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SALPACT Rescues Gloucester REC Primary School with 100 Desks & Chairs

By Amin Kef Sesay

A United Kingdom based Charity Trust known as the Sierra Leone Poverty Alleviation Charity Trust (SALPACT) has come to the rescue of a primary school, the Rural Education Committee School, commonly referred to as REC Primary School which is situated in Gloucester Village, Western Rural District of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

In an exclusive interview with the Headmistress of the Primary School, Madam Lydia Jackson-Braima, she intimated this medium that a few months ago, a news medium – Sierra News:‘Talk to The Camera’, visited the school and conducted an interview with the headmistress and teachers about the plight of the children and conditions at the school.

The Headmistress furthered that it wasn’t long after the ‘Talk to The Camera’ video had gone viral on social media, that one of the Trustees of the Sierra Leone Poverty Alleviation Charity Trust (SALPACT) – Captain John Dalby and his wife,visited the school and engaged with the authorities about how best SALPACT can help alleviate some of the problems the children at the school were experiencing.

“Although the needs vary but the one that suddenly came to mind was that which has to do with school furniture, that is desks and chairs,” she disclosed and explained that the school had for a considerable period of time, struggling with inadequate furnitures to provide enough sitting accommodation for the pupils. She said that this has been a big challenge for the school, and previous attempts to solve it proved futile.

Madam Lydia Jackson-Braima said that following the visit of Captain John Dalby, the school was then linked with the Board of Trustees of SALPACT, which then decided to come to the aid of the school by funding the construction and supply of one hundred desks and benches for the children.

“Members of the Trust made arrangement with a local carpenter to produce the furniture for the kids and as we speak all have been delivered and they seem to be durable,” she intimated with a big smile on her face.

She also informed that the total amount of money which was expended for the production of all the furniture was Forty-One Million Leones, maintaining that had it not been for the timely intervention of SALPACT they would still be grappling with insufficient desks and chairs at the school.

“As you are aware since the introduction of the Free Quality Education Initiative by the Government the number of children being enrolled into primary school has increased considerably but there is no corresponding increase in furniture which is why the issue of sitting accommodation featured prominently as a felt need,” she elucidated adding that as a matter of fact the classroom blocks must also be added or increased to cope with the increasing number of pupils which according to her currently stands at 403 pupils.

The Headmistress expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the Board of Trustees of SALPACT, especially the visit by Captain John Dalby who assessed the needs of the school on behalf of the Board of Trustees, which then made the decision to provide a whopping Forty-One Million Leones(Le41 million) funding, as well as making arrangements for the production of the 100 desks and chairs for the REC Primary School in Gloucester Village.

“Words cannot express how your intervention has provided relief for us. Effective learning cannot take place where basic things to make it happen are lacking. You have done a great thing for our future leaders, and it is only God Almighty that will richly bless you for your humane gesture,” the Headmistress emotionally expressed gratitude to SALPACT, adding that the furniture will be judiciously utilized for the intended purpose.

She disclosed that the school has performed impressively in public exams, securing 90% passes, furthering that they are doing everything possible to ensure that the pupils are well-educated.

Class Six pupils of the school demonstrated seating on the benches and one of them, Momoh Kamara, also thanked SALPACT for coming to their rescue.

The Sierra Leone Poverty Alleviation Charitable Trust (SALPACT) was established on the 15th of August 2017, in response to the deadly mudslide which took place in Freetown, killing over 1000 people, leaving thousands more homeless and children orphaned.

The aim of SALPACT is to promote the advancement of education and help prevent or relieve poverty in Sierra Leone – especially child poverty, by providing grants to local charities working to prevent or relieve poverty.

The Charity recently provided over Le30 million funding support for the planting of fruit trees by schools in rural Freetown.

SALPACT has also provided funding for the care of the elderly at the King George’s Home.

With the generous support of donors and friends from around the world, the Trust is raising funds to help build and promote a better society in Sierra Leone.

The Board of Trustees of SALPACT is made up of Abdul Rashid Thomas who is the Founder and Chairman of the Trust, Dr. Babatunde Gbolade, Dr Victor Labor, Dr Abdul Anasa Sesay, Dr Fawzia Iyamide Thomas (Treasurer), Captain John Dalby, Ibilola Campbell (Secretary), Beryl Juma MBE, and Jeremy Labor.

Speaking to this medium, the Chairman of SALPACT – Mr Abdul Rashid Thomas, called on diasporans to step up support for education in Sierra Leone and to copy the example of trustees of SALPACT.

“If every Sierra Leonean living abroad can adopt a primary school in Sierra Leone and provide the necessary funding support to meet the needs of the children, in ten years’ time Sierra Leone will no longer be classed among the worst countries in Africa for literacy,” Mr Abdul Rashid Thomas said.

Direct Selling Empowers Women Entrepreneurs

QNET
QNET

Women around the World Are Breaking Barriers with This Established Business Model

According to the International Finance Corporation, globally, women are now starting businesses at a faster rate than men. More than 250 million female entrepreneurs are powering economies, creating jobs and new income opportunities, reducing poverty, and increasing equality where it is needed most. A report by Deloitte concludes that women now own as much as one-third of all enterprises worldwide.

Despite progress in recent years, many women still face significant barriers to starting their own businesses. These include a lack of capital, time, and the needed skills. An industry that subverts these barriers is direct selling: The World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA) reported that in 2020, a staggering 74.4% of direct selling representatives are women – a trend that that is unsurprising considering the nature of the industry. More women around the world are making the decision to turn direct sales into an opportunity for personal success as it leapfrogs the aforementioned barriers faced by female-led ventures in the modern world while still offering balance for women seeking fulfilling careers, without compromising traditional familial values or personal growth.

Direct Selling: A Time-Tested Distribution Model for Entrepreneurs

Direct selling is a retail channel used by top global brands and smaller, entrepreneurial companies to market products and services directly to consumers outside traditional shops and outlets. Direct selling is a multi-billion industry that has demonstrated strong growth in various markets, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to build their own businesses through working with legitimate direct selling companies selling everything from household goods, beauty tools and supplements, to various other consumer products.

The direct selling channel differs from broader retail in a significant way. It isn’t only about getting great products and services into consumers’ hands. It’s also an avenue where entrepreneurial-minded people can work independently to build a business with low start-up and overhead costs, and move those products into the market efficiently.

Direct selling predates retail. In early history, tradespeople sold and bartered goods to the community without a retail middleman. Later, travelling salespeople roamed from town to town, selling products directly to consumers who had no access to the big city markets. In the mid-20th century, the model evolved as direct sellers, mostly women, engaged their networks of friends and neighbors to demonstrate and sell products such as Tupperware and Mary Kay.

Direct selling has proven to be a resilient model. As many industries have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, direct selling set record sales in 2020 of US$76 billion in Asia alone, with countries such India and Kazakhstan demonstrating some of the highest percentage year-on-year growth in the region. The direct selling model adapts quickly and efficiently to changes in market conditions while providing consumers with the products they want.

Today, a new generation of direct sellers is harnessing mobile technology and e-commerce to discover new opportunities in this time-tested distribution model. For those willing to work hard, direct selling can break barriers and create opportunities. In 2020 the global direct sales industry was worth more than US$180 billion. Women are generating an overwhelming portion of this wealth.

Direct Sales is A Woman Powered Industry

Women comprise nearly 75% of direct sales representatives worldwide. One factor accounting for the immense impact of women in direct sales is that this model enables them to overcome the barriers that often keep them from entrepreneurship: lack of capital, lack of time, and lack of skills.

Direct Sales Requires a Low Capital Investment to Start a Business

Studies have found that women entrepreneurs have less access to credit and tend to receive smaller loan amounts than men. With these impediments in their paths, women are far less likely than men to fund their business with outside investments. This lack of funding limits how much women can invest in their business and stunts their potential.

The average start-up costin the Westwith a direct selling company is about US$100, according to the Direct Selling Association of USA (DSA). This cost represents a fraction of the investment required to rent a shop space and purchase the inventory needed to start a retail store. Direct selling provides women with the products and materials needed to start earning money with minimal costs. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the low entry cost of direct selling empowers women in impoverished regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America to lead the world with the highest entrepreneurial activity rates.

The direct selling model is scalable, meaning an entrepreneur can start with a small inventory and quickly increase it or reduce it as necessary without worrying about burdensome overhead costs such as warehousing or shipping. These features of direct selling provide women entrepreneurs with low risk, low-cost business opportunities without the need for outside investment.

In Direct Selling, Women Set Their Own Schedules and Priorities

Many women entrepreneurs must split their time and attention between their business, family, school, social life, and other competing interests. As primary caregivers, many women struggle to balance their commitment to their home and children with the demands of running a business.  The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this struggle as schools and nurseries have been forced to close, leaving many families without childcare.

While direct selling requires the same commitment and hard work as other business models, it also enables women to operate according to their schedules. As an independent representative, a woman in direct selling can fit her work around her other commitments. The added convenience of technology and e-commerce provide women with even more flexibility and independence as they build their direct selling networks.

Direct Selling Empowers Women with Skills and Education

According to the United Nations, only 39% of girls attend secondary school in rural areas, compared to 45% of boys. This gender gap in education puts women at a disadvantage, robbing them of the knowledge, skills, and training they need to power their businesses.

Direct selling does not require specialized skills to get started. But many direct selling companies, such as QNET, provide their independent representatives with training, mentoring, and education that develop valuable skills and knowledge they can apply to their business and all aspects of their lives.

While direct selling requires hard work and commitment, it also empowers women entrepreneurs by providing them with a low-cost business model that offers independence, flexibility, and an opportunity to grow at their own pace.

Saly Fofana, a high-performing representative of the leading Asian direct selling company, QNET, and a member of the exclusive QNET Achiever’s Club, exemplifies how women are succeeding in direct selling.

“The toughest part of the journey was at the beginning because I didn’t have any experience of running my own business. Learning how to overcome my fears and accept setbacks was essential because I wanted to succeed. I wanted to feel empowered and be able to lead and help others become entrepreneurs too.” Saly recalls. “Direct selling was the ideal training ground as I had the flexibility and freedom to pursue a career at my own pace, and the overwhelming support from other women in the direct selling community really helped me through to become the person I am today.”

Saly believes that women can succeed in direct selling because the model complements their values. “The core of direct selling is not just about the money, but the genuine connection and care you have with your community – it is synonymous with the values that women have, which are to nurture and care.”

Saly’s words reflect how direct selling has long realised and relied on the strength of women in leadership and female-centric entrepreneurship. One of the earliest opportunities for women to make their own living, break traditional gender roles, and enable them to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity started in direct selling: in the late 1800s, it was a group of women doing direct sales that brought beauty company Avon it’s century-long success, to the point where the term “Avon Lady” was coined to represent the outstanding passion and dedication towards success that these women brought to the market.

The success of women under Avon’s banner set the precedent for the future of direct selling: today, direct selling companies across the world have built a reputation for being businesses that give no credence to glass ceilings and place huge emphasis on nurturing and empowering women leaders across the globe. The proof is in the pudding, as can be seen in multinational giants such as L’Oréaland L’OCCITANE en Provence who are actively investing in digital-based direct selling platforms, tapping into their largest demographic and transforming it into a sales force that will produce a force of women entrepreneurs to be reckoned with in the present and well into the future.

Malou T. Caluza, QNET’s CEO, and a vocal advocate for women in leadership, credits women with the success of the direct selling model. “The success of direct selling today is the result of the hard work of women. Women pioneered the hugely popular ‘Tupperware parties’ – stay-at-home mothers and enterprising young women – and broke gender stereotypes to build the multi-billion industry that we know today. Direct selling would not see its current success without the hard work and passion from women. Even though I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years, it has never ceased to inspire me when witnessing women from all walks of life demonstrate passion, tenacity, and drive and emerge feeling empowered when their entrepreneurial journey brings them success.”

Whether a woman dreams of building a multimillion-dollar business or simply wants to earn enough extra income to send her daughter to dance lessons, direct selling opens the door for her. By empowering women entrepreneurs, direct selling is building a stronger global economy for all. When women are economically empowered, they drive growth, reduce income inequality, and contribute to building a more inclusive, robust economy for everyone.

 

 

 

As it Awards Over 20 Legal Practitioners….   Bar Association Awards Chief Justice with Honorary Award

The Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, was the proud recipient of an honorary award which was presented to him by President Julius Maada Bio at the Country Lodge, on behalf of the Bar Association, in recognition of the unprecedented reforms undertaken so far at the Judiciary..jpg

By Elkass Sannoh

The Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, was the proud recipient of an honorary award which was presented to him by President Julius Maada Bio at the Country Lodge, on behalf of the Bar Association, in recognition of the unprecedented reforms undertaken so far at the Judiciary.

The citation on the award states that, “this Honorary Award is presented in recognition of your innovative reforms in the Judiciary. We commend you for your leadership in the administration of Justice.”

The award and recognition add up to a plethora of awards that the Hon. Chief Justice and the Judiciary of Sierra Leone have received in just three years.

Two weeks ago, the Sierra Technology Awards awarded the Judiciary as the Lead Innovative Government Institution 2021. This comes in the heels of the many innovative reforms by the Honourable Chief Justice to digitalize the Judiciary ranging from the first Virtual Court, a responsive website and the use of the Justice Application to ensure effective service delivery at the Magistrates’ Courts.

Now more than ever before, Judgments are being uploaded on a daily basis on the website www.judiciary.gov.sl as well as cases assigned to Judges for adjudication.

The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency, Lisa Chesney MBE, in a meeting in the Chief Justice’s Chambers said she is impressed with the progress at the Judiciary under the leadership of Justice Edwards.

Whilst referencing the recent Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) rating with 63% pass mark in the Rule of Law, the British High Commissioner further commended the Judiciary for such a progress and strides. She said, “thank you for the reforms and transformation within the Judiciary.”

The British High Commissioner also commended the Chief Justice for the deployment of Magistrates in all Districts and Judges in places where there were no sitting Judges.

Apart from the study tour conducted by different countries in the sub-region, the Gambian Solicitor General, Hussein Thomasi, and his team recently stated that, “we are impressed with the reforms at the Sierra Leone Judiciary and the support to the Anti-Corruption Commission in the fight against Corruption.”

During the Bar Association Dinner and first Awards Night, the Chief Justice also presented an outstanding award to the current Bar Association President, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow under whose leadership such a unique occasion was organized.

 

Also, as part of the event, the Sierra Leone Bar Association awarded over 20 eminent Sierra Leonean legal practitioners for their dedicated service and outstanding reforms in the administration of justice.

 

MRU Delegation Engages the Guinean Military Junta on the Way Forward for the Country

President Mamady Doumbouya.jpg

By Esther Wright

A delegation from the Mano River Union led by the Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. has concluded a two days Diplomatic meeting with President Mamady Doumbouya and his Government on how to maintain the already fraternal relationship that has existed within the MRU.

The Guinea Foreign Minister, Dr. Morisanda Kouyateh welcomed the delegation on Sunday morning and thanked them for their proactive contribution within the MRU. He said Guineans were suffering and that the current Government has no other determination but to change the current deplorable status of Guineans.

In his presentation, the Head of MRU delegation, Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah Sr. said the MRU was not doing Guinean favour but rather performing its obligation as Guinea is a member of the Union. He conveyed greetings from the 3 Presidents of Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. He succinctly explained the outcome of the November 22nd -23rd MRU Diplomatic, Peace, Security and Democracy Conference held in Margibi County of Liberia this year and the Communique that was signed which lead to the visit to Guinea. He said the MRU Countries have helped each other whenever there has been crisis such as, War, natural disaster and security issues.

That fraternal bond he said was what the MRU is replicating in supporting Guinea to have a peaceful and timely transition. He assures Guineans of their security within the MRU neighbouring countries.

The President of the Republic of Guinea, Col. Mamady Doumbouya thanked the delegation and commended the Secretary General Amb. Medina A. Wesseh and the Presidents of the MRU Countries, Specifically, His Excellency Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio for being the First head of State within the MRU to visit and sympathized with the people of Guinea.

President Doumbouya said they were willing to effect a transition but that, they need to correct issues around corruption and indiscipline in the country.

“We are only here to change the condition in Guinea, I have constituted the National transition Committee, All political prisoners have been freed, I have set up a Commission of Inquiry to look into how our resources were used and how Government assets have been managed since 1954.  I have instructed my men to return to their military barracks.  Hence, all these are achieved then we are sure of a good Guinea with clean political leadership. We don’t want to do a new election and give power to new thieves,” he stated.

He thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them of his fullest support to promoting peace in the region. He also discussed security issues with the Sierra Leone’s Minister of Defense, Brig. Kellie Conteh.

 

As SLAJ Heavily Condemns Attack on Female Journalist…   LAJ Openly Apologizes to Asmaa James & all Women of Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release issued by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on the 13th December 2021 and signed by Alhaji Manika Kamara as Acting Secretary General it was stated that some members of the Association accompanied the Station Manager of Radio Democracy 98.1FM, Asmaa James, to the Cyber Unit of the Sierra Leone Police to make a formal complaint in relation to a video containing obscenities against her personality posted on social media by musician aka LAJ.

SLAJ stated that Radio Democracy, including other radio stations and newspapers, merely reported what the Magistrate ordered in a Court sitting involving LAJ, without any personal comment or reference to the musician, save the particulars of the case which specifically named him in Court.

The Association continued that it is shocked by the content of the said video directly targeting the personality of a hard-working journalist who was just doing her normal work, and the fact that it came from a musician whose career the media helped to build and who is expected to be a positive role model in society.

SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said: “This is not only an attack on one of our respected and outstanding female journalists but also on our journalism profession and the women of this nation. This is absolutely unacceptable and we condemn it entirely. Our society does not deserve this kind of uncouth behavior. Regrettably, we know the hard-earned reputation of our dear colleague will not be redeemed by any penalty that will be meted on the alleged perpetrator but we will not rest until justice is served.”

It was further stated that, meanwhile, while they leave the Sierra Leone Police to do their work, SLAJ calls on all media houses in the country to blacklist musician aka LAJ and ensure that he doesn’t enjoy any favourable coverage until he publicly apologizes to Mrs. James and her family, and to the journalists and women of this country.

On the other hand, in an open letter written by LAJ to Asmaa James and the women of Sierra Leone he said, “I Alhaji Amadu Bah aka Boss (LAJ) I am writing really deeply sorry for the unethical behavior I did on my live video on Saturday 11/12/21, I still can’t believe nor decipher what went through my mind then that I became so rude and let my anger get the best of me and I did the thinkable. For that I’ll say I am sorry to Asmaa James/family and the Women of Sierra Leone.”

He continued by saying there is no justification for what I did and for that I’ll say sorry to the women of Sierra Leone, my family, friends, fans and supporters.

“I have been through a lot for the past couple of years, and it somewhat having a negative effect of mental health and I got overwhelmed during the live, no excuses whatsoever for my actions and I take full responsibility,” he continued to apologize adding, “I am human and I am liable to mistakes and I regret what I did.”

“Bad bush nor day for troway bad pikin, padi or fambul, we all don komot far so duya r de beg me Salone people dem, una sorry me duya. All RFM fans una keep de peace duya,” he apologized in the Krio lingua franca.

“Please accept my apologies. Yours Sincerely, Alhaji Amadu Bah aka King Boss LA,” he ended his letter of apology to Asmaa James.

Dr. Tony Morgan Throws Light on the Importance of Enhancing the Film Industry

Dr. Tony Morgan, the Deputy Commissioner General of Dubai Expo 2020.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

Dr. Tony Morgan, the Deputy Commissioner General of Dubai Expo 2020, who was part of the team that led Sierra Leone’s delegation to the Dubai Expo 2020, in this article discusses the relevance of developing the film industry into a commercial viable entity that will not only boost the country’s economy but provide job opportunities for many young people who are currently not gainfully engaged.

He stated that according to a UNESCO report in October 2021 titled: “The African Film Industry – Trends Challenges and opportunity for growth” it is estimated that Africa’s film and audiovisual sectors account for $5bn in revenues, employing 5 million people.

“UNESCO points to the potential to quadruple revenues to $20bn and the number of jobs to 20 million, annually,” he disclosed adding how Sierra Leone must be deliberate in her strategy to be part of the film revolution and devise a continental strategy to building the industry.

Dr. Morgan argued that in a Global world we have to look beyond our shores to make the industry profitable adding how Sierra Leone also has the advantage of having a First Lady that is also a producer and actress. “She is a positive force in driving the film industry forward,” he stated.

“In the last symposium for developing the commercial film industry, held in Freetown, veteran of the drama industry and member of the Order of the Rokel, Charlie Haffner stressed the importance of domesticated education to effectively position Sierra Leone for development in the sector,” Dr Morgan revealed furthering how the Head of Department of the Arts of the Milton Margai Technical University Mr. Elliot said they are having consultative meetings to develop effective fit-for-purpose short courses that will cater for the needs of the industry.

He continued that the film industry comprises of technological, creative and commercial institutions. “We have to tailor new age training that will take cognizance of our unique strengths and build on these strengths,” he suggested stating how the creative part of the film industry is subjective depending on the target market.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that for the Sierra Leone market, we will learn from successful film creatives like Ibrahim Kamara aka Sara D Great. He said this is because Ibrahim Kamara understands the Sierra Leone Market.

He suggested that we can then have Sara D Great collaborate with international artists in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other successful countries in film, to produce series of films that will have international appeal.

“If the target platform is NETFLIX, we get Mr Kamara to concentrate on the creative aspect during the collaboration, but bring in NETFLIX APPROVED technical team,” he further suggested.

Dr Morgan continued that according to the UNESCO report, Sierra Leone has no institutional framework dedicated to the film and audiovisual sector.

“However, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Monuments and Relics Commission, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry together regulate the entertainment industry,” he pointed out stating that the Sierra Leone Film Council, the Sierra Leone Film Guild, and the Sierra Leone Editors Guild, are the umbrella organizations for film producers and media owners.

The Deputy Commissioner said Ambassador Phebe Swill, a Sierra Leonean producer and actress spoke about the challenges she faced producing “Wath E’Behra”.

He said the quality of the movie is so good, Netflix is in discussion with her studio on buying the rights disclosing how she made it clear, filmmaking is not easy, but making profitable films is achievable.

He said unlike most African countries, the Sierra Leone film Industry has females taking on producer roles saying that was the path Comfort Ediener Nyukeh chose when she produced and starred in “Tangle with the Boss”.

He said Comfort is of the view that the industry requires more positive Government intervention and went on to state how female Executive Producer Michaella Sallu has produced & starred in her films and many others.

“She is one of the consistent producers and tipped to be one of the Producers that will push the reinvention of Sierra Leone as the new film hub in West Africa,” he commended also disclosing that Veteran Producer Jimmy B has series of film productions going on presently in Sierra Leone.

He said the complaint he gets from most practitioners is the poor quality and lack of equipment. According to him, however, that was discounted by Shocole, the owner of CRIBS international in Freetown.

“He said CRIBS produces content in Nigeria, Ghana and they are presently filming in Liberia,” Dr. Morgan discloses revealing how Amistad (1997) and Blood Diamond (2006) are the two widely known films about Sierra Leone, but said they were both shot elsewhere.

He said, CRIBS as a creative hub, is changing the narrative as they are in high demand to film in other countries, as they are also attracting big budget productions to Sierra Leone.

He mentioned how AYV media recently launched its digital platform stating that based on the success of the Housemates Reality TV Show, AYV is in discussion to replicate the same in Liberia.

Dr. Tony Morgan said interacting with different agencies; there is a misguided view that the film industry belongs to actors or wannabe actors. He continued that worse still is the misconception that the film industry is “entertainment” and not a business.

“This movement for development is repositioning the industry as a business,” he affirmed adding how that does not mean we discount the cultural aspect, but stressed how the movement is about job creation and making the industry sustainable.
“Affordable digital film equipment and the new ability to distribute but also monetise content directly to consumers via online platforms (from YouTube, other social media and Netflix to local mobile video services) is giving rise to a new economy for African content creators which bypasses traditional gatekeepers,” he quoted from a UNESCO report.

Dr. Morgan argued that the Sierra Leone Film Industry, Labour and Marketing Guild is an official recognized trade union body. He stated that the body needs a continental approach to the business of film.

He suggested how the Guild needs to tap into the West African market as one of their “Low hanging fruit” approach, then go global.

“The Guild is playing a lead role in creating a workable film policy,” he disclosed stating how such will go a long way in standardizing the Film industry and make international bodies take the country’s industry serious.
“From my subjective point of view, the growth of the creative industry is now squarely in the hands of the private sector,” he expressed his conviction stating how Sierra Leone is blessed with amazing scenery. He said Creatives are not censored, they can create content for any market they choose.

In giving an example, he said a Sierra Leone producer can film an epic Ghanaian film in Sierra Leone and use the country’s technical team here and our amazing scenery maintaining that the film will be for the Ghanaian market, but the profit comes to Sierra Leone.
Dr. Tony Morgan concluded by stating that the creative industry is one of the areas they, as a team, presented at the Dubai Expo 2020 in the UAE.

“We have specific projects and we are ready to commence, we will have another symposium where we will engage with the private sector and come up with implementable recommendations,” he revealed.

Addressing ECOWAS Heads of State & Govt… President Bio Discloses AU’s Endorsement of Sierra Leone for UN Security Council Seat

60th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.jpg

By Amin Kef Sesay

President Julius Maada Bio, on the 12th December 2021, addressed the 60th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria.

President Bio started by conveying warm greetings from the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone further expressing  sincere gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, and the Government and People of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for hosting the 60th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of the Heads of State and Government.
He also commended the Leadership of His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and the Chair of the Authority, for the quality leadership and commitment he has ably and ceaselessly demonstrated.
He also congratulated and thanked the President, Vice President, and Management of the ECOWAS Commission for their peerless service to ECOWAS Member States especially in the area of the institutional reform process.

“Sierra Leone also congratulates the ECOWAS Commission for the adoption of Vision 2050 – a landmark policy document that would transform the region over the next 30 years,” the President stated and called on ECOWAS to fully implement a communication strategy to ensure that the Vision is understood and ‘owned by people of the ECOWAS community’.

He also called for a robust resource- mobilization strategy so that vital programmes are funded recommending how the Commission must also introduce a monitoring and evaluation dashboard to measure the impact of the Vision on the ECOWAS people.

President Bio intimated that Sierra Leone firmly endorses ECOWAS’ mediation efforts for both a return to constitutional order and democratic transition roadmaps for both Guinea and Mali.

“We remain firmly committed to and endorse the efforts of the ECOWAS Commission and the Authority of Heads of State to ensure stability and peace in the ECOWAS region,” he said adding how Sierra Leone’s bilateral engagement with the CRND leadership in the sister Republic of Guinea focuses on supporting a return to constitutional order and security cooperation between the two nations that share a long border.

The President told his colleagues that from the Mano River Union (MRU) Diplomatic, Peace, Security & Democracy Conference convened in Monrovia by H.E. President George Manneh Weah, the MRU Communiqué also complements, supports, re-affirms, and endorses the ECOWAS mediation process and transition agenda for the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea.

He continued to inform how a high-level MRU delegation has since engaged the CNRD military leadership on the imperative for sub-regional security cooperation and joint border patrols.

“I, therefore, urge colleague Heads of State to mandate the MRU to play a complementary support role to the ECOWAS process in Guinea,” President Bio also recommended.
He recalled a consensus by the Authority of Heads of State for the Commission to commence a review of the revised supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as it relates to the contentious issue of third term mandates and arbitrary changes to electoral laws.

The President urged the Commission to commence a time-bound review of the supplementary protocol in order to restore public trust and confidence in ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting stable, timely, and legitimate democratic transitions.
In that regard, President Bio commended ECOWAS’ efforts in supporting Cape Verde and The Gambia to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.

He implored his colleagues that their Governments must be seen to promote the all- important voices of women in supporting peace and security in the sub-region.

On the issue of terrorism, President Bio said Sierra Leone will continue to work in close collaboration with ECOWAS to fight and prevent terrorist activities in the region.

He said the established Counter-Terrorism Centre in Sierra Leone is currently working with the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism maintaining that Member States response must be nimble and adequate.

“Sierra Leone, therefore, urges that the region bolster its cyber-security capacity and cooperation in order to interdict the networks and activities of terrorists,” he stated adding how they must also strengthen National Early Warning Systems and introduce a more effective coordination mechanism among member States.

He told the August body that as they contend with the new OMICRON variant, his Government will continue to partner with Members states to galvanize their efforts to prevent and curtail COVID- 19.
The President congratulated His Excellency, President Buhari, for his work as the COVID- 19 champion. He also recognized Professor Stanley Okolo, Director General of WAHO, for his exceptional work in helping Member States to deal with the pandemic.

“As we face unprecedented mutations of the virus, our joint efforts to prevent and curtail the spread of COVID-19 are critical,” he admonished further urging enhanced access to vaccines and also support for the development of capacity for manufacturing COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.

He continued by saying additionally they must also build resilience across  healthcare systems through capacity building for health care staff to deliver essential health services to both rural and urban populations.

President Bio stated how they have an opportunity to reform or re-engineer health systems by not only enhancing workforce capacity and capability, implementing digital healthcare systems, but also by identifying alternative models of healthcare.

“We also support sub-regional manufacturing capacity for PPEs and essential medical commodities and for equipping ICUs adequately,” he revealed adding that their respective countries have supported vulnerable populations through the COVID-19 pandemic period.

“But our recovery from the pandemic will be better and stronger if we continue investing in human capital development,” he suggested furthering how they should focus on inclusive development, effective delivery, and innovative approaches stating that investing in people will spur inclusive, long-term, and sustainable economic growth.

President Bio stated that equal access to quality education must be complemented with the promotion of gender empowerment and equality laws and policies that support greater involvement in decision-making and national development.

“Women must be fully involved in using innovation and technology to drive excellence in health care, education, agriculture, and energy, among other fields,” he suggested maintaining how they can accelerate socio-economic development by placing ICT at the centre of their development strategies.

In terms of climate, energy and agriculture, Sierra Leone, like other ECOWAS member states, is most vulnerable to the negative impact of climate change stating that their response to that existential threat is critical.

“ I, therefore, appeal to Member States to collaborate on climate mitigation and adaptation and work jointly towards accessing climate finance,” he also recommended adding how there is also a need for resilient infrastructure for dams, bridges, roads, and railways that withstand the effects of climate change.

President Bio said they have an opportunity to introduce more green energy sources such as solar and biogas and to transmit those to the populations in rural communities.

“Our call for just-rural agriculture, climate-smart agriculture investments and for the engagement of women and youth as agro-entrepreneurs must be supported with tangible joint actions across the community,” the President stated.

On UN Security Council Seat Bid for 2024-25 President Bio informed that he is pleased to inform them that the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council on 14th October 2021 unanimously endorsed Sierra Leone as the sole candidate for West Africa and the ECOWAS region for the UNSC seat bid for 2024-25 in the Non-Permanent Category with elections in June 2023.

President Bio took the opportunity to thank member States and colleague Heads of State for their invaluable support.

“In particular, let me thank my dear elder brother, President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his magnanimous support and show of common solidarity for Sierra Leone to represent ECOWAS and the African continent on the world stage,” he stated adding that on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, he is thanking all for the confidence reposed in Sierra Leone to represent ECOWAS.
President Bio concluded by reiterating his Government’s full support for ECOWAS in its effort to address issues that affect the region with a view to maintaining Good Governance, peace, security, stability and inclusive sustainable development.

Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India Presents Letters of Credence to the President of India

President of the Republic of India, Ram Nath Kovind.jpg

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The non-resident High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to the Republic of India has, on the 13th December 2021, presented his Letters of Credence to the Honorable President of the Republic of India, Ram Nath Kovind during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential House in New Delhi.

Shortly after the presentation ceremony, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay held a bilateral meeting with the Indian President, where he conveyed warm greetings from President Dr Julius Maada Bio to his Indian counterpart. He said that the two countries had enjoyed a relationship spanning over decades and expressed appreciation to the Government and People of India for its contributions to Sierra Leone, particularly through the deployment of officers on a peacekeeping mission during the country’s civil war.

High Commissioner Sesay noted that Sierra Leone acknowledged and welcomed the scholarship opportunities provided to its nationals by the Indian Government, saying that was within President Bio’s Human Capital Agenda. He said the visit of the Indian Vice President to Sierra Leone in late 2019 had helped to bolster and strengthen the bonds of friendship and bilateral relations between the two nations, adding that since the visit, there had been a lot of tangibles on both ends. He assured of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening the ties.

The Sierra Leone Envoy also conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s condolences to the People of India for the death of the Late Indian Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat who was killed last week during an helicopter crash.

President Kovind recalled that in 2020, the Government of India opened a resident Mission in Sierra Leone as a show of their commitment to deepen ties with the West African State. He said India remained one of the key trade partners to Sierra Leone and added that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, trade between the two countries had grown. He said he was pleased that India had supported projects in Sierra Leone in several areas including education, power, water and agriculture.

“As you begin your journey as Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India, I wish you all success towards strengthening India-Sierra Leone relations,” he ended.

Over the years, the South Asian country has provided a lot of assistance to Sierra Leone particularly in the fields of tertiary education, healthcare delivery and agriculture. It also played an important role through peacebuilding and the post-war reconstruction process in Sierra Leone. It could be remembered that in October 2019, the Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu visited Sierra Leone and met with His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, during which they discussed relations between the two countries and explored more avenues for deeper collaboration.

Hunted by Tradition: Mohamed Kamara on the Run After Defying Poro Society

Mohamed Kamara
Mohamed Kamara

By Alpha Sesay

On 12th December 2021, reports reaching this medium indicated that Mohamed Kamara, a 23-year-old Sierra Leonean from the north-western region, is in hiding after refusing initiation into the powerful and secretive Poro Society. His defiance has sparked a deadly backlash from members of the society, sending shockwaves through his community and family.

Eyewitnesses in his father’s village, where Mohamed was first introduced to traditional secret societies, recall that he was initiated into the Ojeh Society at just ten years old in Sanda Village, Karene District. “We saw how frightened he was even then,” said Foday Gbanabom Kamara, Mohamed’s uncle. “He was always quiet, withdrawn, and seemed haunted after the rites. We knew something broke in him during that time.”

Following his Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in 2011, which qualified him for university admission, Mohamed began facing intense pressure—particularly from his father and village elders, most of whom are members of the Poro Society to take over his father’s position within the group.

Mohamed refused, citing the trauma and fear he experienced during his Ojeh initiation. His rejection was met with outrage. “The entire village turned against him,” said Mariatu, a neighbor who witnessed the family fallout. “His father disowned him. He said Mohamed had brought shame to their name.”

Since then, Mohamed has gone into hiding. Reports suggest that a bounty has been placed on his head, with Poro members allegedly offering a substantial reward for information leading to his capture. Villagers claim several individuals who tried to protect Mohamed have been beaten or chased away from the village.

Local police have remained silent on the matter, raising concerns about institutional complicity. “It’s difficult to get help,” explained a human rights activist based in Makeni. “Many in authority—chiefs, police, even magistrates—are members of these societies. When you report, you’re often talking to the same people who uphold the system you’re trying to escape.”

Mohamed’s mother is reportedly facing serious threats from local enforcers of the society. “They come to her house at night, banging on her door, warning her to produce her son or face the consequences,” said a neighbor, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Secret societies like Poro and Ojeh are deeply embedded in Sierra Leone’s socio-political structure, especially in rural areas. While often seen as cultural institutions that preserve heritage, their opaque operations and coercive practices have drawn increasing criticism from human rights organizations.

As the search for Mohamed Kamara intensifies, many fear the worst. “He is not just running from a society,” said one local elder. “He’s running from a whole system built to silence people like him.”

Mohamed’s fate remains uncertain, but his story has reignited national debates about the role of traditional societies, personal freedom, and the limits of cultural authority in modern Sierra Leone.

NP-SL Ltd Epitomizes Determination, Fine Managerial Initiatives & Synergy

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

By Amin Kef Sesay

It has been established that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited sheds a ray of hope for Sierra Leonean businesses. It epitomizes that any determined group of Sierra Leoneans, with good intensions and initiatives, can make meaningful achievements when they come together and invest solidly. Today, the company is the leading petroleum marketing company in the subregion, only because some 35 nationals were shrewd enough to plough their end of service benefits into the formation of the company. This example, if emulated by forward-looking and ambitious individuals that make meaningful investment plans, will change the development trajectory of this country.

Though NP-SL Ltd is an indigenously owned company, however its shareholders and Management are not afraid to take risk into venturing into various parts of the country. NP-SL Ltd believes in breaking new grounds and this has been the driving force behind its expansionist drive.

The company’s services that it rolls out are not only limited in the capital city but are replicated nationwide. Everywhere they operate, they offer the same services, effectively providing the qualitative services to its esteemed customers.

To make the purchase of fuel very simple NP-SL Ltd introduced the NP Smart Card, which enables organizations and individuals to purchase fuel at ease without using physical cash. By introducing this latest technology, it avails its customers the convenience in conducting transactions at Filling Stations as long there is credit in their NP Smart Cards.

Established by some 35 Sierra Leoneans years back, NP-SL Ltd has grown to become one of the most successful indigenously owned companies in this country. Because of effective management initiatives, the company is vibrantly operating in Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and The Gambia.
With NP-SL Ltd, Customer Care is always taken paramount as Management ensures that customer satisfaction is prioritized. The company truly deserves commendation in that direction.
With well-motivated members of staff, who know how to efficiently treat customers, NP-SL Ltd has become very endearing to many.
In all the five countries where it is operating, the company always ensures that petroleum products, in terms of fuel and other lubricants, are available in order to avoid scarcity.

It has been established that using charcoal and wood for cooking purposes poses health hazards and depletion of our forests. Against such a backdrop many have commended the company for making it possible to get access to NP gas cookers, which are indeed safe and friendly for domestic use. Gas is as well available at the company’s filling stations which individuals can purchase at affordable prices.

The company is one of the few business entities in this country that strictly adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy by strictly offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans except in situations when expert knowledge and skills are outsourced. This has helped in providing jobs and reducing poverty.

NP-SL Ltd is a major tax payer to the National Revenue Authority and is contributing to Government’s revenue which is used for the implementation of various development programmes.

The company has truly made Sierra Leone proud as it continues to fly the Green, White and Blue high in West Africa with the story of how serious minded and ambitious individuals can become successful business entrepreneurs.

 

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