NP-SL Ltd: Highly Recognized for Efficient & Effective Service Delivery

June 9, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

In this country, the most outstanding and widely recognized petroleum entity that is doing well within the business landscape of this country is indisputably the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd). The company has gained both internal and international recognition for its efficient service delivery to its many esteemed customers. It is therefore no big surprise for the well-established company to be bagging commendations, accolades and awards from reputable institutions in and out of the country.

One thing which has made NP-SL Ltd to stand tall among other entities hinges on putting premium on effective customer care delivery. The company is highly distinguished for being 1^st for Customer Care, as it strives to give optimal satisfaction to its esteemed customers right across the country. In all its petroleum transactions the company does so transparently as it has modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations which are highly capable of pumping and displaying the exact quantity of fuel demanded for, be it petrol or diesel, as well as the price. This gives buyers the feeling that they are not cheated when purchasing fuel.

In the same direction, the company has good, up and running tanker vehicles which transport fuel from the fuel depot to the various Filling Stations everywhere in the country. Maintenance is always done on these vehicles to ensure that they are road worthy; something which the Management of the company takes very serious. The importance of regularly doing so is to really ensure that petroleum products are timely delivered to various parts of the country in order to prevent the occurrence of any form of shortage that may affect daily activities and lives.

A company that was established by thirty-five (35) Sierra Leoneans years back, it was made a laid down policy by the Shareholders and Management of the company that special preference must be given to indigenes who have the requisite qualifications in terms of job opportunities. Interestingly, this decision is in tandem with the country’s Local Content Policy which aims at making use of our local resources, both human and material, instead of depending on external resources. This has made it possible for indigenes, who were hitherto unemployed, to now be gainfully employed and be at vantage positions to take care of individual responsibilities. With all amount of justification it could be said that NP-SL is a very caring business entity.

The company has set the pace of expanding its operations in the West African sub-region by establishing branches in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and the Gambia where they are effectively marketing petroleum products. By doing so it is providing job opportunities for locals in those countries and by extension regularly paying taxes to the Governments of those countries which are used to fund different development projects.

This bold step undertaken by the company is a mark of a company a serious entity that is taking business to a higher pedestal.

NP-SL is very notable for making available NP Smart Card and introducing NP Gas. In this modern age when efforts are being made to operate cashless societies and going digital there is no other moment than this when transactions in petroleum products should not follow suit. With the NP Smart Card, a particular customer could purchase fuel via using the card, just stating the quantity required which is debited from the amount in the card.

The customer can credit it again in order to make future purchases. The biggest advantage is that a customer can properly schedule or budget for the amount of fuel he or she will need over time, meaning that he or she has saved the headache of having to raise cash for the sole purpose of fuelling his or her vehicle. Using the card makes it less time consuming to buy fuel and prevents the movement of physical cash which maybe a customer could use for another emerging need or the cash could be stolen. NP Smart Card is now trending and many are now going for it.

With NP Gas, the cooking needs of individuals are easily solved as it is quick in terms of performance as a cooker. Environmentalists have validated its safety in terms of less emission of dangerous gases and it is manufactured in different cylinder sizes, very portable and easily refilled by purchasing gas at the company’s Filling Stations or its authorized dealers.

With all amount of justification, NP-SL is a thriving company among the myriad challenges it is surmounting. The company is indeed a true development partner that is positively contributing to the socio-economic development of individuals, entities and the country as a whole.

EU’s Jobs and Growth Programme promotes Agro Technology and Innovation Initiatives for Sustainable Farming in Sierra Leone

June 8, 2021

Sierra Leone is endowed with favourable climatic conditions with diverse agro-ecological areas suitable for a wide variety of crops. Agriculture is considered as an important sector of Sierra Leone’s economy and constitutes a key Government priority. Still despites of these assets, the sector is facing several challenges and constraints, undermining expected results and pro-poor growth, notably in rural areas. Unsustainable agriculture practices, limited input supply and management as well as post-harvest losses are certainly important aspects that need to be addressed in order to tap into Sierra Leone‘s potential to meet internal and external market demands.

Agro-technology and innovation development could possibly provide some cost effective and efficient solution to transform Sierra Leone’s agriculture into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive sector. In that context, the European Union (EU) has launched its Jobs & Growth Programme, which aims at boosting economic growth, improving agriculture efficiency, and promoting sustainable climate-smart agro-development. According to Eurostat, innovation technology development has demonstrated tangible impact in African economies notably in terms of economic self-sufficiency for young agriculture entrepreneurs, especially women.

Under the Jobs & Growth Programme, the EU delegation to Sierra Leone is implementing a call for proposals for agro-technology development to increase private sector investment in technology and innovations. This is a uniquely competitive opportunity for Sierra Leonean organizations and SMEs seeking to develop and/or expand sustainable agro-processing and agribusiness innovation and technology.

The Agro-Tech call for proposals is designed based on the positive experience gained under the Agro-business Development from Organic Resources (ADORE), an initiative funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the Welthungerhilfe organisation, Moawoma cooperative, Lizard-Earth and Door to Europe companies, to support production and processing of organic cacao into chocolate bars made in Sierra Leone. The ADORE project aims to stimulate the sustainable growth of the Sierra Leonean agri-business sector (particularly in Kenema and Kailahun), building inclusive partnerships between value chain stakeholders at all levels by linking farmers with the national and international markets, as well as promoting and enabling policy environment.

Supporting ADORE, the EU is responding to the growing demand by end consumers in Europe and the USA for organic and Fairtrade certified premium products from Africa by bringing value-added cocoa products made in Sierra Leone to the domestic and international markets. The action also aims to improve the quality of traditional farming processes and enhance green transformation and circular processes.

This intervention is sustaining more than 2,000 jobs, notably smallholders cocoa producer, providing them with premium price for certified organic cocoa, hence promoting a greener economy development for Sierra Leone.

The EU is confident that agro-technology development practices will promote a transition towards a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy of Sierra Leone, protecting the environment and promoting social inclusion.

For more detailed information, on the Agro-Tech call for proposals, visit the EU delegation website:https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sierra-leone/96126/jobs-growth-sierra-leone-launches-call-proposals-agro-tech-development-initiatives_en.

The deadline to submit a concept note is the 15th of June 2021 at 23:00 Brussels Time.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of PivotPath and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Government & UN to Co-host Dialogue on Integrated National Financing Framework

June 7, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

In a Press Release dated 4^th June 2021 it was revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), and the United Nations Systems in Sierra Leone, will be convening a High-Level Dialogue on the Sierra Leone Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Freetown, on Tuesday, 8 June 2021 at 9:30 A.M.

The Dialogue, it was further stated, aims at discussing the INFF and the way forward for enhanced Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) resource mobilization through various recommendations highlighted in the document.

Also mentioned was that the half-day event will feature a keynote address by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

Additionally, statements will be made by Dr Francis Kai-Kai, the Minister of MoPED, Dennis Vandy, the Minister of Finance, UN Resident Coordinator, Babatunde Ahonsi and UNDP Resident Representative, Pa Lamin Beyai, followed by a high-level panel discussion with Q&A session.

The Release disclosed that the INFF prescribes instruments and policies the Government may use to promote growth and resource mobilisation towards financing of the MTNDP and Sustainable Development Goals.

It furthered that it builds on a development finance assessment conducted during MTNDP development that scanned the financing landscape for a comprehensive picture of existing and potential sources of public and private finance and development finance, mapped trends, and assessed opportunities.

According to what was stated that entails a nationwide consultative process, bringing together experts in development finance, Government MDAs, Local Councils, NGOs/CSOs, and the private sector.

The INFF, it was also mentioned, presents 18 financing options resulting from the assessment and lists key stakeholders for each option as well as a timeline for implementation.

At the meeting on 8 June, panel members from a broad spectrum of society, including development partners, MDAs, parliamentarians, and civil society will discuss how to implement, among others, the following INFF financing options: increase government tax revenues,

promote investment by the diaspora, encourage public sector banks to increase private-sector lending and promote the investment of pension assets in infrastructure.

Also highlighted is that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the Government of Sierra Leone for the development of the INFF and is currently working, along with the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), to support several MDAs in implementing INFF recommendations through a program funded by the global Joint SDG Fund.

The hybrid event will be live streamed on Zoom beginning at 10:00 A.M

LODA Pleads for Sanity in Addressing Land Disputes

June 7, 2021

By Edward Vamboi

The League of Democracy Advocates (LODA), which is a Civil Society Organization that is advocating for the less privileged, enhancing the rule of law, calling for adherence to democratic principles and compliance with the constitution of Sierra Leone on the 2nd June 2021 convened a press conference at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalist (SLAJ) Hall on Campbell Street, in Freetown, during which it stated that it has observed with grave concern the increase in land disputes, especially in the Western Rural District resulting into bloody conflicts warranting the intervention of the Police.

It was highlighted by the Executive Director of LODA, Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya, that in some cases fatal causalities have been caused through the intervention of the Police and even by thugs, who are often proxies for the respective landowners.

“Most often the victims of such disputes have been tenants and in some cases caretakers,” he stated further maintaining that land disputes have taken center stage in the courts and even when matters are in court allegations of court orders being issued to one party to take possession of the disputed property have been the case leading to many aggrieved parties losing faith in the judicial process.

He said the loss of confidence in the process has often resulted in to violence as the aggrieved party tries to resist the taking over of the said property without a fair hearing and judgment from the court on the matter, exercising undue advantage against one party by well- connected individuals.

The Executive Director said as an institution they are calling on the Judiciary to expedite speedy trials of all land disputes especially the recent and ongoing one at Allen Town Kiosk, involving Ina Wray Vs Yaya Mansaray and others furthering that representatives of both parties must observe due diligence in the conduct of their activities in respect of the said matter as well as other cases.

He also called on the Government, particularly the Ministry of Lands, to partner with the court in order to resolve land disputes, using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), to ease the burden on the courts and to avoid long standing trials of land disputes saying such have the potential to create the wrong impression about the Judiciary.

He concluded that LODA will continue to monitor all land disputes with keen interest with relating to the protection of the human rights of innocent occupants, taking into consideration the victims of the recent on-going land disputed matters.

SLANSA & Partners Observe Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence

June 7, 2021

By Edward Vamboi

The Sierra Leone Action Network on Small Arms(SLANSA) joined the International Action Network on Small Arms(IANSA) and its members to observe the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence on the 3^rd June 2021.

According to Adenike Cole, the Sierra Leone Coordinator of Action Network on Small Arms, during a Press Conference that was held at the CCSL Hall the 31^st May to 4th June is celebrated worldwide by IANSA and its members as the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence.

She disclosed that this year’s call to “Make Your Voice Heard – Unite Against Gun Violence” aims to acknowledge and continue the decades of collective action that the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence was built on.

The Coordinator furthered that leading up to the Seventh Biennial Meeting of States (BMS7) on the UN Programme of Action (UNPoA), they are encouraging members and advocates to make their voices heard against gun violence.

“Proliferation of arms and lax regulations continue to endanger our communities and more specifically women,” she underscored adding that during the week`s campaign they wish to strengthen their collaborative approaches to collectively advocate for more effective regulation of guns and ammunition.

Adenike Cole intimated that expanding their mandate process of being ATT compliant is to become fully decentralized so that they have physical presence not only at the regions but also at the district level in order to capture details of all craft producers and hunters as well as others that will be illegally holding weapons.

She also stated that their objectives include disarming domestic violence in order to step up measures in the fight against domestic .gender based violence, to have more voices in finding solutions to gun violence maintaining that every voice is important saying adding one’s voice can make the difference.

She also pointed out that support survivors of gun violence by ensuring the full implementation of the TRC Report which includes the establishment of a fund for war victims to address the needs of amputee and war wounded maintaining that they are the people with the tangible evidences of the war.

The Coordinator added that as SLANSA joins IANSA and other CSOs working in communities towards achieving peace and security, human rights and sustainable development they acknowledge that gun violence is a highly gendered phenomenon that affects men, women, boys and girls in different ways .

According to her, men constitute the majority of the owners and users of small arms noting that the majority of perpetrators and victims of gun violence are young men.

She said in conflict and post conflict situations sexual violence against women and girls perpetrated by armed violence is an unending scourge.

“SLANSA has climaxed the Global Week of Action with the Wear Orange campaign,” she revealed adding that it is a grassroots movement that began after the shooting of the 15-year old Hadiya Pendleton in 2013 in the American city of Chicago.

She told newsmen that Hadiya Pendleton was a bright and talented teenager who sung at the second inauguration of President Barack Obama just two weeks earlier.

The Coordinator narrated that her family members and friends initiated the Wear Orange Campaign on June 2, which was the deceased birthday, to remember her, to raise awareness of the suffering of ordinary people caused by gun violence, and to call for an end to it.

“The campaign message is simple, we need a safe future free from gun violence during the decade long war and even after Sierra Leone had got many Hadiyas, people who have lost their lives as a result of the misuse of a gun,” she stated.

Adenike called on the Government to adequately support the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms so they can effectively and efficiently execute their tasks.

“We therefore ask authorities to increase their budget allocations so they will be financially and otherwise capable to deliver,” she appealed maintaining that if guns are in the hands of the wrong people development will not thrive, children will not go to school.

She stated how they are encouraging Government to ensure an increase in women`s effective participation in policy making, planning and implementation processes related to small arms and light weapons.

The Coordinator said they are admonishing young people, as society`s most treasured assets, to use their energies positively in order to have a peaceful and just society.

“We call upon our Security forces, to be mindful of the rules of engagement as we want to see a more cordial relationship between uniformed personnel and the citizens,” she further appealed further calling upon politicians to be civil in their campaign and political drives adding how the slogan should be ballots not bullets.

She also called upon all States in the MRU/ECOWAS/Africa Union and Worldwide to strengthen their collective efforts to advance peace, security and human rights.

Olivia Victoria Davies Ajax, National Project Coordinator for the UNDP’s component of the ECOWAS Project, Organized Crime West African Response to Trafficking (OCWAR-T) extended her gratitude to SLANSA for their effective collaboration with international institutions, the United Nations and regional bodies as well as local Civil Society Organization in fighting against gun violence and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

She maintained that the Global Action Week is a very important week as they are sending a very strong voice and a very strong message about the issue of the dangers of gun violence.

Olivia Victoria Davies Ajax said OCWAR-T, which stands for Organized Crime West Africa Response to Trafficking, is a broader regional initiative that has four different components with the first having to do with the issues of trafficking stating that the OCWAR-T Project is working with all its relevant partners like the European Union, the German Federation Government , SLANSA and GIZ , which are all supporting the efforts geared towards addressing issues of trafficking including human as well gun trafficking.

She called on all Sierra Leoneans to unite against violence using guns and to put a stop against their illegal use to make Sierra Leone a better and safer place.

Yvonne. M. Heroe , an official of the Sierra Leone National Commission on Small Arms intimated that the institution was established by an Act of Parliament to control the proliferation, manufacturing, sale ,possession and use of small arms and light weapons and other related materials in Sierra Leone.

She said it is important to educate, sensitize the public and provide information on the dangers associated with the illicit manufacturing, trade and use of small arms and light weapons.

“We want to also ensure that the obligations of ECOWAS are complied with as well as establish and maintain an arm register for transition to the ECOWAS Secretariat,” she informed adding that they are working assiduously as a Commission to ensure that illegal weapons are being controlled and restricted nationwide.

She disclosed that quite recently they conducted a national survey for local gun manufactures in the country to ensure that they access accurate statistics related to small arms in the country.

SLAJ Ends Golden Jubilee Annual General Meeting In Bo

June 7, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held its Golden Jubilee Annual General Meeting in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone , an occasion which commenced on the 4^thJune and ended on the 5^th June, 2021 at the Galliness Paradise Hotel Hall with the theme “ Looking Inwards : Towards a Strong & United SLAJ and a Free and Professional Media.”

In attendance were the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, Executive President of the New Harvest Global Ministry, Rev. Shudankeh Johnson, who led the Christian Prayer, the Bo District Imam, Alhaji Mustapha Coker, who led the Muslim Prayer, Dr. Alieu Bah, Adviser to SLAJ (Southern Region), Rev.Fr. Moses Kawa, Vical General, Catholic Diocese Bo District, a representative of His Worship Harold Logic Tucker, Mayor of Bo City Council, a representative of the Assistant Inspector General of Police ,Southern Region, Aiah Edward Samadia, Col, AB Conteh, Brigade Commander,5^th Infant Brigade, RSLAF, Gondama, Southern Region, Director General of NATCOM, the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Michaela Eddinia Swallow, a representative of the Media Reform Coordinating Group(MRCG), the Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, George Khoryama, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, Executive Members of SLAJ and a galaxy of media practitioners drawn from both the electronic and print media from all the regions in the country.

The welcome address was done by a representative of the Mayor of Bo City, Rev. Fr. Moses Kawa and two veteran journalists who were also part of the founding members of SLAJ namely: Bernadette Cole and Daisy Bona, all who heartily welcomed all present to the august meeting further expressing optimism that the deliberations during the proceedings will be fruitful further stating that at the end of the meet such will position SLAJ to become strong, united in order to enhance a free and professional media in Sierra Leone.

In his statement, the Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray stated that he is very delighted to be invited to speak during this year’s gathering, which, according to him, is organised to celebrate Freedom of the Press.

He additionally pointed out that the celebration is geared towards commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) which makes the occasion particularly auspicious.

The Minister congratulated SLAJ for making it thus far also expressing wish for its long life and prosperity informing that the celebration is poignant given the repeal of Part V of the 1965 Public Order Act.

“That repeal has triggered great expectations of a vibrant media and robust civil society and of a strengthened democracy,” he underscored adding how it was an honour for him to lead the repeal process which made the 50TH Anniversary of SLAJ a unique and historic GOLDEN JUBILEE celebration.

He intimated that the mandate of the Ministry of Information and Communications includes promoting the free flow of information between the Government and the Media and by extension the people.

“We will continue our work to foster a free, independent and pluralistic media, be it print, broadcast or online media,” he assured further stating that he is convinced that a free and independent media can enhance freedom of expression and contribute to the development of society.

He maintained that the theme for the SLAJ AGM is apt given the times the state of the media is in also urging all SLAJ members to seize the opportunity to reflect on issues pertinent to press freedom and ethical conduct.

The Information Minister continued by stating that undoubtedly the media sector in Sierra Leone is growing and becoming increasingly diverse also emphasizing that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has been clear about his vision for the media in Sierra Leone which, he said, is one in which media practitioners and the Government should collaborate to foster development.

He told newsmen that the President considers the media an indispensable ally in efforts at transforming the country also disclosing how he has consistently promoted policies for press freedom and the safety of journalists furthering that he also believes that a free press has to be anchored on professionalism and sound ethical practices.

He anchored that while the 1991 constitution guarantees for every citizen the right to freedom of expression he, as Minister of Information, must point out that such right should never be exercised in a manner that could incite violence and unrest in the society.

“When free speech is deliberately exercised to stoke violence or advance selfish interests it undermines the important role of the media in society,” he cautioned.

The Information Minister stated that in democratic dispensations free speech is exercised within the confines of law and order maintaining that freedom of expression is not absolute but it is a qualified right.

He informed that the media in Sierra Leone faces many challenges mentioning that good-quality training institutions are few in the country affecting professionalism in the sector, that poor salaries also create difficulties in retaining staff and leads to bribery-based journalism.

The Minister, however, assured that Government has made provision under the new IMC Act 2020 to address the issue of salaries for journalists.

He called for cooperation between the media and Government in order to promote and implement the Independent Media Commission’s standards stating that there is the need for more media training programmes, seminars and conferences.

He revealed that in line with the President Bio’s directive for support for community radio stations, they, as a Ministry are currently working with the Ministry of Finance to support those community radio stations with relevant training, fuel and transportation.

In his contribution or statement, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the President of SLAJ, thanked all for braving COVID-19 in order to grace the 50th anniversary AGM.

He paid special tribute to erstwhile colleague journalist ,after he was elected as President of SLAJ, who have passed away naming Christo Johnson, Chernor Ojukwu Sesay, Rod Mac Johnson, Salieu Poborsky and a couple of others, with the most recent being Ralf Esse-Donu Sawyer.

The SLAJ President intimated that within the next 24 hours the Association will be celebrating its 50th anniversary since it was founded on the 5th June 1971.

“50 years is a time for us to take a deep breath, take an introspective look at ourselves and also dream of where we would want to be in the next 5, 10, 15 and 50 years,” he admonished also underscoring that was why the theme, “Looking Inwards, Looking Outwards: Towards a Strong, Accountable and United SLAJ, and a Free and Professional Media” was chosen.

He expressed hope that journalists that are present in the meeting will fired up to articulate their thoughts when all settle down for the in-house deliberations throughout the days of the meeting.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla pointed out that indeed SLAJ has come a long way and media practitioners have arguably played their part in the development of the country.

He enumerated how the media has led the fight for democracy in the country.

“It was our opposition to the planned imposition of a one-party rule in the 1960’s which led to the enactment of the Criminal Libel Law,” he disclosed adding that journalists even though they were thrown into jail never stopped to hold State leaders to account.

“Through sustained pressure from the media, President Joseph Saidu Momoh (late) agreed to bring back multi-party democracy in 1991,” he cited an example mentioning that when the rebel war started in 1991 the war compromised the military, the Police, the Civil Service, the politicians adding that when the Government ran away to Guinea the media was the only opposition, him calling the media the last man standing.

“The media led the fight back against the rebels,” he told those present mentioning other instances when the media played positive roles like during the fight against the Ebola scourge, the flooding that took place at Kroo-Bay, the mudslide that occurred at Mortormeh and the fight against COVID-19.

He said in sync with key Civil Society players the media staged the first and a very successful political debate during which the top six presidential candidates were presented to the populace to choose who they thought was fit to rule .

“So today we have every reason to celebrate,” he stated adding how there is also the need to celebrate the founding mothers and fathers of SLAJ, past SLAJ Presidents and National and Regional Executive members, SLAJ membership.

He stated that SLAJ has moved from the days when it was literally begging journalists to become members to now where every practising journalist wants to be a member.

He dilated on all the positive achievements SLAJ has made so far.

“Yes we have come a long way to now celebrating the historic repeal of the obnoxious Criminal Libel Law,” he enjoined adding that there is every reason to be proud and to celebrate.

The President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Madam Michaela Eddinia Swallow, in her statement said Lawyers and Journalists share a common cause to promote the Rule of Law, safeguard Good Governance and protect Human Rights.

She furthered that as lawyers they are always in readiness to take up issues by challenging actions in court whilst journalists do so through various publications in the media.

Michaela Eddinia Swallow applauded the SLAJ President for sustaining the partnership and for the collaboration between the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Sierra Leone Bar Association.

She urged media practitioners to use the AGM as an opportunity to learn from the past, address the present challenges and prepare for the future.

According to her, SLAJ can look back with pride because of the pivotal role the Association has played in strengthening democracy and peace consolidation.

She said, “As your Association addresses the current challenges ranging from the economic sustainability of media outlets to improving the working conditions of Journalists, remember that every professional association has its challenges but you must face them, embrace them, defy them and conquer them. As you look inwards, you must also prepare for the future as the rise of the new media has enabled the spread of disinformation and continues to undermine professional journalism.”

In his Keynote address, the UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi said development issues have been under-reported and therefore encouraged journalists to also focus on development and human interest stories.

Whilst commending Journalists for the key advocacy role for the repeal of the 1965 Public Order Act, especially Part 5 of the said Act, the UN Resident Coordinator urged journalists to continue to report the truth in a balanced and objective manner as the country prepares for the 2023 national elections.

He recommended that journalists must also focus on reporting issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals underscoring the importance of doing so because they are closely aligned to the development aspirations of the country.

Other speakers made salient contributions.

Climaxing the convergence of journalists in Bo were a panel discussion, a football game between media practitioners from the Western Area and the provinces, regional Executive reports, reports by affiliate bodies , audit reports, state of the Association report, election of SLAJEC Commissioners and appointments to vacant institutions.

NP-SL Ltd: A Successful Enterprise Hugely Contributing to Socio-Economic Development

June 7, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), it has been confirmed, is a successful enterprise that is hugely contributing to the socio-economic development of this nation.

This assertion could be justified when cognizance is taken of the company’s serious deepening of the country’s Local Content Policy as vividly evident in giving exceptional preference to employing indigenes contrary to bringing in foreign expatriates to execute certain tasks. This laid down policy that is strictly implemented has created room for the employment of Sierra Leoneans who have the requisite qualifications and skills giving them the opportunity to take care of personal responsibilities.

“I cannot find words to express how delighted I am as I can proudly say that NP-SL has changed my life completely since the company employed me,” one of the workers at NP Cotton Tree joyfully intimated The Calabash when this medium went out on a fact finding mission.

“As far as I have assessed in this country it is only NP-SL Ltd that has such a pragmatic policy of maintaining a policy that gives job preferential treatments to Sierra Leoneans and I have great respect for the indigenous company,” Raymond Cole, a Social Commentator eulogized.

With the introduction of NP Smart Card, which has gone viral, the Card can be credited with money and the amount of money utilized to buy fuel is debited after every transaction. With the use of NP Smart Card, customers are saved the hassle of having to always move with physical cash in their possession in order to purchase fuel and indeed there are times when one may not have time to rush to the bank to make withdrawals. Customers, who are holders and users of NP Smart Card, are at the vantage position to properly budget, through the amount that is contained in the card to buy fuel, during a considerable period of time, say a week or a month. Indeed, NP Smart Card has become trending.

In order to ensure that their customers derive value for money, it was thought prudent on the part of Shareholders and Management to make use of state of the art and highly modernized calibrated pumping machines which were installed at the company’s different Filling Stations capable of pumping the exact quantity of fuel, be it petrol or diesel, that a particular customer requested for.

This fine move by the company has helped instilled confidence among customers that they are really dealing with a very transparent business entity and getting what they are paying for. This singular business strategy has got many glued to a petroleum company that is considered to be marketing the best of petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and high grade lubricants, one of which is the most sought out Castrol oil, said to be very good for the proper functioning of engines.

The company also markets NP Gas which is a cooking device that is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at the company’s Filling Stations across the country. It can be easily refilled with gas, is said to be non-hazardous to the health of individuals and easy to operate. Its performance has been rated high and many are indeed going for it.

One yardstick that could be used to assess the potency and vibrancy of a company is how well it is entrenched or established. With regards NP-SL Ltd, one can actually see that the company, over the years, has grown by leaps and bounds as seen in its opening of branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these NP branches, within the sub-region, are functioning very efficiently and contributing immensely towards the socio-economic development of those host countries. Through their operations, the company is paying taxes to the various Governments and indirectly boosting the revenue bases of those countries to roll out different development programs.

An admirable quality that NP-SL Ltd has been exhibiting throughout the years is the proper implementation of the country’s Local Content Policy. This policy is geared towards giving preferential treatment to indigenes or making use of local ingredients , in the form of human and material resources, instead of depending on those that are acquired through importation.

The company has the laid down policy of giving preferential employment consideration to indigenes instead of relying on expatriates. As long as Sierra Leoneans have the requisite qualifications and skills they are first considered for various vacant positions in the company. The greatest advantage is that the policy has made it possible for indigenes to be gainfully employed and live improved standards of living.

From all that have been said so far, it could be argued with all amount of certainty that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a highly successful and very competitive petroleum company that continues to stand tall within the business landscape of this country. And from the look of things it is poised to reach further higher heights.

As Pujehun Gets State of the Art Pre-School Center… Orange Foundation-SL Boosts Free Quality Education with 3 Early Childhood Centers

June 7, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their Early Childhood Development Center School Project, which happens to fall under the GSM Company’s Free Quality Education support to the Government’s Free Quality Education (FQE) Initiative, Orange Foundation Sierra Leone has on Friday 4^th June, 2021 commissioned a state of art Pre-School Center at Gombahun Town, Sowa Chiefdom within the Pujehun District, Southern Sierra Leone which marks the third commissioning of State of the Art Early Childhood Development Centers in Kambia, Moyamba and now Pujehun District constructed by the company.

In his welcome statement, the Paramount of Sowa Chiefdom, Pujehun District, PC Lahai A.K Sowa 11, commended Orange Foundation Sierra Leone for choosing his chiefdom to construct an Early Childhood Development Center, further assuring that they will not only take good care of it but will ensure that they also make good use of it.

He used the opportunity to commend President Bio for the implementation of the Free Quality Education which he said was a move in the right direction.

PC Lahai A.K Sowa stated that definitely the facility will benefit their children in their quest to acquire early childhood education in that part of the county.

In her statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, said that the way and manner in which residents warmly welcomed them to Sowa chiefdom was an indication of their sincere gratitude expressed to them as a company that cares about the people of this country.

She revealed that through the Orange Foundation they are committed to provide support that will improve the daily lives of the people of Sierra Leone and give the much needed support that will contribute to the betterment of the nation further adding that as a caring company, they always consult Government, stakeholders and the people to identify their needs and respond accordingly.

The Orange CEO stated that during their engagements, they realized that there is a need for the construction of an Early Development Center with the firm conviction that they will enable kids in Gombahun to have access to the same quality education children in big cities have access to.

She maintained that Orange Foundation has offered them a state of the art Early Development Center that will serve as a safe facility that will enable children of Gombahun Town and its environs to access free and quality education which she said will mark the third commissioning of the company’s school building Project which purely focuses on ensuring a better and promising future for children.

She encouraged residents of that great settlement to take advantage of the golden opportunity and enrol their children into the facility, especially the girl child assuring how it will avail them a better foundation, nurture them well for the Primary School stage and help to foster their educational pursuit in general.

“To school kids who are the would-be beneficiaries, I will like to encourage you all to take advantage of this opportunity because it is only through education that you can become Ministers, Parliamentarians, doctors or even Chief Executive Officers,” she motivated them.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, expressed warmest gratitude to Orange Foundation for the construction of the Pre-School at Gombahun Town, within the Pujehun District, which he described as very important towards the development of children in the country.

He added that with the construction of the Pre-School at Gombahun Town it will surely create positive impacts on the lives of children in that part of the country especially when the Free Quality Initiative is a priority in the New Direction Agenda underscoring how His Excellency, President Maada Bio, considers education as very important which is why he implemented the Free Quality Education.

Mohamed Rahman Swarray revealed that he is aware that Orange Foundation has constructed similar Early Childhood Centers in Kambia, Moyamba and now Pujehun District of which he said this move by the company is geared towards complementing President Bio’s Free Quality Initiative.

He admonished residents to take advantage of the facility, take responsibility it and also allow their children to attend it.

Director of Free Quality Education Initiative at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School, Amara Sowa, also showered praises on Orange Foundation for the commissioning of the third Early Childhood Development Centers in the country.

He outlined the Ministry’s support to the newly constructed pre-school of which he said the Ministry will provide Early Childhood Development (ECD) kits for the facility, a curriculum and text books, and training for the teachers.

Amara Sowa also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility which he said will enhance their children to get early childhood education like any other children in the country.

A resident of Gombahun Town, Sowa Chiefdom, who also happens to be a parent, Yusuf Kamara, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Orange Foundation for the construction of the pre-school in their village, furthering that the facility will help their children to get early childhood education like other children in other part of the country.

He also assured Orange Foundation and stakeholders that they will surely make good use of the facility as it is the first modern pre-school within Sowa Chiefdom, Pujehun District.

The event was climaxed by the official commissioning of the Early Childhood Center by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Rahman Swarray, Orange-Sierra Leone Aminata Kane Ndiaye followed by a tour of the facility.

Govt. Needs to Make Clear Interpretation of 50% Payment for Limkokwing Students

June 7, 2021

By Amin Kef Sesay

The long drawn impasse related to the payment of fees for students studying at the Limkokwing College in Freetown, who are purportedly on Government scholarship, seem to reaching some form of resolution by the SLPP led Government headed by President Julius Maada Bio.

It could be recalled that the erstwhile Government led by former President Ernest Bai Koroma, through the Ministry of Education under the leadership of the late Minkailu Bah as Minister entered into an agreement with authorities of the Limkokwing College, which has its roots in Malaysia, under a scheme where the erstwhile Government of Sierra Leone agreed to pay the fees of over one hundred students on a scholarship basis from start up to completion.

However, when the then Government was defeated in the polls in 2018 by the current SLPP Government led by President Julius Maada Bio, it left behind a huge arrear of fees that were to be paid on behalf of the students. The newly formed Government rescinded to continue to adhere to or honour the former agreement leaving the students to be stranded as they were denied access to lectures. These aggrieved students, as well as certain Civil Society Organizations, mounted various lobbying techniques, some peaceful and others violent, to convince the SLPP led Government to continue paying their fees but to no avail.

As the pressure mounted, the SLPP Government succeeded in getting a 50% discount on all fees through a renegotiation. Currently, there are two categories of students at the University: Final Year and Year Two Students both pursuing Diploma and Degree courses.

The million dollar questions that many are now asking for clarity sake is what the aforementioned 50% payment would translate into. Is it for the final year students pursuing both Diploma and Degree courses leading to their graduation or does it also include the current year two students?

It will be recalled that the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie, informed members of the public that the Government has committed to pay the sum of USD 705 thousand which is equivalent to 50 percent fees for 964 Sierra Leonean students at the Limkokwing University.

This revelation came in the long wake of students who were on scholarship at Limkokwing having to stop attending lectures for over two years now, after the Government refused to pay their fees, saying that the agreement between the University and the previous administration was illegal.

For now it is a wait and see situation to know if the impasse will come to an end.

Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper Bags Top 100 Professionals Prestigious Award

June 7, 2021

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper and a renowned blogger Amin Kef Sesay alias Ranger, was the proud recipient of a prestigious National Award as one of the “Top 100 Professionals in Sierra Leone in 2021” handed over to him by the African Consulting Group.

The award was given to him in recognition of his outstanding commitment to professional growth and contribution to the socio-economic development of Sierra Leone through the media.

It was presented during the 6th National Professional Awards ceremony held in Freetown on the 29th May, 2021.

This was what Amin Kef said after receiving the prestigious award: “To God I give the glory. I and my team will continue the good work in order to complement the strides by all and sundry to foster overall national development. I dedicate this award to my family and colleagues as well as all well-meaning Sierra Leones.”

He expressed gratitude to the African Consulting Group for graciously honouring him

Those in attendance, during the award ceremony showered a barrage of commendations on Ranger with many saying he truly deserves it.