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Diaspora Focus Holds National Development Awards (NaDA) 2021

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

The International Committee Board & the Management and Staff of Diaspora Focus on Friday 17th December 2021 held the 10th edition of the National Development Awards (NaDA) at the Golden Tulip Hotel, in Freetown.

The event was graced by top dignitaries including Government officials, diplomats, heads / reps of International Organizations, top officials of the Police, the Military, NGOs, Banks, Members of Parliament, academics & business magnets.

Awards were presented to individuals & Institutions for meritorious services in various facets of life, including Government ministries, departments and agencies, business houses, military and police personnel, banks, academics & other top professionals including Col. Hassan Coomber, ASP Joan Bull Kamara, Col. Dr. Stephen Sevalie, Rev. George Spilsbury-Williams, Mr. H. H. Walker, Amb. Francis Ben Kaifala, Dr.Duramany-Lakkoh &Dr. Nellie Bell, who won the Medical Personnel of the Year.

From the governance platform, awards were presented viz: Minister of the Year Award went to the Minister of Basic & Senior Secondary Education – Dr. David M. Sengeh, Deputy Minister of the Year went to the Deputy Minister of Information & Communications Hon. Solomon Jamiru, MP of the Year went to Hon. Abdul Kargbo (of the APC), Parliamentary Committee Chairman of the Year goes to Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina (of the C4C Party).  Mayor of the Year goes to HW. Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, District Council Chairman went to Kasho J. Holland -Cole, Police Officer of the Year went to ASP Alieu Turay & Military Officer of the Year went to Col. Albert Jusu.

The CEO of NP SL – Mr. Kobi Walker retained the position of CEO of the Year, & Board Chairperson of the Year went to the Board Chairperson of NRA: Mrs.Tuma Adama Gento Kamara.  The Award for Bank of the Year went to Rokel Commercial Bank, Micro Finance Institution of the Year went to ACTB  Savings& Loans. School of the Year Award was clinched by Naiahcom High School and College of the Year went to FBC. Road Construction Company of the year went to Pavi Fort

The Executive Chairman of PRA – Dr.Baluwa Koroma, MD of Rokel Commercial Bank – Dr. Walton E. Gilpin, Vice Chancellor of EBK University: Rev. Prof. Edwin J.J. Momoh & CEO of Sento Foundation – Madam Sentmile O. Palmer (from UK) were appointed Ambassadors for various groupings.

The following distinguished personalities & institutions clinched the exceptional awards in category five (5) including: Capt. Alice Kuria Sesay, Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, ACP. Abdul Moigueh, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, Mr.Sheku Lexmond Koroma of SLIEPA, Mr. Sheik Sesay, Sup. Nourah Adama N’Gobeh, Mr.Idrissa Sankoh, Dr. Washington D. Chambers, Mr. Christopher Kalokoh, Mr. Donaldson Ken Davies, Mr. Joseph E. Kapuwa, PRA, IOM,  KPISS Ltd., The USL, SMEDA, APRM, EBK University…, SLNSC, UNIMTECH, SLBL, Integrated Trade Services, Shalima, etc.

The Electronic Media of the Year award went to AYV & Print Media of the Year went to the Exclusive Newspaper; NP SL won the Gas/Fuel Station of the Year, whilst Papa Cleff Beach Bar clinched the Entertainment Center of the Year award.

The event was well attended and brought together Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone from all walks of life.

NaFFSL Ends Two-Day National Stakeholders Consultative Meeting

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a bid towards transforming the roadmap/plan regarding the establishment of Agricultural Commodity Associations and to enhance resource mobilization strategy to avoid over dependency in the country, the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL) with support from the Open Society Initiative of West Africa (OSIWA) has on Friday 17th December 2021 concluded two days national stakeholders consultative meeting on the theme: “Transforming the face of Agriculture through Farmer Organizations”. The two days meeting was held at the Moyamba District Council Hall in Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone.

In her welcome address, the National Women’s Leader of the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), Mariama Keita, extended appreciation to OSIWA for their financial and mentorship support they have been giving to the organization to act as a force to reckon with in terms of policy advocacy and required timely support for farmers in the country.

He further applauded the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and their committed professional and Technical Team for the warm acceptance of NaFFSL’s call and for creating for them the enabling environment to consult and listen to farmers’ views through this body and working together for the benefit of Sierra Leone and complementing the efforts of His Excellency the President and Government.

She called on other women to see farming as very important towards the development of the nation, of which he also used the opportunity to wish participants fruitful deliberations geared towards putting the Federation back on track through a clear and strategic road map.

Speaking during the ceremony, the National Coordinator of the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL), Brima Babo, stated that the National Federation of Farmers of Sierra Leone (NaFFSL) is an Umbrella Organization of farmers in the country, adding that the federation had been undertaking activities to help increase their productivity and enhanced household levels of food security.

He revealed that the meeting seeks   the full contribution of farmers of different value chains and stakeholders in the sector to establish a strategic road map to buy-in into the current transformation and Government policy shift plans with capacity to represent its constituents.

Brima Babo, further revealed that the meeting identified and discussed four key objectives which includes establishing NaFFSL governance structure and oversight role in the development of agriculture;, NaFFSL’s Transformation roadmap/plan regarding the establishment of Agricultural Commodity Associations, Identifying NaFFSL Resource Mobilization Strategy to avoid over dependency, and engage Stakeholders on opportunities and relationship with other sector collaborates (MDAs, INGOs, NGOs, Private sector partners, Local Councils, CSOs etc.) for capacity building of NaFFSL.

On her part, the President of NaFFSL, Madam Yatta Samah started with the slogan “Women Power Men Support” of which she called on all to collaborate in order to support the development of farmers and the country as a whole.

She revealed that the federation is the umbrella organization of all farmers in country and they coordinate and represent all farmers in the country with the aim of strengthening farmers bargaining power for inputs and markets, sharing resources and expertise amongst themselves and leveraging resources and other opportunities for farmers in the country.

Madam Yatta Samah maintained that the federation has the largest membership of farmers in all districts in the country and the role of the federation towards the development of farmers cannot be overemphasized.

She further appealed to stakeholders present especially the Ministry of Agriculture to give the opportunity to the   federation in order for organizations who want to engage in farming and before registration with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development should also register with the federation which she said will help boost the federation.

Giving the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Agriculture Officer/Director General, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Amara Adara Sheriff ,who also doubles as professional/technical head in the Ministry, stated that only farmers could change this country, looking at the higher numbers of farmers in the communities, towns, chiefdoms and headquarter towns and the country in general, adding that China in 1974 when they laid premium on an agrarian led economy started by establishing major agricultural districts, which was the foundation for their food security status and that in China a small farm area could be used to quadruple production using appropriate technology with few farmers.

 He cautioned all against over dependence on rain fed agriculture as it is unreliable especially with the erratic weather and climatic conditions and Global warming trends, maintaining that the answer to sustainable agriculture is irrigation or perennial Swamps utilization, stating that the Ministry’s efforts towards the  development of a National Irrigation master Plan for Sierra Leone of which he called on the federation to put pressure on MAF to create the enabling environment for farmers to succeed in the policy shift .

The Chief Agricultural Officer (CAO) concluded by noting that each district has 5 gender friendly power tillers awaiting distribution to deserving beneficiaries and that the Ministry and its partners are always ready to support the federation at all times

Other key stakeholders present who include the Deputy Chief Agriculture Officer/Deputy Director General, Ministry of Agriculture (MAF) Dr. Mohamed Ajuba Sheriff, Senior Technical Adviser to the Minister at MAF, Jack Jalloh, also spoke on technical policy relationship and the importance of the Federation and relationship with the Ministry.

Closing the event was a group work sessions of which stakeholders present were divided into four groups to look at the following: NaFFSL Governance structure and oversight role (chiefdom, District and National), Identify Resource Mobilization Strategy for NaFFSL, Farmer Mobilization and relationship with MDAs, NGOs, Private Sector and Local Councils, and NaFFSL capacity Building Strategy and opportunities.

NP-SL Remains the Biggest Oil Marketing Company in Sierra Leone

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to be the proud recipient of warm commendations in and out of the country for its efficiency in timely service delivery and proactive stance in partnering with well-meaning Sierra Leoneans to construct and commission state of the art Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

These moves on the part of the petroleum importing and marketing company has ensured that residents in far to reach areas, which hitherto face serious constraints in accessing fuel and other petroleum products, can now do so with ease. Typical examples are the recent commissioning of Filling Stations in Mile 91, Kenema, Mattru Jong and Koidu City within the Kono District where before residents have to travel miles and miles away just to procure fuel, an ordeal that bike riders, boat owners, business individuals operating cinemas and even for domestic use wrestled with.

It is in that direction that we can actually see that NP-SL Ltd is not only interested in making profits but takes it that it has the responsibility of mitigating the petroleum sufferings that residents in remote parts of the country have been going through.

What this pro-active stance on the part of the company also means is helping to make available job opportunities from which the qualified fortunate beneficiaries do earn a living. The benefits will cascade to other family members and friends.

It must be underscored that the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) continues to demonstrate that it is determined to ensure that the vast majority of individuals and institutions gain easy access to petroleum products.

As a progressive business entity, the company, which has been in the business of importing and marketing various petroleum products, for over forty years, from time to time there are individuals that do partner with the company to open new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

NP-SL Ltd continues to make meaningful inroads within the petroleum landscape of this country. Based on effective and efficient service delivery, the result oriented company has drawn wide-spread commendations from near and far for holding the fort for far too long, weathering various storms.

One thing that the company lays emphasis on is to give preference, in terms of employment, to exclusively Sierra Leoneans instead of considering bringing foreigners on board, except in instances where local expertise could not be sourced. This stance on the part of the company is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy.

The company’s introduction of a Smart Card to purchase fuel has been widely applauded as a very good initiative. A particular customer, with money in his or her NP Smart Card, could easily put in for the quantity of petrol or diesel that he or she wants and the supply is facilitated, after which the amount of money expended is deducted from the card.

Some users of NP Gas that this medium spoke with, intimated how it is a very good device which has a high speed performance and very environmentally useful and friendly. Manufactured in different cylinder shapes, it is portable and affordable. NP Gas could be secured at all the company’s major Filling Stations, where the gas to refill it could be accessed.

Indisputably, there is no way that we can talk of a very successful company, amidst challenges encumbered along the way, without mentioning NP-SL because the company is hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of nations.

Management is very keen in ensuring taking the company to every nook and cranny in the country.

To Minimize Tensions between Farmers & Cattle Herders… Cross-Border Peacebuilding Project Launched  

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Ministry of Internal Affairs David Panda Noah on 17 December 2021 launched the UN Peace building Fund cross-border project to be implemented in Sierra Leone and Guinea. The project is funded by the UN and aims at bridging the division between cattle herders and farmers in the sister countries through conflict prevention mechanisms. The event took place at the conference hall of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Gloucester street in Freetown.

The project will be co-implemented for 24 months by World Food Programme (WFP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Talking Drums Studio in the Falaba District on the Sierra Leonean side and Faranah prefecture in Guinea. These two districts on either side have one of the largest concentration of cattle ranges and report of conflict between the herders and crop farmers have been evident.

This was the reason the UN initiated the project to build cross-border peace and strengthen sustainable livelihoods of cattle herders and crop farmers in the two countries. The UN Agencies and Government partners will work with their counterparts in Guinea, as well as with civil society entities, communities, and local Governments on both sides of the border to resolve long-standing conflicts, compounded by climate change, between cattle herders and farmers along Sierra Leone’s northern border with Guinea.

Speaking at the ceremony, WFP’s Representative and Country Director, Steve Nsubuga said the UN Peacebuilding cross-border project intends to provide concrete support to address issues of potential destabilization in the border areas of Falaba District in Sierra Leone and Faranah prefecture in Guinea.

“Livelihoods are a pathway to peace and stability and an environment where communities co-exist and collaborate to build assets and social cohesion. And we have seen it elsewhere in Sierra Leone that the rewards are greater when women and youths are placed at the centre, which is what we will do,” said Steve.

With increasing numbers of cattle herders migrating from Guinea into Sierra Leone, the conflicts, if left unaddressed, could escalate, and destabilize both countries. The project addresses a critical gap on cross-border peacebuilding between the cattle herders and farmers in this zone.

“Climate change has altered traditional movement patterns and increased transhumance migration as cattle herders and farmers look for more cultivable land via different routes, further increasing intercommunal tensions. IOM will work with the authorities to better understand these routes and collect relevant disaggregated data can be used for the development evidence-based policies that aim to reduce tension and sustain peace,” said James Bagonza, Head of Mission, IOM Sierra Leone.

The Internal Affairs Minister, David Panda Noah said that he was of the firm conviction that the implementation of the project, communities in Falaba and Faranah in both countries will benefit from improved cross-border relations and promote peaceful co-existence between cattle herders and crop farmers through climate-smart livelihoods.

The project will support1,000 smallholder households to reclaim inland valley swamps and build irrigation schemes for higher crop yields and continuous food production.

Also, some 300 herder households in Sierra Leone and Guinea will benefit from access to solar water points and improved species of grass to graze their cattle.

Some 60 chiefdom/transhumance officials and 140 community members will be trained and equipped in managing, mitigating, and resolving conflicts. (A far greater number of people will be reached through radio broadcasts that will inform communities on the Cattle Settlement Policy to reduce risk of conflicts).

For Improved Electricity Supply…   Energy Minister Appeals to MPs to Ratify the Western Area Power Generation Agreement

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By Foday Moriba Conteh

It is an open secret that Sierra Leone still continues to grapple with the issue of having constant and reliable electricity supply, despite the fact that various attempts have been made to make improvements in that sector.

Under the leadership of Alhaji Kanja Sesay as Minister of Energy, efforts are currently underway to revamp the sector. It was against such a backdrop that the Minister, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, informed Members of Parliament that electricity and energy are the critical driving forces of the socio-economic development of any country and therefore urged them to ratify a Power Purchase Agreement relating to the 148.5MW Freetown Generation Project, which was laid before the Honorable House on the 16th December 2021.

Alhaji Kanja Sesay, while addressing Members of Parliament in the Well of Parliament, said President Julius Maada Bio had prioritized the area of energy as one of the centers of attention of his administration, adding that scaling up access to electricity is key to helping the New Direction administration achieve its agenda of transforming the economy of Sierra Leone.

“To realize this vision and to ensure efficient and effective service delivery, the Electricity Sector Roadmap 2018-2030 targets to increase power generation capacity from 100MW of installed capacity to 1800MW,” he noted.

He said the Government of Sierra Leone had therefore assiduously worked with the project sponsors to develop the Western Area Power Generation Project which would significantly improve electricity supply, service and reliability in Freetown and its environs. He furthered that the project would be sponsored and developed by Melele Power Limited and TCQ Power Limited as equity holders.

The Minister of Energy informed the House that the United States International Development Finance Corporation (EFC) is investing some US $217 million and is the sole lender, making it the largest United States investment in Sierra Leone and cementing Sierra Leone’s relations with America.

“The Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Finance and EDSA jointly signed the contract for the 148.5MW Western Area Power Generation Project to supply, install, construct and commission a thermal power plant at Kissy for twenty years,” he concluded, while also highlighting the project sites, its environmental friendliness, its various components, and the social and job opportunities it would provide for Sierra Leoneans.

Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Nyuma, commended the Minister for his exemplary leadership and his eloquent presentation, noting that the agreement was environmental and consumer friendly.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor Maju Bah, described the project as credible and thanked the Minister and his technical team for their dedication and professionalism.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy, Hon. Kekura Vandi, said the project is a good one for the country and catalogued the social and economic benefits such a huge investment in the energy sector would accrue to the country.

To Date… US COVID-19 Vaccine Support to Sierra Leone Amounts to 900,000 

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By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 17th December 2021, the latest vaccine delivery from the United States, 168,000 single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccines, arrived in Freetown.  “This delivery of Johnson & Johnson vaccines is the most recent example of the United States’ partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Ambassador David Reimer. “As new variants continue to be discovered and holiday travel potentially exposes more people to increased transmission risks, vaccination and mitigation are more important than ever, and the United States remains a firm partner in this effort.”

The United States has donated more vaccines to Sierra Leone than any other country. Sierra Leone has received 5 donations from the United States since the start of the pandemic, totaling almost 900,000 vaccine doses received. U.S. support extends beyond the donation of vaccines; since the start of the pandemic, the United States has committed over $16 million in support to the Ministry of Health & Sanitation, stakeholders, and communities to prevent and respond to COVID-19 and provided technical support for vaccine in Sierra Leone. Hundreds of health providers in field epidemiology have been trained through U.S. sponsored programs, and Sierra Leone’s capacity to gather data to monitor the disease and inform planning and response has improved.

Throughout the course of the pandemic, the United States through USAID and the U.S. Center for Disease Control has also improved the ability of health facilities across different districts in the country to implement infection prevention and control measures by providing personal protective equipment/supplies and training. For example, earlier this month, the United States provided 77 solar refrigerators that will support Sierra Leone’s roll-out of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines, without relying on regular access to electricity.

U.S. support has reached millions of Sierra Leoneans with COVID-19 prevention and vaccine messages and materials, and trained 220 mobilizers to engage over 200,000 people on COVID-19 vaccination. U.S. support has helped to mitigate the impact of the pandemic through the provision of direct cash transfers to almost 3,000 households in support of basic needs and provided food and nutrition assistance to individuals affected by COVID-19, including over 400 metric tons of specialized nutritious food to 582 health facilities across 9 districts.

Through the Office of Security Cooperation (OSC), the Departments of State and Defense partnered with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to loan equipment to construct isolation facilities during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The equipment included water purification units, support vehicles, ambulances, water bowser, generators and tents with cots and bedding. Additionally, the OSC supported the RSLAF with medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and masks to support the fight against the pandemic.

Parliament Receive Three Performance Audit Reports from ASSL

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By Esther Wright

In a Press Release dated 20th December 2021, the Acting Auditor-General of Audit Service Sierra Leone stated that he wishes to inform the public that the institution has submitted three performance audit reports to Parliament. These are Performance Audit Report on the Welfare of Inmates by the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Performance Audit Report on the Management of Examinations by the University of Sierra Leone; and Performance Audit Report on the Effectiveness of the Monitoring, Surveillance and Control System of Fishing Activities by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

It was stated that Section 11(2) (c) of the Audit Service Act of 2014 confers on the Audit Service the authority to conduct value-for-money and other audits in a bid to ensure that efficiency and effectiveness are achieved in the use of public funds.

It continued that Section 16(1) (d) of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 states that the Auditor-General, in accordance with the Constitution of Sierra Leone and the Audit Service Act of 2014 may at any time review or examine any aspect of the operations of the entities referred to in paragraph (a) of the Public Financial Management Act of 2016.

Audit Service-Sierra Leone furthered that in addition to the financial and regularity audits undertaken by the institution, Performance Audit is one of the tools employed by the ASSL to measure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which State institutions expend public resources in the discharge of their various mandates.

Additionally, stated was that in consonance with the Auditor-General’s mandate, and as a guardian of Sierra Leone’s economic security, the ASSL undertook the performance audits separately in compliance with best practice of the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) and the Performance Audit Guidelines.

According to the Acting Auditor General the reports will  be uploaded on the Audit Service Sierra Leone website www.auditsrvice.gov.sl after they have been laid in Parliament.

Sierra Leone Brewery Limited Intimates the Media about Management Transition

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By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), on the 17th December 2021, engaged members of the Fourth Estate with the main objective of intimating them about a slight transition that has taken place in the Management team of the company.

Present were the outgoing Manager of Corporate Affairs, Albert Ojo Collier, his Assistant, Unisa Conteh, the incoming Corporate Affairs Manager, Foday Daboh and representatives of various Media Houses.

Unisa Conteh informed newsmen that come the 31st December 2021, the company’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Ojo Collier, will be retiring after thirty years of dedicated services to the Brewery and will be replaced by one of their own, Foday Daboh.

Albert Ojo Collier, on his part, welcomed all and extended thanks to journalists, whom, he said, were part of his team to tell the whole world about the wonderful things that the company was doing. He continued that SLBL set the pace of using sorghum in the manufacturing of some of their beverages, revealing how they were recently engaged in raising awareness among farmers to cultivate sorghum stating that farmers must be encouraged to do more as the Brewery is not getting the requisite quantity it needs.

“I feel very proud to retire after serving throughout these years,” he stated and went on to introduce his successor, Foday Daboh.

He told journalists that Foday Daboh was the Country Manager in Guinea and before that has occupied key positions in the company maintaining that he is highly knowledgeable and has confidence that he will deliver.

Ojo Collier, in his introduction of Foday Daboh to the Press, informed him that journalists must form his team to properly articulate what the Brewery had done,  is doing and intends to do. He disclosed that during his tenure he trained some journalists on reporting issues relating to the company stating that he is leaving that legacy behind with him. He appealed to journalists to give Foday the requisite support.  He disclosed that Unisa Conteh is now the Sierra Leone Brewery’s Communications Manager.

On his part, the incoming Corporate Affairs Manager , Foday Daboh, stated that when he was first hinted that he will succeed Albert he was a bit perplexed and started asking himself questions but was quick to garner stamina by telling himself that challenges are meant to be confronted. “I will tread on the path that you have created,” he assured his would-be predecessor, stating how the Media is a very important component of society.

He assured journalists that his door is always open and must feel free to seek clarifications on certain issues, stating that by working in synergy, such will dismantle certain barriers and lead to better understanding. Foday said the company is desirous of promoting young ambitious individuals, stating how there is diversity in the company’s Management structure, having two women on the Management Team.

He assured all that the Brewery is up and running, stating how there will be no anticipated shortage of the drinks or beverages that they do manufacture during this festive season. “There will be no scarcity, and we want people to refrain from panic buying,” he assured.

On the issue of the NRA naming the Brewery as one of its debtors, Albert Ojo Collier said it was a mistake on the part of the institution, which the latter admitted to after they raised up the issue with them.

He ended by telling all that SLBL will be 60 years old shortly.

NP-SL Commissions Oasis Gas Station at Mile 91

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By Amin Kef Sesay

It was indeed a spectacular view that warmly greeted us as we disembarked from the vehicle that took us to our destination, Mile 91 within the Tonkolili District, on the 19th December 2021. The beauty of the edifice that beholds our eyes was not only very captivating, lovely but very refreshing on a beautiful Sunday morning. But as we continue to make our way to the venue for the purpose of what took us to Mile 91, the additional structures we saw under construction became very impressive, frankly ,because  they are not too commonplace in that part of the country.

Along the main highway, at Mile 91, sits the brand-new state of an art Oasis Filling Station which was commissioned on the 19th December 2021 and is now officially opened to the public.

In attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of the Oasis Gas Station, Ahmed Idriss Fofanah, members of staff of the station, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker and staff, a representative of the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Jaiah Muana, the Regional Manager of Standards Bureau, Abdul Aziz Kamara,  the Paramount Chief of Yoni Magbanta, Fulamasa Gbabereh,the Regeant Chief, Yusifu Alhaji Barrie, the Local Unit Commander of the Sierra Leone Police Force,  representatives of various stakeholders operating within Mile 91 and residents of the township.

Chairman of the occasion, Hassan Koroma, in his opening remarks stated that the purpose of the event was to unveil an important development that has taken place which, according to him, has added value to Mile 91. He furthered how there used to be three Gas Stations within the township but has now increased to four with the  coming of another new one, the Oasis Gas Station, which all are gathered to witness its commissioning. He noted that the opening of the station is indeed quite timely underscoring how it is usual for fuel shortages to be in festive seasons, expressing hope that with the coming of the new player, fuel shortage at all times will be a thing of the past.

“It is significant to realize that the private sector has an important role to play in complementing the efforts of Government to take development to different parts of the country,” he highlighted.

Giving an overview of the Oasis Gas Station, the Proprietor cum Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Idriss Fofanah, thanked everyone for attending. He explained that he actually hails from Mayola Chiefdom, which he referred to as Mayola City, but because of his affiliation with Mile 91 he decided to invest there. He disclosed how the Gas Station project commenced in January of this year but said before the commencement of the project his Foundation, the Zaindriss Foundation, has been supporting the educational pursuits of sons and daughters of Mile 91 through the offering of scholarships. “Up to about 300 to 400 residents are benefitting from the Foundation,” he stated adding that it took the whole village to raise him up maintaining that it is now pay back time for them.

The CEO revealed that the Filling Station is just one component of his investment, as at the back there is a swimming pool and a Nite Club under construction. He continued that he intends adding a hotel to his investment maintaining that currently there are residents he had employed, who are benefitting and called on all to promote the business so that even posterity will benefit from it.

“Based on the positive cooperation of all there is more in terms of development that will come,” he assured, appealing for all to be security guards against any untoward behaviour or attitudes asserting that residents must claim “ownership” of the investment.

In his statement, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), Ambassador Kobi Walker, stated that NP, as a petroleum importing and marketing entity, is the biggest oil marketing company in the country. He told residents of Mile 91 that NP-SL Ltd has a presence in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia diligently delivering qualitative services to many.

Kobi Walker said Mile 91 is blessed as the ancestors of residents keep telling their sons and daughters to return in order to develop their hometown, citing examples of James Sanpha Koroma of the Union Trust Bank fame to now Ahmed Idriss Fofanah. He said with the construction of the swimming pool it portends that the next Olympic representative from Sierra Leone for swimming will come from Mile 91.

“We are happy to partner with Idriss to establish the Gas Station, but it is up to you to ensure that the investment succeeds as you must take ownership of it,” he implored the residents, intimating them that the name Oasis means a fertile ground. Kobi Walker told them that NP-SL Ltd is owned by 35 ordinary Sierra Leoneans who saved their end of service benefits just to set up the company.

Jaiah Muana, the representative of PRA, said his institution has the responsibility to issue licenses to prospective investors in the petroleum sector, regulate petroleum marketing entities as well as ensuring that fuel is sold at affordable prices.  He informed that the PRA is keen on opening up the space to have more players in the downstream sector with the avowed objective of overcoming what he referred to as Energy Poverty, especially in hard to reach communities. “This station we are about to commission is indeed a standard one,” he commended, adding that they are encouraging investors to construct standard Gas Stations to match up with contemporary times.

Standards Bureau Regional Manager, Abdul Aziz Kamara, pointed out that their work focuses on determining that certain standards or requirements are to be met or followed. He continued that anything that has weight or measurement must be calibrated in order to derive value for money. “We have calibrated the pumping machines at this Gas Station, and we are satisfied that they are up to standard,” he assured, adding that in calibrating they do so impartially. He commended the CEO of the Gas Station for going through the right channels, stating that others must emulate his good example.

Dilating on the aspect of security, the Local Unit Commander in that part of the country stated that security is paramount assuring how they will endeavour to provide maximum security, further extending invitation to the CEO of the Gas Station for them to strategically plan on security issues bordering the investment.

Other speakers commended CEO Ahmed Idriss Fofanah, called for all to own the investment with some suggesting or recommending that upon completion and functioning of the swimming pool and nite club minors must be denied entry or prohibited from using the facilities because of their ages.

The cutting of the tape, signifying the commissioning of the Oasis Gas Station, climaxed the auspicious event.

Age 14 Girl wins 2nd Edition of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition in Sierra Leone

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1st - Rebecca P.L Kaibanya St. Augustine Secondary School Lungi Port Loko District age 14, 2nd - Musa Ayowova Musa Sierra Leone Grammar School age 15 and 3rd - Sakinah Sarah Marrah Beacon High School age 16 have won Scholarships worth $10,000 from the 2021 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition in Sierra Leone 

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Saturday 18th December 2021, three pupils one (1) from the St. Augustine Secondary School Port Loko District Lungi, one (1) from the Sierra Leone Grammar School and one (1) from the Beacon High School won the Second Edition of UBA Foundation National Essay Competition (UBAF-NEC) for Senior Secondary Schools pupils in the country. This competition was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE).

A live TV Studio Session Event was held at the African Young Voices (AYV) Television on Saturday 18th December where the following emerged as the winners of the 2021 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition:

  • Rebecca Kaibanya, age 14, from The St. Augustine came 1st and won the Scholarship Grant of Le 50, 000,000 ($5000).
  • Musa Ayowova Musa, age 15 from The Sierra Leone Grammar School came 2ndand won the scholarship grant of Le 30,000,000 ($3000)
  • Sakinah Sarah Marah, age 16 from The Beacon High School came 3rdand won the scholarship grant of Le 20,000,000 ($2,000).

The top 12 finalists who made it to the final stage of selecting the 3 overall National Winners received one brand new HP Laptop each. Further to this, each of the 12-finalists received Certificate of Recognition while the top three winners received trophies that will be a legacy for them to cherish.

“The National Essay Competition (NEC) is a UBA Foundation Initiative that was initiated in 2011 as part of the Foundation’s drive to improve access to education for the under-privileged across Africa. This year has marked the 2ndedition of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition in Sierra Leone and was done jointly with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE),” said Usman Isiaka MD/CEO UBA Sierra Leone.

The MD/CEO continued to reveal that the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition offers an opportunity for pupils in examination classes to strengthen their critical thinking, civics, and other skill sets relevant for their growth.

NEC Second Edition was launched on the 11th October 2021 by the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Dr. David Moinina Sengeh and the MD/CEO UBA Sierra Leone Usman Isiaka at the Bintumani Conference Hall in Freetown in the presence of UBA Sierra Leone Board of Directors, Executive Management Staff, District Education Officers in the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, pupils and teachers from various schools across the country, and members of the Press. Call for Essay Entry was made opened after the official launching till the 10th December 2021 essay submission deadline.

The Bank in consultation with the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education identified 5 panel of judges, which included communications professionals and professors of English, Literature, and mass communications from reputable universities in Sierra Leone to assess all the submitted essays.

This year, a total of 411 essays were received from 304 schools across all the 16 Districts in the country. This is a remarkable improvement over the maiden edition in year 2020 that recorded a total of 289 essays from 43 schools from 7 Districts; Freetown, Bo, Port Loko, Makeni, Kono, Bombali and Moyamba.

The judges marked essays on the topic: Environment Resilience in Sierra Leone; identity a critical stakeholder and present their interventions for climate change. 

After the judges had graded all the essays submitted, the first 12 finalists were adjudged to have presented well written entry level essays which qualified them for the final stage.  The 12 finalists were again given another topic in the presence of the judges to write an essay within 45 minutes on the topic “If you were the President of Sierra Leone, what would you do to improve your country?”

After the 12 finalists had written the second Essay topic, three final winners emerged, which the MD/CEO announced at the African Young Voices Television Live TV Show on Saturday 18th December 2021.

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