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As it Installs 15 Solar Lights… Nigerian High Commissioner Assures of Provision of Lecturers for MMTU

By Esther Wright

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Henry Omaku (FEIM) on Thursday 26th August 2021 assured the administration of the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) that his Government would provide qualified lecturers to support the college’s new status as a Technical University.

The need for Nigerian professionals in various technical skills like Building Construction, Architecture, Town Planning, Quantity Surveyors and Estate Evaluation among other areas to support the college’s new Technical University status was underscored by the various speakers.

He made the assurance at the High Commission’s Hill Cut Road office in Freetown when the Principal, senior academic and administrative staff paid a courtesy call to appeal to him to revive the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) that sent hundreds of qualified Nigerians to serve in various colleges and institutions in Africa including Sierra Leone but lamented that in spite of all the sacrifices Nigeria is making to African countries, they are not reciprocating.

The Nigerian envoy underscored that nobody would associate with a criminal, revealed that architect Abel Onomake designed the High Commission building, acclaimed the college for associating with the Commission, that education is the best asset to give anybody and commended the vision of the Sierra Leone Government to train its people in technical/vocational skills reiterating that the Commission would support such a noble initiative.

His Excellency Henry Omaku further encouraged the college to officially write to the High Commission about its requirements as well as invite the Federal Minster of Education to witness the official handing over of the certificate for the Technical University status.

He also observed that Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with natural touristic attractions that can generate huge revenue and become the hob for other countries to emulate guaranteeing that the doors of the Commission are always open for further discussions to extend the cordial bilateral relations between the two countries.

Earlier, outlining the purpose of the courtesy call, the Principal of MMTU, Dr. Philip John Kanu congratulated the High Commissioner for his appointment and wished him best of luck, commended him for the warm welcome, intimated that next month President Dr. Julius Maada Bio would present the Technical University certificate to the college, enlightening that the college appreciates architect Abel Onomake for his invaluable and selfless support to the college for which he described him as a patriotic Sierra Leonean.

He continued that Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with high potential for tourism, that Nigerian soldiers sacrificed their lives during the civil war to save Sierra Leoneans for which Nigerian is now our father and not big brother as only a father can take a bullet for his son or daughter and entreated the High Commissioner to convey the college’s thanks and appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Kanu also revealed that architect Abel Onomake deigned some of the buildings on the three campuses under construction free of cost, that the MMTU comprises three campus with education at Goderich that trains quality teachers for primary and senior secondary schools, engineering at Congo Cross and the hospitality industry at Brookfields recalling that the college started as a Department at Fourah Bay College then to a polytechnic during which period it was supported by Nigerian lecturers through the TEC.

According to the Principal, Sierra Leone imports most of its needs and reiterated the need for Nigeria professionals in various technical skills like building construction, architecture, town planning, quantity surveyors and estate evaluation among others to support the college’s new University Status.

Highlight of the courtesy call was the introduction of the academic and administrative staff of the MMTU while the vote of thanks was rendered by the Dean of the Faculty of Hotel, Hospitality and Nutritional Sciences, Ms. Aminata Bangura.

The Principal was accompanied by Deans of Faculties, Heads of Campuses and other senior administrative staff.

In another development, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to the community in which it operates, the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has installed 15 solar street lights estimated at over Le50 million from the Lady Patricia Kabba Secondary School onto the college’s exit gate, a distance of about a mile.

It is the first time in the over 50 years history of the college that street lights have been installed along the road leading to the college.

The 15 solar street lights, accessories and installation cost over Le50 million and according to  Maada Tejan, Dean of the Congo Cross campus, the funds were provided by the Government of Sierra Leone, through President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for which he commended Government for the support.

He revealed that the area where the streets have been installed was dangerous as night as thieves attacked and snatched the bags, mobile phones and other valuables from people but that with the installation of the solar street lights this would be a thing of the past and appealed to the people to protect the lights that is their property.

Maada Tejan also assured that with additional funds, more solar street lights would be installed in other parts of the Goderich community.

The Minerals Sector Holds the Answer to Enhanced Economic Growth

Musa Timothy Kabba-Minister , Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources

By Amin Kef Sesay

Many of the world’s richest countries have benefited greatly from mineral extraction. Australia, Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, for example, have all had extensive minerals industries and used them as platforms for broad-based industrial development.

It is however unfortunate that minerals have been mined intensively in this country from the 1950s to date with very little or nothing to show how they contributed to economic and human development

Thus, going forward, in efforts to improve on the standard of living of the masses, steps must be taken by Government, the industry and Civil Society to ensure that mining and minerals development contribute to equitable and sustainable human development.

As such, report that Pan African Rare Minerals Company is to start Coltan mining which is used in making mobile phones is good news for the country.

Coupled with Kingho’s iron ore exports and that of other large and small scale mining companies, the country’s stock of foreign exchange is bound to grow by next year. This will greatly reduce pressure on the Leone and result in inflation being brought under control.

Empirical evidence gathered by the World Bank clearly shows that minerals need not be a curse; they can boost well-being in developing countries. Well-being improves faster where mining fuels growth. However, according to the Bank, appropriate structures must be in place to manage the large revenue inflows in a responsible and transparent manner.

Extractive specialists find that many, indeed most, of the world’s fastest-growing countries since 2000 have been resource-rich. Mineral wealth not only propels economic growth; it also translates into larger improvements in human development.

How did mining contribute to these improvements in human development?  Anecdotal evidence suggests that expenditure on health and education in mineral-rich countries increased at least proportionately with income rises, leading to large gains in various well-being measures.

Observations show that the overall contribution of mining is stronger where there were infrastructure benefits and strong linkages to other industries, especially through domestic procurement.

In addition, where higher levels of fiscal revenues are as in Botswana used to build infrastructure and develop human capital, this in turn leads to the development or expansion of other non-mining related industries.

Thus, mineral wealth when properly managed and wisely invested in economic and social development can even be a blessing, provided measures are taken to transform it into sustainable development.

Towards that end, the World Bank Extractive Industries team helps countries strengthen their institutional framework and governance structures so that they can manage the complex nature of the extractive industries.

Having an enabling framework for mineral investment results in a substantial flow of investments that create new opportunities as well as challenges.

The opportunities include hard-currency earnings, increased Government revenues, jobs, improved education and skills development, and the development of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and telecommunications.

A key challenge now is to develop policy frameworks to ensure that mineral wealth is captured and creates lasting benefits for local communities and the broader population. The policy framework must provide the means to ensure that various rights and interests are respected and to resolve conflicts when they arise.

This framework must crucially recognize that production from a specific mineral deposit has a finite life span; when the mine closes, it is vital that there is something to show for it in the form of improved stocks of other forms of capital. A further challenge is to be able to maximize the value-added from minerals.

CAN & ICT Users Association Engage Stakeholders on Protection of Personal Data

By Edward Vamboi

The Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), in collaboration with ICT Users Association (ASUTIC), on the 30th August 2021 convened a Press Conference with the theme: “Sierra Leone: Facing the Challenge of Personal Data Protection; State of Affairs and Challenges in Respect of the Malabo Convention”.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Human Rights Commission, the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation, the National Telecommunication Commission (NATCOM), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Sierra Leone Bar Association, National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC).

According to the Executive Director of the Citizens Advocacy Network (CAN), Thomas Moore Conteh, Data protection is a fundamental right set out in Article 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which states that everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning him or her.

Such data, he highlighted,  must be processed fairly for specified purposes and on the basis of the consent of the person concerned, or some other legitimate basis laid down by law.

He intimated that his organization believes everyone has the right of access to data which has been collected concerning him or her, and the right to have it rectified adding how compliance with rules shall be subject to control by an independent authority.

Thomas Moore Conteh stated out the Citizens Advocacy Network also believes that every individual is entitled to his or her personal information protected, used in a fair and legal way, and made available to them when they ask for a copy.

He said that given the fact that the use of computers and level of sophistication with computing technologies is generally growing among the local population in the country, concerns are high about the issue of cybersecurity and the protection of personal data in the country.

Thomas argued that if the information and/or data of Sierra Leoneans are not protected, they can be exploited with impunity for either commercial or even more serious nefarious ends.

He underscored how such a situation underlines the urgency for the protection of Personal Data in Sierra Leone, starting with the establishment of a legal framework in accordance with the Malabo Convention and other international treaties or conventions to which Sierra Leone is a signatory.

Thomas added that Sierra Leone currently lacks a comprehensive legislation upholding citizens’ right to data protection/privacy furthering how the absence of a law that specifically addresses data protection/privacy has left a regulatory gap which undermines citizens’ rights and potentially opens the door to data exploitation by private and public entities.

The rights activist maintained that whereas the progress of the Cybersecurity Act of 2020 is a welcome development by the current Government to regulate the cyberspace, the passing of a Data Protection Law would further strengthen those efforts immeasurably.

He said there are rumors of steps being taken by the Ministry of Information and Communications and the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation to work on a Data Protection Bill as well, that can sit alongside the recently passed Cyber Security Act.

He informed that Sierra Leone is a signatory to the 2010 Economic Community of West African States (‘ECOWAS’) Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on Personal Data Protection within ECOWAS.

“Interestingly, the ECOWAS Act requires each Member State to establish a Data Protection Authority that will be responsible for ensuring that Personal Data is processed in compliance with the provisions of the ECOWAS Act,” he outlined disclosing how Sierra Leone is yet to ratify the ECOWAS Act domestically and establish a Data Protection Authority.

He postulated that once the ECOWAS Act has been ratified and comes into force domestically any entity that intends to collect and process personal data of a private individual shall be required to make a formal request to the data protection authority.

The rights activist argues that in respect of the foregoing facts, it is critically worthy to note that Data protection and Cybersecurity Laws are very essential to safeguarding against data breaches.

He further underscored that the purpose of the stakeholder’s engagement is primarily to promote discussions among State actors, civil society and the fourth estate on the need for an enactment of a comprehensive legislation on Personal Data Protection in Sierra Leone.

In his contribution , the Director-General of the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi who was one of the  participants stated that the institution is mandated in its law (Section 25) to provide certain information in relation to births, adoptions, deaths, marriages, nullities or divorces to several Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies for specific purposes.

He mentioned that the enactment of a data protection law will greatly determine how these data and information are shared with these MDAs which will protect the individuals to which the personal data and information relates.

“A data protection Law in Sierra Leone will greatly improve the management and security of personal data of individuals kept by the NCRA. It will set out the procedures to be followed in order for the NCRA and other institutions to collect data from individuals while also informing individuals of their right to consent to the sharing of their personal data or information for processing and transmission to other data processors,” he stated.

The DG further informed participants present that prior to the enactment of the NCR Act, Civil Registration functions and management of population data was governed by several statutes and laws including the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1983, the National Registration Act 2008, as well as a number of other legislations indirectly related to the Civil Registration System.

He added that the process of Civil Registration was therefore fragmented, truncated and uncoordinated thus dictating the risk of data loss, abuse and misuse.

The DG pointed out that the National Civil Registration Act of 2016 was enacted for the harmonization, consolidation and integration of all existing laws and regulations into a single coherent legal framework to regulate and implement Civil Registration services and ensure that Vital Statistics are compiled and disseminated with Identity Cards linked to the Civil Registration system.

The DG also informed participants at the meeting that in July this year, Cabinet approved the establishment of a Data Protection Policy, Act and Regulation for Sierra Leone and that there is a Working Group comprising of several MDAs including Ministry of Information and Communications, NATCOM, Right to Access information, Ministry of Internal Affairs, the NCRA, Expert  Legal Consultants and other Stakeholders who are currently looking at the drafts of these documents – Policy, Bill and Regulation.

He noted that the Working Group will present final drafts of the documents by the end of September, 2021, ‘which will be subject to review in the form of comprehensive and extensive nationwide consultations.’

The DG further informed participants that the NCRA has already received valuable inputs and support from its Development Partners into those drafts. He assured the Citizens Advocacy Network and other stakeholders present of a Data Protection Policy soonest.

“I will like to assure all present here today that at NCRA, we pride ourselves in protecting and safeguarding  the personal and sensitive data of citizens and non-citizens who are resident in Sierra Leone which are registered with the Authority  and that we are committed to ensuring that the Data Protection Law , Policy and Regulation is established and enacted before the end of the year with the support of other MDAs  and Development Partners and I request that  you all present here especially the host of this engagement , Citizens Advocacy Network, support the process when the nationwide consultations shall commence,” the DG stated.

The DG concluded by encouraging Civil Society organizations (CSO’s), the Media and other interested groups to work with the Authority by supporting the process in various ways possible in order to make the effort a success.

“Neeks Fashion” Story of Ishmael Brima Koroma…   A Sierra Leonean Who Founded a Clothing Brand in Malaysia

Ishmael Brima Koroma is a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO, and FOUNDER of Neeks fashion

By Sallu Kamuskay

Born in Freetown, Ishmael Brima Koroma is a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO, and FOUNDER of Neeks fashion, an emerging fashion brand. Ishmael Brima Koroma grew up in Sierra Leone; He did his primary education at the Kankaylay Islamic Primary School Kissy Mess Mess and later moved to the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress Boys Senior Secondary School Kissy Mess Mess where he did his Senior Secondary schooling. He is currently pursuing a Degree in Business Administration at the ALFA International College in Supang Jaya, Malaysia.

Born and raised to an extended family, Ishmael’s father married 4 wives and his mother was the third wife. Ishmael’s mother gave birth to 6 male children including him. All five of them past away, Ishmael was the only child that survived. In Ishmael’s village, during an interview he disclosed why he was the only survivor, “According to traditional believes, male children will be the successful children in his family, so that the reason the village people “witch craft” can’t allow male child to exist in my family”

At the age of 3 years, Ishmael’s step brother took him from the village to the capital city where he was raised, since then he never set eyes on his two parents. Ishmael had lot of difficulties living with his elder brother due to one of the three wives of his brother who was very aggressive to him.

“I remember at one time I was denied food for failing to wake up early to fetch water in the morning before going to school to take my West Africa Examination Council examination so I have to eat tooth paste to change saliva after encountering these challenges I decided to leave my elder brother’s house to search for a better life in the West End part of the country.

Due to his obedience and submission, Ishmael had the opportunity to meet with a lady who changed his life.  Withsunnette Ayor decided to help him with a job as freelance to make a living where he worked for two years and decided to  travel out Sierra Leone to search for a better opportunity.

Ishmael left for Singapore in few days. He ran out of money and became homeless for 27days struggling and surviving by the left-over of customers that come to food at the restaurants. Ishmael never lose hope, walking along little India in Singapore.

Ishamael came across two Cameroonian football players who helped him buy a ticket to Malaysia where he could further his studies, Not knowing anyone in Malaysia, Ishmael became homeless for few days. At “bukit bintag” called “ reggae bar “ Ishmael met some Africans where he was fortunate to meet with one of his Sierra Leonean brother who took him to his house for few months and he later started working in an African mini mart

Despite all the challenges he went through growing up, fashion has always been his passion. It comes to him naturally. As a kid, growing up, Ishmael used to spice up clothing with his own design using scissors and needles to redesign. Today he intends to use fashion and his brand to create opportunities for people who are creative in the field of fashion and to spice up the existing fashion designs. Ishmael’s goal is to redefine the world of fashion with unique and authentic designs.

In 2011, Ishmael took up a job as a Clearing and Forwarding Officer at a logistics company. After a while, he was not sure if that was what he wanted to do with his life. Besides, he was not sure how quickly that path will take him to the top. Ishmael then considered that setting up his own business would enable him achieve greater success much faster than working for someone else. He then ventured out to start his own business and brand.

During an interview with this medium Ishmael for the first time disclosed the secret behind his brand name

“This is a huge trade secret, and I am humbled to share it publicly for the first time. The name NEEKS is an abbreviation of my kid’s names Nathaniel, Emily, Emela, Koroma, and Shagbay “Neeks”. My kids are bold, loving, and cheerful people. These unique and amiable attributes are what I try to depict in my fashion statements. It is my belief that through this initiative, other young people will find their identity and fulfil their dreams and aspirations,” he noted

As way of giving back to his country, Ishmael offered his contribution though donation, among his many donations. As a former Pupils of the Sierra Leone Muslim Congress secondary school, he donated football kids to the pupils of the school.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c1KhypBwygauiulFdj_mfEDo6xM8eKnMJJNg0/

Ishmael has also involved in cleaning exercise in the country at Lumley station by supporting the Police Officers in cleaning the Lumley community, He is embarking on such activities to raise awareness among Sierra Leoneans living abroad to do the same when visiting home

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c1KhypBwygauiulFdj_mfEDo6xM8eKnMJJNg0/

“Never quit! Believe in your dreams and pursue it with focus and discipline. Success requires perseverance and hard work. With dedication, every dream can be a reality. So, dreamlike “crazy”; work like a “bull” to make it come to pass. Aspire to leave a footprint,” is an advice Ishamael is giving to young people.

Follow the brand on social media

Personal Instagram: Ishmael Brima Koroma

Business Instagram: Neek Fashion

Website: Neek Fashion

Email: neeksfashion01@gmail.com

 

 

On Operations & Security…   Tourism Ministry & NaCOVERC Engages Bar, Restaurant, Club & Hotels Owners

By Amin Kef Sesay

Bar, restaurant, club and hotels owners were engaged by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourism Board and the National Corona Virus Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC) at the Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen in Freetown on the way forward regarding COVID-19 enhanced measures compliance at public spaces. The engagement was done at the Family Kingdom Resort, Aberdeen in Freetown.

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt emphasized the importance of the engagement given that it is geared towards providing guidelines for the operation of bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels.

She noted the undeniable fact that COVID-19 has unprecedentedly ravaged the hospitality sector but informed the gathering that they are determined to minimize the effect on the sector by taking the necessary precautions.

The Tourism Minster encouraged and appealed to all in the sector to take the vaccine and raise the awareness of the importance of vaccination especially as that will ensure a cluster immunity boost capable of protecting more people.

She stated that the international community is now ranking the percentage of people vaccinated in a country which she said would determine the number of people that would come to the country. She called on those in the sector to be serious about vaccination in order to get the sector back on track.

The Spokesperson for NaCOVERC, Solomon Jamiru remarked on how the Pandemic is taking a different turn making life more difficult for most people. He mentioned that as the fight against the virus continues, the key decision to scale down restrictions is informed by the epidemiological data. He mentioned that as the third wave of the virus continues to strike, the priority of the Government is to protect the lives of its citizens, noting that the current nature of restrictions on entertainment and the hospitality sector continue to be in force.

He called on the sector to be forward looking and provide a sense of the model of restriction that they would consider and the framework NaCOVERC and other stakeholders would consider for safe resumption of activities in the sector and assured them that Government is ready to listen and consider.

He said Government itself wants to see resumption of normal business operations but as a government they would not compromise public health and the only mechanism for protection is vaccination. To this end, he encouraged vaccination of everyone in the sector.

Business owners within the sector made a plea to the Tourism Ministry and NaCOVERC to increase sensitization around the importance of vaccination to dispel negative myths and propaganda which they said is the greatest obstacle to compliance currently.

NP-SL’s Imported & Marketed Products Confirmed as the Best Among the Rest

By Amin Kef Sesay

It cannot be contested in shape or form to correctly state that, unlike some business entities operating in the country, the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) is currently a very reliable source of drawing inspiration by indigenes that have big dreams of coming together to establish a business entity that they may want to see grow exponentially into becoming a towering business entity.

Without any gainsaying, there are many useful lessons that could be learnt from NP-SL Ltd that could inspire aspiring entrepreneurs which would definitely serve as a roadmap to navigate through the business landscape in order to crystallize their dreams into reality.

The company was founded decades ago by thirty-five Sierra Leoneans who were erstwhile employees of the British Petroleum Company which decided to fold up and sell its shares to the Government of Sierra Leone. Based on technical advice, the Government also decided to sell its shares and the 35 former workers bought those shares to set up what became known as the National Petroleum-SL Ltd. It must be highlighted at this juncture that the company is a private-owned business entity and the Government has no hands in it, does not decide how it is operated and grappling with challenges.

One of the underlying factors that have been noted for the meteoric rise of the company could be attributed to the selflessness of its shareholders. These ambitious Sierra Leoneans were so dedicated to the cause of catapulting their “baby” to higher height to such an extent that they put all their best initiatives into play that culminated into the company becoming a formidable force to reckon with.

These fine business initiatives were well implemented to the letter which led to the realization of fruitful dividends. Selflessness, in this context, could mean putting aside ego, working with a collective sense of purpose, brushing aside deceit, greed and ready to give as well as take. This could be the first Lesson.

The next lesson borders around enhancing customer care with the avowed objective of giving optimum satisfaction. The Shareholders and various Management teams harnessed this so well to an extent that they have succeeded in broadening their customer base. As far as they are concerned it is the interests of customers which are paramount and therefore everything must be done to ensure that those interests are given due consideration whenever decisions are taken to push the company forward.

It is in this regard that the shareholders decided to go in for modern calibrated pumping machines which are capable of churning out the right quantity of fuel that a buyer puts in for as well as displaying the price. These machines make fuel transactions become very transparent, thereby giving customers satisfaction and confidence that they are deriving their monies worth.

Within that realm, the Shareholders also thought it prudent to introduce NP Smart Card which is now in vogue. This Smart Card can be used to purchase fuel, petrol and diesel, with ease avoiding the hassle of having to be rushing to the banks to re intermittently withdrawing monies for the purpose of purchasing fuel. The card could be credited with a certain amount of money and whenever transaction transpires the amount utilized is debited. Its greatest advantage is that it avails the holder of the Smart Card the opportunity to programme or budget him or herself to purchase fuel on a periodic basis.

NP Gas is now going like hot cakes on the market. It is a cooker which has been proven to be very effective in terms of performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes it has been attested to be environmentally friendly in terms of less gaseous emissions that could pose health risks. NP Gas can be secured at all the leading Filing Stations of the company and its authorized dealers.

With all these attractive offers, there is a lesson that enhancing customer care is very key to the growth of any business enterprise. Aspiring entrepreneurs could learn from this.

What also has been identified as a good business initiative which the company has mastered so effectively has to do with promoting the country’s Local Content Policy. The intent of this policy is geared towards ensuring that we make proper use of our local resources, human as well as material, in the production chain.  It is against such a backdrop that the company limits employment opportunities to qualified Sierra Leoneans instead of bringing over expatriates to perform tasks that could be better done by indigenes. Knowing that they are employed by an indigenous company such gives the employees the sense of ownership and the extra motivation to give their best to the company.

Another Lesson: Make use of local resources which could be cost effective instead of spending much to use expatriates just for the sake of showing off. Besides, monies, in the forms of salaries and end of service benefits are retained and not taken out of the country. It gives any company operating with such a policy a nationalistic flavour.

To give back to society, in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility, brings with it respectability and integrity. It is very important to be in a position to always assist residents in communities where a business entity operates or to the country as a whole.

From all what have been said so far, it could be seen that NP-SL Ltd has valuable lessons which aspiring entrepreneurs could imbibe and infuse in their activities if fruitful dividends must be realized. Indeed, NP-SL Ltd is really a source of inspiration and a reservoir of good business initiatives.

Pan African Rare Metals Mining Company Pays Le 1 Billion Surface Rent to 3 Chiefdoms

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the sources from which this country derives its revenue in order to fund developmental projects is the mining sector. It is known widely that Kono District is most synonymous with mining than perhaps any other place in Sierra Leone. The soils of Kono are home to some of the country’s previous minerals, like diamond, gold, bauxite, iron ore, etc.

Quite interestingly, in the mining history of this country this is the first time Coltan Mining is going to be commenced in the district by the Pan African Rare Metals Mining Company.

Coltan is a dull black metal used in the manufacturing of mobile phones, cameras, personal computers and other items.

From what this medium authoritatively learnt is that the initial or maiden exploration of Coltan in Kono District is expected to begin in the three chiefdoms of Nimikoro, Nimiyama and Sandor.

The well placed Pan African Rare Metals Mining company is expected to start producing over millions of Coltan for exporting in one year.
It must be noted that even before the start of mining operations, residents in the three chiefdoms are already boasting of numerous development through the rolling out of the company’s Social Corporate Responsibility.
In line with the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009, the company has paid one billion Leones as surface rent to the three communities. In addition, Honorable PC Aiah Bona of Nimikoro Chiefdom said the company has brought massive infrastructural and financial development in their communities.

The people of Nimiyama Chiefdom were extremely happy for having such a huge investment and a source of livelihood within their communities

National Minerals Agency Community Liaison Office Manager, Henry Kamara reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating the enabling environment for private sector investments to thrive. He called on residents to work with the company closely for the benefit of both the district and the company.

Pan African Chairman, Fassally Tawarally, said they would continue to pay the surface rent for mining rights in all three chiefdoms, as well as building the capacity of their workers that they will employ from the chiefdoms.
The coming of Pan African Metals Company appears to be welcoming news for the country’s economy and mining sector following the shutdown of other mining companies in recent times.
The company is poised to create massive employment opportunities for young people particularly those in the areas of operations.
Since the 1930s when mining started at Kono district, there has been no tangible impact and development in the district.

Pan Africa Rare Metal Mining Company SL Limited pays 1.Billion Leones as Surface Rent to 3 chiefdoms in Kono District.

41 Years Old Tailor Sentenced to 15 Years Imprisonment for Impregnating 12 years Old Pupil

By Elkass Sannoh

Honourable Justice Jamesina King, Appeal Court Judge presiding over cases at the Sexual Offences Model Court (SOMC) has sentenced one 41-year-old Ibrahim Sesay, a tailor by occupation, to 15 years imprisonment and also ordered compensation of Le10,000,000 (Ten Million Leones) for sexually penetrating and impregnating a 12-year-old pupil.

Sesay was before the Court on a one count indictment of sexual penetration. The particulars of offence stated that the convict on a date unknown between the 1st to the 30th June 2017 sexually penetrated the victim somewhere around Lumley in the West end of Freetown.

The victim in her evidence in chief, affirmed that it was the convict who impregnated her during the month of Ramadan in 2017.

According to her, the incident took place when her aunt asked her to spend 2 nights in the convict’s room because her uncle had wanted to sleep in her aunt’s room and there was not enough room for all of them.

Accused Sesay also proposed to teach the victim and her two friends how to perform prayers.

5th prosecution witness, Dr. Olabisi Cole, from Rainbo Centre, told the court that the victim’s hymen was ruptured, adding that they found out that the victim was nine (9) weeks pregnant.

After the close of the Prosecution’s case, the defence opened its case leading in evidence two witnesses including the convict in support of their case. The defence challenged the medical report, citing inconsistency in the dates in the report admitted to by the Doctor as an error which did not affect her findings.

The convict vehemently denied the allegations against him and said he was innocent.

After reviewing the totality of the evidence, Hon. Justice King concluded that the victim was a child.

While she stressed that the victim was consistent in her entire evidence, Justice King referenced the medical report which affirmed that the child had a ruptured hymen and that an ultrasound scan proved that she was pregnant.

In his allocutus, accused Sesay said he was innocent.

Delivering her Judgment Hon. Justice King convicted Ibrahim Sesay for the offence and sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. She further ordered that a compensation of ten million Leones be paid by the convict immediately or within 5 years after his release.

Justice King also ordered the Ministries of Social Welfare and Gender and Children’s Affairs to provide care for victim and her child and to also protect their identities.

 

SLRCS Schools Volunteers on the Fundamental Principles, Acts & Emblem of the Society

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts to equip volunteers on the fundamental Principles, Acts and the Emblem of the society, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society has on Saturday 28th August, 2021 concluded a one day orientation workshop for volunteers in both the Western Area and Rural district on the fundamental principles, Acts and the Emblem of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society. The event took place at the SLRCS Headquarters on Wilkinson Road in Freetown.

On his presentation on the fundamental principles of the society, the Secretary General of Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, Kpawuru Sandy noted that humanity is one of the seven fundamental principles (along with independence, impartiality, neutrality, voluntary service, universality and unity) of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, of which the ICRC and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society are members.

Dilating on Humanity, one of the seven principles of the society, he noted that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was borne out  of a desire to bring assistances without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, adding that the purposes are to protect life and health and to ensure respect for human beings.

Kpawuru Sandy added that Impartiality is another principle of the society of which he said the society makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions, stating that it endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

The Secretary General noted that in order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

He also maintained that the movement is independent and that national societies serve as auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their Governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries and they must respect their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the movement.

Commenting on voluntary service, the Secretary General maintained that it is a voluntary relief organization not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

The Secretary General also used the opportunity to shed light on the use of the Emblem and the Acts of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society which he said in most cases there has been misuse of the Emblem of which he stated that the society deemed it fit to also educate volunteers on the use of the Emblem.

He continued that the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Act, 2012 being an Act to continue in existence the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and to provide for other related matters which was enacted by the President and Members of Parliament and that they also included the Acts in order for volunteers to understand what is embedded.

Speaking to this medium one of the volunteers of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society Western Area Branch, Victoria V. Bangura expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society for organizing such a training which she described as not only important to them as volunteers but is also timely.

She revealed that having learnt about the principles of the society it has motivated her passion towards serving humanity and that she will ensure at all times to adhere to the fundamental principles of the society.

Victoria V. Bangura assured the society that all what they have learnt about the fundamental principles, the use of the emblem and the Acts of the society will be used in the interest of the society.

 

Lands Ministry & TAF Africa Partners to Construct Affordable Houses & New Cities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

To translate its manifesto promise into a tangible reality on the ground the SLPP led administration through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning is collaborating with Africa’s leading Real Estate Investor, Mustapha Njie to actualise President Julius Maada Bio’s micro-cities and housing vision.

Mustapha Njie was in the country for four days during which period he met with the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, held critical and extensive consultations with the Minister and senior management staff of the Ministry of Lands Housing and Country Planning, in addition to visiting possible investment sites in various parts of Sierra Leone.

The various meetings held finally culminated by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 27th August 2021 between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Real Estate Investor   of TAF Africa Global Real Estate Company that is on a mission to construct One Million affordable homes in the African continent within the next twenty years.

This medium was made to understand that Sierra Leone is in line to be the Ninth (9th) country to benefit from this investment.

During the site visits, Mr. Njie was mesmerized by the country’s topography and has vowed to be part of President Bio’s development agenda, especially in the housing sector.

He has made a commitment to develop micro-cities in Sierra Leone as part of the affordable housing agenda led by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning.

According to him, his company is ready to undertake this investment with zero financial burden on the Government of Sierra Leone.

“I am finally here to answer to the clarion call made to me some two years ago by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone during the time he visited The Gambia and saw my investments,” Mr. Njie disclosed.

He made a commitment to capacitate and work with a staff base of mainly Sierra Leoneans throughout the project, noting that the same has been the status quo of his projects in other countries.

The Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie disclosed that this affordable housing project would be used to showcase the President’s dream to build micro-cities across Sierra Leone.

“It’s a new direction now in the Ministry in line with the President’s agenda, with the provision of affordable housing taking center stage,” he pointed out.

He used the forum as an opportunity to disclose that his administration is attracting and restoring investors and development partners’ trust in the Ministry, while citing that the World Bank has approved a Forty Million Dollar grant to support the sector.

“There is going to be a new era, a new focus and we are going to have new communities and cities across Sierra Leone. To showcase that, TAF Africa Global is going to be right at the forefront,” the Minister emphasised.

The MOU signing is an indication of the seriousness government attaches to provide affordable housing for its citizens, the Minister stated.

Dr. Senesie ended by narrating the evidence of seriousness of the Mustapha Njie’s investment he witnessed in The Gambia which he hopes to replicate in Sierra Leone.

He assured Sierra Leoneans that TAF Africa Global would soon commence physical work in Sierra Leone, noting that this could happen before the end of 2021.

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