CTO Conference Ends Successfully: Commonwealth Impressed With NATCOM Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay – 4^th August 2019

Sierra Leone hosted this year’s Commonwealth ICT Forum at the Bintumani Hotel from the 31^st July to 2^nd August 2019 with the theme: “Broadband for Inclusive Digital Transformation”.

The event brought together Government functionaries, participants from various Commonwealth countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe, telecommunications service providers to deliberate on pertinent issues relating to rural connectivity, analogue to digital, enhancing local innovation, emerging technologies, 5G deployment, youth and ICTs, digital economy as well as OTTS.

Playing host to all the participants, the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) ensured that all the necessary modalities were put in place for the successful outcome of the conference.

The Director General of NATCOM, Maxwell Massaquoi intimated this medium that through various consultations and the sheer fact that this country, over the years, has been treating the telecoms sector with utmost seriousness coupled with the fact that it has been adhering to certain international instruments that were adopted, such reposed high confidence in the international ICT body to choose Sierra Leone for this year’s conference. He said for now telecommunications issues have taken centre stage in most international fora also maintaining that we really need to know the latest initiatives and emerging innovations, trends and how to make effective use of as well as deal with them.

Most of the participants whom this medium came in contact with during intervals said they were highly impressed with the way the conference has so far been conducted. “Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with a fine landscape and impressive beaches. The people are very friendly and hospitable which makes me feel good talking with those who are eager to know about my country. This country has gone a long way to make inroads within the telecommunications sector and NATCOM is doing extremely well in its regulatory functions,” the Acting Secretary General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Commission, Gisa Fuatai Purcell, underscored further expressing hope that what they were deliberating will be rolled out in the member countries.

The Deputy Minister of Communications from Ghana, Hon. Vincent Odotei Sowah posited that his country and Sierra Leone have been collaborating effectively to enhance Information, Communication and Technology. He praised NATCOM for its preparedness to always respond to invitations and its eagerness to catch up with new trends. “We must work concertedly to improve on ICT as it is the conduit for development as well as tools used by criminals to perpetrate heinous crimes,” he enjoined stating how he is impressed with the venue and manner in which the conference started and is going.

The participant from Nigeria, Mohamed Babajika, Director Policy Competition and Economic Analyst, Nigeria Communications Commission, confessed that he has been attending conferences elsewhere but said this one is exceptional as it was lively especially with the way it was directed and the side attractions to make all feel comfortable. He said he is looking forward to more partnership with this country to advance ICT in Africa.

Similar sentiments were expressed by other participants.

The Proactive Minister of Information and Communication of Sierra Leone, Hon. Mohamed Rado Swarray was commended by other Foreign Ministers for his leadership in hosting this year’s CTO conference.

In another development, the Deputy Director General of National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Daniel B. Kaitibi, engaged some ICT delegates from all the Commonwealth ICT members on the topic: “Cyber Security and Capacity Building”.
Speaking to other members of the panel which included the National Cyber Security Advisor in the Ministry of Communications from Ghana Rd. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Sitigas Rokas Information Security Advisor and International Manger, NRD CS Lithuania, Dr. Martin Koyabe, Technical Support and Consultancy (TSC) Manager Commonwealth Telecommunication Organization Kaitibi revealed that the leadership of the Ministry of Information and Communications is so passionate about policy initiatives and implementation as well as the protection of data.

He said when he was recently appointed by President Julius Maada Bio to serve as Deputy Director General of NATCOM he and his boss ensured that they guided the Ministry of Information to develop a policy geared towards combating cyber-crime which the Minister in turn forwarded to the Law Officers’ Department of Sierra Leone for the finalisation of the drafting of a bill which will soon be sent to Cabinet for deliberation and later to the House of Parliament for approval for it to become Law.

He said as a country and Commission they are quite aware of the use of ICT especially the internet and underscored that for the past months, they have been working with internet and mobile operators to ensure that the latter embark on re-registration of SIM cards used by various subscribers across the country.

Mr. Kaitibi impressively captivated the other experts from the different Commonwealth countries when he disclosed that they are working closely with service providers to ensure that they develop a short code which will enhance their efforts in tracking down fraudsters who are in the habit of putting fake calls through to strangers and extorting monies from them doing so clandestinely with the primary motive to deprive them.

He said the short code will make it possible to get quick response during incidences when mobile fraud is being committed.

He further dilated on the various initiatives that are being rolled out to capacitate the staff of NATCOM saying it includes training sessions, workshops and short course out of the country. “With a well-trained staff we believe the Commission will perform effective and efficiently,” he stated.

Kaitibi was commended by the other panellists for the commendable strides the Commission has so far made in trying to combat cyber and sim box fraud.

Sivo Media Sierra Leone to Release the Classic ‘BOSS’ Video by T.N.G

August 4, 2019

Christopher Mackie, popularly known as Chris Jazz, Mohamed Sesay, also known as Super Stylish, and Dalton Randolph Williams, popular on stage as Wazzy Carter

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura – 4^th August 2019

The search for quality video shoot in Sierra Leone is over. Sierra Leonean artists will no longer need to go to Ghana or Nigeria for professional video directors. Sivo Media has done the unthinkable in music video production in West Africa, with the yet to be released music video titled ‘BOSS’, done by Sierra Leone’s talented afro pop, rap and dancehall group T.N.G. Unbelievable! You can’t believe what your eyes would see on the screen. The ‘BOSS’ music video is a masterpiece of ultramodern HD cinematography.

This is Sierra Leone on it again, and this time with ‘The New Generation (T.N.G). Their delivery skills can outclass some of the best in the sub-region.

T.N.G is a music group signed under the Sivo Media in a multi-million Leones’ deal. The group consists of 3 young Sierra Leonean artists who have been around the music arena for some time. It was founded in 2013 by Christopher Mackie, popularly known as Chris Jazz, Mohamed Sesay, also known as Super Stylish, and Dalton Randolph Williams, popular on stage as Wazzy Carter. They recorded their first single at Sky Bet Music, which was titled ‘TEN THOUSAND’ (the original version), which was later remixed or duplicated by top Salone artists.

The group has done two joints titled, ‘Charging’ and ‘Go Higher’ with a top dancehall star Dallas Bantan from Higher Level Records. The group has just released a song titled ‘Borbor’ featuring Nega Don of LXG, and many other songs.

The CEO of Sivo Media, Tamba Yusuf Mbayo also known as Sivo, recently left Nigeria for Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he shot this awesome video for T.N.G. Sivo is one of the country’s best video producers who won the 2018 NEA award for Best Music Video/Video Director. While in Dubai, he acquired modern facilities for professional video production. There is always a ‘Wow Factor’ in all of Sivo’s production, but the latest video – ‘BOSS’ by T.N.G is an epic one.

The ‘BOSS’ video cost over $ 10,000 and will be released on Sunday 4^th August, 2019 on Sound City, Pocket TV, Hip TV and all TV stations in Sierra Leone. It will also be available on major blogs and YouTube. The song was produced by Ransom based in the United Kingdom.

Sivo Media is all about quality. It is where quality begets quality. Every scene he puts his lens on, it becomes a mega hit.

ACC Nails Three Customs Officers for Corruption in Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

By Thaimu Thulla – 4^th August 2019

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has on 1st August, 2019, indicted Akmed Karim, of No. 49 Matindi House, Brookfields, Freetown; Mary Banya, of No. 26 Parsonage Street, Kissy Freetown; and Momodu Allieu Sow, of 7 College Road, Freetown, all Customs Officers stationed at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay, on two (2) counts each, of Soliciting an Advantage contrary to Section 28(2), and of Accepting an Advantage, contrary to Section 28 (2) of the Anti-Corruption Act No.12 of 2008.

According to the Particulars of Offence, Akmed Karim, and Mary Banya, between the 1^st December 2018 and 28^th February 2019, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, solicited and accepted an Advantage to wit: two million, five hundred thousand Leones (Le 2,500,000.00) from Sigismond Tommy Mei to facilitate the clearing process of a container belonging to Juan Ruiz, a businessman.

The Particulars of Offence further states that, between the 1^st December 2018 and 28^th February 2019, at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay in Freetown, Momodu Allieu Sow Solicited and Accepted an Advantage to wit: three million Leones (Le 3,000,000.00) from Sigismond Tommy Mei to undervalue a boat belonging to Juan Ruiz, a businessman.

The three (3) indicted persons are expected to make their first appearance at the High Court of Sierra Leone Holden in Freetown on 12^th August, 2019.

Sierra Leone to Commemorate 2nd Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Day

August 4, 2019

By Foday Moriba Conteh – 4^th August 2019

The Government of Sierra Leone through the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) in collaboration with its Development Partners is informing the general public that Sierra Leone will be joining other member states and African Governments to commemorate the Second Africa Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Day on 9^th August 2019 at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building, in Freetown.

The commemoration will be done concurrently with the official launch of the five -year CRVS and ID Management Strategic Plan (2019-2024) and the Comprehensive CRVS Country Assessment Report.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Birth Certificates for all: Fundamental for Protecting Human Rights and Promoting Inclusion.”

CRVS Day is commemorated every year to increase public awareness on the importance of making everyone visible in Sierra Leone and the African continent at large through a well-functioning Integrated Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System covering the entire population and all vital events occurring in the country.

As a country, the National Civil Registration Authority is pleased to state that it has put in place appropriate national legal framework, ICT and Digital Identity Management infrastructure and innovative Business Process Improvement to make Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System responsive to international and local demands.

This is done through improving accessibility and quality of civil registration and other related services such as the development and continuous upgrade of a permanent and functional multipurpose civil register on the population of Sierra Leone for sustainable public administration and accountable service delivery.

There will be float parades from the East End of Freetown starting from Up-gun Roundabout and from the West End of Freetown, starting at the Lumley Roundabout. Both float parades will start at 6:30am and end at the Miata Conference Hall, Youyi Building, where the commemoration will take place.

Government of Sierra Leone Pays Salaries of Academic & Administrative Staffs in 6 Tertiary Institutions

August 4, 2019

jj-saffa — Minister of Finance, JJ Saffa

By Amin Kef Sesay – 4^th August 2019

The Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone has paid July salaries of Academic and Administrative Staff of Six (6) Tertiary Institutions, in line with the recent agreement to operationalise the integration of their salaries and core allowances into the centralised and computerised government payroll system.

The six beneficiary institutions include Milton Margai College of Education and Technology (MMCET), Freetown Teachers College (FTC), Eastern Polytechnic, Njala University, Bonthe Technical Institute and Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST).

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) is working with the administration of the University of Sierra Leone (USL) and the Government Technical Institute (GTI) to verify their payroll data for onward integration into the government payroll system.

Hon. Robin Faley Feeds BECE Pupils in Kailahun & Port Loko, Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

Basic Education Certificate Exams (BECE) pupils

By Melvin Tejan Mansaray – 4^th August 2019

In a bid to complement the free quality education initiative of the New Direction Government of President Julius Maada Bio, former Member of Parliament (2007/2012) representing Constituency 007 Segbwema and its environs in the Eastern Region of Sierra Leone, Kailahun District, Hon. Robin Faley has pioneered the feeding of close to two thousand Basic Education Certificate Exams (BECE) pupils in Port Loko and Eastern Kailahun districts.

The event on Thursday 1^st August 2019 targeted the major examination centers and featured one thousand pupils in Kailahun and five hundred in Port Loko plus teachers, parents and other beneficiaries from the Holy Ghost, Wesley, Ahmadiyya and Njaluahun Secondary Schools in Segbwema Kailahun District and the Schelenker Secondary School in Port Loko.

From his home in the Greenwich, London, United Kingdom, Hon. Faley explained in a telephone interview that the thrust of his intervention is borne out humanitarian and not political intention.

“The purpose of my gesture is to support the education of the poor and deprived Basic Education students regardless of their tribes, religion, political party affiliation or region,” Hon. Robin said, noting that, “I strongly believe that our young brothers and sisters require so much attention and assistance in their academic pursuit.”

Hon. Faley cited greed, poverty and politics of hate and revenge as being stumbling blocks that are greatly destroying the chances of young people.

He said: “ My vision is to support and assist in promoting the free quality education through school feeding programmes, provision of scholarships to students from poor backgrounds but with great academic potentials and to support science and technology by helping to establish science laboratories in selected secondary schools across Sierra Leone.”

Although he has been described as an astute former parliamentarian and well-liked politician, Hon. Faley said the feeding has nothing to do with political point scoring, emphasizing that “this venture is non-political and non-partisan.”

He explained that he chose Port Loko District, Northern Sierra Leone because the youth have always showed him love despite the tribe and region he hails from.

“I am a full-fledged member of their major male cultural and secret societies and the people have always embraced me as one of their brothers and sons,” the former lawmaker noted, stating that there should be no place for tribalism and regionalism in the national trajectory. “As I am doing the feeding in Bakeloko, Port Loko, I am equally doing same at my home town in Segbwema Kailahun District Eastern Sierra Leone; so down to tribalism, politics of hate and revenge, marginalization and let us all embrace love, equality, diversity, peace and development because out of many, we are all one country, one people under the rising sun,” Hon. Faley said.

Asked about the total budget involved and source of the money used to do the feeding programme, Hon. Faley said, “it cost approximately nine to ten million Leones of my personal money, although my elder sister Elizabeth Conteh nee Faley gave some amount but I don’t know if she will like it to be made public.”

In response, the BECE students said that the food could not have come on a better day like the day it was served which climaxed the end of the weeks of exams, expressing that some of them used to go to school on empty stomachs because their parents cannot afford food for them.

Musu Brima of Ahmadiyya Junior Secondary School said: “Although Hon. Robin Faley is not here but he has provided food that we appreciate so much. We appeal to him for books, pens and a syndicate. We pray that God grant him success in all that he does.”

Isata Johnny of Wesley Secondary School said: “We are all glad, teachers, examiners, pupils all of us ate more than enough. Hon. Faley is the only one that is doing such, he is a good man and we love him. May God continue to provide for him so that he can do more for us especially after the exams.”

A Parent, Jeneba Moseray thanked God for the life of Hon. Faley, adding, “we can’t pay him because things are so hard for us these days. I could not even afford lunch for my daughter. We want Hon. Faley to open extra classes to discourage the long distance travelling of our kids and facilitate their studies back home here.”

Saidu Sannoh a teacher at Wesley Secondary School said that they have been hearing about school feeding and the gesture which is not only for pupils but also teachers.

“We need more classrooms and hope that the government and well-meaning individuals like Hon. Faley will help us in this area,” Sannoh said, buttressed by teacher Musa Momoh who said since 2014, Hon. Faley has been providing food for the BECE pupils, noting that they received bags of rice, bundles of water, etc.

“I felt happy, because most of the kids are not coming from financially stable homes, even for us the staff, we were able to eat to satisfaction. We call on other people to emulate Hon. Robin Faley, who has been helping with the town field, etc, at this difficult time in the country,” teacher Momoh said.

Similar views were expressed by teachers, pupils, parents and residents of Port Loko who praised the consistency and unfettered commitment and support of Hon. Faley in many sectors over the years.

7 Died in Flash Flooding in Freetown, Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

flash-flood-freetown-sierra-leone-august- — Flash-Flood-Freetown

By Amin Kef Sesay – 3^rd August 2019

At least seven people are dead after flash flooding hit Freetown on Friday 2^nd August, 2019 amid torrential rains, mortuary sources said.

More rain is expected as some residents fear possible mudslides like the ones that devastated parts of Freetown two years ago.

The Chief Coroner, Sinneh Kamara at the central mortuary at Freetown’s main Connaught Hospital told this press that they have in their custody a total of seven dead bodies at the Connaught Mortuary who died as a result of the heavy rains. He added that one was taken from Kroobay, two brought in from the Culvert area, three from Bathurst Village and the rest from other areas.

The three bodies from Bathurst died after a wall collapsed on their home killing all three of them as a result of the heavy downpour.
The Chief Coroner Sinneh Kamara added that they expect more bodies due to the widespread destruction caused by the rains.

Flooding and mudslides in Freetown in 2017 killed nearly 1000 people, with even more reported missing.

At the time, some critics accused the government of not learning from past disasters in a city where many poor areas are near sea level and lack good drainage.

Sierra Leone Tourism Ministry Sets Record Straight

August 4, 2019

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt

By Amin Kef Sesay – 4^th August 2019
A press release issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourism Board says its attention was drawn to a publication in a local claiming that the beach is now comparable to a common market.

The release states however that the Ministry wishes to inform the general public that the issues raised in the publication are baseless and untrue.

The release adds that the Ministry will like to use the opportunity to set the record straight, adding that the said article purported that the Lumley Beach Area has become “Congo Markit/Abacha Street”.

According to the release, the writer lacks understanding or the ability to appreciate the kind of development and type of concept of Tourism that is going on along the Lumley Beach. It added that it is one of the Tourism assets that have generated huge interest from the general public and that everyone wants to use the beach for various purposes and that over the years ‘we have witnessed this iconic and attractive beach area at the heart of the city, moving towards an entertainment zone for Sierra Leoneans and the expatriate community living in Sierra Leone.’

According to the release, most of the entertainment facilities are concentrated along the beach area. Hence, the Lumley Beach area is widely considered now as an entertainment hot spot, as such, the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourist Board reviewed the entire Lumley and Beach Front Master Plan; permissions were granted to the private sector (mainly Sierra Leoneans) to develop beach bars and other recreational facilities.

Some of these facilities have been completed while construction of other facilities is ongoing, the release said.

It went on to state that these are facilities constructed with wooden fabric /materials unlike what was purported in the publication that ‘pan bodies’ or makeshift structures were constructed or being constructed.

The release added that the allegation that the National Tourist Board under the directive of the current Minister has been collecting Le300,000 from Coleman, vegetable stalls, and fishmongers is completely false.

First and foremost, these payments in question were instituted during the previous regime by the erstwhile General Manager of the National Tourist Board. Upon assumption of office in June 2018, as Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt, instructed the Head of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Abe-Osagie to discontinue such payments until the operations of these Coleman and vegetable sellers at the Lumley Beach is properly formalized, the release stated.

The Ministry and the National Tourist Board are working with the sitting MP and the Aberdeen community to regularize operations of these Coleman and vegetable sellers and payment of Le300, 000 (three hundred thousand) was cancelled with immediate effect in June, 2018 and till date not a single cent has been collected from these Coleman & vegetable sellers, the release maintained, adding that the fact can be verified at the National Tourist Board.

The same tabloid also alleged that monies were given to the Ministry for the installation of CCTV cameras. According to the release, at no time had funding been given to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs nor the NTB for the installation of CCTV cameras along the Lumley Beach. This can be verified with the Ministry of Finance, the release added. It went on to state that however, the NTB does have CCTV cameras within its office premises since 2016 and are in working condition. Furthermore, the insinuations of divide between the Minister and her Deputy is also baseless and untrue, the release adds.

It further stated that the Deputy Minster William I. K. Robinson has always maintained that he has a healthy working relationship with his boss and that he is satisfied with the work schedule designated to him by the Minister which includes overseeing the Cultural Directorate, Monument and Relics Commission.

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs registered its disappointment on how the lack of investigative journalism can take on a life of its own – and even gain traction as a widely accepted truth. That’s what is generally referred to as myth that gets in the way of progress, the press release added.

Such an unfounded and baseless article can deflect attention from real issues and get in the way of reality. Most importantly, wrong information goes against the gains the Ministry and its sub-vented agencies are making to revive and restore the tourism sector under the New Direction.

Though a daunting task, yet it is a challenge Minister Pratt has been doing acidulously, day and night to accomplish; hardly a week goes by that development in the sector doesn’t take place or something along these lines: Ensuring that the vision of her boss, HE President Julius Maada Bio is achieved for the tourism sector; is a commitment she is ready to fulfil with dignity and integrity for Mama Salone. A Minister that took on board the entertainers, performing arts, cultural heritage and the development and promotion of Tourism to make Sierra Leone an enviable destination, will not be distracted by haters, the release issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs & the National Tourist Board concluded.

Synergy of NP-Sierra Leone Management & Staff Contributing to Economic Growth

August 4, 2019

By Amin Kef Sesay – 4th August 2019

It has been discovered that the synergy that runs through management, staff and board members of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL) company is the reason why the company is contributing greatly to improving the lives of its workers and their dependents and also contributing to the company’s growth and the socio-economic development of the country at large.

The National Petroleum- Sierra Leone (NP-SL) is on record for having a capable and competent managerial team at the helm of affairs, which from time to time comes up with good initiatives, always ensuring that those initiatives are effusively, effectively implemented to create value for money.

It is also on record that the National Petroleum (NP) Sierra Leone Limited apart from it being lauded for being one of Sierra Leone’s biggest tax payers is also being lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building the country’s economy.

As a petroleum business entity, NP is proud of having filling stations in various parts of the country and it is vibrantly functioning in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

This 100% indigenously-owned company has so far offered various jobs to residents in the afore-mentioned countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

Since it was established by 35 Sierra Leoneans, who bought shares from the Government years back, the company has grown from leaps and bounds; weathering storms that would have run it down. But the resolve of its shareholders and Management to succeed has been the center-piece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region.

Asking those who really know NP, the feedback you get indicate that around its commitment to customer care, NP strongly believes that it must be prioritized to give total satisfaction.

The selfless commitment of the shareholders have made it possible for the company to empower many Sierra Leoneans and at the same time put it at a vantage position to continue to open more filling stations across the country.

NP has maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers’ right across the sub-region where it exists and most consumers have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with NP.

The company deals with individuals and various sectors of society, always ensuring that its various petroleum products are available and are sold at affordable prices. This keen symbiotic relationship with its customers has been paying huge dividends, always resulting in a win-win situation, making NP very endearing to all and sundry.

The regulatory institution of the different petroleum companies in the country, the Petroleum Directorate, has also lauded NP in recent time for its efficient service delivery wherever it is operating.

The company is also known for offering Sierra Leoneans affordable NP Gas Cookers of various sizes, which are safe and very friendly to use. NP Gas cookers could be purchased at all their filling stations across the country and the very gas is also sold to replenish those that have been used.

When we talk of the steady and effective implementation of the Local Content Policy, NP stands out tall as it is truly has 100% indigenes, particularly in Sierra Leone, as workers. This is one of the factors that have made the company to be a success story.

The company’s result-oriented managerial team will definitely and sustainably continue to put NP at the top.

NP-SL Ltd. is doing exceptionally well in all the countries it is functioning and indeed there are prospects for further expansion.

It can therefore be justifiably asserted that the National Petroleum Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

NP has received numerous awards; the latest being: “Best Company of the Year” that was received on 6^th July 2019 during the National Business Award 2018/2019 held at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel.

Various tests to determine quality and standard indicate that consumers of National Petroleum-SL products say they have never had cause to grumble about the products.

It should be noted that customer care is one key element to the success of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone (NP-SL).

Another most important feature of NP-SL is its smart cards which customers can use to make transactions very easily and conveniently.

The public’s recognition of the invaluable contributions of NP both to its numerous customers across the country and to national development has seen it bag meritorious awards from different national and international organizations.

The company always ensures that petroleum products are always available, thereby preventing shortage that could create shocks in many quarters. The level of confidence which overseas business partners have reposed in the company has made it possible for it to enter into payment agreements thereby keeping the demand and supply chain open and running.

NP-SL by giving preference to employing Sierra Leoneans is a clear indication that it adheres to the country’s Local Content Policy. Utilizing local talents make it possible for indigenes to acquire useful knowledge and skills through training courses that could be applicable in other places.

In addition, the company sells the best cooking gas that is available in hundreds of outlets across the country, thereby contributing to creating cleaner environments, thus aiding the work of EPA.

In this digital age, moving away from the traditional way of transacting business has now become the norm.

President Bio Bids Farewell to Hajj Pilgrims in Sierra Leone

August 4, 2019

By Alim Jalloh – 3^rd August 2019

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has bid farewell to about 900 Sierra Leoneans who will be observing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy City Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Saturday 3rd August 2019 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Addressing pilgrims at the Siaka Stevens Stadium, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio congratulated the pilgrims in advance on this year’s pilgrimage and stated that he was delighted to bid them farewell on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone.

He encouraged them to be good ambassadors of Sierra Leone in the Holy City of Mecca and be prepared for the challenges ahead of them. He also admonished them to follow the instructions of the authorities accompanying them so they can perform their pilgrimage successfully. His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio reminded the pilgrims that before now, there was always chaos and scandal in the preparation for the Islamic pilgrimage but since taking over last year sanity has returned to the organisation of the pilgrimage.

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio requested the pilgrims to pray for the country and for them to pray with him at State House on their return from pilgrimage so they can share the blessings of the pilgrimage with him.

900 Sierra Leoneans who will be observing this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy City Mecca

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio concluded his farewell message by thanking the Hon. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his leadership on the hajj preparation, the Hon Minister and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs and members of the Hajj Committee for a successful preparation of this year’s Hajj.

The first batch of the pilgrims will depart Lungi International Airport on Sunday 4th August and the second batch of the pilgrims will depart on Monday 5th August. The pilgrims will be expected to arrive at the Jeddah International Airport from where they will be transported to the Holy City of Mecca. The pilgrims will be expected to return to Sierra Leone first week September after performing the pilgrimage.

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