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Sierra Leone Police Updates the Press of its Latest Activities Undertaken

February 21, 2022

By Amin Kef-Sesay

The Sierra Leone Police held its usual Press Conference on the 10^th February 2022 at the its Headquarters’ Conference Room on George Street in Freetown during which topical issues, related to its activities in the country, that were making the big headlines were discussed.

One of those issues discussed was the demolition exercise it carried out at Tombo Park in order to pave the way for the construction of a modern market in Waterloo.

According to the Police between the hours of 2300 hours on the 9^th February 2022 to 0300 hours on the 10^th February 2022, they executed operation “Night Storm” at Tombo Park, Waterloo. The Press was further informed that during the exercise the Police provided the requisite security for the demolition of some makeshift structures along Waterloo, which as stated was a move made to ensure the construction of a modern market structure for the Waterloo Community and its environs.

Another issue that came up was the unlawful construction of speed bumps along major streets and roads. A senior engineer of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Tesslime Shyllon intimated the fourth estate that the construction of speed bumps on either streets or roads in cities and towns are strictly prohibited by the laws of the SLRA.

He emphasized that communities must seek the approval of SLRA through a written request by either a community head or a representative.

Shyllon added that communities wishing to construct speed bumps on roads or streets in cities and towns must apply to SLRA for justifiable reasons.

He concluded by noting that anyone who constructs speed bumps without the approval of SLRA commits an offence that is punishable by law.

Of particular interest was the issue related to the arrest of two people for aiding and abetting the escape of Baimba Moiforay who is popularly known as LA Chocolate for short LAC. It was disclosed to the Press that two immigration officials of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Abubakarr Sesay of No. 10Y Thompson Bay, Off Wilkinson Road, Freetown, and Michael Momoh Bassie of No. 15 Newcastle Street Kissy Freetown have been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape of Baimba Moiforay, aka LAC

According to Detective Superintendent of Police, Francis Lebbie, the Operations Officer at the Criminal Investigation Department, the two arrested suspects were suspected to have prepared a fake passport for LAC which virtually aided his travelling from the country.
It was, however, stated that the public will be updated as the investigation progresses.

The unlawful possession of firearms was also a topical issue discussed. The Police intimated newsmen that one Peter Sesay of NASSIT Estate at Goderich in Freetown was on the 6th February 2022, at 0720 hours, at No. 2 River Beach Freetown arrested for being in possession of one (1) Gluck nine (9) pistol loaded with 9 rounds bullets.

According to the Police, he was arrested and he is currently helping the Police with their investigations. The question and answer session formed the highpoint of the Press Conference.

Steadfastness in Optimal Service Delivery Has Made NP-SL a Household Name

February 21, 2022

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

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Steadfastness in optimal service delivery has made the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL-Ltd) one of the most outstanding and vibrant companies that is steadily operating, in thick and thin, in this country. Such largely emanates from the dogged determination on the part of 35 former employees of the then British Petroleum company, which decided to fold up its operations and sold shares, which these workers bought out of their end of service benefits and used as seed capital to commence the running of the now renowned NP-SL –Ltd.

Setting up the company was just one accomplished feat, but taking it from that level to where it is today, speaks volumes of the selflessness on the part of the shareholders, who were all Sierra Leoneans, to see their ‘baby’ grow and succeed up to an appreciable stage that they were yearning for. It is this selflessness on the part of the shareholders which eclipsed personal aggrandizement, misappropriation of funds, and insincerity to such an extent that the resultant effect culminated into an overall success story.

At this material point in time the company has bagged a whole lot of recognition for its outstanding performances in the line of marketing qualitative petroleum products. It stands to be contested that NP-SL Ltd is the number one oil marketing company in this country, which is equal to none, as it continues to break new frontiers in its expansionist drive.

When the name NP is called, what immediately comes to mind is First for Customer Care and this is not a mere masquerading in borrowed robes, but rather a true accomplishment of what the company fervently believes in and is striving towards maintaining. To the Shareholders and Management of the company, providing utmost satisfaction in its service delivery to its esteemed as well as numerous customers is just as important as importing petroleum products into the country. Keen consideration is given to marketing high grade products that customers utilize for the effective performances of vehicles and other gadgets.

Besides, the company ensured that its pumping machines used in Filling Stations are modern and standardized in order to give customers their monies’ worth. These machines are very transparent, as it displays the number of litre pumped and the corresponding prices. Besides, customers concerns and suggestions are taken into consideration when policies are mapped out and Management decisions are arrived at, which makes it possible for various shades of opinions and inputs to be factored into how the company tailors its operations.

With the avowed aim of making their customers feel at home, NP-SL-Ltd has made the procurement of petroleum products very simple by introducing the use of NP Smart Card. NP Smart Card has unique embedded security features which cannot be easily faked by unscrupulous persons and the Card could be topped up to contain a considerable amount of money which a particular customer could use for purchasing purposes, with amounts deducted depending on the quantum of the products so far demanded. Indeed, it is the latest technological device and is becoming very trending.

For effective cooking purposes the company also has on offer for sale NP Gas, a device found in different cylinder shapes, that could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations as well as authorized dealers at affordable prices. Environmentally and medically certified as user friendly, NP Gas is presently going like hot cakes and there are energized workers in all the stations that readily offer tips or guidance as to how to optimally make use of this wonderful gadget. As a matter of fact a particular user can easily gain access to gas for refilling purpose.

A marked feature of the company has to do with its one hundred percent ‘Sierra Leoneaness’, having shareholders, Management and general staff who are all indigenes. Such a premium placed on making use of local talents and raw materials are parts of the core bedrock of the much talked about Local Content Policy.

Employing knowledgeable Sierra Leoneans to execute certain tasks has been a cardinal principle that has permeated the company’s existence throughout the periods it has been in active existence and such has been paying meaningful dividends. It also means offering various training opportunities to broaden the knowledge horizons of its members of staff for sound contributions to the company’s viability and buoyancy.

Bent on maintaining that stance, the company has been helping in poverty reduction because by offering job opportunities, either directly or otherwise, it is putting monies in the pockets of individuals to take care of responsibilities. Monies are spent internally as opposed to a situation where the company should have concentrated on importing foreign expatriates to do tasks that indigenes could do better.

NP-SL Ltd has, over the years, in its drive to roll out the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility complementing the Government’s efforts to enhance improved standards of living. It has offered institutional capacity supports to vibrant entities.

To have branches in different parts of the country and going further to have a presence within the West African sub-region tells of how the company is determined to grow. There are NP branches in Liberia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and The Gambia and the vibrant functioning of all those branches is a true testimony of how successful its shareholders and Management want to see customers enjoying qualitative petroleum products. The company is providing job opportunities in those countries and at the same time paying taxes, which form components of generated revenues that are used by the respective Governments to undertake the implementation of various development programmes and projects.

NP-SL is moving on the right trajectory and deserves all the necessary support it requires to move from one height to another. The company is poised to continue creating meaningful impacts and consciously moving towards the direction of always setting the pace for others to follow.

For Babies Six Months +, Choose… Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6 Months 400G

February 21, 2022

Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat+6 Months 400G is the Golden Way for the Optimal Growth of Babies.

Nutrilac has a high nutritious value, as it contains milk, 9 vitamins and iron. Besides, it provides energy and essential nutrients for the healthy growth and development children from 6 months.

It is convenient and delicious as it can be consumed any time of the day and prepared in several ways: as porridge, shake or with your favorite fruit. Try out also the other flavors of Nutrilac banana and other 3fruits and honey.

Indeed, Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat +6 Months 400G 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.

It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, iron and zinc, ideal for the development of your baby. There will be less mess as it is easily digestible for infants to enjoy the delicious nutritious food.

Having a baby is one of the happiest moments of your life. Nutrilac wants to be part of this amazing life experience.

Contact Emkay Store SL LTD, the Sole Distributor of Nutrilac Baby Cereal Wheat+6 Months 400G, Nutribom Infant Cereal and many products which include: Nurtilac, Nutrilon and H&H infant formulas (Cornmilk and Cereal for infants), confectioneries (inclusive of items for children’s birthday parties), rice, Olinda (pure Ceylon tea, green tea and slim tea), Flavoured tea – ginger etc.

For wholesale and retail locate Emkay Store SL Ltd at No. 12 Sani Abacha Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone or call +23288 604-402.

Sierra Leone Will Remain to Be a Religious Tolerant Country

February 21, 2022

Indian Temple & Fatal Road Accidents are Unconnected…

By Amin Kef-Ranger

Indisputably, it is a well-established fact that Sierra Leone is blessed in the sense that it is a religiously tolerant State and there has been no known case of any major or serious skirmish that could be attributed to any form of religious intolerance. This is indeed a country where Christians, on certain occasions, attend church services and Muslims do like-wise. Instances abound where Christians marry Muslims and the other way round. People belonging to different religious faiths do interface on a daily basis without any form of religious biases or any eyebrows.

To a certain extent, no one can say with any amount of certainty that Sierra Leone is a Christian or Muslim State as all that is known is that it is a religious tolerant country, where anyone is free to worship how he or she prefers as long as blasphemy is not committed. Besides, Christianity and Islam being the dominant religions in the country that most belong to other religious faiths are allowed to be practiced in the country without any form of prejudice.

Sierra Leone has bilateral ties with many countries around the globe including India, a relationship that has spanned for over five decades. The two countries have supported each other in diverse ways and India has rendered assistance to this country in many ways during good and bad times in the interest of the general good.

There is an Indian Community in this country that includes a Mercantile Group, with most of its members involved in various business activities ranging from manufacturing, importing and exporting, wholesalers, retailer trading as well as those in the construction industry. As a matter of fact, there is a sizable percentage of Indians who were born and bred in this country. They attended schools and colleges in this country considering Sierra Leone as their second country.

Indians are well known for their religious affiliations and for over sixty years now in this country the Indians have been religiously congregating to worship at the Indian Temple, which is situated along Wilkinson Road in the far West End of the capital city of Freetown. At no time in the history of this country has the Indians been inhibited from practicing their religious faiths. People go about their daily activities without paying any attention to how the Indians worship in their Temple, out of respect for the religious faiths of others and simply because it does not really matter to them in any shape or form. They do not believe they have the moral latitude to question the way others practice their faiths.

Against the aforementioned backdrop, it was therefore considered by this medium wrong and incitement for some people to cast aspersions or negatively link certain fatal accidents along the Wilkinson Road and its environs to the practice of the religious faiths by the Indians in the Indian Temple. For such a category of people to tie or link the occurrence of accidents on that major road to the religious activities taking place within the Indian Temple is completely uncalled for, unjustifiable, out of context and a dangerous move to ignite ill-feelings against Indians in this country who only peacefully go about their activities without putting the lives of no one at risk.

Such xenophobic expressions must be totally condemned in all forms and must be nipped in the bud so that it will not thrive on the gullibility of, especially the illiterate portion of the population, which could lead them to unleash certain untoward prejudices against the Indians.

Any form of an extremist idea that has the tendency of sowing seeds of discord must be discouraged at this material time. The Ministry of Social Welfare could play a major role in instilling awareness that this is a religious tolerant country and that there is no iota of occult practices taking place inside the Indian Temple as some would want others to believe hook, line, and sinker.

It must be established at this juncture that accidents or to be precise road crashes, whether fatal or not, do take place from time to time in different places. The causes maybe be attributed to mechanical failures or human errors. Besides, accidents are not peculiar to this country and particularly on Wilkinson Road as some media spinsters may want to create the impression. To say because the Indian Temple is situated on that road that is why fatal accidents are taking place could only be dismissed as not only a naïve way of thinking but an erroneous figment of imagination with no shred of truth in it.

We pray that Sierra Leone will continue to be a religious tolerant country and in way can we sit idly by and allow some unscrupulous people, having hidden agendas, to derail this priceless asset that the country has. The Indians are a peaceful loving people and we must learn to respect them for what they believe in instead of trying to create wedges in the good bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and India.

=Rejoinder= Setting the Record Straight on Fracas between Dr Yakama Manty Jones & Data Scientist Consultant, Mohamed Kelfala

February 21, 2022

By Millicent Turay

There is a false account on Social Media captioned: “The True Story of Fracas between Dr. Yakama Manty Jones & Data Scientist Consultant, Mohamed Kelfala” that portrays a skewed narration of what actually transpired between the two parties. It painted a picture that what prompted the perpetrator, Mohamed Kelfala, to attack the Director of Research at the Ministry of Finance Dr. Yakama Manty Jones, was a direct offshoot of a frustrating situation mainly created by the former, pushing him to the extreme length of becoming psychologically worked out that warranted him to physically attack her.

Following a thorough investigation that was mounted, it has become clear that there are very important strands that were spinned and twisted to make the situation appear as if the Data Scientist Consultant was bullied and such was orchestrated by no other person than Dr Yakama Manty Jones, simply because she was his immediate supervisor to whom he reported during the one year period he was contracted for by the Ministry of Finance.

It must be hammered home that the erroneous article stated that the payment of Mohamed Kelfala was the direct responsibility of Dr. Yakama Manty Jones when in actual fact that was not the situation. As a matter of fact, she is not responsible to personally pay any Consultant as that does not fall under her purview or department which purely has to do with research. This was indeed misleading information as the article stated.

Payment for the consultancy work is supposed to be done from funds made available to the Government of Sierra Leone through a project funded by the African Development Bank. As it is a Project, there are laid down procedures for processing payments by the appropriate department. These include the submission and acceptance of an appropriate and comprehensive consultancy report. It was an integral part of the contract agreement that Mohamed Kelfala should write and submit a comprehensive report which if meets the expected quality will be forwarded to the requisite department and if approved then payment will be executed.

However, what Mohamed had been submitting were two-page monthly reports which he could have easily collated into a comprehensive form and submitted for onward submission to the department responsible for payment. This is standard procedure in handling public funds which cannot in any way be bypassed. All seasoned Consultants know the importance of inception reports, progress reports and end of consultancy reports.

As a matter of fact, Mohamed refused to write and submit the comprehensive report insisting that he has been submitting monthly reports and therefore there was and still there is no need for him to submit a comprehensive report which actually became the main reason why the payment was not effected which was and is still not the fault of Dr.Yakama as it is being rumoured on Social Media. There was no way that Dr.Yakama could remedy the situation in his favour as the standard procedure must be followed.

Secondly, it was included in the skewed article that Dr Yakama cajoled the Consultant to design a website for the Ministry of Finance which was not part of the original contract. This again is far from the truth and absurd. The Ministry has in place a whole department known as that oversees its website which was developed by an external private sector firm. Dr. Yakama Manty Jones, from what was discovered, has nothing to do with the website management as some will want the public to believe. In fact, the Ministry of Finance’s website predates Dr. Jones’ joining the Ministry. It was totally erroneous for it to be stated in the publication that it was Dr. Yakama who influenced Mohamed Kelfala to do the website when that does not fall under her terms of reference.

It could be recalled that on the 9th February 2022 Mohamed Kelfala, the Data Scientist Consultant walked into the office of Dr. Yakama Manty Jones with his mother and after the exchange of just peaceful greetings, he physically manhandled her to an extent that she was left with grievous bodily harm and pain.

Investigation revealed that Mohamed had the feeling that it was Dr Yakama who was the main stumbling block that prevented him from getting his payment.

Many have expressed the view that no matter how worked up or frustrated Mohamed Kelfala was at that material time he should have controlled his temper and not gone to the extent of venting his anger or allowed his emotions to control his reasoning. They maintained that it is a clear manifestation of bullying and gender-based violence.

As at present the matter is in court.

First Class E-Zone Electronics Showroom Commissioned by Trade Minister

February 16, 2022

Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Minister of Trade and Industry has opened an e-zone electronics first-class showroom at 8 Regent Road, Hill Station by Hill Cut Junction.

The e-zone electronics first-class showroom is the latest and first of its kind in Freetown that deals with SHARP, ROCH, LG, SONY, and TIGER products, trusted Japanese brands.

The Trade and Industry Minister after cutting the tap did a conducted tour of the showroom and described it as a first-class with a couple of very big brands such as SHARP, ROCH brands that are doing well in electrical and electronic across the world.

“Having SHARP, ROCH brands in Freetown is an indication that the doing business is getting better.”

He said years back unless people travelled oversee to get such brands but e-zone has made it easier for such products to be sold in the country.

He described the prices as affordable and said it is also an opportunity for consumers and other business people to make use of the opportunity to buy it next door.

“We want to use this opportunity as a Government to welcome the Proprietor for thinking of doing this in Freetown and we hope from time to time they will extend it to other parts of the country such as Bo, Kenema and Makeni.”

Dr. Sandy went on to say it is a clear indication that their ways of living are changing and it also an indication that standard of living is also improving for their people because for one to open a showroom like that they must have done a market survey to look at the demand for commodities like that, once that is done they are assured that there is a demand.

“I think it is a clear indication that we are progressing. The prices are good and it is a big opportunity for us because it has cut down the trouble of going abroad to get them”.

E-zone Country Manager, Bhavesh Rathod described the grand opening of e-zone showroom as an indication of bringing quality and affordable brands to customers at their door step.

He called for more support from customers as the showroom is one of their first steps to create more businesses across the country which he said will eventually create more jobs for Sierra Leoneans.

E-zone General Overseer, Hitesh Matta said they have all sorts of electronic materials and appliances with one year warranty for all products.

“We have good technicians and parts are available at e-zone electronics.”

He disclosed that they have another showroom at Siaka Steven Street which has been in existence for over 7 years.

Deputy General Overseer, Jaikisnan Soni said e-zone electronics is the safest place to get all one’s home appliances with confidence.

Abubakrr Archi-Fofanah one of e-zone electronics partners said e-zone products are the best in town and are all over the country.

He expressed determination to take over the Sierra Leonean market as all their customers’ feedback is positive.

He encouraged all to get e-zone electronics products because they have all what it take to make their home safe with quality electrical and electronics items.

Children of Deceased Teacher Receive Le24M from GIC

February 16, 2022

Global risk Insurance Company (GIC) – SL Ltd is said to be among insurance companies in the country that is said to be adhering to its policies with customers nationwide as it presented a Le24 Million cheque to the children of 35-year-old deceased Santigie Abdulai Kamara, former Vice-Principal of the Mohanad Jondy Islamic Secondary School, Kissi Town, Waterloo at the school staff room on the 10^th February 2022.

The Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of GIC, Paul Oparah stated that he is poised to do more to enhance the lives of civil servants so that they can improve their full potentials and achieve their dreams to live comfortable lives with their families, as such is almost impossible to achieve in their daily lives considering the worldwide economic trends.

Paul Oparah disclosed that the company has branches in Makeni, Bo and Kenema and their headquarters is on 2 Wellington Street in Freetown as it was established and started operations in 2020.

Paul Oparah disclosed that the Late Santigie Abdulai Kamara joined the company on May 2021 and contributed for seven months.

According to the Chief Executive Officer, several customers have benefitted from the loan scheme as the procedures were consistent in line with their policies and deceased customers’ families have received benefits of over Eighty Million Leones (Le 80,000,000) nationwide.

He stated that the company’s loan scheme is in full operations and that they have started granting loans over a year ago to its customers since 2021 and the company has disbursed over Six Hundred Million Leones (Le 600, 000,000) to its customers nationwide.

“ Santigie Kamara joined the scheme 7 months ago, and passed away but yet we are here today to pay the family Le 24 million as the deceased has two children and the money is shared equally among the two,” he added.

He revealed that the Globalrisk Insurance Company has life insurance products including; ‘Gentri’ Assurance Plan, Guaranteed Education Assurance Plan among others.

He explained that the primary objective of the ‘Gentri’ Assurance Plan is to ensure that the policyholder lives a good life by affording loan facility to the customers to acquire basic household assets, save for the future, as well as providing benefit for dependents in the event of death of the customer; and the Guaranteed Education Assurance Plan helps customers save towards future education of their children, as well as providing yearly financial support to the child up to 18 years in the event that the customer dies before then.

Madam Isatu Barrie, Principal of the Mohanad Jondy Islamic Secondary School commended Globalrisk Insurance Company for its adherence to the agreement of its customers as the benefit paid to the Late Santigie Kamara will go a long way to enhance and encourage teachers to join the scheme with a minimum of Le 100,000 monthly contribution.

The wife of the Late Santigie Kamara, Alma Sesay acclaimed the company for its adherence to its policies and called on others to join the company.

Presentation of the cheques of Le 24 Million to the family climaxed the ceremony.

Foundation of late Journalist Donates Learning Materials to Village School

February 16, 2022

Director of Journalist Ibrahim Samura Foundation for Democracy and Good Governance (JISFDGG) and her team visited Kayanka Village, the hometown of one time fearless journalist, Publisher, and Executive Editor of the New Age newspaper, Ibrahim Samura, who passed away at the 34 Military Hospital, Wilberforce in Freetown in 2018 to donate learning materials to the children of the RC Primary School.

The Foundation, which was launched exactly a year after the death of Ibrahim Samura, by the Managing Director of Mercury International, Martin Edmond Michael on Thursday June 6^th 2019, has been striving to ensure they pursue their mission and vision.

The donation at the RC Primary School, Kayanka Village Kambia District has been tagged as one of the best and timely.

The Foundation’s Director, Fatmata B.J. Samura, disclosed that the learning material comprises of books, pens, files and geometry sets.

She said the donated learning materials is in line with President Julius Maada Bio’s free quality education flagship program for the country, noting that it has nothing to do with politics but because they believed in education as the key to growth and success in any nation.

She explained that her late father did the project but he didn’t complete it until his death and she did not want to see his dream die away which was why they decided to continue with it.

The donation, she added was done by the Foundation with no external support but said they intend to do more of such in and out of that village and that she is seeking for support from other partners and well-wishers.

It was the first time too for the Director to visit her father’s village and interacted with the residents.

“All we need now is support from others to do more for the people. I didn’t promise them anything but I asked for their prayers for me to get more support through that I can help them.”

Chief of Kayanka Village, Chief Adiekallie Sesay thanked JISFDGG for their timely visit and donation. He disclosed that for the first time their children will take the National Primary School Exam (NPSE) this year and that they need such materials to take the exam.

He expressed joy to see the late Ibrahim Samura’s daughter and spoke about the good work her father used to do for that village before his death.

Chief Sesay asked, through the Foundation, for support to rehabilitate the school and to construct a one class room block for the class 6 pupils. The class 6 children are currently taking class under a make shift structure which is not conductive for learning.

He also appealed for the rehabilitation of their water well as that is what they have been drinking as the only pure water in the village but they are constrained.

Sally Kargbo a Class 6 pupil expressed joy over the donation and thanked the Foundation for remembering them at a time like this because their parents can’t afford such for them currently.

SLAJ Launches Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund

February 16, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on the 14^th February 2022 officially launched the SLAJ Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund at the Harry Yansaneh Hall on Campbell Street in Freetown which was well attended by members of the Fourth Estate, veterans as well as active, practicing members as well as other stakeholders within the media landscape of the country.

President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in his statement intimated the audience that they are witnessing an important day in the history of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) maintaining that like the celebration of the Golden Jubilee last year 2021, he feels humbled, honored, and privileged to be a key character in the history-making event.

Nasralla continued that SLAJ was founded on the 5th June, 1971 primarily to cater for the welfare of journalists and to seek opportunities for training to build their professional capacities to be able to advocate for, promote and protect freedom of expression and of the Press.

He furthered how for the past 50 years, SLAJ has spent all of its energy and resources to promote and protect free speech and free media, defend journalists from abuse by State authorities and influential people with little attention, if any, paid to the thorny issue of journalists’ welfare especially as membership has grown from just a handful of practitioners to the current roll of about 800, spread across the country, following the just concluded golden jubilee membership drive.

The SLAJ president underscored how a new and very important chapter will be added to the SLAJ mission: the SLAJ Golden Jubilee Journalism Welfare Fund.

He said it is something they have been working on for the last two years and thanked God that the activity is now taking place.

“When I decided to contest for the SLAJ Presidency about two and half years ago, the first thing I did was to go across the country with my small team to solicit the views of journalists on what kind of leadership they wanted at SLAJ and what were their priority needs,” he informed disclosing how the majority spoke about welfare, welfare, welfare, and welfare.

He said without even knowing how he would address that he decided to include it in his manifesto as an action point.

“And I was honest and sincere enough to state to my colleagues that I would not be able to solve the welfare problem of journalists but I would make conscious and genuine efforts to seek the welfare of all journalists,” he stated frankly.

He said as God would have it, with the historic repeal of the criminal libel law came the passing of the IMC Act 2020.

According to him, the IMC Act 2020 is a huge step towards addressing welfare issues of journalists as every media house/owner is now required by law to pay journalists under their employ regularly and above the minimum wage, and their social security contributions.

“So the IMC Act 2020 seeks to address one aspect of the welfare of journalists in Sierra Leone bordering on conditions of service,” he informed.

The SLAJ President said, however, there is another important aspect of welfare that the Journalism Welfare Fund is seeking to address which, he said, has to do with journalists covering emergency situations and the likelihood for them, as frontline workers, to get injured or face harm physically or psychologically in the process.

He went on to state that there’s also the aspect of independent journalism, which seems to be dying rapidly in the profession maintaining how the fund will support independent investigative reporting to reinforce the role of journalists (and the media) to hold leaders to account and expose corruption in both Government and private sectors, and influence policy decisions referencing the Ebola reporting under Kelvin Lewis, and tracking of SDGs.

He then posed the question: So how do we fund such a program when we are not a profit-making organization?

In answering the question he said the funds that are in various accounts are all tied to specific project activities for which they have to report on and be audited. He continued that he then thought about opening a special savings account in one of the indigenous banks and investing in bearer bonds stating how the idea of a welfare fund for journalists suddenly fell into place and he shared the idea with his Executive and they were in for it 100%.

He pointed out that the fact is that the very survival of democracy depends on journalism, and the very survival of journalism depends on the welfare and wellbeing of journalists.

Nasralla said in Sierra Leone, such has not been easy, as journalists face innumerable pressures, more than in many other countries where journalism is more established.

The SLAJ President told the audience that at this critical time, characterized by economic instability for most media houses, journalism is also facing several severe external challenges.

He informed how Sierra Leone is very vulnerable to environmental and public health disasters having had its own share of disasters, such as the Ebola outbreak (2014-2016), the land/mudslide (2017), COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent Wellington fire disaster, to name but a few.

“Journalists are routinely called upon to cover disasters after disasters and under tremendous economic and wellbeing pressures,” he asserted giving for instance, a recent Bournemouth University-SLAJ study that looked into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and showed that 86% of journalists in Sierra Leone were under significant financial difficulties and 76% faced increased psychological ill-health.

Nasralla said the JWF is open to registered and paid-up members of SLAJ only, who have suffered distress or injury in the line of duty: physical injury or psychological trauma.

He then revealed how a special savings account for the JWF has been opened at the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone saying 80% of the seed fund shall be invested in Bearer Bonds which will yield dividends annually, in addition to the bank’s interests for savings.

The SLAJ President also informed that there shall be an independent Welfare Committee and a Welfare Officer to manage, coordinate, and review issues relating to the JWF adding how the Welfare Committee shall serve as an Advisory Board for the administration of the fund, and shall suggest ways of attracting more funders to contribute to the fund.

“We are working with our partners at Bournemouth University, the MRCG, and the Mass Communications Department at FBC, USL, to develop a policy around the fund,” he also informed stating that the ambition is to make sure SLAJ develop a sustainable fund, one that will last beyond his leadership.

For this, he stated how they are working with national and international partners who have a genuine interest in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in Sierra Leone maintaining that SLAJ needs their cooperation also calling on organizations to support the initiative as journalists look forward to doing fundraising events in the near future.

He also called on the Government of Sierra Leone, which has shown tremendous goodwill for the development of the media, to also contribute to the fund just as they did for the National Sports Development Fund.

He extended special thanks to the three Foundation sponsors namely Mercury International, Orange SL, and Rokel Commercial Bank for believing in the initiative and committing contributions from their limited resources to see the fund kick-off.

Nasralla also extended special thanks to SLAJ’s academic partners at Bournemouth University with whom they have been working since 2021, from COVID-19 to this fund, and also helping with reporting guidelines on disasters, including the Wellington fire disaster.

He disclosed that the BU has been providing research and policy consultancy to strengthen journalism and disaster resilience in Sierra Leone.

“We also want to thank the MRCG and the Mass Communications Department at FBC, USL for also providing technical advice, to the SLAJ Advisory Council, especially Kelvin Lewis, Umaru Fofana, and Dr. Julius Spencer for the necessary advice on such initiatives,” he expressed gratitude.

He also thanked his Executive, the Regional Heads of SLAJ North, East, and South, and heads of affiliate bodies for their support and cooperation throughout.

The SLAJ President concluded by stating that good journalism needs support saying the fund is for good journalism. He maintains that a welfare support scheme is critical for journalism, which in turn is essential for the country’s democracy and for a strong and vibrant society.

“It is a small beginning but we hope it will grow beyond expectation,” he expressed hope.

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

February 16, 2022

By Amin Kef-Ranger

The National Petroleum Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) deserves praise as a resilient business entity that had been rated as the country’s foremost importer and dealer in petroleum products, which includes petrol, diesel, gas as well as lubricants of various types and is always poised to give its ubiquitous and esteemed customers the best in terms of giving them value in return for money.

The company’s competent and result-oriented Managerial think tank, currently headed by its indefatigable Chief Executive Officer, Kobi Walker, in tandem with the Board of Directors, have always endeavored to be at the pinnacle of affairs within the petroleum landscape in this country, looking at best options, in order for effective service delivery to be executed timely, excellently, all geared towards enhancing good business relationships. If there is any outstanding feature for which the company is identified with then it is giving customers satisfaction to the fullest which is why it has earned the enviable reputation of ‘1^st for Customer Care’.

Prioritizing customer care is considered very paramount out of the strong conviction that the company will be nowhere without its cherished customers.

It is along that line that the company has a customer care unit that primarily interfaces with members of the public. Concerns and recommendations channeled through it are raised in certain management meetings, discussed and the way forward mapped out.

Regarding their customers as priceless jewels, NP-SL Ltd always ensures that to give them optimal satisfaction, value must be derived from their monies spent. It was thinking along that line that prompted the shareholders of the company to replace their old fashioned pumping machines to calibrated pumping machines of high standard which transparently pump the requisite quantity of petrol or diesel demanded for. Confidence is now high among its customers that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

Still within the domain of 1^st for Customer Care, the company is always in position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for fuel and lubricants supplies as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place. When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

In this country today, for one to see a successful business entity that is owned mainly by Sierra Leoneans and having a maximum number of indigenes as members of staff is like trying to find a lost needle on the beach, although there are some that could be identified.

For NP-SL Ltd this has been a big achievement as the company is strongly adhering to the country’s Local Content Policy. Making use of local brains has been identified as one of the conduits through which developing countries like Sierra Leone could attain economic empowerment. Correspondingly, if there is a continuation of the colonial mentality that it is only by importing foreign ideas and skills that we will get there then such could be a very sad mistake.

By providing job opportunities for hitherto jobless Sierra Leoneans, NP-SL Ltd continues to help in alleviating poverty by putting monies into pockets which could be utilized to take care of responsibilities.

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

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

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the requisite financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from the collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA). NP is indeed one of the big time tax payers in the country and it is very compliant in that direction.

From all indications, it is crystal clear that NP-SL Ltd is here to stay in order to give the best and contribute tremendously to the socio-economic development of the country. Indeed the company is passionate and committed towards attaining those objectives.

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