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Captain (Rtd) Valentine Strasser’s  Status Restored

By Esther Wright

Captain (Rtd) Valentine E. M. Strasser, on the 4th July 2021, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown, after the former’s return from Ghana where he was receiving medical attention.

During the brief reception ceremony, Francess Virginia Anderson, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Ghana expressed delight to accompany the former Head of State after he was discharged and declared fit to return home.

“Your Excellency, the task you gave us as an embassy in Ghana to look after your brother has come to an end. We want to thank you personally for your care and support to make your brother healthy again,” Mrs Anderson noted.

Captain (Rtd) Valentine E. M. Strasser thanked President Bio for the care and support during those “difficult moments”, adding that the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ghana was exceptional in the way they looked after him during his surgery and physiotherapy in Accra.

“Your Excellency, I am very thankful for everything you have done for me. Thank you very much,” he concluded.

While handing over the keys to the newly built and furnished apartment situated at Grafton, President Bio welcomed his brother and congratulated him on his recovery after a protracted illness.

“While you were away, I built you a house that can serve your prestige as a former Head of State. Whatever it is for me to do to make you happy, am still here and ready to help,” President Bio assured.

Marampa Mines Gears Up for its first Iron Ore Shipment

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Marampa Mines Limited, a subsidiary of Gerald Group, one of the world’s leading metals merchants, has on the 4th July 2021 stated that it is excited to announce the arrival of its first Ocean Going Vessel (“OGV”) and the kick off of its first day of loading >65% Fe iron ore concentrate at Delta 1 anchorage point in the Port of Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The premium grade material, it was stated, will be the company’s first shipment to leave the shores of the Freetown Port following the out of court settlement of the dispute between the Government of Sierra Leone and SL Mining Limited / Gerald Group. Over the following months, MML will export the current “Stockpile” of ~707k tons of iron ore beneficiated by SL Mining and known globally as Marampa BlueTM.

The export of the Stockpile is in accordance with the “Contract Regrading Sale of Iron Ore Stockpile” signed on 25 May 2021 pursuant to the binding settlement signed on the 7th May 2021.

As per the binding settlement, the Company will pay to the Government a fixed sum of USD 20 million in two instalments of USD 10 million by 31 October 2021 and 31 December 2021, respectfully as the Stockpile is monetized.

Craig Dean, the Chairman and CEO of Gerald Group said, “Today marks the restart of iron ore shipments, and as we look to the future, all of us at MML and Gerald are excited about this 1st shipment in 2021 and as we progress to the re-opening of the mine once the mining license is issued in accordance with the applicable laws and the binding agreement. I would like to thank His Excellency Julius Maada Bio for the opportunity to settle all disagreements of the past, and his full support that allows our export operations to re-start in record time.”

The team is also working quickly and safely to resume iron ore mining and processing at the mine site, initially set for 2Mtpa capacity, rising to 3.25Mtpa within 12 months, creating in the process over 1,400 jobs and a workforce with over 90% local employees and contractors this year.

In the spirit of the resolution and under the signing of a binding agreement by both parties on 7 May 2021, both parties committed to terminate their respective legal proceedings and claims under ICC and ICSID arbitrations, and to provide full support to ensure rapid commencement of mining operations. Gerald owns 90% of MML while the Government of Sierra Leone owns the remaining 10%. In addition, MML also gets what is known as the Marampa South and Marampa North mining concessions.

Marampa Mines is engaged in the exploration, development and production of iron ore concentrate from resources of over 1 billion tonnes at Marampa in the Port Loko District of the northern province of Sierra Leone.

The Company is committed to being a globally competitive, world-class iron ore producer. Through continued investment, expertise and long-term commitment to the Project, MML aims to materially increase production of >65% Fe quality iron ore concentrate branded Marampa BlueTM, the highest quality iron ore in Africa and one of the cleanest grades globally. The Company’s ESG initiatives are aimed at embracing the challenges relating to climate change, gender diversity, sustainable farming and education through development of sustainable projects that make a difference to communities.

 

For Weddings & Funerals …   NaCOVERC Entreats Organizers to Seek Permission

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a National COVID-19 Response Centre (NaCOVERC) Public Notice dated 3rd July, 2021, having the names of Solomon Jamiru Esq as Spokesperson and Hon. Sheku F. Bangura as NaCOVERC Chairman, members of the public were taken back to the 1st July, 2021 national broadcast by President Julius Maada Bio relating to measures that were highlighted to suppress the third wave of COVID-19.

According to NaCOVERC, the broadcast, among other things, suspended congregational worship in churches and mosques for one month from 2nd July, 2021 and equally directs that attendance at funerals, weddings and other social events shall be limited to no more than fifty persons.

The anti-COVID-19 entity continued that being mindful of their collective responsibility to keep risks very low, it wishes to issue the following advisory: Anyone wishing to have a wedding or funeral ceremony in a church or mosque, must apply in writing to the Operations Pillar Lead, NaCOVERC (in the case of Western Area) or the DiCOVERC Coordinator (in the case of provincial Districts).

NaCOVERC furthered that the application will include the name and address of the place of worship, the name and contact number of the Pastor or Imam-in-charge, the date and time of the wedding or funeral, an undertaking to comply with the measures, and such additional information that may be useful.

Additionally, NaCOVERC/DiCOVERC maintains it will carefully and expeditiously assess applications received and satisfy itself that the conditions to be satisfied are fully met before any eventual approval is granted.

The institution further disclosed that no church or mosque shall allow the conduct of a wedding or funeral ceremony at its premises without the knowledge and prior written approval of NaCOVERC/DiCOVERC, no wedding or funeral that has received the express written approval of NaCOVERC/DiCOVERC shall be held with more than fifty (50) persons in attendance (including the clergy).

NaCOVERC also orders that weddings may take place in private premises, with no more than fifty (50) people but emphasized that the organizers of such events are encouraged to hold them outdoors, with face masking, social distancing and hand-hygiene protocols strictly enforced.

It additionally stated that families may also make private funeral arrangements with funeral parlours, where mourners will not exceed fifty (50) persons, and all COVID-19 protocols strictly observed. Where funeral parlours may not have the advantage of space, their managements may wish to revise the attendance downwards to prevent cross-infections.

NaCOVERC also pointed out that funeral ceremonies at home are strongly discouraged maintaining that Funeral Parlours have the requisite expertize for preservation of corpses and safe burial procedures.

It continued by stating how it will soon establish an online portal where applications will be uploaded.

NaCOVERC strongly advises that crowds should not be permitted to gather outside places of worship or the funeral parlour during funerals or weddings saying that in the case of funerals, processions to the cemetery should be discouraged by the family of the deceased. It however, maintained that if such a procession must take place, only the 50 people allowed at the funeral should be allowed to take part in such a procession.

That all places of worship and funeral parlours are advised to comply strictly with the above directives highlighting that failure to do so will result in punitive action.

NaCOVERC ended by stating how they and their respective DICOVERCs stand ready to support safe wedding, funeral and other social events admonishing all to work together in order to keep risks VERY LOW.

JIFORM to Convene 3rd Global Migration Summit in Canada Later in the Year

By Emperor Bailor Jalloh – JIFORM Member in Sierra Leone

The 3rd Global Migration Summit to be organized by the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM), with its Headquarters in Lagos, Federal Republic of Nigeria, is slated to take place at the Niagara Falls, Canada from the 29th November to the 6th, December 2021.

This medium learnt that the 3rd Global Migration Summit will target media practitioners, Heads of Governments, world leaders, international and local migration agencies, migration workers, captains of industries, Government and private institutions and individuals working on migration related matters across the globe.

Ajibola Abayomi, President of JIFORM disclosed that the theme of the planned Summit is, “Exploring The Benefits Of Migration To Re-tool The Global Economy”, furthering how it is open to various professionals and organisations.

JIFORM, which was founded in 2018 ,can now boast of a wider membership of over 300 Journalists covering migration matters across the continents.

As JIFORM is going places, it is now in partnership with the notable ALTEC Global Incorporation and Lucy Damiani from the Emerging Market Trade both based in Canada, and also in partnership with the NEKOTECH Center of Excellence, Ghana that organised the maiden African Migration Summit in Accra, Ghana between February 25 and 26, this year (2021) after which the body staged the West African Media Migration Summit in Lome, Togo between June 22 and 23, 2021.

However, in December 2019, JIFORM was part of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) International World Migration Summit for media in Tunisia and the global media body had organised several trainings and workshops from which over 300 journalists and other participants have benefited across the continents.

NP-SL Ltd: Enhancing Strides to Ensure Qualitative Products are always Available

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd), which many have described as a well-established oil marketing company, is relentlessly enhancing  its strides  to always ensure that its imported petroleum products are readily available on the market with its  numerous and esteemed customers easily gaining access to these products.

NP-SL Limited, as a private entity, is purely an indigenous company that has mastered the art of importing and marketing petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas as well as certified lubricants, one of which is the widely used Castrol oil.

Amidst various challenges that have been encountered since the company was established, it has, however,  successfully weathered those storms that could have dwarfed it or exposed it to extinction, save therapeutic intermittent Managerial injections that keep it upright and on the right course.

Demonstrating its true Sierra Leonean identity the company has maintained a policy of strictly adhering to the Local Content Policy ensuring that it has a maximum indigenous staff in its employ. What this actually means is empowering our brothers and sisters to access employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

As a matter of fact some members of staff continue to benefit from various trainings that have afforded them the conduit to imbibe useful skills to efficiently carry out certain assigned tasks. If we are counting the number of companies that have upheld the Local Content Policy, without any iota of doubt, NP-SL could be seen at the top.

This intrinsic nationalistic posture of the company runs through and it is a sine qua non to overall national development. If such a compliance rate should have been followed by other local companies, willingly, without any pressure from the relevant authorities then indisputably this country should have been miles away in its development trajectory.

Business Management experts have made it abundantly clear that the way and manner in which customers are cared for in terms of talking to them, making them feel at ease go a long way in attracting them. Such should be done sincerely in order to make them more important. NP-SL for a very long period now has executed it so well which definitely is paying dividends.

1st for Customer Care was earned by the company because it has been widely acclaimed by many for solidly executing such.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers.

This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the purview of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in a position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is one big tax payer to Government and it has been doing so timely.

NP-SL remains undaunted, unperturbed amidst all the challenges it is going through and conscientiously it is steadily contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as well as  positively changing communities and lives.

Africell & AYV Unveil SMS News Update Service

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their efforts to make news dissemination accessible to Sierra Leoneans across the country within their comfort zones, Africell-Sierra Leone in partnership with the Africa Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire on Tuesday 6th July, 2021 launched the Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) SMS News update during an event that was held at the Africa Young Voices Media Empire Headquarter on Wesley Street in Freetown.

In his address, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Africell-Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura, disclosed that news dissemination has come a long way from the days when there were a dozen of newspapers, a single television station and  short medium wave radio stations, adding that with the commencement of FM Radio broadcast in the early 90s such brought higher quality sound broadcasting given the relative affordability of equipment used of which he said even local communities in the country can now boast of having their own radio stations furthering that there has also been a similar proliferation and growth in the number of newspapers and TV stations in the country.

He added that the advent of mobile phones brought in even greater dynamics with majority of households now owning their own mobile phones which he said has made news accessibility even faster and on the spot and that people no longer need to wait to read the newspapers or watch the television or listen to the radio to access news furthering that rather news can now be delivered to them through their cell phones via the Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) SMS News Update.

He said the service will give Africell subscribers the opportunity to get want they want, which includes the latest and the important breaking news ,direct to their cell phones as and when they happen, adding that Africell customers can subscribe for the service by sending an SMS START to the short code 298 at a cost of Le300 per day.

He pointed out that Africell Subscribers with or without smart phones, can access the service and that the service is on auto renewal once to subscribe but said subscribers also have the opportunity to unsubscribe from the service by sending STOP to 298 at any time they wish.

On his part, Managing Director of Africa Young Voices Media Empire, Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh, described the launch as very important towards mitigating the issue about misinformation in the country.

He said the service will also give the opportunity for subscribers to have credible and factual news in all facet of life especially things that are very relevant for public consumption.

Duramany Lakkoh ended by calling on all to subscribe to the AYV SMS news update service in order to get credible and factual news.

The event was climaxed by the official launching of the Africa Young Voices Media Empire (AYV) SMS News Update by Phebean Swill, Managing Director of Africa Young Voices Media Empire Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh and the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Africell-Sierra Leone, Joe Abass Bangura.

In another development, the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Ibrahim Sannoh and his Deputy James Baggie Bio has on Tuesday July 6, 2021 held a round table discussion with the Chief Executive Officer and Management staff of Africell Sierra Leone, mapping out solutions for effective partnership on Road Safety.

Ibrahim Sannoh commended the Africell Management for their support over the years. “We cannot sit back and allow road crashes to continue to claim the lives of meaningful people in our beloved country when we have corporate institution like Africell SL that we can partner with.  As the lead agency charged with the responsibility to coordinate  development in the transport sector, we thought it fit to meet the Management of Africell SL as one of the leading Telecommunications companies to explore avenues for collaboration,” Ibrahim Sannoh said.

Highlighting some of the challenges faced by the Authority, he said Post Crash Response, Road Signs and Markings along highways pose serious challenge for road users and all of those need to be looked into and action taken.

The Executive Director furthered that SLRSA is working assiduously to revamp its toll Free line and to set up a Call Centre for members of the public to report all road safety related issues on a 24hour basis.

Speaking on behalf of the Management of Africell, the Chief Executive Officer, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, said Africell SL is ready and willing to give in support to anything that has to do with saving lives on our roads and by extension national development.  “We will assist in setting up the call centre and also look at other possible areas for collaboration and partnership,” the Telecom Guru said.

The Deputy Executive Director of SLRSA, James Bio, expressed hope that this will see the emergence of a long lasting partnership between Africell SL and the SLRSA.

India to Share CoWIN Platform as Public Good to Other Countries -PM Modi

The Hindu Business Line, New Delhi, 5 July 2021

In its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, India has made its COVID tracking and tracing App CoWIN open source as software is one area where there are no resource constraints, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday while addressing a CoWIN Global Conclave in which close to 400 health and technology experts from around 142 countries had participated.

“With nearly 200 million users, this ‘Aarogya Setu’ app is a readily available package for developers. Having been used in India, you can be sure that it has been tested in the real world for speed and scale,” Modi said.

According to sources, several countries showed interest in adoption of CoWIN platform and the External Affairs Ministry will work with the National Health Authority for enabling adaptation and adoption of the platform by these interested countries.

“Interest has already been shown by Vietnam, Lao, PDR, Cyprus, Croatia, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Maldives, Malawi and Guyana. The platform is also being offered to World Health Organisation’s COVID Technology Access Pool (C-TAP),” one of the sources said.

Modi further added that the biggest lesson from the pandemic is that all the countries should work and move ahead together. “Right from the beginning of the pandemic, India has been committed to sharing all its experiences, expertise and resources with the global community in this battle,” he said.

People will need to prove that they have been vaccinated and CoWIN is helping in that direction by keeping the proof safe and secure, the PM noted. “All of this is not possible without an end-to-end digital approach.”

“People also must have a record of when and where and by whom they have been vaccinated. Given how precious each dose of the vaccines is, Governments are also concerned about making sure that each dose is tracked, and wastage is minimised,” Modi said.

Modi said, CoWIN will be available to any and all countries soon and the conclave is the first step to introduce this platform to all the countries. “This is the platform through which India has administered 350 million doses of COVID vaccines. A few days ago, we vaccinated about 9 million people in one day,” he further stated.

Digital health network

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of National Health Authority, RS Sharma, who was also present at the conclave said India is now focussing on creating a National Digital Health programme which, in a couple of years, will ensure that the entire country is connected through a grid that connects and validates the identities of patients, healthcare providers, healthcare facilities and the pharmacies.

“All these stakeholders will get connected through an open and interoperable grid that will leverage the extensive internet connectivity and the robust digital identity – Aadhaar, helping plug the current gaps in healthcare delivery,” Vardhan said.

MPs Dissect President Bio’s Speech during State Opening of Parliament

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Parliament has on the 2nd July 2021 at 7:40 PM concluded debate on the Motion of Thanks on the Speech delivered by His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio on the occasion of the State Opening of the Fourth Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, in the Chamber of Parliament on Tuesday 18th May 2021 marking five consecutive days of protracted and intensive debates.

Contributing to the motion, Hon. P. C. Bai Kurr Kanagbaro Sanka III of Tonkolili spoke on the need to support the free quality education for the development of the country. On national cohesion, he called on MPs to desist from preaching bad politics in their communities.

Hon. Emmanuel Saidu Conteh opposed Government for “preventing citizens from enjoying their rights to free speech and protests in the country”. Commending President Bio for the fishing harbour, and speaking on high taxations, he observed that the President did not mention anything in his Speech about the incidents at Pa Demba Road Prison and Tombo.

Hon. Alusine Kanneh praised President Bio for the Speech he delivered to Parliament. On education, he said the free quality education programme is meant to build and improve on human capital development in the country. Speaking on Government interventions in agriculture, he said the foreign relations trajectories of the Government are on the right footing.

Hon. P.C. Fatmata Bintu Meama Kajue-Koroma from Moyamba called for sincerity in politics, responsible criticisms and acclaimed previous debaters for putting country first.

Hon. Abdul Kargbo said President Bio is not planning to fail, but due to cacophonous and misleading information and propaganda, he has failed to deliver on his promises to the people of Sierra Leone. Commending President Bio for the free quality education, he said the Government is enjoying the legacy of energy left by APC.

Hon. P. C. Alhaji Badara Sheriff from Bonthe said the Paramount Chiefs have blessed President Bio to succeed in his tenure. Speaking on the construction of the main road leading to Bonthe District, he praised President Bio for making significant gains on the battered economy he had inherited; adding Rome was not built in a day.

Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina praised President Bio for his dynamic leadership aimed at redesigning the development trajectories of the country sixty years after independence. He referred to President Bio as a Five Star General who has transformed the mining sector to benefit the indigenes in the country. He also said under the administration of President Bio, Sierra Leone has catalogued its mineral wealth and has launched three major mining policies including geodata and artisanal mining in the country.

He pointed out that, President Bio has attracted more mining companies to invest in the country than ever before. He said the ratification of Kingho Rail and Port Agreement by Parliament is a step in the right direction. He thanked President Bio for the expansion of the Lungi Airport Terminal and described him as a phenomenal President of human capital development through the recruitment of 5000 teachers than ever before.

On three new universities, he thanked President Bio profusely for securing a loan for the construction of a University of Science and Technology in Kono District. He also praised President Bio for repealing the Public Order Act of 1965 from our law books, and for not abrogating the law by sacking election officers.

Speaking on the construction of a bridge in his constituency to facilitate trade, he called on the Minister of Tourism to identify and select Waima as a tourist site, where a British Commander Lendy fought and stopped the marauding Samoure boys from annexing Kono District. It was where the British and French clashed and a mass grave was dug to bury those who died on that fateful day.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh thanked President Bio for giving facelifts to Kaningo community by constructing a bridge and school to facilitate movements and promote education in his constituency. In three years, he said President Bio has done remarkably well in the areas of energy and education than the eleven years of rule by the APC Government.

Hon. P. C. Matilda Yayu Minah of Pujehun District thanked President Bio for revamping agricultural productivity in the country. Speaking on the free quality education and the school feeding programme, she made reference to the construction of the main road leading to Pujehun and called on MPs to stay and remain united in the country for peace and development.

Hon. Osman Wurie Jalloh acclaimed President Bio for the free education and described him as a man with great vision. Speaking on economic growths, he called on Government to address violence and lawlessness among youth devoid of partisan considerations.

Hon. Sallieu O. Sesay said on economic benchmarks, the Government promised to fix the economy in six months, but had failed to do so in three years now. He called on Government to do the roads in Makeni and improve on electricity supplies in that part of the country. He also asked the Government to subsidize than to allow increments on the fuel pump prices with huge impacts on the masses.

Hon. Francis Amara Kaisamba thanked President Bio and blamed some MPs for criticizing without consideration for the truth. He called on MPs to avoid politicizing the recent increase in fuel prices in the country amid Government subsidy on same to cushion the effects on the masses. Speaking on debts accrued by the APC government, he commended Government for the massive construction of roads in Kenema District.

Leader of NGC, Hon. Dr. Alhaji Kandeh Yumkella said the country is under-developed and that the Government needs to leverage on continuity to succeed in governance. Speaking on the economy, job creation, and debts management, he called on MPs to collectively address the structural problems in the country. Speaking on the necessity for a transition bill with specific date for election and handing over of power, he commended President Bio for efforts geared towards strengthening national cohesion and democracy in the country. On environmental protection and degradation, he called on Government to relocate the fishing harbour from Black Johnson in order to maintain its touristic values.

Hon. Hindolo M. Gevao spoke about the availability of oxygen machines in hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients. Following constitutional provisions, he said the incident at Pa Demba Road Prison was resisted by law. Speaking on the independence of the judiciary, he commended President Bio for passing good laws such as the repeal of the obnoxious Public Order Act of 1965 by the current Parliament in fulfillment of his manifesto promise to the people during campaigns.

He said the fight against corruption, fair trials, huge scores in the MCC resulting in legibility for Compact Funds and the free quality education have earned President Bio’s administration international credibility. He also accused the opposition of filibustering the Government’s efforts for the conduct of a midterm census in the country.

Hon. Massay Aruna acclaimed President Bio for meeting 70 percent of his manifesto promises to the people of Sierra Leone. She commended the First Lady, Mrs Fatima Bio for her  nationwide campaign through Hands of Our Girls aimed at improving the education and opportunities for the girl-child in the country, and appealed to MPs to create safe seats for women vying for representation in Parliament.

Hon. Dr. Roland Kargbo thanked President Bio and observed that there are gaps in the Speech including unfulfilled promises on the Student’s Loan Scheme among others. Speaking on the importance of education, he called on Government to leverage on the gains APC had made for the progress of education in the country.

Hon. P. C. Sahr Kontanday Mbriwa from Kono thanked President Bio for his sincerity in governance and described it as “the right direction”. He said President Bio is hopeful to restore hope to the people due to efforts that have exposed leadership failures and political corruption in the country by the last government. He commended President Bio for giving a University to Kono after a long period of deprivation and neglect, despite its contributions to national development.

Hon. Mohamed Sheriff Rahman-Coker thanked President Bio for providing for the needs of the people of Sierra Leone through the free quality education and efficient revenue mobilization and prudent fiscal management in the country.

Hon. P. C.  Prof. Macavoray from Bo appealed to Government for the decentralization of Government Printing and also called for settlements of land disputes in the country.

Hon. Lahai Marah challenged Government on the accumulation of loans, bad economy and reminded them of human rights violations they have committed over the years.

Hon. Sartie Banya said his constituents are celebrating the current  Government for the opportunities in education, and for the decentralization of recruitments of teaching and security personnel in the country. Speaking on the physically challenged, he commended President Bio for introducing the free quality education scheme in the country for the enhancement of human capital development.

Hon. Hassan Sesay blamed Government for failing to recognize efforts made by the past APC government relating to development programmes in the country. He also accused Government of failing to provide subsidy on fuel to cushion the economic effects on the masses, which according to him the APC did for the people during Ebola. Speaking on the need for stakeholders engagements on the fishing harbour, he commended President Bio for the repeal of the Public Order Act of 1965 by opening free speech in the country.

Hon. Zainab K. Braima condemned claims by opposition MPs that civil servants were sacked on the basis of ethnicity or regional bias. She said, though a Northerner, President Bio has given her the opportunity to represent people from the Eastern Region of the country.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah thanked donors and the people of Sierra Leone for the fight against COVID-19 before the advent of the third wave. He said the people should be given the opportunity in a democracy to express their rights through lawful protests. He blamed the police for being selective on the issuance of certificate to hold peaceful demonstrations and accused the police of using disproportionate force in Makeni and other places in the country.

He also said that Parliament should be privy on the report regarding the incident at Pa Demba Road Prison. Speaking on inalienable rights, he accused the judiciary of not being impartial and described it as worse than the one under the one party system, by giving an injunction on petition cases and presided over the removal of elected MPs from Parliament.

He said it over a year now, at least he furthered that “Kamarainba deserves a bail now”. Commending President Bio for the free quality education, he said the efforts of APC on education should not go unnoticed by this Government. Speaking on the MCC Compact, energy and mining, he called on Government to furnish Parliament with the portfolios of loans and grants, and the utilization of Le 500 Billion approved by Parliament for the production and importation of essential goods through the commercial banks.

Concluding, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma thanked President Bio for his humanity and sacrifice to make Sierra Leone a better place. He described him as the Father of Democracy and the most vilified presidential candidate ever in the history of the country. He referred to him as a wise man and commended his fight against corruption in the country. On inclusive governance and national cohesion, he said provisions are made in the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone for  Parliament to allocate responsibility based on the strengths of political parties in the House.

He said President Bio was magnanimous even when he was stoned in Bo. He blamed APC for politicizing the police after they won the election in 2007, even when late President Tejan Kabbah had brought a British who did his best to rebrand the police to serve as a force for good. He recalled that in spite of the massacre of the Bios in Tihun in Bonthe, yet he brought Foday Sankoh from the bush to negotiate a peaceful settlement for the end of the war in the country. He saluted health workers for fight against COVID-19 in the country and called on the citizens to take the vaccines.

To succeed in agriculture, he spoke on the need of using science and soil fixation as the way forward. He said education is the only key that would be used to unlock potentials and opportunities in the world to make yourselves and countries better. He said with Chinese assistance, it would be improper to cancel the toll agreement. He said due to the determination of President Bio, internal resources were generated by Government to kickstart the free quality education in the country.

Speaking on single digit, he said the implementation of the quick action economic recovery programme resulted in cash flows to vulnerable groups, supplies of essential goods and services, and the introduction of the MUNAFA fund to assist small and medium enterprises in the country. He also said that President Bio is determined to curtail excessive powers that resulted in the unlawful sacking of the former Vice President and Mayor of Koidu City. He ended by reading President Bio’s scorecards in several areas of governance including sports (football), the fight against corruption and infrastructural development.

Professor Andrew Baimba Takes Over as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Njala University

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Njala University, Professor Andrew Baimba

By Ralph Sesay

Professor Andrew Baimba, veteran Educationist and Physicist, has on the 1st July 2021 taken over Njala University as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal replacing Mallam O. who had served the institution for the past fourteen months.

The new Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal admonished staff of the University to maintain peace, unity, and collaboration for the betterment of the institution.

Professor Baimba clearly indicated that he was at Njala to superintend over an interim administration and hence he needs the support of all and sundry.

He disclosed that he would adopt a participatory-based leadership approach in which wide consultations will be made to reach critical decisions and encouraged dissenting groups to approach and dialogue with his administration.

The veteran Professor recounted that as an interim head whatever vision he would have to develop during his short reign would have to be rollout by the substantive Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The new man at the helm further disclosed that he knows the challenges of Njala University as well the traditions and cultures of the surrounding communities and that it was a blessing that Government has asked him to return home to serve an institution that he has always devoted himself to throughout his career.

He concluded by praising Mallam O. for holding the fort and expressed his satisfaction that for the first time an alumnus is making way for another alumnus at Njala University.

Mr. David Carew, Pro-Chancellor Njala University thanked Mallam O. for his fourteen (14) months stewardship at Njala and hinted that the outgoing had visible trademark stamped achievements that are very glaring for all to see during his short stay at the university and this includes his Bongology mantra dictated by the FIAT principal.

The Pro-Chancellor encouraged all and sundry to imbibe on the students those responsible attributes as they strive to become responsible citizens of the country.

Carew wished the outgoing well as he sets himself to take on a national assignment with Government and that such a role was possible due to the trust and confidence the Government of Sierra Leone has in him.

He also used the occasion to welcome Professor Baimba, the incoming Vice-Chancellor, and Principal and hinted that his quick interaction with Professor Baimba had shown him that he has the vision to lead Njala University’s transformation drive.

He called on him to resonate well with the vision and mission of Njala University and pinpointed that the Government and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education are keen to see an overall restructuring and consolidation of all academic programs backed up by staff strengthening.

“I am confident that you are up to the task and the several commendations I have received about your personality has left me with no doubt that you have the wherewithal to deliver on this,” he stated.

The climax of the ceremony was the official handing over of notes by Mallam.O.to his predecessor.

Deputy Vice-Chancellors of Bo and Njala Campuses, representatives of the Deans of schools, and other members of staff all made statements at the meeting.

The two men had been working together in the last one month putting together strategies for a peaceful handing over. The short but brief ceremony has been described by many as the most organized handing over in the last ten years

Professor Baimba is a retired Physics Lecturer who had served Njala University for over two decades and served as Deputy Vice-Chancellors of Bo and Njala. He has participated extensively in the University’s internal scoring systems for the promotion of academic staff and also contributed to the curriculum and policy review processes of the University.

He has vowed to fully support all the accountability and transparency measures adopted by his predecessor.

Government Dishes Out Over Le4B to Leone Stars

By Mary Kabay

Disclosing the fulfilment of the pronouncement made by President Bio to 30 Players and 11 Technical Officials of the National Football Team, Leone Stars, as bonus for the country’s qualification to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 Football Tournament, the Ministry of Finance has on the 2 July, 2021 stated that Government has paid the sum of Le4, 100,000,000 into the bank account of the National Sports Authority (NSA).

It was also stated that the offer is in fulfilment of the pronouncement made by His Excellency, the President, Brig. (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio to 30 Players and 11 Technical Officials of the National Football Team, Leone Stars, as bonus for the country’s qualification to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2022 Football Tournament.

It is expected that the National Sports Authority will transfer to individual beneficiary bank accounts directly the Leone equivalent of $10,000 (that is Le 100,000,000) each.

Further disclosed was that the list was prepared by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) and endorsed by the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority and the Minister of Sports, and graciously approved by His Excellency, the President.

The approved beneficiaries stated are as follows:

Officials
1. John Edward Kiester – Head Coach
2. Amidu karim – Assistant Coach 1
3. John Dominic Konneh – Assistant Coach 2
4. Tamba Moses -Goalkeeper Coach
5. Sam Obi Metzger – Technical Coordinator
6. James Fofanah – Team Coordinator
7 Augustus Lawson – Welfare Officer
8. Phillip Kor – Massuer
9. Abdul Karim Labay Team Medical
10. Ernest Kamara – Kits Manager
11. Dr. Songo Koedoyama – Team Doctor

Players
1. Mohamed N. Kamara
2. Francis Koroma
3. Ibrahim Sesay
4. Osman Sesay
5. Lamin Conteh
6. Umaru Bangura
7. Raphael Koroma
8. Abu Bakarr Samura
9. David Janneh
10. Ibrahim Mansaray
11. John Kamara
12. Alusine Koroma
13. Kassim Turay
14. Mohamed Medo Kamara
15.Kwame Quee
16. Saidu Fofanah
17. Abdul Razak Conteh
18. Alhassan Koroma
19. Kei Kamara
20. Prince Barrie
21. Mustapha Bundu
22. Augustine Williams
23. Augustus Kargbo
24. Alhaji Kamara
25. Sullay B. Kaikal
26. Idris Kanu
27. Abdul Bundu
28. Yeami Dunia
29. Kelvin Wright
30. Mohamed Buya Kamara

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