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Joint Security Apparatus Conduct Threat Assessment on Guma Dam by Encroachers

Threat Assessment on Guma Dam.jpg

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To conduct a joint assessment on the Guma Valley Dam in order to determine how encroachment from various fronts, deforestation close to the dam has the propensity to cause serious water shortage in Freetown, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), in collaboration with the Office of National Security, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Sierra Leone Police formed a team that undertook site visit to the dam on the 23rd February 2022.

The NDMA, on the 7th December 2021, through its Directorate of Risk Reduction and Preparedness, visited the dam and drew the attention of relevant authorities to its findings which precipitated this high-level visit.

During the visit, the team saw first-hand, how illegal human activities such as people constructing houses just meters away from the dam, how the hewing down of trees is rapidly drowning the dam and the use of fertilizer to grow crops close to the dam has the proclivity to contaminate the water that would be supplied to residents.

The team also found out that the current water level of the dam is drastically low. According to a dam attendant, Ishmael Kallon,  the water level of the dam is currently at layer four (4), three  steps downwards when it is full.

He also intimated the team that if nothing is done to preserve the forest the water level might reduce to layer three (3) which will see the supply of water with mud and stones to homes and businesses.

The National Security Coordinator, ONS, Abdulia Avayama Caulker, while addressing the team, said the sporadic encroachment into the protected areas of the dam needs urgent attention to save it from a total collapse. He also noted that what he saw was frightening and people must be stopped.

“This is the only infrastructure in the Western Area that supplies water to millions of homes in Freetown and its environs, we must not sit and allow people destroy it and do nothing. We must act to protect and preserve the dam” he said.

Caulker went on to state that his office, the Office of National Security, will summon an emergency meeting with the Guma Valley Dam Management, the NDMA and other relevant security sector players to decide on concrete steps to stop the continuous illegal constructions and provide permanent security to protect the dam.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Elizabeth Turay, expressed dissatisfaction with the way people are fast approaching the dam, especially from the No. 2 river axis. She said a holistic assessment to determine the green belt and seal it off from potential encroachers is of great paramount.

The Chief of Defense Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Brigadier General Sulay Sesay, on behalf of the military, vouched to support the implementation of any resolution to protect the Dam.

“We’ll support any decision to protect this dam. These people should be stopped at all costs to safeguard this critical infrastructure. Our lives depend on it, everything we do hovers around water so it’s incumbent on us to guard it jealously,” he stated.

The Head of the Joint Force Command, the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces, Brigadier General Peter Lavahun, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Amadu Kanneh, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mohamed Sheik Kargbo, were all part of the visiting team and expressed huge commitment to protect, preserve and stop people from further encroaching the precincts of the dam.

The National Disaster Management Agency will put together a video documentary and a comprehensive report detailing the threats posed to the dam by illegal activities for the attention of the relevant authorities for action.

SLAJ Engages Stakeholders to Identify Gaps & Sections in Cyber Security Law

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

Stakeholders from various sectors, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were engaged by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ)   on discussions about the recently enacted Cybersecurity and Crime Act 2021 under a project titled ‘Cyber Safe Sierra Leone’.

President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in stating the purpose of the engagement said it was convened for stakeholders to look at the Cyber security law again and identify gaps and sections that could be open to abuse of the right to freedom of expression, and to develop strategies for awareness-raising targeting constituent members.

He furthered that in as much as the  law is now with us and  nothing could be done to change aspects of it, however, as was done during the engagements when the law was at the bill stage, it is but very significant to  continue to highlight the gaps and sections in the Act, especially in the area of offences, that could conflict with fundamental human rights including the right to freedom of expression and free speech online.

The SLAJ President said in essence it is for stakeholders to begin to strategize how to influence implementation through awareness-raising and advocacy.

Participants at the one-day workshop held on 8th February 2022 at the SLAJ Hall in Freetown, had the opportunity to listen via zoom to international legal perspective on the Cyber law delivered by legal practitioner Joan Barata.

Joan used to work with several international organizations and NGOs on matters related to freedom of expression, freedom of information, media regulation, the regulation of online platforms, privacy rights, and other internet freedoms issues.

According to Joan, the main reason or the main rationale for the adoption of cyber laws is always to increase the security of online transactions, to avoid fraud, or the malicious use of the internet, etc. Joan said cyber laws, as with the case of Sierra Leone, in many ways have a negative impact on freedom of expression and of the press.

“These laws (cyber laws) also contain restrictions, the formulation of new offences, granting of very intensive and extensive powers to competent authorities to scrutinize speech, to control speech over the networks, and these laws in many, many cases may have negative implications on the right to freedom of expression. And this is the case with the cyber law of Sierra Leone,” said Joan.

The lead facilitator of the workshop, Dr Francis Sowa, did a presentation on the Cyber Crime and Security Act 2021 highlighting key sections in the areas of offences and the regulatory bodies provided for in the Act. In the interactive session, participants noted the exclusion of the media and civil society in the National Cyber security Advisory Council and the fact that the regulatory bodies, which are yet to be established, are dominated by Government officials.

Participants also noted the lack of awareness of the public about the Cyber law and the need for stakeholder groups to embark on the education of their constituent membership on the law.

The SLAJ President said public education on Cyber law is crucial because the implementation of the law has already started, and the national elections during which the cyber law is expected to be effectively used are fast approaching.

Participants agreed on the following next steps:

  • That advocacy should start with the establishment and operation of regulatory bodies provided for in the Act.
  • That SLAJ should work with the Sierra Leone Bar Association to simplify the contents of the Cyber Security and Crime Act 2021 and raise awareness about its provisions.
  • Engage traditional and religious authorities, schools, colleges and universities using simple languages and infographics.
  • Bring in the private sector to support public education drive on the cyber law.
  • Issues affecting the work of media should be highlighted to see how the law affects the work of journalists, especially investigative journalism.
  • Use of Editorials, Articles, Jingles, radio and TV discussion programmes using the local languages to educate the public, the majority of whom are illiterate.
  • SLAJ should engage and partner with student unions to target University students who are mostly social media savvy.
  • Mobile Network Operators and ISPs should support public education on the law and tighten security around SIM cards to crack down on SIM box fraud and fake and faceless bloggers.
  • Public education should also target community people, ghettos, Ataya bases, car wash youths, drivers’ union, bike riders’ union, Kekeh drivers’ union, among others.
  • IMC, NATCOM and SLAJ should pay attention to online platforms operated by Sierra Leoneans living in the Diaspora but targeting the audience in Sierra Leone.
  • SLAJ should also engage and partner with the Entertainment industry to raise awareness.
  • Cyber security courses should be included in the University curriculum.
  • High schools should start teaching ICT, which will include aspects of cyber security and crime.
  • Divide advocacy and awareness-raising into thematic areas. For example, target boys and girls; to ensure that they go into the internet and come out safe.

Meanwhile, according to Nasralla, the engagement session is the first of three workshops that would be held for stakeholders to continue to raise awareness about Cyber law and its provisions.

 To Avoid further Economic Disruptions… It Makes Sense to Subsidize Fuel Just as Education is Subsidized

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio

By Amin Kef Sesay

Certainly, the Petroleum Regulatory Agency by a recent public statement wants Government to approve a further increase of the pump price of fuel in the country, giving comparative prices of the substance in other African countries.

Certainly, it makes sense to remove fuel subsidy on the argument that it will reduce Government expenditure and free fiscal space for spending on other things.

Yet what crucially the Government, in taking the decision, should ask itself is: how would further fuel increase affect the economy and particularly the poor who still make up more than half of the population?

From past experience, obviously, an increase in the price of fuel would increase the cost of transportation, increase transport fares as well as increasing the cost of producing and transporting manufactured and agricultural goods.

These price rises would finally be passed on to consumers resulting in inflation which for the poor is already unbearable.

As inflation increases, the cost of borrowing and the cost of capital will automatically tend to increase, which can have a long-term impact as well.

Rising fuel prices also increases import pressures for the Government. This leads deficits to go up, which eventually leads to a fall in value of the Leone.

Increase in fuel price would also lower GDP. Aggregate real household consumption will fall consequent of further increase in the price of petroleum products.

Urban and high income households suffer the most as higher petrol and diesel prices increase household spending both directly or indirectly.

The impact of fuel inflation is more visible in the urban economy.

Significantly, when gasoline prices increase, a larger share of households’ budgets is likely to be spent on it, which leaves less to spend on other goods and services. The same goes for businesses whose goods must be shipped from place to place.

An increase in the fuel levy from experience has led to households experiencing decreased income, employment and returns to factors used for production. Looking at the production side, firms are affected by fuel prices as their input costs depend on transportation and some petroleum products.

How does an increase in the price of petrol affect producers and consumers?

When the economy is weak, increased petrol prices means it becomes more expensive to move produce and other foods across the country, and that cost is eventually passed onto the consumer.

Also, the Government will bear a huge burden in increased cost of buying fuel for Government owned vehicles.

A subsidy is a direct or indirect payment to individuals or firms, usually in the form of a cash payment from the Government or a targeted tax cut.

In economic theory, subsidies can be used to offset market failures and externalities to achieve greater economic efficiency.

Thus, overall, when Government subsidy of fuel is sustained, the economy runs at a lower cost generally allowing producers to produce more goods and services.

It will also have the effect of keeping the cost of food stable, putting on hold increase in transport cost, house rents, etc.

 

For Death of Former AIG Chris Charlie…   Government of Sierra Leone to Respond in High Court to Allegation of Medical Negligence

By Amin Kef Sesay

Wife of the late AIG Joseph Pizarro Christian Charley (popularly known as AIG Chris Charley), Florence Charley, has sued the Minister of Health And Sanitation, the Medical Superintendent (Officer In Charge) of 34 Military Hospital, and the Attorney General & Minister of Justice at the High Court of Sierra Leone.

The Writ of Summons issued by Marrah and Associates on the 7th February 2022 is jointly and severally against the Defendants for the following: General Damages for medical negligence occasioning the death of the late Joseph Pizarro Christian Charley, any further or other relief that the Court may deem fit, just and thirdly, for incurred costs.

Particulars of the claim states that the Plaintiff was legally married to Joseph Pizarro Christian Charley until his death on the 11th June 2020.
Furthermore, that the deceased was an officer in the Sierra Leone Police and retired at the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police adding how until his untimely demise, the deceased was ordinarily resident at 13 Allen Street, Freetown.

It continued that on the 10th June, 2020, the deceased was taken to the 34 Government Hospital after complaining of weakness, loss of taste, smell, coughing and shortness of breath.

The deceased was transmitted to the said 34-Military Hospital, the legal team underscored, because it was a designated COVID-19 hospital.
It also maintained that the deceased did not receive any proper care in the hands of the medical personnel at the 34-Military Hospital by reason of the lack of necessary medical equipment/facilities and inefficient or poor monitoring of the deceased’s oxygen saturation level which caused his brain to be starved of needed oxygen.
Also, that the deceased was negligently attended to by the medical personnel at the said 34 Government Military Hospital which precipitated his death less than 48 hours of admission at the said hospital.

With regards the particulars of medical negligence, the legal representatives of the complainant, Florence Charley, stated that the deceased was taken to the isolation unit/center of the said 34 Military Hospital on the 10th June 2020 and was placed on oxygen and as at that time his oxygen saturation was at eighty-four percent (84%) and kept on declining to seventy-seven percent.

It also stated that the broad spectrum antibiotics of Azithromycin and Ceftriaxone were administered to the deceased shortly after he was admitted.

They maintained that the isolation ward had new Oxygen concentrators, but no oxygen cylinder. The concentrators, according to them, did not deliver adequate oxygen support since the oxygen saturation of the deceased was not increasing.
That the deceased’s relative, Dr. Foday Morovia obtained another oxygen cylinder from Choithram’s hospital on which the deceased was placed subsequently,

They also pointed out that the deceased’s oxygen then rose again from 77 to 84% but that he was still below 90%. That the said Dr. Morovia enquired severally whether the doctors or the nurses had High Flow Oxygen or a Bipap Machine but their response was in the negative.
The said Dr. Monrovia, based on what the lawyers said, had to leave the hospital because of the curfew, that about 5am on 11th June 2020, the deceased telephoned Dr. Morovia that the oxygen cylinder that he had brought from Choithram’s hospital was empty as he was no longer feeling the air coming out of the cylinder.

The said Dr Morovia, it was also stated,  called the duty doctor to make arrangement for another oxygen canister since the oxygen concentrator was not delivering enough oxygen into the deceased. That the deceased was for several hours placed on the oxygen concentrator until the oxygen cylinder arrived and after the curfew ended, the said Dr. Morovia came back to the hospital between 6 and 7am but met the deceased in more respiratory distress.

Dr. Morovia then left to inquire about the result of the COVID test of the deceased which was taken the previous day. By the time Dr. Morovia came back, it was stated, the deceased did not have any pulse, was not breathing and had lost consciousness and was visibly gasping for air. That the said Dr. Morovia and some other doctors tried to perform CPR to resuscitate the deceased, but he could not survive.

The legal representatives categorically stated that  by reason of the particulars of negligence, the Defendants failed in their duty of care towards the deceased through the negligence and/or omissions of the medical personnel on duty at the time the deceased was admitted until his demise at the 34 Military Hospital. They also stated that the estate of the deceased has in consequence suffered loss and damages as a result of the conduct of the Defendants.

NP-SL: From an Humble Beginning to a Towering Petroleum Marketing Company

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

Going down memory lane it could be recalled that the Shareholders of one of the vibrantly functioning importing and marketing petroleum business entities in the country, the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), were mainly members of staff of the former British Petroleum (BP) Company, of which the latter sold its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone at that material time in the history of the country, way back over twenty years back ago.

In 1996 Government sold its 60% shares to these members of staff who were working for the British Petroleum Company. 55 % of the shares were paid upfront from the end of service benefits of the workers of BP and the 5% offered to all the other workers.
It must be noted that the 55% sale of Government’s shares came as a result of the World Bank’s advice to privatize .

Since that time NP-SL Ltd was born and became a purely indigenous owned company.

There is not a single iota of doubt that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is currently the premier oil marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.

The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.

One of the laid down policies of the company is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied.

Indeed, it is in that light that a conscious move was made to make the company’s Filling Stations very attractive and welcoming. Built in state of the art fashion, painted with yellow and green paints, these sales points are very spacious to accommodate fleet of vehicles, are very eye catchy and in some of them there are shopping marts where customers could purchase basic items and even relax to socialize.

To promote transparency and win the trust of its numerous customers as well as match up with international standards, it was decided on the part of the company to invest so much in procuring and installing calibrated pumping machines. These have the capacity to pump the exact quantity of fuel in vehicles and containers to the utmost satisfaction of buyers.

One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.

If today NP Gas is going at the pace of a Supersonic Jet, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.

What is much talked about today is the NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.

“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.

The company stands tall for having vibrant branches operating in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are operating efficiently, offering jobs and paying taxes to Governments.

NP-SL indeed has a humble beginning but today it has become a towering company with supported Filling Stations in almost all the districts in the country offering qualitative and timely services to its numerous customers. Management is determined to continue to make more inroads within the petroleum landscape of the country.

Housemates Salone Season 3 Gears Up to Empower Young Sierra Leoneans

Housemates Salone Season 3.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

The entertainment show that will definitely eclipse and dwarf others in the entertainment industry will definitely be Housemates Salone Season 3 which was recently launched by Africell-SL and AYV Media Empire, Housemates Salone Season 3 with the slogan: “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”.

When the Reality TV Show will actually commence in earnest, in the not distant future,  it will be shown live on your TV screens and via other social media platforms across the country. As AYV Media Empire recently sealed an arrangement with DStv to show some of its contents on that platform, Housemates Salone Season 3 will be streamed live on DStv Channel 399, which is an unprecedented development in the broadcasting history of this country.

This is a show which no one can miss to watch because it is slated in such a way to bring fun, provoke laughter and evoke heated discussions in various social circles as the episodes begin to unfold.

The participating Housemates will be  drawn from various  backgrounds in and out of the country to fervently compete among themselves in order to win the likes and minds of viewers who will be at liberty to vote for them as many times as they wish with the expectation that their favourites will emerge as the ultimate winners. As the Show progresses Africell will disclose the way and pattern of voting by members of the public.

What at the end of the day the ultimate winner will heartily and elatedly bag is the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and he or she will be availed the opportunity to go on a round trip to Dubai.

Applications are now open for interested individuals who want to be part of the show as Housemates before the commencement of auditions.

Application forms are now available online on AYV and Africell platforms. To apply, please click the following links :  https://www.africell.sl/housemates/

www.ayvnews.com

Please note that before you go online to apply make sure you have 204,000 Leones minimum on your Afrimoney phone and then go on to complete the form online using the phone number that has the 204,000 Leones as your contact number and automatically Afrimoney will take 200,000 Leones as form cost and then you submit successfully.

The detailed application form is to properly evaluate an interested person’s qualifications as a suitable candidate for Housemates Salone.

An applicant must make sure to answer all questions correctly and honestly in the form otherwise he or she will automatically be disqualified from the selection process if any of the answers turns out to be untruthful or if requested information is withheld. Closing date for submission of applications is 10th March 2022.

Members of the public must know that their votes matter and they must step up the pace at which they should vote for their favourite Housemates when that stage is reached.

The responsibility of galvanizing support from the public squarely lies on the shoulders of the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”. They should take the campaigns to all the nook and cranny of the country to convince individuals that their Housemates deserve the best.

According to the organizers, this 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 will serve as a conduit through which the Housemates are taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters.

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

These competitors will be given the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests from certain corporate institutions will teach them, learn 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, Housemates Salone is a kind of refinery where the competitors will go 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 going to bring loads of   smiles and evoke animated discussions among the young and old in various social circles.

 HEALTH GOALS: The Amazing Guide to Getting Stronger and Healthier in 2022

QNET
QNET

Some people thought January would never come to an end. Some have joked that January is a year in its own right. This is because many people spend their December salaries and savings in December and early January, and thus end up with a lot of bills and responsibilities. This has a way of affecting their mental and spiritual well-being.

Surprisingly, it’s February already and it seems so fast that it will end in a few days.

It is with relief that we walk away from 2021, marked by a seemingly endless global pandemic, lockdowns and, ultimately, a lot of time spent at home. But in many ways, 2021 has opened our eyes to the importance of prioritizing ourselves and our physical, spiritual, and mental well-being.

Popular trends on Google search in 2021 showed that most of us were looking for ways to “heal” and be healthy. This energy must not stop with the end of 2021. There is no better way to start 2022 than to be stronger, healthier and on a better footing to face all the challenges ahead. The best part is that you can identify healthy goals and positive habits and it can start at home.

Lay the foundations

Big fitness ambitions are usually abandoned after a month or so, not for a lack of good intentions, but because they’re often too vague, too ambitious, or too difficult to sustain. So before hitting the nearest gym or jumping into the latest diet trend, remember that a great first step is to lay the groundwork.

Begin to understand what healthy goals you would like to achieve and list them. More importantly, how realistic and achievable are these goals, and what short-term steps would you need to get there? Other things to consider include possible challenges, whether outside forces or your weaknesses and temptations, that could sabotage your mission.

Next, what habits, tools, and practices will you need in your daily routine to help you achieve the changes you desire?

Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate!

It’s no secret that water is essential for the body. It keeps us hydrated, maintains our body temperature, eliminates waste, keeps our joints lubricated, and, in short, keeps our body and its organs functioning properly. Yet the truth is that most adults don’t get enough water daily for a variety of reasons. Some are so busy working too hard that they simply forget to drink water, while others struggle to keep track of their water intake. Some just don’t know how much water to drink per day. The general rule is 2.7 to 3.7 liters of fluid per day. This comes from water, drinks and even food, which makes up about 20% of our daily fluid intake. For a healthier start to 2022, make sure you get enough water daily.

While wellness is the watchword, you can also take steps to ensure the water you drink is free of chemicals and pollutants. If bottled water isn’t an option, boiling water to kill pathogenic organisms and other matter is the next smart step. Preferably, you can use a home water purification system such as QNET’s HomePure Nova water filtration system. It’s easy to install and passes tap water through nine layers of filtration, so the water you drink is 99.9999% free of bacteria and viruses, as well as microplastics and other fine sediments, chemicals and heavy metals.

Food Management

“You are what you eat” is a popular phrase, but the sad reality is that ignorance or lack of preparation can lead to many dangerous, hard to maintain, or yo-yo tendencies in an effort to eat clean and healthy. improve health.

Knowing your exercise and health goals is key to determining what you need to do in terms of food intake. Establishing sustainable eating habits, such as maintaining a plant-based diet, can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes – and guide you towards achieving your goals. for this year.

Creating and maintaining healthy eating habits is also less daunting when you have company. Some companies, such as QNET, are championing sustainable meatless policies in the office, making it easier for employees to begin their journey to better health and wellbeing through a collective movement.

QNET also offers an innovative weight management program – BELITE123 – which helps maintain metabolism, reduce hunger pangs, detoxify the body and boost immunity in a simple three-part step that is easy to incorporate into your everyday routine. Based on natural ingredients such as green tea, berries, African mango and peppermint, BELITE123 also improves gut health and cholesterol levels in the body. Other healthy diets to consider could be the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, or even the Paleo diet.

The main advice is to do your research first and make sure the plan you choose fits your needs, wants and lifestyle. Always get regular checkups with doctors or nutritionists to make sure you are staying healthy.

Healthy air, healthy mind and body

Apart from the food we eat and the water we drink, we must not neglect the air we breathe. The problem is that with smog, fossil fuels and greenhouse gases, virtually all of us are subject to a number of air pollutants the moment we step outside.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of ten people breathe in high levels of pollution. Meanwhile, up to seven million people die prematurely each year due to outdoor and household air pollution. Although we have little control over indoor or outdoor air, we can control the air in our homes. One simple way is to invest in suitable houseplants.

Not only do they work wonders for sprucing up the home, but plants like philodendrons and peace lilies can also flush out spores, harmful chemicals and more, which will help your lungs, sleep and well-being. general.

And then there are air purifiers like HomePure Zayn, which remove most indoor pollutants and allergens. HomePure Zayn uses electrostatic, UV light and ultra-plasma ion filter technology to rid indoor air of electromagnetic fields generated by household appliances. The result? Cleaner, recharged air throughout the day for maximum benefits.

In the end, it all may seem like a lot of small steps just to get started. But taking these small steps will ensure you start the year off on a solid, healthier footing. Why? So you can achieve your goals with the right mindset, structure, and better discipline, which will ultimately allow you to stick to the landing for more satisfying results.

FBC Concerned Students Writes President FBC SUG

President of the Students’ Union Government, Fourah Bay College, Adama Sillah.jpg

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Concerned students of Fourah Bay College has on Monday 21st February 2020 written a letter to the President of the Students’ Union Government, Fourah Bay College, Adama Sillah requesting for a comprehensive update on the activities of the Students’ Union Government, Fourah Bay College (hereinafter known as SUG) to the general student  body of Fourah Bay College.

The Concerned Students maintained that the request is coming after a plethora of students called for updates, adding that the campaigns that led to her election were really engaging and in several of her interviews or debates, she vehemently stated that she will look into the accusations of financial malfeasance against her predecessor and update the general student populace on the financial status of the Student Union Government.

“Eight months into your Government, we have not had a single student union meeting. In fact, we are deeply concerned that your Government doesn’t have a database of members of the Union. Let me hasten to remind you that not every student is a member of the Union and that only those who have paid the Student Union fees are bona fide members of the union”, they stated.

The Concerned Students pointed out that in lieu of the above, part II, Section 2 (1) of the Right to Access Information Act of 2013 requires that; “Every person has the right to access information held by or under the control of public authority.” Information is reformation and it is in nexus with part II, Section 2(1) that they wrote to request information which should be provided by documentary proof on the following matters as stated hereunder:

The students pointed out that they wish to know the number of students who are members of the union since governance is continuity; they demand a comprehensive financial update on what was raised from student union fees from the Bona-led administration to present. Being that from 2012/13 academic year to 2017/18 academic year there was no functioning union, and the administration was still charging students union fees.

They continued that they demand information on how much the Bona-led administration inherited, expenditure of the funds within that time frame and what was expended on as explained by the university and that the SAFO will also be specifically written with regards same, furthering that within the last three years, several social functions were organized by the former Government and her current administration without any follow-up report on the process of the functions and the gains accrued from them and that as much as they demand information on the dinner and award programs organized by Bona, the farewell dinner and award organized for members of his Executive and the Mr. & Miss FBC Beauty Pageant that was organized by her Government last year as that was the maiden activity since her ascension to power.

“We further request information on any monies that was disbursed into the Union by the Administration as sponsorship or Union funds, revenues generated from ticket sales, sponsorship, donations and withdrawals from the Union’s account if there is one. Also, we hereby requested documents for all projects written and those sponsored. Whether funds were transferred to the Union’s account as sponsorship or from Union funds (if any) for implementation, any procurement process undertaken and an inventory list of all items donated to the union,” they pointed out .

The Concerned Students noted that it is evident that three years ago, the college had three functional buses but at the time of them writing this letter, none of those buses are operational and that in fact, the University has been reduced into a mere parking site if not to say garage.

“Consequently, we demand receipts or ticket books relating to the operations of these buses for the last three years, revenues generated, and expenses made from the funds generated by same. Believing that the SUG prides itself on transparency, accountability, spotless and flawless integrity and also believing that you have not forgotten that the SUG Constitution unequivocally made the Students of Fourah Bay College the Supreme authority, we wish to score in aptness that; it will be expedient and prudent enough you furnish the students of Aureole with these pressing information as they border on accountability and transparency in student leadership which has been a living breath of fresh air as far as student politics is concerned,” they concluded.

Copies of this letter were sent to the Vice Chancellor and Principal, the Warden of Students and the Right to Access Information Commission.

This writer contacted the President Students’ Union Government, Fourah Bay College, Adama Sillah in relation to the said letter but she inform this medium that she has not received a copy of the letter and that she only saw it on social media. On the other hand the Concerned Students revealed that the letter was sent to her email through the Students’ Union Government email address the letter was also sent to the Minister of information FBC SUG.

AfriMoney and Ecobank Launch “Push and Pull  Service”

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid to enhance financial inclusion in the country, AfriMoney, an appendage of Africell Sierra Leone in collaboration with The Pan African Bank, Ecobank Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 launched the “Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” Service (Push & Pull Service) during an auspicious event held at Ecobank’s Headquarters on Lightfoot Boston Street in Freetown.

In his welcome address, Head of Customer Experience at Ecobank, Augustine Sankoh, said that as Bank they are excited to collaborate with AfriMoney to launch the Bank To Wallet and Wallet To Bank” service which he described as historic, adding that the launch means they are turning another corner (achieving another milestone) in their digital aspirations.

He stated that with the emergence of new technologies, Ecobank has always been at the forefront in the Banking industry in the country, delivering reliable payment solutions and convenient channels that will not only bring convenience to their customers but also bridge the gap between the banked and the unbanked, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

In his statement, the Director of AfriMoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei, expressed how elated they are to announce the launch the Bank to Wallet, Wallet to Bank service partnership in collaboration with the Ecobank.

He underscored that with the launch of the service it will allow AfriMoney subscribers with Bank Accounts at Ecobank to be able to transfer money from their Bank Accounts to their Mobile Money Wallets and from their Mobile Money Wallets to their Bank Accounts vice versa at the comfort of their zones. He further informed all that from subscribers’ AfriMoney account they can be able to check their bank account balance.

Oh her part, the Managing Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, L. Aina Moore, said the launch is a milestone that started quite a while ago. She maintained that Ecobank prides itself as a digital leader in most of the digital products in Sierra Leone today maintaining how they are happy to state that they were the forerunner.

She noted that in contemporary times, digitalization is not a choice and that if people think that they could move on with their life without digitalization they are making a mistake and that as a bank they believe that banking is no longer where you go but is what you do.

  1. Aina Moore noted that with this partnership between Ecobank and AfriMoney customers can move money, pay for services, check their balances and even ask the bank to send their statements via email at the comfort of their homes.

The Managing Director revealed that the platform will enable their esteemed customers to conduct financial transactions securely and efficiently without going through the normal hassle of queuing in the banking hall but can conduct transactions within their comfort zones at any time by using their mobile phones.

Dilating on how the service works Marcus Berdie disclosed that AfriMoney subscribers holding  Ecobank Accounts will have to visit the nearest Branches to link their AfriMoney Money Accounts to their Ecobank Accounts.

She said after a successful linkage these are the processes to follow:

He disclosed that the subscribers must dial *161# then Select Option 3 Ecobank and then Choose: Bank to Wallet Transfer, Wallet to Bank or Balance Enquiry. Enter the Amount of money in LE they want to transfer, enter pin numbers to confirm the transfer of LE xxxx Leones wait for confirmation message (SMS). And the same replicate for Wallet to Bank.

The official launching of the Bank to Wallet and Wallet To Bank service was done by the Corporate Affairs Officer at Africell Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura, the Director of AfriMoney, Martison Obeng-Agyei and the Managing Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone, L. Aina Moore.

PFSL National Impact Conference in Bo was a Huge Success

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By Esther Wright

In line with the one Lord, one Faith and one Baptism spirit, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL) has held its first historic National Impact Conference in the Southern Province of Bo.

The conference which theme was: “Breaking Limits and Taking Territories”,  took place at the Higher Ground Ministries, Kendeyama Road, Bo City from the 17th to the 19th February, 2022.

PFSL first held its National Impact Conference in Freetown last year while Bo City hosted it for the first time in the provinces.

In his address, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Sierra Leone (PFSL), Bishop Akintayo Sam-Jolly described the National Impact Conference which was their first major conference of such nature, as a great breakthrough.

He said they had held conferences under the leadership of their predecessor, and it had gone from stage to stage, but the nature of this National Impact Conference has taken them to yet another level.

The National Impact Conference saw people coming from all over the country to witness it in their numbers. This the PFSL President described as a great indication that they have progressed to yet another step where they are able to take the conference to the region.

“So once we step out we will continue,” he stated.

He recalled that in 2021 PFSL focused on familiarization, where they toured the country and established regional branches but this year they are holding conferences in the provinces which he cited as a stepping stone to strengthen churches, the Body of Christ and also will help them take territories for Jesus.

The PFSL President disclosed that the conferences will be held between two to three months’ based on the province until they cover the entire country.

“I believe there is going to be a major shift in the heavenly realm. When the nation is blessed the church will be blessed, when the nation is released from yoke and curses, the nation also is released from curses.  Right now elections are around the corner and if we do not deal with the plans and intentions of the enemy against this nation, we are doomed.  Because many are waiting for bloodshed while many others are waiting to do things in a carnal and demonic way and we are forestalling the work of darkness. For Churches I believe, they are going to fulfill the assignment which God Has called us to do.”

Bishop Sam-Jolly commended the Southern province chapter for doing an excellent job; therefore, calling on others to prepare.

He added that there is need for Pentecostals to come together under one umbrella, as it will not take away from them their various ministries.

“Let us be one body. Christianity is not about Freetown, PFSL is not about Freetown and we have a national/global assignment. Let us begin with our own Jerusalem along Samaria and then we can hit to the end of the earth.”

Apostle Augustine S. Kamara, National Head of the Church of Pentecost Sierra Leone and Vice President of PFSL said they realized that since the Fellowship started it was mainly based in Freetown but they felt that they will create more impact if they come to the provinces through that they decided to hold conferences across the provinces.

He spoke about the commitment of young men to uphold the Fellowship.

“We need everybody and we want to involve everyone. The Bo conference is very much impactful in the way of attendance, teachings of which we appreciate God for.”

He disclosed that from what they have seen, the churches are ready to mobilize for any impact conference because most of the teachings have been very impactful and gracious.

Rev. Jeremiah Nyakoh, PFSL Regional Coordinator, South, expressed joy for hosting such a conference for the first time.

He said organizing such event was not a day’s business but one that took days.

“I mapped and divided Bo City into zones when I was appointed to office. I have 11 zones and every corner of Bo has a PFSL representative and leaders of those zones are responsible to spread PFSL across the City.”

His expectation was to get a greater turn around harvest of ministries after the Conference.

Bishop Sam-Jolly taught on “Destroying National Strongholds, Order and Glory and Warring for God’s Territory”.

Rev. Rabbi Tamba Mbayo taught on “The Call to and the Price of Fellowship and The Relevance of Church in National Issues.

Apostle Jimmy Yambasu taught on “Prayer – A Force and Tool for Territory Taking”,  Rev Jeremiah Nyakoh taught on “Breaking Limits of Unity”, Apostle Augustine Kamara taught on “The Call to Strategic Mission”,  Apostle Siaka Kamara taught on The Cell System,

Rev Ade Beckley taught on “Rebuilding Broken Walls of Relationship”, Rev Rashid Turay taught on “Leadership and Partnership”.

Report on provincial activities, warfare prayers for territorial dominion and appointment of officers formed part of the three days’ conference.

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