FBC Student Bags AYV’s Miss University Prize

December 25, 2019

On Tuesday 24^th December 2019, the Queen and ultimate winner of the AYV Miss University Beauty Pageant, Hajaratu Kamara, officially received the Star prize of a new Toyota Corolla salon car from the media empire, at its Tower Hill offices in Freetown.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony, AYV’s Phebian Swill, said that it has been the usual tradition of the Africa Young Voices (AYV) media empire to organise such a contest since it was introduced in 2011. She added that seven Queens have been crowned since 2011 and have all been given very attractive prizes and this year’s winner, Hajaratu Kamara is the eighth Queen. She maintained that whatever the institution decides to offer as the Star prize to the winner, it has always delivered. This time they have provided a new car for the winner and Hajaratu is the lucky winner. As she handed over the keys of the vehicle to the new queen, she called on the media, who witnessed the ceremony, to accompany the Queen and the AYV team as they inspect and hand-over the vehicle to her.

Visibly elated and in the company of her friends, the latest ‘AYV Miss University Queen’, Hajaratu took the keys from Madam Swill and majestically opened her vehicle, sat on the driving seat and turned the engine on amidst cheers from her friends.

Speaking after observing her prize, Queen Hajaratu said that she is delighted to have won this enviable prize and praised the AYV and all her fans for the support. She encouraged others to come on board on every such contest and stand a chance to be a winner like her. Asked what her plans for the future will be, she said she is desirous of providing a platform to advocate for female hygiene. When asked why that platform, she said she was a victim, as when she was a kid, coming from humble background, she began using cloth as pad during her menstrual circle and is determined that all her female compatriots are not subject to similar risk as they grow up in life. She called on like-minded individuals and institutions to join her in her campaign to provide young underprivileged girls with sanitary pads in schools and communities.

Queen Hajaratu Kamara was born in Kenema and is presently a final year student in Language studies at Fourah Bay College (FBC). She was among 30 who contested for the enviable position, and also one of the twelve that made it through to the final. Out of that number two dropped out of the way for various reasons, leaving only ten contestants. Last Friday, after what has been described as the battle of the titans, the performance of Hajaratu captured the voters and she eventually won the ultimate prize and was crowned AYV’s Miss University 2019 and on Tuesday, 24^th December, Christmas Eve, she was officially handed her prize, a Toyota Corolla Salon car.

President Bio Highlights Successes and Challenges of ECOWAS at End of Year Summit

December 23, 2019

President Dr Julius Maada Bio has highlighted the successes and challenges of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, at the end-of-year Summit in Abuja, Nigeria on Saturday 21 December 2019 in Abuja, Nigeria.

During his intervention at the 56th Ordinary Summit, President Bio commended the President of ECOWAS Commission, Kassi Brou, for the comprehensive update and noted that the sub-regional economic growth at 3.3% in 2019, a notch higher than Africa’s 3.0% growth average.

He also urged his colleagues to redouble efforts toward increasing inter-community trade and investment, adding: “We should lower and eventually eliminate trade barriers among our community of nations, especially inter-community transportation and shipping. Let us make the free movement of people, goods and services a key benchmark of our integration commitment”.

The President reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to the ECOWAS single currency, community levy obligations and commended all those who have made commitments to contributing to the ECOWAS fund for implementing the action plan on counter-terrorism. He also expressed deep concern over the slow operationalisation of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot to be constructed at Lungi, near Freetown and urged member states not to renege on their commitment to operationalise early warning centres in member states to mitigate the impact of climate change.

On democratic governance, which is one of the challenging issues in member states, President Bio told his colleagues that: “Sierra Leone continues to urge that our community embraces an even and unambiguous commitment to a culture of democratic governance, predictably-timed democratic elections, and peaceful transfers of power. This will not only create a more peaceful community but it will help create a safe and predictable climate for trade and investment. We must continue holding ourselves fully accountable to all agreed standards of good governance. Therefore, we must not appease, and we should not compromise on this collective commitment”.

His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio ended his intervention by welcoming the findings and recommendations of the Forensic Audit Report of the ECOWAS institutions. He said: “The revelations are an indictment of our individual national commitments to fighting graft and our collective sense of dignity and integrity as a community. We must draw the lines on corruption at this level. We must not babysit or seek to protect corrupt elements at the helm of affairs of our community. We must not condone corrupt practices and we must be consistent and committed to conducting forensic audits of all the community’s institutions and programmes”.

Earlier, before the opening session of the Summit, President Bio held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Republic of Nigeria, where both Heads of State pledged to strengthen the relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

Africell SL makes another Ten Millionaires

December 23, 2019

At a ceremony held on Monday 23^rd December 2019, at their Wilberforce offices in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s leading mobile operator, Africell-SL has again made waves, as it officially transferred Le20 million less NRA taxes to ten winners of last week’s draw. Present at the ceremony were nine winners and their family members and friends, top management staff of Africell and the press.

Chairing the program, Abdul Aziz Kamara, event and sponsorship supervisor of Africell said that another ten subscribers of Africell, who won the daily draw of Le20 million for last week (9^th December -20^th December 2019) will be receiving their prizes, which will be presented to them by the Chief Corporate Officer, Joe Abass Bangura.

In his short statement, before making the presentation, Joe Abass Bangura welcomed winners as well as other guests to the company. He furthered that Africell has always found ways of empowering its subscribers, and in this vein, has introduced several innovative promotions, which have in one way or the other, enhanced the lives of the winners.

Speaking about the present promotion, Joe Abass Bangura said that the ‘Be a Millionaire’ promotion was launched on the 26^th of November 2019 and will run till 27^th December 2019. This promo offers their numerous customers the opportunity to win the star prize of Le20 million daily, as well as other prizes, which includes data bundles and talk time credits. He furthered that in the course of this promo, 20 people have won the star prize of Le20 million each, with the first set of ten winners bagging Le200 million in total and this second batch of winners, who won between the 9^th-20^th December 2019, have also won another Le200 million. The cumulative amount won by all 20 winners is now Le400 million.

Giving a breakdown of the various prizes, regions and categories of winners, Joe Abass Bangura disclosed that in this latest draw, Western Area has 2 people, Eastern region has 3, the North has 4 and the South has 1; each bagging Le20 million; 14 from the Western Area won data bundles, 2 from the Eastern region, 4 from the North and on talk time, 7 from the West, 5 from East, 2 from the North and 4 from the South. The cumulative number of winners from both draws is 20, bagging Le20 million each, 40 bagging data bundles and 38 getting talk time. Overall the total amount won in cash is Le400 million.

He further disclosed that to encourage the winners to use Africell money, which is the safest way to carry money, they will transfer the winnings to the phones of the respective winners through Africell Money and will only deduct what is stipulated as tax to be paid to the government according to the betting law in the country. He admonished the winners to make good use of the money and not to use everything on Christmas. In this last draw the winners included, a plassas seller, wood seller, carpenter, businessman, a ‘junks’ (second hand clothing) seller, a military captain and 2 students in secondary schools, each bagging Le20 million.

Speaking briefly about the various promotions and services offered by Africell, Station Manager of AfriRadio, John Konteh, said that the ‘Be a Star Show’ is still on going. This show is about talented young people displaying their voice talents, which started some 5 weeks ago with 34 participants. During the course of the contest, some have been eliminated, leaving behind 15 contestants. Out of this number there should have been elimination last weekend, but Santa Clause gave them a Christmas offer; allowing them to continue till this weekend.

He disclosed that this weekend, the contestants will do their New Year theme songs and those who are lucky to remain will have to do purely Sierra Leonean music on the next elimination, which is slated to take place next week. He had praise for the supporting band.

John Konteh furthered that the Ya promotion, which included Ya Mix and other Ya services is still on going and advised subscribers to enjoy the service, intimating that they can now buy data for friends. He encouraged subscribers to use Africell money and keep their code secret.

In his own contribution, Mamadu Karna Barrie, Product and Services at Africell Money, said that the service has been made simple for subscribers to access funds through their Africell money wallet. This service, he went on, enables subscribers to make payments to EDSA, buy goods from certain institutions and can even be used to buy plassas from the new plassas winner. It also facilitates business transactions, as customers now have ready money in their phones. He encouraged the winners and all others to embrace Africell money and join the digital age of financial inclusion.

All the winners, with the exception of one, who was absent, had their winnings transferred to their phones and those who were not Africell money customers, were incorporated into the system. All winners expressed joy at receiving their prizes, though initially they had doubts over the whole promotion. Now that they have received their prizes they spoke to the public in their respective languages to embrace Africell and participate in the promo, as they have up to the 27^th December when the promo will end.

Chief Corporate Officer, Joe Abass Bangura

Abdul Aziz Kamara, event and sponsorship supervisor of Africell

Station Manager of AfriRadio, John Konteh

UAE Delegation Meets President Bio, Signs Five Agreements and MOUs for Bilateral Cooperation

December 22, 2019

A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates, UAE, led by its Minister of State, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, has met His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio to sign five agreements and Memorandum of Understanding on Sunday 22 December 2019 at State House, Freetown.

As part of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries, the UAE head of delegation said he was instructed by His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE, to focus on sectors such as mining, oil and gas, infrastructure, education, health, water, roads, renewable energy and agriculture.

The five agreements also covered the avoidance of double taxation, the protection of investments, a joint committee for cooperation agreement, a framework of cooperation for the agricultural production of rice and maize and a memorandum of understanding on small and medium scale enterprises.

NMA updates Pressmen on Geophysical Survey

December 22, 2019

The National Minerals Agency (NMA), on Friday 20th December, 2019 updated the press on the operations of the Nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey report. The event took place at the Lungi International Airport.

Speaking at the ceremony, Project Coordinator, Ministry of Mines & Mineral Resources, Mustapha Sheku Gibril, said that on 20th January 2019, His Excellency the President, Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, officially commissioned the Nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey and on that day, the Contractor, Xcalibur, had already deployed 3 out of the 5 aircraft that were meant to ensure nationwide geo-data acquisition, adding that the nationwide airborne geophysical survey is geared towards providing the country with reliable geo-data, which will help determine the mineralization of Sierra Leone in the most comprehensive way ever, which will put the country on sound footing to bargain from a position of strength with potential investors, and hence, optimize the benefits of exploration and exploitation of our mineral wealth.

He noted that it is almost a year after the commissioning of the project, and they have again gathered towards winding up this project and to update the general public about the status of geo-data acquisition and the post-airborne geophysical survey activities.

He expressed delight to report that the survey has been executed very well, despite challenges ranging from delays in securing diplomatic and security clearances from Guinea and Liberia, bush fires in the months of February and March, and the onset of the rains, and that these challenges occasioned an extension of completion month from June 2019 to December 2019.

He said that Bad pilot visibility as a result of the downpour of the heavy rains with adverse effect on the quality of the data, forced a suspension of the survey, but maintained that all 5 aircrafts had to de-mobilized and re-mobilized again in the early part of November, by which time the rains had subsided, but thank God they have now gotten almost to completion point according to the series of weekly progress reports submitted by the contractor and the Quality Control Experts.

He said that it is evident that Sierra Leone has acquired high quality and reliable geo-data, which, he reliably informed, is one of the best in the World, adding that after this acquisition phase, the technical team will have some more work to do, which will form part of the post airborne geophysical survey activities for which our technical counterparts at the NMA will further explain.

He disclosed that a lot of effort and hard work was put into this project from the design phase unto execution, for which he must commend the technical team at the NMA, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the EITAP2 PIU and the World Bank for the excellent planning and coordination for a successful project implementation.

On behalf of the Project Implementation Unit and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, he expressed appreciation to the entire Xcalibur team, especially the pilots, for their tireless efforts and professionalism displayed throughout this geo-data acquisition phase.

In his presentation Deputy Director, Geophysical Survey, National Minerals Agency, Joseph Lebbie, expressed appreciation to the Contractors of Xcalibur for their tremendous work in putting this survey together, regardless of the numerous challenges faced during the process.

He said that under the Extractive Industry Technical Assistance Project Phase 2, the World Bank provided budgetary support in order to carry out the Nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey to enhance the general knowledge of Sierra Leone’s Mineral potential.

Underscoring the challenges, he said the team faced a lot of challenges ranging from bush fires in the months of February and March, onset of the rains, fuel crisis, delays in securing diplomatic and security clearances from Guinea and Liberia, which he said obstruct their activities eventually leading to an extension of the completion month from June 2019 to December 2019.

He said that the final results will be delivered in compatible formats with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and National Minerals Agency, existing databases’ formats according to the project specifications.

Team Member of Xcalibur Airborne Geophysics, Haiden John Harrington, expressed appreciation to the people of Sierra Leone for the hospitality during their stay in the country.

He applauded his team members for their tireless effort in making the project a reality, regardless of the challenges faced, noting that the high quality and reliable geo-data will enhance the general knowledge of Sierra Leone’s Mineral potential and will be used in order to benefit the nation as a whole and said that they are looking forward to working with Sierra Leone in subsequent years.

As AWOL 2019 Awards in the Offing… More feathers to be added to Caps

December 22, 2019

The Mother of all Award Ceremonies in the country is just few days from now to happen. It is the All Walks of Life (AWOL) 2019 National Achievements Awards slated to take place at the prestigious Bintumani International Conference Centre at Aberdeen on the 29^th December 2019, starting at 7pm. The voting process is at an advanced stage but it is rill open to members of the public who are at liberty to vote for nominated personalities and institutions whom they are convinced did something very outstanding in 2019 to improve the lot of the masses and enhance overall development. One can vote by just sending 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution that one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

This year’s Awards ceremony will be slightly different as the All ‘Works’ Of Life Development Organisation (AWOL) has extended invitation to Sierra Leonean Entrepreneurs, Vendors and Craft Exhibitors to showcase their business, products and ideas for free. The organizers have reiterated that limited space is available.

From a cue that this medium received, on that day, it will be all pomp and pageantry as the crème de la crème of society and people from various walks of life will hob-nob, chatting over drinks, fixing appointments and making new friends. As usual it will be a nite to socialize in a relaxed atmosphere with music at the background and entertaining performances displayed by some of our local artists.

Commencing at 7pm, the AWOL Awards nite will shine the light on those that were overwhelming voted for by members of the public whom they deemed did exceptionally well in improving humanity and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.

Voting is now in process and to vote just send 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution that one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

For an individual or institution to be recognized, appreciated and awarded for doing something very exceptional within the year could be a source from which inspiration is drawn to do more. It could also serve as a springboard to emulate the exemplary footsteps others have taken to meaningfully make meaningful impacts on the lives of others.

Indeed, as usual, in the immediate wake of the event indisputably tongues will be left wagging as to whether indeed a particular personality or institution truly deserves to be awarded. But that is natural as we sometimes disagree to agree. But one thing that is really obvious is that AWOL prides itself on selflessness and integrity which is why its award programmes have always been characterized by fairness. It is not AWOL that determines who should be a recipient of an award as a voting process is currently ongoing for people to vote their consciences for nominated personalities and institutions whom they truly believe should be recognized for their immense contributions to humanity and nation-building. You are at liberty to vote now by using 2713 short code to SMS via Africell for an individual or institution whom one believes must clinch the covetous 2019 award.

From all indications and judging from the nominations that have been done for the different categories it seems that this Awards Ceremony is going to be the Mother of all AWOL Awards Ceremonies but as some have already maintained that is yet to be determined. However, what for now is really certain is that AWOL has etched a name in history for doing BIG THINGS and this time round there will to be an exception nor is it going to be the last as we have been hinted.

In order to reiterate the message loud and clear the widely acclaimed National Achievements Awards (NAAs) will be dished out to deserving individuals and institutions on the 29^th December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre starting at 7pm with the theme “Education is the Key to National Cohesion and Development” under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.

As it had been over the years it is planned to be an unforgettable ceremony that will be laced with pomp and pageantry bringing together under one roof the crème de la crème of society to socialize. It is going to be a nite of fun, jokes and laughter; a moment that will be lively when the spotlight will shine on individuals and institutions that have been recognized for their exemplary contributions to nation building and as such bestowed prestigious awards for their efforts.

Already, on the 22^nd November 2019, the launch of the National Achievement Awards was done at the Radisson Blu Hotel and it was graced by individuals from various walks of life including the Chief Minister who on that day described AWOL as an organization which has as its aim and objective to celebrate ‘change-makers’ whom he referred to as those people who are doing their utmost in their little corners to put Sierra Leone first and set bright examples for others to emulate.

During the occasion the President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr informed the audience that AWOL was formed 20 years ago to serve the country in a distinct fashion. He added that coming from an 11 year war, as young people, they decided to form a group with a distinct mission to recognize distinguished Sierra Leoneans, as well as to complement and serve as an auxiliary to government and this they have been doing successfully since the founding of AWOL.

Indisputably, AWOL’s National Achievement Awards have now become an important feature in the calendar of annual events in Sierra Leone. Come as it does towards the close of the year, most Sierra Leoneans see it as part of their Christmas and End of Year entertainment recipe. During the course of the year, AWOL keenly watched Sierra Leoneans in their various works of life as well as institutions with the avowed objective of recognizing them for their good works.

As a family, AWOL considers that approach as a trend as “it adds worth and meaning to our efforts, and brings fulfillment to our dreams; for over and above recognizing and awarding merit, effort, achievement, ability, devotion, commitment and scholarship, to deserving Sierra Leoneans.’

AWOL is also working in underprivileged communities through its various social, educational and humanitarian interventions.

Contrary to what some may want to believe, it should however be noted that AWOL is a non-political and non-profitable organization, which focuses on national development. AWOL’s philosophy is to be selfless, to serve, to give back to society and expect nothing in return as reward or profit.

AWOL is hinged on determination to complement government’s effort in nation building; regardless of which democratic government is in power.

It is on record that AWOL has stayed together as a group, worked together as a family, and pursued its goals and aspirations as patriotic Sierra Leoneans who care and love their country. As may be the case in other organizations, AWOL may have its own internal problems, for no group or organization exists without conflict; but AWOL has been able to resolve its differences amicably without any threat to the developmental aspirations of the organization as a whole.

One thing that makes AWOL very outstanding and which is part of its constitution is the fact that no individual member is bigger than the organization. AWOL is bigger than each one and their leaders are charged with the responsibility to always bring members together as a family, maintain and promote the traditions that have held AWOL together since the founding and current members became one family 18 years ago.

President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr., maintains that over these eighteen years AWOL’s contributions to national development have been immense.

He says AWOL supports Sierra Leone’s development and transformative drives to build a new Sierra Leone which is the dream of every Sierra Leonean. AWOL shares in that dream of every Sierra Leonean to see our small but naturally blessed country develop into a paradise on earth.

AWOL further seeks to see a nation with improved social amenities for the enjoyment of young people and also to see a nation able to grow its own food and able not only to feed itself but its neighbours as well. The organization also wants to see a nation that is less dependent on donor funds for its survival and become a nation that idolizes her past, present and future leaders and heroes; and also to see functioning, responsible, pro-active and delivering State institutions.

From all indications, it is going to be an unforgettable nite that will linger in the minds of many here and abroad.

Below is the list of nominees that could be voted for by sending a text message on Africell line to 2713:

AWOL NAAs 2019 CATEGORIES & NOMINEES

EDUCATION

1. TERTIARY INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– IPAM
– Njala
– UNIMAK

2. SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dele-Peddle International School
– Sierra Leone Grammar School
– Providence International High School

3. PRIMARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Gateway Preparatory Primary School
– International Primary School
– Modern Elementary School

4. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018- NPSE
– Menjor, Esther Sia (Leone Preparatory Prim. School)

5. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –BECE
– Hooke Johan Harmonette D. (Providence Int. Snr High, F/Town)
– Taqi Hafeez Othman (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Jalloh Khadijatu (Annie Walsh Memorial Sch., F/Town)

6. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2018 –WASSCE
– Saffia Kai (Hermann Gmeiner Int. Sch., F/Town)
– Turay Abdulai S. (Dele-Peddle Int. High, F/Town)

7. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –NPSE
– Russell Affuah (The International School Ltd., Prim)

8. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –BECE
– Manyeh Kaiwanday Nova (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)
– Koroma Umu B. (Modern High, F/Town)

9. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR 2019 –WASSCE
– Gbakima Aiah (Sierra Leone Grammar Sch., F/Town)

SPORTS

10. SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Buya Turay
– John Keister
– National Swimming Team

GOVERNANCE

11. MINISTRY OF THE YEAR 2019
– Ministry of Health and Sanitation
– Ministry of Tourism and Culture
– Ministry of Information and Communications

12. PARASTATAL OF THE YEAR 2019
– Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)
– National Revenue Authority (NRA)
– Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL)

13. PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Hon. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella
– Hon. Abdul Kargbo
– Hon. Ibrahim ‘Tawa’ Conteh

MEDIA

14. PRINT MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Awoko
– Sierra Eye Magazine
– Standard Times

15. RADIO MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– Radio Democracy 98.1 FM
– SLBC Radio
– Kiss 104 FM

16. TELEVISION MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2018/2019
– AYV TV
– SLBC TV
– Star TV

17. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (FEMALE)
– Stella Bangura (AYV TV)
– Zainab Joaque (Awoko Newspaper)
– Khadija Bangura (98.1)

18. MEDIA PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019 (MALE)
– Amadu Lamrana Bah (AYV TV)
– Mohamed Asmieu Bah (SLBC TV)
– Kemo Cham (Politico Newspaper)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

19. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MUSIC)
– Rozay Sokota
– Arkman
-Drizllik

20. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (MOVIE)
– Desmond Finnie
– Henrietta Mbawah
– Phebean Swill

21. PERFORMING ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (COMEDY)
– Desmond Beinya
– Kindo Armani
– Richie Obama

22. ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2019 (FINE ART)
– King Dus Art
– Alusine Conteh
– Cyril Oronto-Cole

FINANCE & BUSINESS

BANKING INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB)
– Ecobank SL
– Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB)

24. INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2019
– Union Trust Bank (UTB)
– Gento Group
– NP-SL

MEDICINE

25. MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha
– Dr. Francis Lansana
– Dr. Aiah Lebbie

HUMANITARIAN

26. HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sick Pikin Project
– Pikin Bizness
– Melqosh Mission

LAW

27. LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Musa Mewa Esq
– Ibrahim Fayia Sawaneh Esq
– Joan Bull Esq.

THE FORCES

28. MILITARY OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Brig Gen Victor Samba
– Lt Col Roland Robin Gbondo

29. POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mr Francis Musa Hazeley (Chief Supt of Police)
– Mrs Juliette Kumba Kondoh (Supt of Police)
– Mr Edward Tamba Keimbay (Asst Supt of Police)

30. FIRE FORCE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Sahr I. Aruna (Sub Officer)
– Abu Bakarr Fofanah (Sub Officer)
– Adebayo Williams (Sub officer)

31. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Mohamed Santigie Turay (Director of Corrections)
– Rev Mrs. Josephine R.M. Findlay (Chief Supt of Corrections)
– Mr. Joseph Emmanuel Manley (Chief Supt of Corrections)

AGRICULTURE

32. FARMER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Kabia Farm
– Jam Jay Enterprise
– Madam Haja Sundu Marrah

CIVIL SOCIETY

33. CSO/CBO OF THE YEAR 2019
– Campaign for Good Governance
– CARL- SL
– CHIRDI- SL

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

34. HOSPITALITY HOUSE OF THE YEAR 2019
– The Place- Tokeh
– Radisson Blu
– Lagoonda

FASHION

35. FASHION DESIGNER 2019
– Madam Wokie
– Hudsons
– J & F Fashion

PETTY TRADING

36. PETTY TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019
– Isatu (Plasas Seller, Aberdeen Market)
– Abdulai Jalloh (Butcher, Krootown Road)
– Sarian Karimu (Shenge Market, Bo)

NATIONAL SERVICE

37. PUBLIC SERVANT OF THE YEAR 2019
– Lara Taylor-Pearce (ASSL)
– Francis Ben Keifala (ACC)
– Micheala Mackay (CAC)

COMMUNICATIONS

38. TELE-COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY OF THE YEAR
– Orange SL
– Africell SL
– SIERRATEL

Vote now for individuals and institutions you are convinced deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

For Quality Petroleum Products Support NP-SL

December 22, 2019

Sending IB3 to Short Code 2713 via Africell for an AWOL Award…

Among the category of ‘Best Indigenous Company of the Year’ the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), was nominated as one of the ‘Best Indigenous Company of the Year’ for this year’s National Achievements Awards slated to take place on the 29 December 2019 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown. Currently, the voting process is on and our reporters hit the streets to sound the views of the nominees in that category it turned out that NP-SL is uppermost on the minds of many who categorically stated that they are really proud of the way and manner in which the company has maintained itself since inception to date.

According to Mohamed Bailor Wurie, a vehicle repair garage owner, “ There are indigenous companies that were formed but over little time folded up, some still the same as they were but with NP it is a different story as the company has grown exponentially to become one of the towering entities on the business landscape of this country.” He furthered that to see a 100% indigenous owned company weathering stormy times and still surviving today amidst a lot of challenges speaks volumes of how selflessness and dogged commitment could make the sky the only limit highlighting how NP-SL has really proven that what seemingly appeared to be an impossibility turned out to be a big possibility.

To vote for NP-SL Ltd all what an individual needs to do is to just send IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell.

One big accomplishment that the company scored recently, within the realm of discharging its Corporate Social Responsibility, was providing a water facility at the National Fire Force Branch in Kissy, Freetown, with the objective of enhancing accessibility to water supply for fire fighting purposes. Costing the company millions of Leones, the water facility was handed over to the Force and indisputably it is a big boost to combat an outbreak of fire within Greater Freetown. Love for country, which is an indigenous attribute, could best be the driver to push such a development-oriented initiative to become a tangible reality on the ground that comes with tremendous benefits.

What is so striking about the company is the mere fact that it is truly indigenous , formed by 35 Sierra Leoneans who ploughed their end of service benefits as former workers of the British Petroleum Company by buying shares from the then Government that was in power to form the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited. Since its formation, the shareholders have maintained its indigenous posture. It is the company’s policy to have in its employ indigenes as long as they are competent enough to perform tasks assigned to them instead of bringing expatriates.

This posture by the company has helped in giving job opportunities to those who were hitherto unemployed thereby contributing towards poverty alleviation. Many have applauded the company for such saying it is a true manifestation of adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy.

The company has also carved an enviable reputation as 1^st for Customer Care. As a matter of fact, it has so prioritized it to such an extent that it is factored in its business transactions with the avowed objective of giving utmost satisfaction. Towards the achievement of that it ensured that its pumping machines installed at various Filling Stations are well calibrated, displaying prices and quantity in order to enhance transparency. This instils confidence among its numerous customers and encourages others to come on-board.

If today many are gaining easy access to petroleum products at affordable prices then that is largely due to the pro-activeness of the shareholders and various Management teams that have steered and still steering activities within the company. This alacrity, on the part of the company, makes it quite possible for these products to be easily accessed preventing the occurrence of shortage that will give rise to dire consequences and grind overall national development to a halt.

To make cooking simple, the company has on offer for sale NP Gas, a device used for cooking and is fuelled by gas which it markets. Manufactured in different cylinders, NP Gas is marketed at the company’s various Filling Stations and they are going at affordable prices.

NP Smart Card is a latest technological device used to purchase fuel without the hassle of having physical cash in one’s personal possession. This Smart Card which can be accessed at NP could be uploaded with money which in turn can be used intermittently to procure fuel. Many have confessed that it is a reliable and the quickest way of securing petroleum products and very efficient in that direction.

Impressively, the company is among pacesetters that have expanded its operations beyond its shores as it has branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia where they are vibrantly operating. This has brought pride to many with some claiming that it shows that with brains and determination Sierra Leoneans can climb higher heights.

With an iota of just some of the good things that the company had been and is still doing many say it is imperative that Sierra Leoneans should vote for an indigenous company that has stood firm during the thick and thin of business transactions. Although it is yearning for debts owed it by both public and private institutions as well as gaining easy access to foreign exchange ,however, it is determined to do exceptionally well in 2020.

Vote now: Just send IB3 SMS to short code 2713 via Africell. It has been noted that NP-SL is serving as an inspiration to many and we should be very proud of that.

God’s Spring Foundation Holds 1st Inspiration Session & Charity Work

December 22, 2019

God’s Spring Foundation is a Christian faith-based organization comprising Christian University students which aims at reaching out to the unreached and needy by way of inspiring, motivating and counseling them. The Organization has, as one of its objectives, changing lives through the Gospel of Christ.

On the 9th December 2019, the Foundation held it first inspiration session and Charity work at the Maranatha Primary School at a community known as Treeplanting in Freetown.

Giving a brief background of the organization, Audra Nyambe Sannoh the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the God’s Spring Foundation, who is a Mass Communications student at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, said the idea of forming the organization came early in January as a result of the passion she has to teach out to the unreached and needy, by way of inspiring, motivating and counseling them. “We have so many inspirational and motivational speakers in the world and they have being doing a good job which I must commend. But, somehow they are limited because most of them use social media to pass on their messages and many people can’t access social media because of financial constraints,” she noted.

She further went on to state that the Foundation is also a means of evangelism and went further to deliberate on the theme for the program which was “CATCH THEM YOUNG”. They, as an organization, wants to catch them young in every area of their lives (spiritually, emotionally, academically) etc to prepare them for the journey ahead.

The keynote speaker, who is also a member of the Foundation, Mathew Bangura, in his address admonished pupils to pay attention to their academic work and to always be neat and tidy. He said they are the future leaders so they should abstain from all bad habits which include lying, stealing, fighting. He further went on to share the Gospel of Christ to them.

Mrs Bayo, the Headmistress of the school thanked and appreciated the Foundation for their support and said the donation of school materials to the school was timely. She also expressed joy that the Foundation choose their school to do their first donation and inspiration session.

The program ended with the distribution of school materials to pupils of the school and the school authorities. The Items donated were: 9 boxes of chalk, 9 dusters, books, pens and pencils.

2,500 Matriculate At MMCET

December 22, 2019

The Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic on Saturday 21^st December 2019 held the 2019/2020 academic year matriculation ceremony for 2, 500 students of the three campuses of the polytechnic at a colorful ceremony at the Amphitheatre of the Goderich campus at which event the First Lady as keynote speaker observed that the future of the matriculants starts now underlining that education gives equal key to all stressing that only illiterates make mistakes and that government priorities education the reason for allocating 21% of the country’s budget to the sector.

Mrs. Fatima Bio also launched the college’s five year Strategic Plan and commissioned the Biometric Registration.

She observed that education is now moving to the technological world, that soon robots would compete with human beings and affirmed the need for the country to catch-up by producing things for export to boost the economy highlighting that students should be game changers, encouraged them to talk about the wrongs in society disclosing that commercial motorbike riders and youths are renowned for impregnating young girls and that rapists would be jailed for life.

Mrs. Fatima Bio went on to appeal to students to study hard and focus on their education that is the greatest weapon, condemned sex for grades, that lecturers should not date female students, that she has launched the free sanitary pads project all in an effort to empower girls, told them to say no to peer pressure and have a dream to succeed asserting that the future of Sierra Leone is in their hands.

Earlier in his welcome statement, the Vice Principal and Director of Studies, Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh said it was a great pleasure and humility to welcome all at the ceremony that is a tradition at the college since its establishment in September 1963 by the first Prime Minister, Sir Milton Margai and that this was the first time for a First Lady of the country to visit the college reiterating that they would brag about the visit and appealed to the First Lady to visit the other campuses of the polytechnic.

He furthered that this year’s admission process was very competitive, that the maticulants are the best and thanked them for the confidence reposed in the college enlightening that matriculation ceremonies in institutions the world over are to officially welcome students into the college after they would have taken the oath, pledged allegiance to and sign the college register to be officially recognized as bonifide students to enjoy the facilities offered by the college but warned them against breaching the college’s code of conduct that would attract appropriate action.

Dr. Mohamed Alie Jalloh also warned the lucky students to stay away from examination malpractices, cultism, sexual abuse and other social vices to become a source of pride to the citadel of learning, their parents and the entire nation.

The Headman of the Goderich community congratulated the maticulants, revealed that the community is happy that the land was donated to the college to develop the country’s human resource and that it is the wish of the community that the college is transformed to a Technical University which he reiterated is long overdue.

He continued that the community is also appealing that the college’s practicing school, the Lady Patricia Kabbah Memorial School, be upgraded to a Junior Secondary and warned land grabbers to stay off the college’s vast land or face the consequences.

The Chairman of the Alumni, National Branch, Mr. B.W. Bockarie admonished the students to take their studies seriously to acquire quality education affirming that government puts premium on education and by extension human resource development disclosing that the Alumni is happy with the appointment of Dr. Philip Kanu as principal due to his dynamism and transformational strides to improve the institution.

He continued that the college has dedicated staff, that they want to transform the College to a Technical University to train students in all sectors for the country’s middle-level manpower needs as well as teachers not only for Sierra Leone but other countries, that the college has the structures, vast land and staff who are prepared for the university status, appealed to government to help address the massive encroachment of the college’s land and entreated the maticulants to work hard to achieve academic laurels.

In his address, the Principal, Dr. Philip John Kanu commended President Julius Maada Bio for the confidence reposed in him to confirm his appointment as principal which he considers a privilege, that the day is epoch-making, that it is a privilege to work in the First Lady’s Office in the Off Our Girls Campaign reiterating that this year’s admission was strictly guided by the criteria set by the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education.

He informed that the college is experiencing a very strong transformation, that the institution would support the president to succeed as he puts premium on education, reiterated that education is power and the key to success, that the physically-challenged, those offering science subjects are entitled to scholarships, that there are 4,800 students and 650 staff at the college and acclaimed the president for being up to date with the payment of salaries.

Dr. Philip John Kanu also disclosed that lecturers are very supportive, that new toilets have been constructed, two buses for staff procured, CCTV cameras installed, established a state-of-the-art laboratory, that results are now published on time, that the college now has a website, twitter, instragram and face book accounts respectively, developed a five-year strategic plan aligned to the National Development Plan, signed MoUs with Technical Universities the world over as well as a conductive learning environment intimating that he is working assiduously with the Ministry of Lands to reclaim the college’s lands and underscored the need to transform the college to a Technical University to train the country’s middle-level manpower.

According to the principal, he has zero tolerance when it comes to academic excellence and discipline informing that a lecturer was recently dismissed for changing grades, lamented that one of their major challenges is land grabbing, disclosed plans by government to rehabilitate the college through the BADEA project and appealed to all to be patient to see the results of government’s development projects.

Earlier, the Master of Ceremony, the college’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Elizabeth Sesay revealed that the admission process was rigid this year and that it is an honor to have the First Lady to serve as keynote speaker for the event.

She also urged parents to monitor their children as the matriculation ceremony is just the beginning of the long journey.

Highlights of the ceremony were the formal pronouncement of Membership of the College by the Registrar, who warned the students against social vices like cultism and examination malpractices, administering of the oath by the Senior Deputy Registrar, Mr. Manley Jeff Momo, sample signing of the College’s Matriculation Register, admission of the First Lady in the Performing Arts Department of the college with registration number 1555, donation of chairs by the First Lady, musical performances by Rose Marie Bayoh (Rosay) and the Entertainers, the vote of thanks by a maticulant and singing of the College Song.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio meets Film actor Idris Elba, awards him with a Brand Ambassador Status

December 22, 2019

President Dr Julius Maada Bio on Friday 20 December 2019 on State Lodge, Freetown has issued the British Hollywood actor and musician, Idris Elba, with a Sierra Leonean Diplomatic Passport and pronounced him a Brand Ambassador for the small resource-rich West African nation.

During a meeting at the State Lodge on Hill Station, President Bio said that Mr Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited, saying that he could feel his burning desire to come back home to be welcomed by his country people. He said that the country had gone through a lot with a scarred image, which needed a conscientious effort from everyone to change that perception and create a new narrative.

“We have tried our best to change the narrative but we need more hands on deck. With you, we have a capable hand to join my government in shaping the future of this country – telling the world a new narrative about a Sierra Leone that is ready to grow and a nation that is ready to be the hub for innovation and technology in Africa and a nation that is looking forward.

“We are conferring you a citizenship of this country and to make you a Brand Ambassador of Sierra Leone. We want to tap into your network to be able to tell the world that the little nation they knew for bad things is now a new Sierra Leone. We want to let the world know that Sierra Leone is now ready for business,” he said.

Receiving the passport, Idris Elba said that he was honoured and thankful for the opportunity to become a citizen of his father’s country, noting that it was an honour for his family. He said he had always wanted to come to Sierra Leone and make a mark adding that he was thankful that his career had afforded him and family the ability to come back to Sierra Leone with determination to rebrand the country.

“This is my first visit to Sierra Leone but will not be my last. I will love to bring with me the new energy that President Bio is so focused on. I am very excited for this honour and I want to take this honour to make the President and people of Sierra Leone proud of me,’’ he said.

Elba’s father, Winston Elba, migrated from Sierra Leone to the United Kingdom in the late 1960s where he met with his Ghanaian mother, Eve Elba. He is also a producer and director continually securing his place as one of the most versatile performers in Hollywood. He is a winner of several accolades for his distinguished service in the field of entertainment. In addition to his Golden Globe win, he is the first male actor to receive dual Screen Actors Guild awards in one evening.

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