Finance Ministry, World Bank Launch Accountable Governance for Basic Services Delivery Project

February 21, 2022

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Accountable Governance for Basic Services Delivery Project (AGBSDP) was officially launched by the Ministry of Finance in close collaboration with the World Bank on the 15^th February 2022 during a hybrid/Video Conference ceremony.

The Project materialized out of a $40 million IDA grant that was approved in 2021 and became effective on the 25th January 2022.

It has four components; systems and skills – USD$15.75M; local development financing – USD$19M; integrated data platforms and citizen engagement – USD$3.25M; and project management and implementation support – USD$2M.

According to the World Bank Senior Public Sector Specialist, Lida Bteddini, in an online presentation, the project is an added grant to improving resource management, transparency, and accountability on the governance system.

She added that the project seeks to address some issues identified as challenges to services at the Local Government level like fragmented institutional structures, weak coordination, limited or delay utilization of local budget, data management systems for record-keeping, improved Government ability for result and increase in public finances.

According to Lida Bteddini, the project would support public service delivery at a local level and advance key oversight mechanisms including services, feedback, and data management system, stating that a key component of the project is to improve citizens’ engagement at the local Government level.

In his statement, the Deputy Minister of Finance 1, Sheku F. Bangura said the project design is vast and meant to deepen the interventions in strengthening the capacity of local councils.

He added that he is delighted to launch solid and well-reformed interventions thereby touching critical areas identified as weaknesses in the effectiveness of delivery of basic services at the local level.

He added that the project has some critical support that is very crucial in building the country’s systems like the accountability structures, internal audit architecture within Government, and others. Noting that even though, the project touches so many other ministries and agencies, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should own the process in providing strong oversight within the Local Government System on delivery services across the board.

Deputy Minister, Sheku F. Bangura, added that the Ministry of Finance has played a central role in the effective coordination of all the agencies that are overseeing different components in the projects. Thereby commits the Ministry’s support the project is being executed effectively and efficiently.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Tamba Lamina appreciated the World Bank support and stated that they have been an integral part of the process.

As the supervising Ministry, he noted that their system should be strengthened in monitoring the 22 local councils especially on activities that are currently undertaken by the local councils.

The World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge said he is a firm believer of accountability, transparency, and service delivery hence the implementation of the project.

The issue of weaknesses in the systems once tackled, he said, would lead to better service delivery for the citizens of Sierra Leone.

“I believe with the leadership at the Ministry of Finance and a strong steering committee we can deliver on all the components of the project in four years instead of the Six-year project timeline,” he added.

Principal Deputy Financial Secretary Mathew Dingie in his statement touched on the effectiveness of the project and stated that the Government has met all the project conditions by recruiting core project staff through an open and competitive process and developing the annual work plan that has been approved.

He said he is committed to the implementation of the project within the project timeline, stating that the Accountable Governance for Basic Services delivery Project is a taste case to show that Government can implement a project within the project time frame.

Sick Pikin Aids Hawa Sesay & Sylvia Kamara to undergo Surgeries in India

February 21, 2022

Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles updated pressmen about the imminent departure of Hawa Sesay

By Foday Moriba Conteh

During a Press Conference convened at the Caritas Office, within the St. Edward’s School Compound at Kingtom on Friday 11^thof February 2022, the Lead Coordinator of Sick Pikin Project, Ishmael Alfred Charles updated pressmen about the imminent departure of Hawa Sesay, who is suffering from Fistula which she developed from a bike accident and Sylvia Kamara who is also suffering from Neurofibromatosis type 2. He informed that they will be departing the shores of Freetown on Saturday 12th February 2022 for New Delhi in India for surgery to be done on them at the Max Super Specialty Hospital.

Ishmael Alfred Charles disclosed that, as always, the Sick Pikin Project usually convene such meetings to inform the general public about the latest strides that the organization had undertaken or wants to undertake and try to identify as well as express gratitude to those who are investing their resources to support their project as well as those who are also giving their moral support to the project.

The Lead Coordinator intimated that the reason they decided to hold the press conference is to inform the general public that they are sending two children again for medical treatments and they will be leaving for New Delhi, India.

He pointed out that the two children that will be undergoing surgeries, Hawa Sesay who is suffering from Fistula, which she developed as a result of a bike accident, and Sylvia Kamara who is also suffering from Neurofibromatosis type 2 and there is no way that their surgeries could be done in Sierra Leone.

Ishmael Alfred Charles expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, disclosing that the Ministry provided the bulk of the funds to enable them to facilitate the treatment of Hawa Sesay and Sylvia Kamara in India.

He concluded by using the opportunity to update pressmen about three children, who also departed the country in January 2022 for India for treatment. They are Ezekiel Mammy, Treasure Jusu and Shadrack Bangura of which he said the three of them have undergone surgeries and they are doing well.

Idrissa Kamara, father of Sylvia Kamara extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the Sick Pikin Project and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for coming to their aid in order to support his child get proper medical treatment in India.

He revealed that they noticed the deformity on Sylvia at the tender age of 2 years and since then they have exhausted all their efforts to have her cured but to no avail, adding that the deformity has affected her schooling as in most cases her colleagues make a mockery of her which has made school very uncomfortable for her.

The Father expressed optimism that his child will go to India and undergo the surgery successfully.

Mohamed J. Kanneh, who happens to be the Guadiana of Hawa Sesay also showered praises on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and the Sick Pikin Project for facilitating the treatment of Hawa Sesay in India.

He also narrated the story of Hawa Sesay of which he said on the 24^th March 2021 she was involved in a bike accident in Kenema and since then her condition has deteriorated and unbearable for her as they continue to refer her from one medical facility to another.

Mohamed J. Kanneh stated that they are very happy that the Sick Pikin Project came to their rescue in order to enable Hawa to be treated in India saying they are with the strong conviction that she will undergo her surgery in India successfully.

234 Cases Discharged during Judicial Week

February 21, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, in a statement it released on the 17^th February 2022, discloses that it wishes to inform the general public that during the nationwide Judicial Week commencing on the 31st January, 2022 to 4^th February, 2022, eight hundred and seventy (870) cases were processed by the Court.

Out of that number, four hundred and twenty-three (423) were from the provinces and the remaining four hundred and forty-seven (447) were processed in the Western Area.

It continued that the Access to Justice through Judicial Week was a huge success with a large number of cases handled and completed by 26 Judges who were deployed across the Country.
The Judiciary underscored that in a bid to increasing access to justice and decongesting Correctional Centres across the country, a total number of eight hundred and seventy cases (870) inmates had the opportunity of their incarcerations being reviewed through prolonged adjournments, bail variation, bail application, summary review and habeas corpus application.

It furthered how as part of the Chief Justice’s commitment to enhance access to justice, inmates/accused persons or some convicted persons have the opportunity to be heard, and their cases reviewed by specific Judges deployed across the country.

Three hundred and seventy-four (374) inmates were granted bail to secure their release – two hundred and fifty-nine (259) in the provinces, one hundred and fifteen (115) in the Western Area.

Also stated was that it should be noted that the initial number of incarcerated inmates was one thousand and thirteen (1,013). The number later increased to one thousand one hundred and seventy-five (1,175) inmates. Out of this number (1,175), the total number of prolonged adjournments was one hundred and thirty-four (134) and ninety-three (93) were completed.

There were a total of one hundred and four (104) Summary Review cases, of which one hundred and one (101) were completed. Out of a total of one hundred and three (103) of the habeas corpus application, seventy-eight (78) without Indictments were completed and the remaining twenty-five (25) were referred to the Law Officers Department. A total of two hundred and thirty-four (234) nationwide were discharged.

Chief Justice Calls for Enhanced Interface between Judges & Lawyers

February 21, 2022

For Effective Administration of Justice…

His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has called for more interaction between Judges and Lawyers to ensure the effective administration of Justice.

The Chief Justice said that in a statement he was delivering during at the 2021 Annual General Meeting of the Sierra Leone Bar Association held at De Wizzard Conference Hall in Bo City on the 10th February 2022.

“The judge – lawyer relationship implies the cordial but respectful relationship that should exist between judges and lawyers as both play an important role in the administration of justice or effective delivery of justice,” he said.

Describing the relationship between the Bench and the Bar as one of “mutual respect,” he stressed that the continued existence of a cordial relationship between the two is pivotal in the effective administration of justice.

The Chief Justice further noted that “as officers of the court, the lawyers are required to maintain a respectful attitude toward the bench bearing in mind that the dignity of the judicial office is sine qua non to the existence proper and effective administration of justice.”

He added that while the primary duty of Judges is to administer justice among other things with the assistance of lawyers, lawyers as officers of the court have a duty to assist the court in the administration of justice.

Justice Edwards explained the set criteria to be Lawyer or Legal Practitioner in Sierra Leone and for a judge, he said that “to be a Judge would imply that a particular person is entitled to practice as counsel in a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Sierra Leone or any other country having a system of law analogous to that of Sierra Leone and approved by the Judicial and Legal Service Commission for a period of at least 10 years for a High Court Judge, 15 years standing for an Appeal Court Judge and 20 years standing for a Supreme Court Judge.”

He thanked the President and members of the Sierra Leone Bar Association for inviting him as a special guest to join this year’s celebration marking yet another Annual Bar Conference.

In his keynote address on the topic “The Legal Profession and the Restoration of Hope,” the Hon. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said development can only take place where there is a stable political and social order and therefore there is a resounding need to strengthen the Rule of Law.

“The rule of law is essential in building a democratic State and the only way to rebuild a State is to democratize it,” said Hon. Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh.

He went further to say that the justice sector has been confronted with serious challenges that have limited it capacity to administer justice.

In her vote of thanks, the Sierra Leone Bar Association President, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow thanked the Vice President for honouring the invitation to grace the annual conference. She also commended the Chief Justice and colleagues at the Bar.

“I rest assure you all that you’ll not be disappointed,” she concluded.

Tourism Ministry Prevails on Beach Bar Owners to Undertake Regular Cleaning

February 21, 2022

Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.jpg

By Foday Moriba Conteh

An important meeting was convened on the 15^th February 2022 by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its implementing agency, the National Tourist Board with Beach Bar owners at the Ministry’s Conference Room on Kingharman Road in Freetown during which time the Ministry expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner some of the latter are conducting businesses on the Beaches in Freetown.

Towards the end of the meeting, the Ministry gave an ultimatum to defaulters warning that if nothing positive is done to restore sanity and best practices at Lumley beach, Aberdeen and its environs then stringent measures will be instituted. The meeting was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room on Kingharman Road in Freetown.

The Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh informed those present that the meeting was summoned to discuss pressing issues relating to especially Lumley Beach of which he said the Ministry is not pleased. He also stated that the meeting is meant to announce new procedures in the operations of bars and other establishments at the beach.

Jalloh stated categorically that actions will be taken against those that have long-term ongoing construction, lands not utilized for at least over two years and investments or outlets requiring upgrading or face demolition.

On her part, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs,Dr. Memunatu Pratt, reminded Bar and Beach Owners that in 2018 a similar meeting was convened after which radio and newspaper announcements were placed admonishing owners to bring their documents to the Ministry which many failed to adhere to which prompted demolition.

The Minister maintained that there is a big difference between those that have the financial capability and the quality of design to those that have makeshift structures that do not match the hotels on the other side. Dr. Memunatu Pratt revealed that allocations given at Lumley beach are temporary which according to her could be withdrawn at anytime.

She lamented over the issues of theft, dirt and waste management around the beach saying that the owners of beach bars do not even clean the frontage of their bars something which she said could not be tolerated. She underscored that their aim is not to deprive anybody but are very much concern about getting the standards right.

Representatives of the Sierra Leone Police Force in attendance pledged their full support to whatever action the Ministry wants to take against defaulters in ensuring that sanity is restored on the Lumley beach.

At the end of the meeting the beach bars owners resolved to do the needful and take good care of the beach.

Enhanced Customer Care is at the Centre of NP-SL’s Modus Operandi

February 21, 2022

National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd).jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is a fact that NP-SL Ltd continues to optimize Customer Care on a high pedestal in everywhere the company has a presence. In no way can it be disputed that the National Petroleum- Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to be the leading petroleum marketing entity in the country. One thing which is outstanding about NP-SL Ltd is the fact that it does not take customer care for granted but rather does everything within its ambit to enhance it just in a bid to enhance maximum satisfaction and at the same time be maximizing profits.

Being an indigenous company that cherishes its numerous customers, NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which as a business entity it is effectively rolling out to such an extent that it has earned the company the enviable reputation of 1^st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated pumping machines in all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious business entity that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is truly a success story!

$50M Windfall for Sierra Leone’s Educational Sector –World Bank Regional Vice Discloses

February 21, 2022

Sierra Leone’s educational system will continue to receive the World Bank’s financial and technical support with the aim of making it functionally vibrant in order to deliver for its people.

This disclosure was made by the World Bank Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana at the Saint Luke’s Primary School, Wilberforce in Freetown during a visit to Sierra Leone on the 10^th February 2022.

“I am pleased that the World Bank has made the decision to allocate 50 million Dollars to support the education system in Sierra Leone. Education is at the center of our priorities for Sierra Leone; currently, we have a portfolio of 76.85 million dollars. This comes as an addition to the number of education projects that we have funded in Sierra Leone,” the Regional Vice President further disclosed.

He stressed the importance of education, noting that if dignitaries present are opportune to sit on the occasion high table it is all because they have the opportunity to go to school and benefit from excellent teachers, noting that coming from a developing country, if he can occupy such position is because of education.

“School is a game-changer; education system is a game-changer. I would like to commend the authorities in Sierra Leone for their vision of having an education system that is inclusive, accessible, and aims at achieving quality. I have the opportunity this morning to congratulate the President of Sierra Leone for allocating 22% of the country’s budget to education and I would also like to congratulate the Minister and the leadership of Basic and Senior Secondary Education for his leadership and vision,” he said.

He also commended the Government of Sierra Leone for making education accessible to the vulnerable groups, for providing teaching and learning materials to pupils/students, for creating an environment that will not only attract children but also retain them in the education system, for creating an environment that will make the pupils/students wake up every morning and be pleased to go school.

On his part, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Dr David Moinina Sengeh said the Ministry’s leadership decided to choose Saint Luke’s because it is one of the schools that the Ministry has implemented many of the activities they have with the World Bank Project.

He said one of the most exciting things is that they engage teachers and do a lot of teachers training from Pre Primary to Primary 1-3 and that is why the recent Early Grade Reading Assessment and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGRA/EGMA) study shows significant improvement, adding that this is very important because it lays the foundation necessary for any transformation across the country.

The Minister used the platform to launch the distribution of teaching and learning materials that have been procured by the Government of Sierra Leone. He stated that the teaching and learning materials will be going to schools and about 84% of schools in Sierra Leone are public schools.

“The items will be handed over to the School authority and the Management Committee (SMC) for these teaching and learning materials to be used by the pupils,” he said.

While explaining the status of implementation, the Sierra Leone Free Education Project (SL-FEP) Coordinator, Ambrose Sesay, said the Project Development Objective of the FEP is to improve management of the Education System, to Improve Teaching Practices, and improve Learning Conditions.

He said on improving the management of the Education System, School Catchment Area and Rationalization Plan is in place and associated transparent criterion-based school approval, and financing process implemented, adding that one National Learning Assessment (NLA) was conducted and findings disseminated.

He said on Improving Teaching Services, the percentage of teachers receiving project supported training, demonstrating improved teaching practices in the classroom.

And on improved learning conditions, he said the share of Performance-Based Funding was done leading to 85% of student attendance rate, noting that a significant number of students are benefiting from an improved learning environment (number female).

For Healthy Growth & Development of Babies… Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6months 400G is the Answer

February 21, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

For the healthy growth and development of children from 6 months old upwards Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6 months 400G has a high nutritious value, as it contains milk, 9 vitamins and iron.

Besides, it provides energy and essential nutrients for the healthy growth of children, is convenient, delicious and can be consumed any time of the day as well as prepared in several ways as a porridge, shake or with a favorite fruit.

With Nutrilac, infant cereal with milk, mothers can provide their children less than five years the right to be well nourished and healthy, because Nutrilac is a complete food that provides calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to ensure growth and child development.

Nutribom Infant Cereal is an excellent everyday food source ideal for a healthy balanced diet for babies from six months of age. Nutribom contains important vitamins such as iron; vitamins A, C & D and zinc to name a few. Easy to Digest! Easy to Prepare!

It’s very easy to make, just boil some water, pour in the recommended scoops of the infant baby cereal and stir until you have a good consistency.

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.

World Bank Regional Vice President Commends Govt.’s Transformative & Development Strides

February 21, 2022

Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, on the 10^th February 2022 successfully engaged President Dr Julius Maada Bio and other Senior Government officials as part of his official tour to West Africa.

Appointed on the 1^st July 2020, the Mauritanian-born is now leading relations with 22 countries and overseeing a portfolio of projects, technical assistance, and financial resources worth more than $38 billion.

The World Bank Regional Vice President thanked the Government and People of Sierra Leone for their kind reception, citing the many opportunities for growth, sustainable development and challenges it faced. He praised President Bio for his leadership in transforming and developing the country amidst the devastating effects of COVID-19.

He recalled that the Bank and Sierra Leone had a relationship spanning over 50 years and assured that they would continue to support the development activities of the country. He said that he stood in solidarity with the country during the Coronavirus pandemic and congratulated the country for progress made in curtailing the spread of the disease.

“Sierra Leone has seen some progress. When we were coming from the hotel, I have seen visible signs of stability. We have seen signs that give hope. We will like to be part of the cooperation that will translate them into real occasions for Sierra Leoneans. The pandemic has impacted the new country partnership framework but there is good implementation of agriculture, education, energy, health, social protection and human capital development projects worth nearly $1 billion,” he said.

In his response, President Bio thanked the World Bank Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa for his visit, adding that such visits would help him get firsthand information on the challenges facing Sierra Leone, one of the low-income member countries of the World Bank Group.

“I would also like to express my appreciation to the Bank for providing additional financing of $18.2 million for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. I look forward to additional support for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines nationwide,” he urged.

President Julius Maada Bio further noted that the Bank’s support toward the development of the proposed Land Administration Project and the Digital Transformation Project was timely, saying that his Government was looking forward to expediting the preparation for those projects.

He added that there is an urgent need to improve the management and governance of the land sector in Sierra Leone and continued that the implementation of the digital transformation project would also improve the efficiency of the Government’s operations and support private sector development.

“Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to thank the Executive Board, Management and Staff of the Bank for their unflinching support to the development aspirations of the Government and people of Sierra Leone,” he concluded.

At a separate meeting with over 20 Government Ministers and technical leads across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Chief Minister, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said because the Bank was providing over 60% of development financing to the country, they needed to discuss certain triggers before any development policy operation.

The Bank has been the country’s leading development partner, supporting major investments in many sectors and with its affiliate, IFC, it has also been a key supporter of various private sector activities. Total current World Bank Group portfolio for Sierra Leone stands at $1.1 billion, covering 17 national projects.

Housemates Salone Season 3 Applications Going at Breakneck Speed

February 21, 2022

By Amin Kef Sesay

Since Housemates Salone Season 3 was launched at the prestigious Lagoonda Entertainment Complex on the 13^th February 2022 by the African Young Voices Television and Africell-Sierra Leone, many young people, residing in the country and overseas, have expressed keen interest to be part of the Reality TV Show as Housemates.

Currently application is in progress as 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

It must be noted by all interested persons that 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 27^th February 2022.

It will interest many to know that young Sierra Leoneans living abroad have shown interest to enter the House as is evident from the many calls this medium had so far received, most seeking clarifications on areas that they have doubts.

One of such ambitious Sierra Leoneans is, Lolo Simeon, a top international modeling star who is considered to be the trailblazing force of fashion modelling in the world. She is residing in France and is the founder of Let Our Children Dream Foundation which helps change the mindset of children and let them know that they can dream big and become good citizens, to believe in their ability and willpower.

Lolo’s Foundation also gives support to the less privileged children across the city of Freetown including Lumley, Goderich, Devil Hole communities, etc.

Another that has manifested interest is Hawa Tombo, the wife of the controversial Sierra Leonean footballer Musa Tombo. She said she is all set to add salt and pepper to the Reality TV Show in order to make it spicy.

As the slogan of Housemates Salone Season 3 is: “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”, it is expected that there will be a lot of puzzling things which the Housemates will have to accomplish to make the show truly competitive and worth watching.

The Reality TV Show is slated in such a way that the competitors, Housemates, are availed opportunities to display their innate talents in many areas in ways of trying to outwit each other in order to get more likes. How the Housemates go about displaying their talents will largely determine the way they influence viewers to cast their votes for them. When the voting period commences viewers will do so through the information that will be provided by Africell-SL as it is through that avenue that voting, for the various Housemates, will be exclusively done.

As “Di Game Get Yagba”, participants must be prepared to excellently perform tasks assigned to them in impressive ways in order to gain attention and continue to reside in the House when the eviction stage commences.

One unique aspect of this Season 3 of Housemates Salone is that the Show will be live on DSTV as part of AYV Media Empire’s commitment to not only showcase but as well provide a bigger platform for Sierra Leone entertainers across the globe.

The show is set to be shown live on DSTV Channel 399 and it will be the first Sierra Leone Reality TV Show that will be shown to millions across the World through AYV’s new partnership with DSTV which means a bigger platform for entertainers to attract bigger opportunities.

Housemates Salone will feature 20 young guys and girls living together in an isolated house with no connection to the outside world and viewed live on broadcast TV and Radio, online Streaming (Social Media, YouTube) and AfriTV (IPTV) for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Against the aforementioned, Housemates Salone Season 3 is going to be big , interesting and highly competitive which is why it is important for those that have shown interest to be really prepared for the challenges ahead. Besides empowering the participants there is Le250M plus a round trip to Dubai at stake and up for grabs. If the capability is not there and the psychological fortitude is lacking and since “Di Game Get Yagba, If You Nor Able Na for Pull Hand”.