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NP-SL is Progressively Expanding its Service Delivery Operations Far & Wide

By Amin Kef Sesay

The leading indigenous oriented petroleum marketing company in the country and beyond, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is progressively expanding its operations as evident in the recent commissioning of new Filling Stations in different parts of the country.

Being a dependable business entity that has over the years demonstrated shrewdness and efficiency in the importation and marketing of various petroleum products among which we have diesel, petrol, gas, lubricants like Castrol Oil as well as other products, NP-SL Ltd has become a household name and many have reposed confidence in it for its timeliness and orderliness.

It is against such a backdrop that, on a frequent basis, certain savvy business individuals do not hesitate to partner or collaborate with NP-SL Ltd to open up Filling Stations in different parts of the country, places where hitherto it was extremely difficult to access those petroleum products. Such collaborations are bordered on mutual trust and the objective of not only maximizing profits but to meaningfully contribute to overall national development.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that the opening of new Filling Stations provides employment opportunities for the jobless then one comes to the realization that NP-SL Ltd is indeed making a meaningful contribution in the reduction of unemployment.

Looking at it from the perspective that youth unemployment is a real social malaise that most times leads to high crime rates then the fantastic moves made by the company in the area of creating job opportunities are indeed worthy to be celebrated. To take it a little bit further, creating job opportunities is another way of reducing poverty in the country.

One way in which the Government derives revenue is through internal mobilization of funds and one channel is via the imposition of various forms of tax. Business entities are bound by law to pay taxes to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). Filling Stations fall within that bracket and by extension they are large tax payers. Those taxes paid are in return utilized by Government to provide basic amenities for the populace and fund other development projects.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time as a company which does not compromise customer care and it is in that regard, long time ago, the company bagged the prestigious accolade of being 1st for Customer Care.

Management of the company is of the firm conviction that giving utmost satisfaction to its numerous customers right across the country is very imperative. The company has in all its Filling Stations calibrated pumping machines which pump the exact amount of fuel requested for and display the price at the same time.

It is on record that the company markets cookers which are known as NP Gas, manufactured in different cylinder sizes. They are environmentally friendly, easy to refill with gas that can be secured at the company’s Filling Stations where NP Gas could also be accessed.

To simplify transactions, the company introduced the NP Smart Card which could be used to purchase fuel without using physical cash. As long as the NP Smart Card has credit in it such could be used to buy fuel at certain Filling Stations. It is a quick, safe and a secured way of conducting transactions which many have lauded the company for.

NP-SL Ltd is one company that long ago made it a laid down policy of predominantly employing indigenes everywhere it is operating. This policy is in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy which the company continues to uphold.

Note that the company is also operating in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

It can be safely anchored that indeed NP-SL Ltd’s expansionist drive is largely driven by competent and efficient Management initiatives. One thing which is indisputably incontestable  is the fact that the company is making steady progress within the media landscape of the country.

As Ruled by the High Court… Seidya Group (SL) Ltd is the Rightful Owner of Land at IMATT, South Ridge

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the most contentious issues in Sierra Leone today has to do with the claim of ownership of pieces of land on which dwelling houses and other structures are meant to be built. The Law Courts are awash with cases of disputed pieces of land of which two opposing parties or more are claiming or battling for to emerge as the bona fide owners.

From time to time, there have been narrations of harrowing incidences in which family members have become arch enemies in the battle of supremacy over plots of land and in some other cases we have heard of brutal, internecine disputes, assaults and wounding cases as well as the use of fetish sometimes leading to untimely deaths.

Those situations become even compounded when certain public officials, who deal with land issues, make fake documents for individuals claiming ownership of pieces of land, just simply out of personal aggrandizement without thinking of the consequences of their actions.

These land “wahala” or disputed cases have become so alarming in certain communities around the country to such an extent that those in authorities that deal with land issues must really take a proactive stance to ensure that the right things are done in order to prevent any future or imminent mayhem from taking place.

On the 18th October 2021, there was a serious fracas within an area called IMATT, South Ridge to be precise, in the far West End of Freetown, as the  illegal occupants of the piece of land, said to be the property of Seidya Development Company Limited, putting up a stiff resistance lasting for hours.

In the process of ejecting the illegal trespassers from the said piece of land by bailiffs the alleged illegal occupants and their supporters put up a very stiff resistance, wailing that they have been unfairly treated.

The said property is situated, lying and being at Off Leicester Peak Road, Hill Station, and Freetown as shown on Survey Plan No. SLS67/04 dated 4th March 2013.

From what this medium understood, the land in question was put under the control of a caretaker. The latter, however,  decided to sell the piece of land to five different individuals, on separate dates,  namely: Samuel Kargbo, Ibrahim Kabia, Alhaji Kamara, Francis Kai Kai, Henry Brewah, all of Leicester Peak Road, Hill Station in Freetown.

The matter was taken to the court with Seidya Group (SL) Ltd as Plaintiff/Applicant and the five illegal trespassers as Defendants/Respondents.

In a High Court Ruling by Justice John Bosco Alieu dated 10th February 2021 it was stated that the plaintiff is at all material times to this action the person entitled to possession of all that property occupied by the 1st, 2n, 3rd and 5th Defendant /Respondent which said property is situated lying and being at Off Leicester Road, Hill Station, Freetown as shown on Survey Plan numbered SLS67/04 dated 4th March, 2013.

That the Plaintiff/Applicant do recover possession from the 1st , 2nd , 3rd  and 5th Defendant/Respondent all that piece or parcel of land situated at Off Leicester Peak  Road, Hill Station, Freetown as shown on Survey Plan numbered SLS67/04 dated 4th March, 2013.

That the Plaintiff/Applicant do recover damages for trespass against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Defendant/Respondent respectively.

That an injunction is hereby granted restraining the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Defendant/Respondent whether by themselves or by their servants/ Agents, privies or however called from trespassing upon or remaining on the Plaintiff’s land.

That the Counter Claim filed for and on behalf of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Defendants/Respondents against the Plaintiff/Applicant be dismissed.

That cost is hereby ordered against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Defendants/Respondents in the total sum of Twenty Million Leones (Le20, 000,000.00) each.

That the plaintiff/Applicant be at liberty to pursue his claims against the 4th Defendant/Respondent by filing Summons for Direction fourteen (14) days after delivering this ruling.

Indeed, the land dispute has been a long drawn one. Head of the Seidya Development Company Limited, Alimu Sanu Barrie, who is the Proprietor of PAVI FORT Roads Construction Company has been so busy with the rolling out of contract projects that he dedicated little time in pursuing the matter.

However, based on the fact that the illegal occupants have been very intransigent to vacate from the piece of land and with the intervention of two Members of Parliament, Hon. Telson Koroma of Constituency 127 and Hon. Benjamin Turay of Constituency 128 an amicable mediation plan was developed which all the parties to the land dispute must adhere to.

Basically, it was a sumptuous and well packaged offer by Alimu Sanu Barrie to the illegal occupants. According to a written document, dated 8th June 2021, Barrie said in recognition of the mediation between the Honourables and himself plus his magnanimity not to put untold suffering on the illegal occupants he is offering them the following: 2 Acre of land, 2,000 bags of cement, 15 tons of iron ore, 10 trips of sand and One Hundred Million Leones (Le100, 000.00).  According to him such should serve as compensation.

In return he demanded that all occupants cease to lay claim to the property, that they access the offer through the Members of Parliament, all make shift structures and permanent structures shall be forfeited and no claim shall lie on the demolition of the said structures and that the full judgment shall be enforced without recourse to any mediation. The offer was to exist for two weeks to be accepted.

That offer did not simmer down the tense situation that has been building up relating to the said ownership dispute of the land. The situation became so tense and violent whenever the court order was to be executed to such an extent that the Ministry of Lands has to intervene.

It was understood by this medium that recently the Minister of Lands, Dr.Turad Senessie engaged both parties to the dispute and categorically told the illegal claimants that the land belongs to Seidya Group (SL) Ltd. He advised them to accept the offer informing them that if anything befalls them he will have nothing to do with it

As of now the situation is relatively peaceful and efforts are being made to engage the trespassers to accept the aforementioned offer inter alia given to them by Alimu Sanu Barrie. Indisputably by all indications the rightful owner of the piece of land is Seidya Group (SL) Limited.

More on this as events unfold….

India Crosses 1 Billion COVID Vaccination Mark, Govt. Hails ‘Vaccine Century’

By hindustantimes.com | Written by Amit Chaturvedi, Hindustan Times, New Delhi

The inoculation programme has been speeding up since its launch, recording 25 million vaccinations in a day on September 17 (Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday), which translated to 15.62 lakh doses per hour, or 26,000 doses per minute or 434 doses every second.

India crossed a major milestone on Thursday when the number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine doses administered in the country crossed the 100 crore (1 billion) mark. The milestone was achieved half an hour after 10am.

The number is twice the number of vaccines administered in the United States, five times that of Japan, nine times that of Germany and 10 times the number of vaccine doses administered in France, the government said in a presentation hailing the ‘vaccine century’.

A countdown started by the health ministry shows 1 billion doses milestone.

It said that 75 per cent of eligible population has taken the first dose and eight states and union territories (UTs) – Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa and Lakhshadweep – have achieved 100 per cent first dose coverage. It also said that four states and UTs have more than 90 per cent coverage of the first dose.

It took just nine months for the country to cross the historic figure. The government has planned a number of events to mark the occasion, including launching of a song and display of the country’s largest tricolour at the Red Fort in Delhi.

After the billionth dose was administered, the Centre recounted the journey to 100 crore vaccine doses in the presentation, which listed the milestones crossed by the nationwide vaccination programme since its launch on January 16, 2021. It said that CoWIN – the digital platform being used for keeping records of vaccination – has so far registered 76 crore beneficiaries. It also said that India used drones for the first time to deliver vaccines to remote corners of the country.

The government said that the first 10 crore (100 million) doses were administered in just 85 days of the launch of the vaccination drive.

 The inoculation programme has been speeding up since its launch, recording 25 million vaccinations in a day on September 17 (Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday), which translated to 15.62 lakh doses per hour, or 26,000 doses per minute or 434 doses every second.

It also said that this is the fastest vaccination drive ever, comparing the 1 billion milestone with polio and tuberculosis (TB) drives. While one billion doses of Covid vaccine were administered in just nine months, it took 20 years for the polio drive (1994-2014) and 32 years for TB vaccination (1989 and still ongoing) to cross the milestone.

The government release further said that the Covid vaccine is the fastest to be introduced for inoculation – it was developed in 2020 and implemented in the starting of 2021. Others like BCG, Hepatitis-B and measles vaccines took decades before they were introduced.

Other achievements include introduction of two made in India vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – within 11 months of the discovery of the first case in the country and fastest ever approvals granted for the vaccines.

Only China has administered a billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines till now (and also has a population of more than one billion). It crossed the milestone in June.

Despite the high number of Covid-19 vaccination, the opposition parties have questioned the government about how it can fulfill its promise of administering both doses of the vaccine to all the eligible adults in the country by December 31. The Congress said the number of eligible adults is 95 crore and there’s still a long way to go before all of them receive both the doses of the vaccine.

Disabled International UK/SL Commissions School in Tonkolili District

By Sallu Kamuskay

Dr. Imambay Kamara and her staff of Disabled International Foundation has within this year, 2021, commissioned four classrooms at Forthaneh Village, Simera Chiefdom within the Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone.

In his welcome statement, the Chairman of the event, Thaimu Conteh who happens to be the headmaster of the school applauded the Disabled International Foundation for considering their chiefdom for the construction of the school, of which he assured they will make good use of.

He noted that the people of Forthaneh Village are very happy about such a development in their village which he said will surely complement Government’s Free Quality Education. He further disclosed that the founder, Dr. Imambay Kamara, and her Foundation, the Disabled International, has redeemed them from all struggles and challenges of their children accessing education in the village.

“The President, Dr.Imambay Kamara and her Foundation, Disabled International has redeemed us from all struggles, all stress of accommodation for the smooth learning of the children in this village, this is the purpose why we are here today, to do the official opening of the four classrooms and renovated building that we have all yearned for since the school was opened in 1979.”

Dr. Imambay Kamara, Founder and President of the Foundation during her remarks spoke about what motivated her to build a school in the village.

She said the Free Quality Initiative is a priority in the New Direction Agenda underscoring how His Excellency President Maada Bio considers education as very important which is why he implemented it.

She inspired pupils to take their studies seriously underscoring how education is the key to success.

She also admonished residents to take advantage of the facility, take ownership of it, and also allow their children to attend it.

“I am so happy to be among you all today amidst COVID-19 for the official opening of the school we constructed with your support in the village, it is the mandate of our Foundation to support the President and Government efforts in promoting President’s Bio Free Quality Education, in 2018. When I first visited this village with my friend to do a donation and saw the building and what you told me, the story of my friend who is a daughter of this village who told me that sometimes in class, snakes fell from the trees right inside the classrooms and children congested themselves in class, I and my Foundation felt we needed to do something for you, I told you it wasn’t a promise but that you should all pray for me, four years down the line, with your support, we have all build this school together and have renovated another building too for the children.

I am happy that God answered my prayers for what we have done for the people of Forthaneh village. We are here to hand over the school to the chiefdom, children, and parents of Forthaneh village, we encourage them to send their children to school,” she stated.

Alpha Kargbo is the Education Supervisor of Tonkolili District. In his statement, he said, “we want to thank the President, Dr.Imambay Kamara and her Foundation, Disabled International for building this school in this village in line with President Bio’s vision of many accessing education in the country”

The representative from the Chief assured all that the people of Simera Chiefdom and its environs will make good use of the facility which will benefit their children to acquire early childhood education in that part of the county.

In his address, the Country Coordinator of the Disabled International Foundation, Mr.Saa David Musa Yamba, noted that he is overwhelmed to hand over an ultra-modern facility that will enable young children from that community to have access to early childhood learning, adding that this means that the children of Simera Chiefdom will have the same quality education foundation that children in Freetown attain.

He added that it is very evident that some of the facilities needed to ensure that the children in the provinces benefit from the Government’s Free Quality Education are not available in some parts of the country further stating how the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, which is the driver to ensure its implementation seamlessly across the country, it understands the area of needs and has been pushing very hard to ensure that those needs are addressed.

Saa David Musa Yamba pointed out that one of the objectives is to ensure that the Ministry gets an even distribution of educational development across the country.

He pointed out that they are happy to commission the school at Forthaneh Village, Simera Chiefdom within the Tonkolili District to support the Ministry in their stride to achieve that objective.

The Country Coordinator, Saa David Musa Yamba, revealed that this is among the many schools and construction works they have commissioned, noting that they have just recently commissioned a Mosque in Lungi town, Port Loko District., to ensure that the people in Lungi have access to worship God.

A resident of the Chiefdom, who also happens to be a parent, Abdul Kamara expressed his warm appreciation to the Disabled International Foundation for the construction of the school in their chiefdom, furthering that the facility will help their children to get early childhood education just like children in Freetown.

He assured all that they will surely make good use of the facility as it is the first.

The event was climaxed by the official commissioning and handing over of the school by the Founder and President, Dr.Imambay Kamara, followed by a tour of the facility.

DIF-SIL is a privately funded, Non-governmental, and Non-profit Organisation that was founded in 2000 with feeding centers in Freetown and Waterloo and a proposed site at Lungi. The organization caters among others, to the needs of the disabled in Sierra Leone to empower and ameliorate their standard of living. In pursuant of its main objective, DIF-SIL, in collaboration with other related agencies, strives to work through advocacy, skills training and empowerment, development projects, and educational programs to eradicate the public prejudice against, alleviate the plight of and ensure greater social inclusion for the disabled.

Orange SL Turns the Sod for the Construction of $15 Million Data Centre in BO

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts to have a large group of networked computer servers for the remote storage, processing, or distribution of large amounts of data in the country, Orange Sierra Leone on Thursday 21st October, 2021 turned the sod for the construction of an ultra-modern Data Centre with worth 15 Million Dollars. The event took place in Bo District, Southern Sierra Leone.

Welcoming the delegation, the Paramount Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, P. C Prince Lappia Boima, described the turning of the sod for the construction of the Data Centre in Bo District as a laudable venture towards the distribution of large amounts of data in the country of which he used the opportunity to commended Orange -Sierra Leone for the move it has undertaken.

He said that data usage is very important especially in this technological world. P. C Prince Lappia Boima stated that months ago the company launched the 4G plus which ,he said, was part of the company’s commitment to offer its customers an advanced technological service in order to enable them access improved communications across the country.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer, Aminata Kaine, said that after a longtime of selecting the best place, contractors and architects to work on the Data Centre decided to choose Bo District which she described as a strategic location to host the company’s Data Centre.

She noted that the issue of data has become more important stating how it is very difficult for people to live without the internet, adding that in most cases there is an increase in traffic of which they needed redundancy and that with the construction of the Data Centre in Bo the data traffic will not go back to Freetown but rather it will stay in Bo furthering that the Data Centre after completion will be the company’s second Data Centre in the country which will also serve as redundancy in case of any emergency occurring in Freetown.

Aminata Kaine described the Data Centre as an ultra-modern facility that matches international standard. According to her the indigenous workforce will be working with support from Orange Groups, adding that they are expecting the Data Centre to be completed within 12-15 months.

She used the opportunity to express appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for their continuous support and giving them the conducive environment to develop communication in order to connect all Sierra Leoneans through their services.

Giving the keynote address, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rado Swarray, applauded Orange Sierra Leone for the construction of the Data Centre in Bo District which he said is in line with the President’s vision to enhance decentralization in the country.

He revealed that the turning of the sod is not the first event he has witnessed adding that in recent times he has been fortunate to commission the Early Childhood Development Centre School Project, which happens to fall under the GSM Company’s Free Quality Education support to the Government’s Free Quality Education (FQE) Initiative. The Centre, he disclosed, were constructed in Pujehun, Kambia and Moyamba Districts also pointing out how he witnessed the donation of a 500 KVA generator to Njala University, Mokonde Campus of which he said that the company has been supporting the Government’s development aspiration.

The Minister maintained that the Data Centre, which will enhance storage, processing, or distribution of large amounts of data in the country will definitely give a new facelift in terms of internet connectivity in the country. On behalf of the Government he assured the company of their continuous support.

The event was climaxed by the pouring of libation by the Paramount Chief of Kakua Chiefdom, P. C Prince Lappia Boima with other stakeholders followed by the official turning of the sod by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Rado Swarray and the Chief Executive Officer, Aminata Kaine.

Over Two Hundred Sierra Leoneans Benefit from Training Organized by Daughters of Sierra Leone

By Karifa Kello Thoronka

Despite the growing popularity of Vocational training in Sierra Leone, there is little empirical evidence on the effectiveness of teaching soft skills and vocational skills as Daughters of Sierra Leone has proven to be in previous years.

Daughters of Sierra Leone, a non-Governmental organization has been in existence for over three years and has been helping to improve the lives of many young Sierra Leoneans through skills acquisition program and trade. To continue the good work, Daughters of Sierra Leone, has trained and certified over two hundred young Sierra Leoneans at the Aberdeen Community Center in Aberdeen. The two days intensive training, which started on the 15th October ended on the 16th of October 2021.

In an exclusive zoom interview with the Chief Executive Officer and founder, of Daughters of Sierra Leone (DOSL), Madam Ritta Felleh Arah, a Sierra Leonean based in the United States of America, she responded by stating that she thought it fit to bring development, through skills training program,  to Sierra Leone and some Africa Countries in order to enhance employment prospects by giving youths better skills and confidence whiles looking for jobs for them to make them more productive in their communities.

She continued by saying that their ultimate goal and agenda is for the empowerment of women in society who make sacrifices in societies to provide stability for themselves, their families and communities. She, however, admonished that the essence of the training is for women to be skilled in different areas like, gara tie dying, makeup, bridal fan, Ankara designs and some other important courses. She said Sierra Leonean women must be ready to take over the journey of development as Sierra Leone is a great country.

While addressing the participants during the program, the Country Coordinator, Mahawa Ibilola Kallon, maintained that empowering women to participate fully in economic livelihood activities across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women and youths in general.

She revealed how the organization has poured a huge sum of money to ensure women are empowered but said that excuse should not limit someone to grow.

One of the beneficiaries of the training, Abibatu Thoronka expressed her appreciation to DOSL for the impact the organization has created on her life and promised to put the knowledge acquired into practice. She is anticipating for more of such training and promised to pass on the skills to others in her community.

The training was climaxed with distribution of Certificates to the participants.

SLRSA Launches 4 Interventions to Enhance Road Safety & Prevent Crashes

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), with Ibrahim Sannoh as Executive Director, on Friday 15th October, 2021 launched four major interventions to address critical challenges in the Road Sector.

The four major interventions were Biometric Drivers’ License, Technical School, Garage and Vehicle spare part shop.

Speaking during the launch, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, expressed delight over the success the SLRSA had made by simultaneously launching the first ever Biometric Drivers’ License in Sierra Leone in tandem with Auto Parts Freetown (APF)-a Belgian company, an Ultra-Modern Garage, Training School and quality spare parts shop.

The Minister underscored that the significance of the launching ceremony cannot be overemphasized as the New Direction agenda prioritized digital revolution that is people-centred and people driven.

He disclosed that one key benefit of the new drivers’ license is that it securitizes biometric data capture of drivers’ licences in Sierra Leone. He furthered that the license would end the era of fake drivers’ license.

The Minister described the partnership between APF as a unique public private venture that would enhance quality, safety and security on our roads. He expressed the hope that with this partnership, the Government would save billions by buying authentic spare parts from APF and repairing vehicles at their Ultra-modern garage.

The Executive Director of SLRSA, Ibrahim Sannoh, said the idea of both the Biometric License and the APF-SLRSA partnership was to put Sierra Leone in line with international trends. The Executive Director intimated that the Authority would establish drivers’ testing centers all over the country in compliance with His Excellency the President`s vision of providing sustainable development. He expressed appreciation to the CEO of APF for accepting to partner with the SLRSA and assured that the partnership and the biometric license would bring positive lasting legacy in the Road Transport Sector.

The CEO of APF, Jurgen Sonck thanked the SLRSA Executive Director Ibrahim Sannoh for providing the conducive atmosphere for APF to operate in Sierra Leone. He stated that APF will not only provide quality spares but will also create jobs and transfer knowledge.

Other speakers were Alfred Gborie, on behalf of the Board, Arthur Brima, Director of Transport, Assanatu Mansaray, Director of License DC Kaitibi, Transport Manager.

The program was chaired by Barrister Abu Bakarr Sheriff.

Health Minister Acts Tough By Instilling Discipline

Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation

By Amin Kef Sesay

Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health and Sanitation, has rescinded  postings of Medical Doctors done without his approval.

According to reliable sources, before leaving for New York as part of the President’s official delegation to the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly), Dr. Demby did advice his two Deputies and the Chief Medical Officer not to proceed with plans to effect postings of Medical Doctors until he returns from his trip to the United States of America.

During his absence, reports indicate that the two Deputy Ministers and the Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation proceeded with the postings without making reference to the Minister.

When he returned from his overseas trip and discovered that the postings had been done without his approval, the Minister ordered his Permanent Secretary, Morie Momoh to write and rescind the postings in respect of Medical Doctors in health facilities across the country.

In a letter dated 13th October 2021,  Morie Momoh wrote, “I write under instructions of the Hon. Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, to refer to the above (Rescinding of Postings in respect of Medical Doctors in Health Facilities), and to inform all Doctors (Medical Superintendents, District Medical Officers, Directors and Program Managers) that the recent postings dated 5th October 2021 released by the Chief Medical Officer has been rescinded”.

In an angry reaction, the Minister has also reportedly influenced the decision to ask the Chief Medical Officer, Rev. Canon Dr. Thomas T. Samba to proceed on terminal leave.

A letter from the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) dated 15th October, 2021 was very brief and to the point. It reads, “I am directed to refer to the above subject matter and to inform you that you are to proceed on terminal leave with immediate effect in any case not later than Tuesday, 19th October, 2021”.

It would be recalled that when Dr. Alpha Wurie served as Minister of Health and Sanitation, he never allowed any of his two Deputies to act as Minister whenever he travelled out of Sierra Leone.

Dr. Austin Demby is likely to adopt that position following the way he was treated by his two Deputies when he asked one of them (Deputy Minister 1) to act as Minister during his official trip to the US.

Dr. Demby’s determination to bring in some of his long-time friends from the US to occupy senior-level positions in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation is facing stiff resistance from especially his two Deputies.

Laj-K Set to Bag the 100 Most Influential Africa Youth Leadership Award

By Amin Kef Sesay

There are individuals in life who, through hard work and dedication has made sterling accomplishments in life by positively impacting the lives of others.

One of such Sierra Leoneans is indisputably the CEO of LAKE Group of Companies, Alhaji K. Tarawally, fondly known as Laj-K, who has been selected to receive an award in the 4th edition of the 100 Most Influential Young Leaders Award in Africa.

Sierra Leone, amongst many other African countries, has been selected to host this year’s edition of the annual award ceremony which is scheduled to take place from 19th – 21st November 2021, at the Five Star Golden Tulip Hotel in Freetown. The organizers of this prestigious awards ceremony, the Pan African Youth Foundation have already confirmed in a statement published through their official Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/panafricanyouthleadershipfoundation/

Sierra Leone is expected to welcome some of the brightest and most influential young leaders from different parts across the African continent, in business, politics, civil society, science, innovation, and more. This means vibrant young African leaders from various walks of life will converge in Freetown for this all-important event.

Alhaji K. Tarawally is a distinguished young Sierra Leone who has established himself as a successful entertainment executive, an entrepreneur and media personality. He is the CEO of LAKE Productions (SL) Limited, leading event management, essential service provider, marketing, advertising multimedia production firm in Sierra Leone.

As a media mogul, Tarawally has successfully served some of the biggest media institutions in Sierra Leone in various capacities as a journalist to senior management staff for institutions such as Foundation Hirondelle/CTN, Premier Tok Radio, Premier News Newspaper, Star Radio, Standard-Times Newspaper, Total News Newspaper, Afri Radio and the African Young Voices Television (AYV-TV).

At the AYV, Tarawally serves as Head of Communications and Public Relations, and Coordinator of Internship, Volunteers, Industrial Experience Training, and Recruitment Programme. He is also the host of the popular TV show — ‘The GATEWAY’. He previously served as Head of Programme, Monitoring, and Quality Control at the AYV Media Empire for two years.

Tarawally is an entertainment executive and a towering figure in the entertainment industry of Sierra Leone, who over the past decade, has consistently been organizing the top entertainment shows and awards through his company, LAKE Productions. He is also a strong advocate for better reforms in the arts and creative industries for the betterment of all. He was the founding president of the Sierra Leone Radio DJ’s Association (SLeRaDA), now SLDJ’s Union (SLeDU).

Alhaji K. Tarawally holds a B. A (Honours) in Mass Communications and a Diploma in Peace and Conflict Resolution at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, plus a Certificate in Leadership and Entrepreneurship from the YALI Regional Leadership Center, GIMPA University in Accra, Ghana. He is currently pursuing his Master in International Relations and Diplomacy at the Schiller International University in Germany.  Tarawally was a part-time lecturer at the LICCSAL Business College — teaching Broadcast Media, Multimedia, and Public Relations for over three years before going into politics.

He has contested for a parliamentary seat in Constituency 128 under the National Grand Coalition (NGC) in the 2018 General Elections in Sierra Leone.

He has also built a niche in sports, serving as organizing secretary of Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL). Tarawally was also doubling as the assistant General Secretary and Head of Marketing, Communication, and Public Relations for Mighty Blackpool Football Club, one of the most successful football clubs in Sierra Leone.

Tarawally is a recipient of multitudes of awards and recognitions across Sierra Leone and Africa including:

✔️Most Outstanding Entertainment Promoter in Sierra Leone — 2019 by National Youth Led Award;

✔️100 Most Influential Young Persons in West Africa by the Confederation of West Africa Youth Forum in Lagos, Nigeria in 2018;

✔️100 Most Inspiring Sierra Leoneans Award by the United Venture Corporation;

✔️2018 West Africa Young Leadership Award by CWAY/ECOWAS Youth received in Ghana;

✔️100 Most Influential Young Persons Award’, crowned as Youth Ambassador by the Ministry of Youths Affairs of Sierra Leone in 2018;

✔️Special Recognition Award by the National Youth Commission and FePyoCAN;

✔️2018 Honorary Media Personality Award by The Queenak-China Foundation Sierra Leone.

He was also awarded as the Youth Ambassador for the Confederation of West Africa Youths (CWAY) in 2019. Mr. Tarawally was profiled in the Sierra Youth and West Africa Youth Magazines as one of the 100 Most Influential Young Sierra Leoneans and West Africans in 2018.

Tarawally told this medium that he is happy for this recognition and assured that he will always make Sierra Leone proud.

 

Statistics Sierra Leone Kick Starts Pilot Census for 2021 Mid-Term Census

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a Press Release issued out by Statistics Sierra Leone it was stated that the public is hereby informed that the Pilot Census for the 2021 Mid-Term Census started on Tuesday 19th October 2021 and will last for fourteen days.

Accordingly, the18th October 2021 (Prophet Mohammed’s birthday – a public holiday) was declared the PILOT CENSUS NIGHT. That night of the public holiday was the reference point for enumeration.

The institution stated that between the Pilot Census night and the time when enumerators reach households, the composition of the households may change. Against that backdrop members of the public must remember that their enumerators will ask about persons who slept in a household only on Prophet Mohammed’s birthday 18th October 2021.

The Release continued that for the Pilot Census, 1% of the total number of enumeration areas was selected across the country. It continued that only households in those EAs will be counted during the next fourteen days.

It was indicated that the Pilot Census is conducted to test all aspects of the main mid-term census which will follow. Those, according to Statistics Sierra Leone will include technical, logistical and communication issues.

Authorized Stats SL field staff with ID Cards and other branded materials, it was stated, will go to the selected households in the country to count the total number of people in those households and also ask questions relating to the Socio-Economic and Demographic indicators of those households.

The enumerators will talk to the head of the household or his/her designated representative to give information relating to those who slept in the household on 18th October 2021.

Based on what the institution stated, there will also be institutional questionnaires to be administered for people who slept on the PILOT CENSUS Night in places like Hotels, Hospitals, Police Stations, Prisons etc and also floating population questionnaire to capture the floating population on pilot census night.

Statistics Sierra Leone admonished members of the public to please remember that this is an exercise that is meant only to test our system for the main census and therefore not every area or household will be covered.

The institution solicits the cooperation of the general public to allow Stats SL’s enumerators to move around and carry out their work unhindered as enshrined in Section 8 of the Census Act of 2002.

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