At MMCET Public Lecture… OSIWA’s Country Director Expresses Optimism of Sierra Leone’s Renaissance

December 2, 2019

By Sumner Conteh

On Wednesday 27^th November 2019 The Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET) polytechnic continued its Sholade Adams Public Lectures at the Great Hall of the Goderich campus with Mr. Joe Pemagbi, Country Director of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) as the guest speaker.

He observed that with citizens’ right to access information, the internet and the social media, the level of civic awareness is now high in the country, the reason Sierra Leone will never be the same again and enlightened that the free quality education presents the paradigm shift.

Dilating on the topic, ‘Ploughing the Democratic Dividends’ he enlightened that Sierra Leone is still experimenting democracy because we are still working on it underscoring that there is no perfect democracy in the world, that democracy is all about caring, giving power and addressing the needs of the people, that in a democracy people have the right to express their views, associate and belong to political parties of their choice, seek information but observed that in most democracies, people only concentrate on their rights and not responsibilities.

Mr. Joe Pemagbi furthered that Sierra Leone must change the trajectory, that sovereignty belongs to the people, that after 58-60 years of independence, what do we have to show as a nation affirming that Sierra Leone lacks basic services like reliable electricity and water supply, quality education and health care underscoring that democracy is not just about voting at elections but also transparency and accountability as well as asking duty bearers about their stewardship.

The guest speaker also articulated that in developed societies, citizens regularly engage their politicians, that citizens present their views and concerns to their Members of Parliament through petitions and quoted the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report as highlighting that the major reasons for the civil war in Sierra Leone were corruption, nepotism, greed, successive political elites plundering state resources, degenerated and demoralized educational system and injustice but is optimistic that the newly-introduced free quality education would reverse the trend.

The Country Director of (OSIWA) continued that Sierra Leone cannot advance without strong democratic institutions some of which are a huge burden on the wage bill, that the country has not drawn the line between state and party politics asserting state resources are siphoned to political parties.

On the independence of the three arms of government and separation of powers of the executive, legislative and judiciary, he said they are not totally independent citing the case of the sacking of former Vice President Sam Sumana and went on to state that government has pledged to repeal the 1965 Public Order Act, especially part 5, which criminalizes libel underlining that citizens’ participation is key in a democracy.

Mr. Joe Pemagbi continued that the state of the health sector is appalling due to the lack of investments but observed that with citizens’ right to access information, the internet and the social media, the level of civic awareness is now high in the country, the reason Sierra Leone will never be the same again and enlightened that the free quality education presents the paradigm shift.

He also asked the question, “what can we do as citizens to monitor books and teaching for the free quality education? We must step-up and take action as all is not lost. Put political sentiments aside as leadership is all about engagement of citizens.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the event, Mr. Abdul Rahman Swaray, a lecturer in the Mass Communications Department at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, introduced the guest speaker while the vote of thanks was rendered by Ms. Elizabeth Sesay, the college’s Public Relations Officer who also introduced the chairman.

The question and answer session climaxed the interactive session.

Highlighting cost of Freetown Congestion… Urban Mobility Project launched by Pres. Bio

December 2, 2019

By Alim Jalloh

At the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown on Wednesday 28 November 2019, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio launched the Sierra Leone Integrated Resilient Urban Mobility Project, highlighting the huge monetary, environmental and health costs on congestion in Freetown.

“There is a heavy direct and indirect cost to congestion. Alongside our interventions being announced today, it may be invaluable for our Government and our development partners to calculate the real monetary value of the cost of Freetown’s congestion. That may help us come to terms with its multiple realities and guide strategy and policy.

“I need not say that a congested city is not good for citizens, not good for tourism, not good for business, and not safe for our women and children. I need not emphasize that traffic congestion diminishes productivity, increases the cost of commuting through increased fuel and operating costs, and has environmental and health implications,” he said.

The President also pointed out that what one would see on a typical congested street of Freetown would be some used second-hand cars being used as taxis and trucks that were not road-worthy and ‘kekeh’ riders and taxi drivers who used the roads without much regard for traffic ordinances. He added that ‘Okadas’ – commercial bike riders – bobbed and weaved dangerously through traffic with two or more passengers balanced precariously on a single seat.

“Let me thank the World Bank through their representatives, World Bank Executive Director-Africa Group 1, Madam Anne Kabagambe, and our World Bank Country Manager, Gayle Martin. They have been reliable partners in development who understand this government’s commitment and vision. They and the World Bank are actively engaged in making the lives of Sierra Leoneans better. Thank you.

“Prior to our accession to office, we recognised, as a party, that our Freetown was not the Freetown that we wanted. It was not the Freetown that was safe, clean, resilient, and liveable. It was not the Freetown we imagined would be conducive for visitors, friends, and citizens to travel, access services, explore economic opportunity, immerse themselves in the helpless gorgeousness of chaos and beauty, and do good business that creates jobs and enhances national development.

“Hitherto, there had been no coherence of policy or thinking about urban congestion and commuting and the potential of multimodal transportation had yet to be unlocked,” he observed.

The President recalled that in the Sierra Leone People’s Party manifesto, they were determined to address the current traffic congestion in Freetown “not only by the construction of new roads” and the widening of others, supplemented with pedestrian flyovers at the busiest urban intersections, “but also by employing proven and practical traffic engineering mitigation measures such as the use of actuated traffic light signals, directional traffic flows, channelisation, the use of pedestrian-only-roadways, commercial vehicles-only-roadways, peak and off-peak traffic directional flows, and effective traffic enforcement,” among others.

He added that the party was also determined that by reviewing the legal and regulatory mandates of multiple agencies in the sector, enforcing traffic regulations, employing multiple modes of transportation within Freetown, providing mass-transit facilities including markets, and increasing public bus services, they would be able to tackle the urban blight of traffic congestion.

“To our mind, one of the pathways, among others, to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11 – ‘Making cities sustainable’ is to invest in public transportation in a bid to build sustainable and resilient cities. To grapple with the complexity of the task at hand, we have determined that we should work with development partners and the private sector in designing an integrated, scaled, measurable, accountable, and sustainable pilot mobility plan,” he disclosed.

President of the Sierra Leone Drivers’ Union, Alpha Bah, thanked the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone for the project, saying that they were excited. He said that the project, among other things, would help to decongest the roads, improve safety for vehicular traffic and commuters. He added that the project would also reduce road accidents, restore and promote the dignity of transport service to commuters and other road users while also making driving professional and respectable.

Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, disclosed that the New Direction Government was able to mobilise a lot of resources through its engagement with donor partners, adding that that was a testament to the overall achievement. He expressed hope that the project would change and modernise Freetown.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon, said that he was delighted that the President was launching the project as a means of creating awareness to the people of Freetown and other municipalities across the country. He said the project was among other positive interventions the New Direction Government was making to significantly improve on urban mobility in the country.

The World Bank Executive Director said that she was excited to witness the official launch of the IRUMP, noting that she was especially pleased because the project looked at resilience of climate change, job creation that was crucial for youth and access to service and road safety. She said the project would also support the diversification of the economy and promotion of growth, promotion of human capital development among others.

Committing Le5bn for New Premier League… East End Lions Unveils Jerseys & Announces new Signings

December 2, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

Chairman of the 2019/2019 Sierra Leone Premier League Champions, East End Lions Football Club, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jr, on the 28^th November 2019 has said in a jam-packed press conference in Freetown that the executive, management and fan club of East End Lions is aiming at raising Five Billion Leones for the 2019/2020 premier league season.
The East End Lions Chairman took the general membership through the new changes and appointments in the team which, according to him, was to help bring efficiency in terms of raising revenue and make the players more comfortable.

He announced that Alpha Rashid, the new Fan Club Chairman, has been brought to serve as Deputy Team Manager of the club, Dr.Tabitah, an academic, has been appointed as the new fan club Chairman and Dr Fatu Taqi as the new National Global Coordinator for the club. The drive, the Chairman stated, is intended to open up the club to more participation and opportunities. He thanked members of the Elders Committee, the lawyers and all who have given their support in diverse ways to promote the activities of the club.
Junior Navo thanked the Elders Committee, the Fan Club and everybody for the outstanding support given to the club in the last championship and he encouraged the fans to do more in terms of raising the much needed funds for the 2020 Premier League season.

He also disclosed that they have raised 30% of the Five billion Leones projected for the season and noted that there are incoming teams into the premier league like Bo Rangers who according to him would pose a very stiff competition in the league.
A representative from Africell assured the club of their support to the team. He also used the opportunity to congratulate the team for winning the 2018/2019 premier league season and disclosed that Africell is focused on the development of young talents.
The Chairman used the occasion to announce that they have been able to normalize the status of more players and the coaches who were mainly on contracts. He praised the sponsors for the support throughout the season and announced that they will start the new season with a game against FC Kallon.

President of the Club and Chairman for the Committee, Alhaji Gibril Koroma noted that their existence for over ninety years means that they have something to offer and that they have embedded a wining culture and instilled a winning mentality in their players over the years.
He reiterated that he had never doubted the direction the club is going based on the fact that they have a very good Executive that is always in readiness to consolidating the winning culture and maintain the solid structure of the club.
The President, however, entreated all that it is very difficult to maintain the team at the top but that the club has done everything to close ranks and he ended by offering prayers for the Executive to grow from strength to strength.

Very reputable members of the club including Madam Fatu Taqi explained the new membership drive for the club which according to her will soon be announced in jingles and other public notices.
She explained a number of initiatives including selling club brands in a designated shop in Freetown including other good initiatives.

The unveiling of the fan club jerseys and announcement of a number of signings for the new season, and the announcement that the team would visit the Mandingo Mosque past Sunday to pray for the start of the new season climaxed them occasion.

As AWOL Continues to Put Final Touches, to Vote … 2713 is the Number to send SMS via Africell

December 2, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Organizing Committee of the All Walks of Life (AWOL) is conscientiously, assiduously and meticulously working round the clock to put all the final touches in place for an eventful 2019 AWOL nite, when 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 fulfilment 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 as 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

23. 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 deem deserve the prestigious AWOL Awards.

NP-SL Expresses Determination to Market Qualitative Petroleum Products

December 2, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

Speaking to residents in different parts of the country, with a view to sound their opinions about the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), majority intimated this medium that they are very delighted for the company to make it possible for them to for gain access to high quality petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, gas, kerosene as well as lubricants one of which is Castrol oil. “We have gone through the excruciating experience of utilizing bad petroleum products which damaged our appliances and putting an additional strain on our financial purse to pay for repairs,” Abu Kalokoh the Chief Executive Officer of Forward Africa, a privately owned company based in Freetown, revealed. He explained that the said fuel was producing a very offensive smell and expressed surprise why it was not inspected by the requisite authorities to verify whether it was fit for public consumption, a concern that resonates with the views of others that were contacted.

They agreed that there is every need to be grateful to the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) for making available those items. Some may want to ask grateful for what when in actual fact the company is only doing business to make profits. But when looked at from the flip side it dawns that to invest and conduct business of such nature in petroleum products is not as easy as selling peanuts because it not only demands huge capital but prudent managerial initiatives.

According to what we were informed from our tender ages, this country is endowed with a huge deposit of crude oil but since time immemorial that deposit has not been meaningfully tapped to bring economic benefits. One could recall some of our elders telling us that at one point in time the Government that was in power wanted to enter into an agreement with an oil company to extract crude oil but gave a condition that whatever they discover while undertaking exploration work will not be accounted for. Knowing that apart from the said oil there are other minerals below the sea beds the President of this nation by then backed out of the negotiation simply because if an agreement is sealed it will be inimical to the economy of the country. That was how and the main reason why the country’s said oil deposit still remains in a virgin state. Whether this is a fable or not will only be known from an authoritative source.

However, what is very certain and true is that Sierra Leone still depends on the importation of refined petroleum products especially when the country’s only oil refinery company was completely vandalized during our 11 years senseless war. For years now the most outstanding oil marketing company that is importing and marketing petroleum products in the country is indisputably the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited and it has been doing so effectively and efficiently to the delight of many.

Established years back by 35 ambitious Sierra Leoneans, former workers of British Petroleum company, who bought shares when that entity was folding up, NP-SL ,through prudent managerial competence and the selflessness of its shareholders, is today one of the most successful indigenous companies that has left its footprints on the sands of time. The success of this enterprising business institution is indeed a living testimony that a small idea could germinate and grow into a cotton tree with branches that will provide shelter for many.

As a mere seed that was planted by the original shareholders, NP-SL has indeed grew up to become an Iroko tree with branches extended to neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. In those countries one will find NP vibrantly alive and kicking. Job opportunities have been provided to those who were hitherto unemployed. National Governments in those countries are deriving timely payment of taxes by the company and lives have been positively transformed by benefitting in one way or the other through the resultant effects of rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Being the most vibrant oil marketing company operating in the country NP-SL is well known for First for Customer Care, as the company has etched its name for what some have described as having the magic wand to capture and impress old customers and making new ones. Our investigation however revealed that there is nothing like a ‘mystical connect’ within this context, but rather the nice manner in which employees of the company are responding to the needs and concerns of customers is always exceptionally unique to such an extent that many are left magnetized and attached to it. It could be said with all amount of certainty that the company operates an open-door-policy, which creates room for business negotiations with private individuals, entities and public institutions in order to enter into a win-win relationship that are less burdensome in more fiscal advantageous ways. Such negotiations may take the form of supply and pay later as well as giving discounts.

With the main objective of enhancing transparency at the company’s countrywide and sub-regional branches, NP-SL ensured that the latest calibrated pumping machines are installed and when in operations, the quantity of fuel bought is displayed as well as the prices. This has reposed much confidence in customers that they are doing business with a very sincere company as against past experiences recounted, whereas customers get less than what were paid for, leaving in its trail, widespread dissatisfaction. But with NP, it is completely a different story.

In the same realm of optimizing customer care, NP-SL puts on offer for sale NP Gas, a modern domestic cooking device, that is fast and environmentally friendly without posing any health hazard as could be encountered when using firewood and charcoal. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas could be accessed at the various filling stations and from authorized dealers all going at affordable prices..

With NP Smart Card, there is the saying that “ Your fuel on your smart card” as one can get access to fuel at any given time as long as the filling stations are opened. Loaded with cash, these NP Smart Cards could be used to purchase the right quantity of fuel required by customers without producing physical cash. In a world that is gradually becoming cashless, the use of NP Smart Cards brings with it many advantages, one of the greatest being that of avoiding the excruciating pain of queuing, not to talk of the security that it guarantees the user, as it features make it quite difficult for someone else to deceptively use it. Of course it falls among one of the latest technological devices in modern times.

When we talk of implementing the Local Content Policy, then NP-SL is considered to be at the top as the company has always maintained the practice of first considering Sierra Leoneans in terms of offering employment opportunities, unless otherwise.

NP-SL Ltd is at this particular moment poised to continue its importation of qualitative petroleum products that many will continue to enjoy in this country and within the West African sub-region. The company has made it a point of duty to always ensure that individuals get the best out of the rest despite the fact that all is not smooth riding as it is contending with certain challenges which it is professionally trying to overcome.

‘Shout Climate Change’ Honours Orange SL CEO with Prestigious Environmental Award

December 2, 2019

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane receiving the Award

By Foday Moriba Conteh

It is always said that good things come to those who wait and deserve them. Again it is said some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them. With the exception of the last, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane Ndiaye, is an embodiment of an exemplary figure, with a strong a personality whose palm kernels were not broken for her by any benevolent spirit but out of sheer hard work and her immense contributions to humankind she is today seating at the highest pinnacle of one of the leading telecommunications companies operating in the country, Orange Sierra Leone.

She received the prestigious 2019 Environmental Care Award given to her by Shout Climate Change Africa on the 23^rd November 2019 at the Miatta Conference Centre during a well-attended programme. Under her watch Orange SL has participated extensively in environmental and corporate social investment, with such initiatives being a key pillar in the company’s role as a socio-economic upholder. Some of those include, but are not limited to: Obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment License (EIA) from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the EPA Act 2008.

It is on record that Orange SL remains the first company to secure an EIA license from EPA in 2018 upon the successful completion of an Environmental and Social Impact assessment study with its consultant, CEMMAT. The License is secured annually to ensure that Orange conducts its business responsibly guaranteeing that the impact of the activities of the Company to the environment is mitigated.

As a result-oriented personality, Aminata, is well known as the first female telecommunications CEO in Sierra Leone who has led an illustrious career. Looking at some aspects of her background between 2009 and 2011 she worked as a consultant for McKinsey & Company in France, designing strategies and operations for telecommunication and technology providers, banks and consumer goods manufacturers in Europe and West Africa. That experience was invaluable, combined with internships at Goldman Sachs in London, BNP Paribas in Geneva, and at the French Business Confederation (MEDEF) in Paris.

Before moving to Sierra Leone as the CEO, she had previously been the B2C Marketing Performance Manager for Orange Sonatel in Senegal, in charge of strategy, sales and margin growth, return on investment, process efficiency, customer experience and loyalty retention. Following this she became the Chief Marketing Officer for Orange Money, a business that has grown exponentially in the past four years.

Aminata joined Orange SL (OSL) in April 2018. Since the inception of her role as CEO of OSL she has exhibited exemplary leadership in the Company with the following achievements:

Enhanced quality of service on the network and entrenched rural connectivity through the construction of about 132 new sites across the country.
Maintained leadership in mobile financial services sector through the company’s Orange money service
The first mover of digital revolution in Sierra Leone and the trusted partner for government in the digital transformation of the Country.
Transparency in billing and first mover in interesting offers.
Launched 4G service with 96 4G sites in the country

As CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, the entity also prides itself in giving back to society through its robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda. The Company amongst other factors considers the “Environment” as one of its CSR pillars. Consequently, the Company has undertaken several Environmental and humanitarian projects from 2018 to date as follows:

Support the education & welfare of 50 Ebola orphans across the country more than 50% are Girl Child with School Materials, Home at SOS, Clothing, Food and health care until they attain 18.
Support the Freetown City Council in the prevention and flood mitigation project
Support women entrepreneur in doing digital business
Distribution & sensitization of Tam Pads – sanitary reusable pads for Girls in Schools with the Power women 232 in order to reduce truancy
Support the Thinking Pink foundation in creating awareness of breast cancer among women through sport – mini marathon. Also providing financial assistance to cancer survivors for treatment.
A Complete rehabilitation of the Orthopaedic Theatre & the establishment of a first ever Paediatric theatre in the country’s health sector at Connaught hospital
Emergency relief (wet food, clothing, Water, detergents, Medications) was provided for the Victims of the mudslide especially women & children. Financial donation to the national disaster relief fund account
Supporting the Cyber-crime unit at the CID with digital equipment to help fight digital cyber crimes
Orange Social Venture Prize – to identify and support local entrepreneurs and start-ups.
An MOU and partnership with the Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) to launch the first coding school in Sierra Leone.

Impressively, with Aminata at the helm of affairs, Orange is the First Operator to pledge its support to the Government’s free quality Education Agenda by pledging the sum of 1.5million dollars in material assistance over a period of five years. Through the said intervention Orange that is slated for implementation the following projects will rolled out from 2019 to 2023;

The provision of 10,000 hygiene packs for girls between the ages of 12-18 years for a period of five years. 2,000 packs already distributed in 2019.
The running of an inter-secondary school competition for five years in which 500 schools in total will participate, the winners receiving new computer labs.
Open Classrooms to provide 300 free certifying digital courses for 500 teachers.
The deliverance of 1,000 solar pack kits to 1,000 off-grid villages
The Super Coder Academy to train 100 senior secondary school students in computer labs. Working with 200 schools per year, over 2,000 pupils are expected to benefit.

“Lungi Bridge will be the greatest achievement for Sierra Leone…” -World Bank Executive Director

December 2, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Thursday 28 November 2019 the Executive Director at the World Bank Group for Africa Group 1 Constituency, Anne Kabagambe, said in a meeting with His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State Lodge in Freetown that Government’s vision to construct the Lungi bridge will be one of the greatest achievements for Sierra Leone.
She thanked the President for taking time to meet them and to discuss issues relating to the relationship between the Bank and Sierra Leone. She noted that they were working with Sierra Leone as close partners in development, adding that she was excited that the two parties have always had partnership frameworks that led their conversations.

She said African countries were moving into a digital economy and commended the Government of Sierra Leone for being instrumental in looking ahead, saying that they were excited to be able to deliver on that and expressed hope that working with the team in-country, they would be able to deliver.
Presenting the World Bank Chief at the State Lodge, Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said that Madam Kabagambe was a critical factor in their engagement with the Bank. He added that she is a very experienced technocrat with years of professional service and representing twenty-one African countries at the Bank.

In his response, President Bio said that his Government is fully committed to developing the country. He said Sierra Leone had had quite a lot of challenges and therefore quite a lot to do to surmount those challenges. He said he valued the partnership and cordiality between Sierra Leone and the World Bank for which he expressed gratitude to the Bank.
The President said his Government started off with a very difficult economy for which he had to do quite a lot to stabilize the situation, adding that there were still challenges. He mentioned that his Government had started the process of digitalization as a way to catch up with the global economy.

“The Lungi Bridge, for us, is transformational because it is important to open up this country. We have identified it and because it is going to open up the country, we are still determined to continue with it. We are committed to better the lives of our people and we are creating the eco-system that invites investments,” he said.
Prior to her appointment as Executive Director in November 2018, Ms. Kabagambe served as Alternate Executive Director for the same Constituency for a period of two years. She also possesses over thirty years of work experience in the development arena.

CSOs Urge President Bio to Sign ACC Amendment Bill

December 2, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

At a Press Conference held at the Fort Street Offices of the Civil Society Organization Consortium on Service Delivery on Wednesday 27^th November 2019, National Coordinator of the organisation, Sao Lamin, called on President Julius Maada Bio to append his signature to the amended ACC bill which is awaiting his Presidential assent. According to him, this bill when signed into law by the President will empower the Commission to robustly fight corruption, as it contains new clauses that render obsolete old ineffective ones. It embraces new penalties and clearly makes a distinction of the classes of public officials that should declare their assets, when and how it should be done.

William Sao Lamin told the Press that prior to the passing of the bill in Parliament, they had, as an organisation, went to the respective districts with the draft and engaged members of the public on the pros and cons of the amendment and the benefits that will come to the nation when fully implemented. He disclosed that those engagements proved fruitful as citizens accepted their explanation and urged them to advocate for its implementation.

‘’During this period, we called on members of the public, engaged them and educated them on the new draft 2019 ACC Bill before it was passed in Parliament. The reactions from the public was very great as majority of those we spoke to were in support of such a document, which they strongly believe is the best mechanism to push forward the fight against corruption,‘’ William Sao Lamin said.

He further stated that as it is the campaign promise of His Excellency that he desires a society where transparency and accountability are seen, the bill clearly resonates with that vision.

‘’Failing to sign the said document, will leave us with no other option than to issue an ultimatum, and take another line of action,” he revealed but he hastened to say that whilst urging the President to sign the bill, they are not overtly pessimistic, but are optimistic, based on the utterances of His Excellency, both nationally and internationally about transparency and accountability. Responding to questions of pessimism, Sao Lamin said that the matter is being brought to the fore to remind the President that such a bill is still on his desk awaiting his Presidential Assent, especially as it has been there for quite a while now. By appending his signature to the bill, he added, citizens will know that the President is serious about fighting corruption.

Moses Mambu, Communications Manager of the Consortium, briefly reminded the President about his promise in the fight against corruption. He further encouraged H.E. to sign the bill and put the country on a higher pedestal in the fight against corruption. He further spoke about the President’ promise to build a diagnostic Centre with the monies recovered and handed over to him at State House by the ACC boss and asked about the status of that project.

‘’We are concerned about the delay to construct the first class diagnostic centre for the people of this country and we want to know the current position of that project,” Mambu questioned.

The meeting was chaired by Hassan Kamara and attracted a galaxy of journalists, both from the print and electronic media.

SLBL Conducts Pre-Harvest Training & Awards Ceremony in Bo for Sorghum Farmers

December 2, 2019

Managing Director Designate of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Laurent Bukasa

By Amin Kef Sesay

With the avowed aim of capacitating sorghum farmers, the country’s number one brewer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), conducted a pre-harvest training for the farmers coupled with an awards ceremony held to recognize the efforts of individual farmers that have demonstrated dogged commitment to growing the ingredient and sell to the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited.

The training programme was held on the 29th November 2019 in the Southern city of Bo and was organized by the Community Revenue Enhancement Through Agricultural Technology Extension( CREATE) project team, targeting nucleus farmers and selected out growers drawn from all districts across the country.

Immediately after the training an awards ceremony was held.
The main objective of organizing the two events, as pointed out, was geared towards broadening the knowledge base of these sorghum farmers to better position them to apply best methods on how to plant and productively harvest sorghum and at the same time reward those that did extremely well during the period under review and to further motivate them to continue to put in more efforts in their farming activities.

Prior to the commencement of the training session, farmers were taken to some of the farms to observe the stages and development of the crop due for harvest in December 2019 and January 2020. It was understood by this medium that observations made during the farm visits were channeled into the pre-harvest training coupled with factoring the modes, methods of care and productive harvest explained by tutors from the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute ( SLARI).
Registration of farmers interested to be part of the Sorghum Farmers Association was also done as part of the programme.
According to the Corporate Affairs Manager of SLBL, Albert Ojo Collier, organized trainings have covered the pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest periods as well as look at the areas of pest control, sorghum variety improvement and on-farm demonstrations.

“This training that will soon commence is not new as we have been doing so on an annual basis and it has been paying dividends as evident in increased yields and an upsurge in the number of these farmers with new ones coming on-board,” he revealed adding that as a matter of fact SLBL has been undertaking provincial tours to sensitizes residents in places visited to plant sorghum as it is commercially viable underscoring how the trainings are very key in maintaining the relationship with these farmers.
He pointed out that in order to improve the lives of sorghum farmers, SLBL, over the years has supported these farmers with revenue generation ,capacity building/training, provision of warehouses, motor bikes and enabling them to be self-employed.

In his statement before the commencement of the training programme the Managing Director Designate of the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, Laurent Bukasa, intimated that the day signifies a day of renewed commitment and a day that strengthens the demonstrated commitment of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, HEINEKEN International and EUCORD (European Cooperative for Rural Development), to growing with the country and partnering with their key stakeholders for growth and development.
“As lead promoters of the development of sorghum value chain in Sierra Leone, we are organizing a training on pre-harvest and post-harvest practices to improve quality of sorghum yield every year,” he disclosed further maintaining that their Sorghum Project which started in 2005, has significantly improved the livelihoods of over 13,000 farmers and over 25,000 farmer families all over the country.”

He said, “Today, we are gathered here to make another milestone in the ongoing partnership with you our suppliers through training and recognition to six farmers in the categories of Best Sorghum farmer, Best Sorghum Supplier, and a special recognition award to a Great-Dedicated Sorghum Farmer and Marketer.”
The Managing Director continued that initially they struggled at the introduction stage to change the general low scale, lack of knowledge and low output in growing sorghum as a commercial crop.
Bukasa said over the years it has become a fruitful and successful partnership which gave the push for us to move to the next phase with the CREATE (Community Revenue Enhancement Through Agricultural Technology Extension) project.
“This particular training will aid our farmers and suppliers with adequate knowledge on pests and insects management of harvested sorghum; the importance of good storage practices; quality standard procedures for sorghum grains; quality control and management; and the best practices for successful and productive harvesting,” he underscored accompanied by thunderous applauses..

The MD continued by saying their contributions to nation building cannot be over-emphasized and it is their vision to ensure the empowerment of local farmers and promotion of the country’s agricultural system. “As we gather once again to register another milestone in the lives of our farmers, let me thank all the pioneers of this project who as a result of their hard work and dedication has nurtured this project up to such level of recognition. We have also considered the opportunity of looking into the cultivation and use of cassava as part of our local sourcing improvement drive in the coming years,” he added.

He said it is HEINEKEN’s ambition and vision to source at least 60% of its raw materials from within the African continent by 2020 in its production process. “Through local sourcing, HEINEKEN has already improved the livelihood of more than 100,000 farmer families across the African continent. This fits well into the local Content Policy of Sierra Leone and the government’s New Direction.
HEINEKEN is proud to be a leading party in the Sorghum Agricultural Extension through the CREATE project as part of the HEINEKEN International Corporate Social Responsibility policy. We want to be partners for growth in the communities in which we operate and by purchasing more Sorghum from our local communities, we will contribute directly to create wealth in the economy,” the Managing Director concluded.

During the Awards Ceremony he congratulated all those that received awards or recognition and expressed hope that the initiative will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of Sierra Leone, the farmers and Heineken International represented by their humble selves – Sierra Leone Brewery Limited.
It will be recalled that the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited is one of the companies that has been providing job opportunities for many Sierra Leoneans and it has been at the forefront in adhering to compliance of the Local Content Policy which aims at giving priority to indigenes with regards availing job opportunities instead of relying on foreign expatriates. By so doing it has and still helping to enhance improved standards of living complementing the efforts of governments in Sierra Leone.

Bio’s Biggest Governance Challenge… Weak State Institutions Hampering Development

December 2, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay

The major challenges confronting the state essentially relate to principles of respect for human rights, democracy, and governance, including effective public action, which are the pillars of the legitimacy of government.

In other words, the capacity of the State should be enhanced to regulate, to ensure social dialogue, and to create an enabling environment for economic growth and for the informal sector, on which many people depend.

In this light, the relevance of good state governance lies in the fact that it is a critical factor in accelerated and sustainable economic growth and development.

Bio on assumption of power said that a divorce from the old pattern of governance was necessary for the advancement of economic development, including flawed economic management, centralized and highly personalized forms of government, unacceptable corruption, ethnically based decision-making and human rights abuses.

It was clear that there was need for more progress to provide an environment in which individuals were protected, civil society able to flourish, and government (central and local) executing their responsibilities efficiently and transparently, through adequate institutional mechanisms that would ascertain accountability.

Clearly we can associate bad state governance with societal ills, persistent poverty, political crisis and the prevalence of conflict in the society. To address the above, the Bio government has to adopt an inclusive system of governance in which the various actors can make demands on the government that the system should respond to in all sincerity. This process of inclusive governance should occur at all levels and should entail linkages with existing initiatives.

Decentralization at the local level affords a suitable environment to devise and apply innovative methods in the management of public affairs and promote local development. If properly implemented, the policy of devolution of power and authority to sub-national governments is a proper method of building the legitimacy of the state from the bottom up.

However, the process is subject to some constraints, which include the lack of capacity of local administrations and the voicing of the population’s needs towards legitimate local governance. Other limitations are the low level of accountability of local government institutions and the necessity to improve the quality of service delivered.

Rule of law and Human Rights: The lack of respect by leaders and citizens for the rule of law and human rights often poses a great challenge to stability. The judiciary in many states is handicapped by structural difficulties and inadequate funding. The independence, integrity, and performance of the judiciary would only be guaranteed through adequate funding, remuneration, modernization, professional staff, and regular training.

Public Administration: In this area, there are challenges in the reform initiatives undertaken by African countries. There is an urgent need to enhance public service capacity, the provision of adequate incentives to public servants to retain highly qualified and motivated staff, increase performance and accountability, as well as reducing corruption. The use of ICT in government requires further encouragement and service delivery improvement.

Other challenges: Other important challenges at the national level include the lack of civic education among citizens and civil society leading to low participation in the political process at both national and local levels, low gender participation especially in the legislature, weak exploitation of the potential of traditional rulers in the governance process, and the lack of credibility of the electoral system, especially of the Electoral Commission.

1...874875876...1,048 Page 875 of 1,048