for them to focus on Health outcomes and agree on targets they should all work towards ensuring that the population attains the optimum benefit for their limited resources.

Commenting on why the Health Summit, he maintained that their current Mission as a Ministry is to transform the health sector from an under- resourced, ill-equipped and inadequate healthcare delivery system into an adequately resourced and functioning national delivery system that is affordable and accessible to all, especially the most vulnerable segment of the population.

Adding that to do this, all key stakeholders in the socio-economic development space of Sierra Leone and all decision makers in the health sector must urgently and collaboratively develop a workable formula and that it should focus on improving service delivery.

He pointed out that when done properly, this will ameliorate the high morbidity and mortality rates, whilst improving accountability and efficiency, increase coverage, and uptake of health services, continuing that the partners have agreed on the need for a major transformative effort to move faster towards realizing the goals set in the 2030 Agenda.

He also maintained that the Summit will provide the space and opportunity to facilitate discussions among the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and its stakeholders including Health Development partners, other Government MDAs, NGOs and beneficiaries to deliberate on key achievements, challenges, opportunities and recommendations to
accelerate progress towards achieving manifesto commitments.

“The summit will end with an award ceremony to recognize the efforts of outstanding staff, facilities, partners and individuals in the health sector. The Health Summit will be divided into 3 stages; Pre-summit Summit which shall be held few days (around 31 March 2022) before the Summit to discuss presentations, the process and possible issues of contention that can derail the Summit if not addressed,” he added.

Over Rokel Bank Saga… Civil Rights Coalition Calls on President Bio to Intervene

March 18, 2022

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Conference held on Wednesday 16^th March, 2022 on Fort Street in Freetown, the Coordinator of Sierra Leone Civil Rights Coalition (SLCRC) Alphonso Manley has called on President Julius Maada Bio to protect Dr Gilpin whose performance at the bank has been very exceptional.

He stated that the entity is concerned about the in-fighting at the Rokel Commercial Bank maintaining that such has the propensity of sending the name of the bank to the mud.

Alphonso continued that in its investigation the CSO uncovered that certain individuals working at the bank are behind the negative propaganda on social and traditional media against the Managing Director of the Bank. Dr Ekundayo Walton Gilpin, the Civil Rights Coalition, pointed out after conducting thorough investigation, has been able to bring back the lost glory of the bank since he took over in 2017.

He furthered that official reports from the Bank’s usual annual general meetings commended the current Managing Director in terms of impressive profits margin, sound policies, innovations and other facilities which the bank now offers to its customers.

According to him, it is on that grounds that they have developed an interest in this matter adding how from interviews conducted with a cross-section of staff at the bank, the majority praised the current Managing Director for his good work and astute leadership and as well dispelled the sexual harassment allegation against the MD as propaganda and part of the Pull Him Down (PhD) syndrome.

He also stated that it was also brought to their attention that a particular member of staff by the name of Abdul Rahman Mahdi (Business Development Director) who has been in that bank for over thirty years has a hand in all of the negative propaganda going on social and traditional media against the current MD.

Manley pointed out that the Mahdi in question is alleged to have been so rude and arrogant to customers to the extent that most valuable customers were aggrieved and left the bank before 2017.

He maintained that Mahdi’s anger and frustration against the current MD, according to their investigation, were because Dr Gilpin took certain decisions on reforms which he considered blocking his ‘deals’.

He continued that even though the Coalition is not a judge on the matter it, however, it wants to see that an investigation is mounted into the operations of the aforementioned Mr. Mahdi whose name, the CSO says, has been mentioned by customers as the virus at RCB.

“There are complaints of him molesting female staff at the bank and as well bragging that he is filthy rich and can do anything to maintain his position,” Manley .

He went on to reveal that according to investigation, Mahdi was the Finance Manager of the Bank for ten years, a position he occupied before the arrival of Dr Gilpin adding how he is also reported to have been the root cause for many customers to quit the bank because of his bad attitude.

The Coordinator pointed out that the Coalition is therefore calling on President Julius Maada Bio to protect Dr Gilpin whose performance at the bank has been very exceptional adding that records from the RCB AGM state that the bank before the arrival of Dr Gilpin was only generating profits margin below two billion.

Alphonso Manley ended by saying that since Dr Gilpin took over as head of the bank he has raised the bar to eight billion Leones as profit margin, a record many believe is the reason for him bagging national and international awards.

“In lieu of the above, the Coalition is calling on the Board of Directors to suspend Mr. Abdul Raman Mahdi with immediate effect and the Anti Corruption Commission to investigate his alleged unexplained wealth,” the Civil Rights Coalition Coordinator further demanded.