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Gearing Up for Europe Day 2021…   TheEUandMe Roadshow & Pop-Up Photo Exhibition Showcase Supported Projects  

By Amin Kef Sesay

Starting on the 3rd May 2021 and to end on the 10th May 2021, an unusually distinctive looking coach is touring Sierra Leone’s highways and byways. Its unmistakable blue and yellow branding and European flag instantly identifies it with the EU. Inside the coach is a film crew, and a pop-up photo exhibition that represents a selection of the EU’s work in Sierra Leone and indicates how it supports Sierra Leone’s progress towards an economically vibrant and inclusive society.

In the run-up to Europe Day 2021 on May 9th, the EU this year is taking its celebration of EU’s values, principles and development cooperation partnership with Sierra Leone to a much wider audience, with #TheEUandMe Roadshow and Pop-Up Photo Exhibition.

With scheduled stops in Port Loko, Makeni, Kenema and Bo, as well as in Freetown, the brightly branded EU bus and its two specially created cartoon characters – Ami and Ahmed, a pair of curious and enquiring teenagers – will make an entertaining and memorable sight.

However, #TheEUandMe Roadshow and Pop-Up Photo Exhibition also has a more profound purpose. It is intended to increase understanding of the EU’s work with Sierra Leone and how it contributes to boost agriculture, improves learning environments and livelihoods, facilitates travel and commerce, supports the inclusion of women and young people and protects survivors of sex and gender-based violence.

In visits to a selection of EU supported projects, stories of individuals and communities who have first-hand experience of their impact, will be captured on film so they can be shared with a wider audience. Ami and Ahmed, with their questioning outlook, will also contribute to relay a positive message about the future of Sierra Leone and portray how crucially important it is that young people are involved and proactively engaged in their country’s development.

Among the planned stops are an EU-Trócaire project to strengthen the voice and influence of vulnerable and marginalised women in local governance and agricultural development processes, which has given women in Bombali, Port Loko and Kambia Districts the confidence to challenge underlying causes of gender inequality. One of these women is Aminata Kamara who stood for election in Konta Bana community in Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko and succeeded, against the odds, to become the community’s first Deputy Headwoman. The position, second to the Village Head, is a prestigious role.

An EU-Solidaridad project to revive Sierra Leone’s cocoa, coffee and cashew economy has supported 7,818 farmers and brought women and people with disabilities, who previously relied on subsistence agriculture, into the sector by enabling their ownership of cashew, coffee and cocoa farms.

The Rainbo Centres work across the country to tackle the causes and consequences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone’s deeply gendered society and are delivering two European Union projects in Sierra Leone. The first – funded by Irish Aid through the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone – is aimed at making sure that women and girls are aware of, have access to and make use of the free services available to them; the second strengthens community understanding and engagement to prevent SGBV against women and girls in Sierra Leone.

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is a vital pathway towards learning and developing work related skills. In Sierra Leone, work to strengthen TVET, co-financed by the European Union and German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has boosted prospects for TVET students through skills certification programmes in three core occupational areas: in-service teacher training, an online communication platform to support a multi-sector coordination structure as well as vital equipment and tools for TVET centres.

Infrastructure connects communities to greater opportunities for employment, healthcare and education. The EU-funded Bandajuma-Liberia Border Roads and Bridges project will contribute to economic diversification and development and represents the commitment of the EU to delivering renewed infrastructure to Salone. This immense project has rehabilitated almost 100 km of the Trans-West African Coastal Highway and includes the construction of three major bridges, across the Sewa River, the Waanje River Bridge and the Moa River.

#TheEUandMe Roadshow and Pop-Up Photo Exhibition will finish on the 10th May with a visit to some of Freetown’s schools, where EU’s ambassadors will discuss “The role of young people in the EU-Sierra Leone partnership” with the pupils, and how they can become more actively involved in shaping their future.

To see all this and find out more about the EU’s partnership in Sierra Leone’s transformational journey, and how its development assistance aligns with the Sierra Leone Government’s National Development Plan Ami and Ahmed and #TheEUandMe Road Show and Pop Up Photo Exhibition showed all on Monday 3rd May – in Port Loko, Tuesday 4th May – in Makeni. Today Wednesday 5th May – in Kenema and Thursday 6th May – in Bo or such could be followed on Facebook @EUinSierraLeone!

Held in High Esteem by Pres. Bio… Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin Awarded Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COR)

By Amin Kef Sesay

The erudite Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Dr. Walton Ekundayo Gilpin, has again being highly recognized for his immense contributions in turning around the fortunes of a bank which was not financially doing well to one that is somehow financially stable.

Dr. Gilpin was the proud recipient of one of the highest awards in the country as on Independence Day, the 27th April 2021 President Julius Maada Bio bestowed on him the award as Commander of the Order of the Rokel (COR).

Dr. Gilpin is regarded as a seasoned and internationally recognized financial expert with over 30 years of experience managing complex policies and processes in banking and banking-related institutions in Africa, Europe, South Pacific, Caribbean, and USA.

Previously, he was an economist at the Bank of Sierra Leone, then an advisor to the Commonwealth Secretariat in the United Kingdom; where he served as an international civil servant, managing significant financial initiatives that formed the basis of effective and sustainable reform strategies in more than 38 countries.

In this capacity, he also helped strengthen the technical and management capacity of financial and banking sector professionals by emphasizing approaches and skillsets that bode well for institutional transformation and enduring change.

His goal-oriented philosophy has been a hallmark of his career and this has benefitted his home country, Sierra Leone in diverse ways – in finance and banking, education, humanitarian work, religion and public sector support.

He has provided technical input into complex interactions with national and international players, such as the Bank of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Finance, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Crown Agents, but to name a few.  He has been instrumental in financial research analysis having worked in Research and International Financial Departments of reputable institutions. His capacity building skills were significantly useful in designing and implementing training modules in financial analysis for public sector officials in Government and private sector.

In private practice, Walton has served as a consultant in public finance, risk management, liquidity management, bank-sovereign analysis, fiscal risk and financial programming.  He has worked on projects for reputable organisations such as the IMF, World Bank, African Development Bank, West African Institute for Finance and Economic Management, Macroeconomic and Financial Management Institute, and the United Nations Development Program.

He has contributed to critical thinking and intellectual development in Sierra Leone’s banking, public finance and social sector through proactive work, reports and publications. His commitment to capacity building is to mentorship and professional development in Sierra Leone.

He holds graduate degrees and professional qualifications in economics, international relations, finance, public policy and debt management.

In November 2017, he joined the Afro Champions Initiative, led by notable African leaders in politics and business.

Since taking over the reins of office at RCBank in July 2017, he has turned the Bank into a profitmaking, resilient and viable institution, which is now enviably within the top profitable Banks. Since his assumption, RCBank has won several international and local awards on a wide range of excellence platforms.

He is a motivational speaker and Ambassador for several initiatives to develop young adults and professionals.

He is a true son of the soil and has stimulated several young Sierra Leoneans towards aspiring to succeed. He continues to be a modern day inspiration for Sierra Leone. His contributions to capacity building through the educational TV program, “Economic Forum” and his humanitarian work, have not gone unnoticed.

Gilpin is a distinguished not only by his commitment and dedication to the Banking industry but also by his exemplary and commendable leadership style.

His deep belief in teamwork has been exemplified by his strong desire to motivate and empower both Management and Staff to believe in themselves and set high but achievable goals, while providing the right atmosphere to promote competition and team improvement.

NP-SL Ltd Places Serious Priority on Enhanced Customer Care Satisfaction   

By Amin Kef Sesay

Feedbacks received from the vast majority of the general public relating to the operations of the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) and its contributions to national development indicate that the company is indeed doggedly committed to prioritize enhanced and utmost customer care satisfaction while conducting business transactions.   

The company is proud of partnering with business savvy individuals to open Filling Stations in various parts of the country.

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 centrepiece that has propelled NP-SL Ltd to a higher pedestal, equal to none in the sub-region.

Despite the above, the selflessness and 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-SL Ltd has cordially maintained a good business relationship with its numerous customers right across the sub-region where it has its presence and most have confessed that they are realizing optimum satisfaction in dealing with the company.

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.

The National Petroleum (NP) of Sierra Leone is 100% indigenously-owned and has been providing various jobs to residents across the country and even in neighbouring countries, thereby reducing poverty to a considerable level.

It is also on record that the NP is one of the largest taxpayers to the National Revenue Authority (NRA), financially empowering the Government to roll out various development projects.

The company has been lauded for its invaluable contributions towards building up the country’s economy.

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

Without mincing the truth, the company has 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.

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 centrepiece that has propelled NP to a higher level, equal to none in the sub-region. The synergy that runs through its members of staff has also contributed to the company’s growth.

The selflessness and 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.

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, Petroleum Regulatory Agency, has lauded NP-SL Ltd for its efficient service delivery wherever it is operating.

When people 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.

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- Sierra Leone Limited is the country’s reliable fuel provider as it always ensures that its stockpile is always at an appreciable level.

UN Secretary General Urges Governments to Support Free, Independent & Diverse Media

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 3rd May 2021h, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged Governments to “do everything in their power” to support free, independent and diverse media, which the UN’s top human rights official highlighted as “a cornerstone of democratic societies”.

In a message on World Press Freedom Day, marked annually on 3 May, the Secretary-General underscored the importance of reliable, verified and accessible information.

“During the pandemic, and in other crises including the climate emergency, journalists and media workers help us navigate a fast-changing and often overwhelming landscape of information, while addressing dangerous inaccuracies and falsehoods”, he said.

“Free and independent journalism is our greatest ally in combatting misinformation and disinformation.”

He also noted the personal risks journalists and media workers face, including restrictions, censorship, abuse, harassment, detention and even death, “simply for doing their jobs”, and that the situation continues to worsen.

The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has hit many media outlets hard, threatening their very survival, he added.

“As budgets tighten, so too does access to reliable information. Rumours, falsehoods and extreme or divisive opinions surge in to fill the gap,” the Secretary-General said, urging all Governments to “do everything in their power to support a free, independent and diverse media”.

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, also highlighted the importance of free, uncensored and independent Press as “a cornerstone of democratic societies”, conveying  life-saving information, improving public participation, and strengthening accountability and respect for human rights.

“Around the world, people have increasingly taken to the streets to demand their economic and social rights, as well as an end to discrimination and systemic racism, impunity, and corruption”, she said.

However, journalists fulfilling their fundamental role of reporting on these social protests have become targets, with many becoming victims of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests, and criminal prosecution, Ms. Bachelet added.

In addition to dissuading other journalists from critically reporting on relevant issues, such attacks weaken public debate and hamper society’s ability to respond effectively to challenges, including COVID-19, she said.

Marked annually on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. It is also an occasion to evaluate press freedom globally, to defend the media from attacks on their independence, and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The date marks the adoption of the landmark Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press at a UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) conference in the Namibian capital, in 1991.

This year, the World Day focuses on the theme of “Information as a Public Good”, affirming the importance of information as a public good, and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism, as well as to improve transparency and empowerment.

The theme ties in with UNESCO’s work to ensure the long-term health of independent, pluralistic journalism, and the safety of media workers everywhere, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the UN agency tasked with defending press freedom, said:

“As part of these efforts, we are working to create more transparency on online platforms in areas such as content moderation, while respecting human rights and international freedom of expression rules”, she said.

She also highlighted the agency’s work to equip people globally with the media and information literacy skills they need to navigate this new information landscape, so they can avoid being duped or manipulated online.

“As we mark World Press Freedom Day, I call on everyone to renew their commitment to the fundamental right to freedom of expression, to defend media workers, and to join us in ensuring that information remains a public good,” Ms. Azoulay added.

To Deepen Partnership… Sierra Leone and Liberia ACC Sign MOU

By Foday Moriba Conteh

On Friday 30th April, 2021, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sierra Leone has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in a bid to deepen partnership and collaboration between the two anti-graft institutions. This historic event took place at the Conference Room of the ACC’s Head Office, 3 Gloucester Street in Freetown.

The signing of the MOU was the climax of a five-day study visit to the ACC Sierra Leone by the Liberian ACC, led by its Acting Executive Chairman, Councilor Kanio Bai Gbala, in order to get first-hand experience of the operations of the ACC-SL

Speaking at the event, Councilor Kanio Gbala said, he was very appreciative of the hospitality he and his team received from the Management of ACC-SL, adding that countries like Botswana and Rwanda are performing well in the fight against corruption, but acknowledged that, in the recent three years, Sierra Leone is a shining example of a successful campaign against corruption. “What we have learnt so far will help build up the LACC and change corruption perception in Liberia,” he said, adding that it has been a rewarding week for him, professionally and personally.

Councilor Gbala furthered that the signing of the MoU is the beginning of a very strong collaboration between the LACC and ACC-SL.

The Commissioner ACC-SL, Francis Ben Kaifala Esq. said, he was pleased to know that the LACC have had a fulfilling week and hope that what they have learnt will help them in their fight against graft in their country.

He said, the anti-corruption fight has been solely for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans. But, after receiving similar delegations from Uganda, other countries like Guinea and Somali-Land have requested for similar study visits to the Commission, then he realized that Sierra Leone’s effort in the fight against corruption has received continental acceptability,  he added.

He thanked the LACC team and assured them that the doors of the ACC-SL are open to them at all times.

Reading the citation of the MoU, Public Relations Officer ACC, Margaret Murray said, the guiding principles of the MoU are that; ACC-SL and Liberia ACC have considered their respective functions and mandates as mutually reinforcing, and have agreed to collaborate with the aim of accelerating the realization of an efficient, accountable and transparent public sector, capable of addressing the socio-economic challenges of Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Also, at the signing ceremony, Commissioner Kaifala presented a dossier of anti-corruption documents, including IEC materials to the Acting Executive Chairman Liberia ACC.

The Liberia ACC team, whilst in Sierra Leone, paid courtesy visits to key partners of the ACC-SL, including; the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Anthony Brewah Esq., the Hon. Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Desmond Babatunde Edwards, the Auditor General of Audit Service Sierra Leone, Lara Taylor Pearce and the Head of Financial Intelligence Unit, David Borbor.

Health Ministry Certifies 25 Graduates on Epidemiology

By Theresa Kef Sesay

On Saturday 1st May 2021, the U.S. Ambassador, David Reimer, joined the Sierra Leone Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, and other dignitaries to congratulate 25 graduates of the ninth cohort of the Field Epidemiology and Training Program-Frontline. The graduation of this cohort of trainees is a significant milestone that demonstrates the ongoing progress to strengthen the workforce capacity at each level of the public health system in Sierra Leone.

“I am pleased to be able to participate in my first FETP graduation in Sierra Leone, and I hope there will be many to come,” noted Ambassador Reimer.  “The U.S. government, through the Global Health Security Agenda, is committed to supporting impactful programs like FETP in Sierra Leone.  This is a mission both of our governments share, and the Government of Sierra Leone has shown real leadership in establishing and building disease surveillance capacity at both the local and national levels.”

With the rise of emerging infectious diseases, field epidemiology is increasingly important.  Strong response capacity can improve Sierra Leone’s ability to identify, investigate and respond to public health priority concerns. Trained FETP graduates throughout the country can conduct critical surveillance activities and outbreak investigations for infectious diseases like COVID-19 and viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Lassa fever.  With this cohort of graduates, Sierra Leone now has a total of 201 public health professionals trained in field epidemiology and surveillance.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) will benefit from increased capacity to recognize public health problems pertinent to the population, a stronger culture of data-based decision making and a network of well-trained surveillance officers in the country, who can communicate with the public about health issues.

The program represents a successful collaboration between the MoHS and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase the number of health workers with epidemiological training in Sierra Leone.

Madam Hannah Bockarie Bags Pan African DTV Sierra Leone Prestigious Award

Madam Hannah Bockarie, Founder and Country Director of Commit and Act foundation Sierra Leone Receiving the Award

By Ansu Koroma, COMMS – CAF-SL

 In Recognition of her industrious commitment in serving humanity, Madam Hannah Bockarie, Founder and Country Director of Commit and Act foundation Sierra Leone, has been honored together with twenty nine prominent personalities from all works of life in Bo district on 30th April 2021at the Dohas hotel in Bo city. Madam Bockarie was honored with an award as one of the most thirty influential personalities in Bo district who have served aimlessly to empower and mentor young people, and give voice to the voiceless (vulnerable women and girls) in and out of the district.

According to the country representative of the Pan Africa DTV Sierra Leone, Mr. Daramy, The Pan African DTV, in collaboration with the West African Women and Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone organization, organized this year’s 2020-2021 Most Influential personalities Award in Bo city is to honor thirty (30) personalities for their accomplishments and leadership roles in their various fields, most importantly, for their high level of commitment towards national Development.

Madam Hannah Bockarie is a passionate, committed and hard working woman, who is a great psychotherapist trainer, community mobilizer, conference facilitator and Act and Pro-social trainer. She is the founder and country director of Commit and Act Foundation Sierra Leone organization, which operates in three districts in the north and southern regions of Sierra Leone.

Her commitments and passion in serving humanity is very unique which, encompasses team dynamism, servant hood, integrity, accountability and transparency with her partners, donors and staff members, both national and international. In serving humanity by restoring hope to vulnerable women and children, especially girls who have experienced rape, the establishment of commit and act girls shelter in Bo, which has created lots of impact, caused the ministry of Social welfare gender and Children’s Affairs and other line ministries in the northern region through the support of One day in Germany to offered a structure to be used as safe home for abused girls in Makeni, Bombali district, to run the same services as that of Bo district.

Madam Hannah Bockarie, through her leadership and passion for humanity, Commit and Act Foundation was awarded as one of the outstanding credible female led organization in Bo district by Women in the media Sierra Leone Southern Region (WIMSAL) in March 2021.

One Family People Awards 20 Eminent Women with Disabilities

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In the bid to recognize eminent women with disabilities who have chosen to challenge stigma, discrimination and inequality in their communities, One Family People in collaboration with Voice of Women Africa, on Wednesday 28th April, 2021, awarded 20 eminent women with disabilities who have chosen to challenge stigma, discrimination and inequality in their communities across the country at an auspicious event held at Mayonella Hall, Syke Street in Freetown. The twenty eminent women with disabilities awardees were drawn from different parts of the country.

The Programme Manager of One Family People, Samuel P.O.V Macaulay, revealed that generally women suffer discrimination and that women with disabilities suffer the most, and the importance of this awarding ceremony is for the inclusion of such women with disabilities in nation building.

He added that women living with disabilities should be consider as very important people in society, adding that most of these women have been contributing positively towards nation building, and this has been the driving factor behind the decision by the organization for recognizing their inputs with these awards and identifying with their resolve to challenge the stigma, discrimination and inequality of their disability in their communities.

Giving her keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama, expressed appreciation to the One Family People and Voice of Women for organizing such a historic event, which she said will serve as an eye opener to all in order to see the good work women living with disabilities are doing in their various communities.

The Minister maintained that as a Government they are very committed towards addressing issues of people living with disabilities, especially women and girls, as they are more vulnerable in terms of neglect and abuse.

She noted that her ministry is currently reviewing the Persons with Disability Acts, which she said is already at the validation point, adding that they will ensure that after the new disability Acts, they will take a bill to cabinet in order to mainstream gender issues across the country.

Baindu Dassama encouraged recipients to keep on the good work they have been doing in their various communities towards the development of the nation, stating that the award should serve as a motivation to them in order to continue their work in their different communities.

Deputy Public Relations Officer 50/50 Group, Marian Pleasant Kargbo, on behalf of the 50/50 Group, congratulated the awardees and that 50/50 is geared towards advocating and campaigning for an increased political participation and equal representation of women in decision making processes and initiatives at all levels in the country.

She noted that society has not been treating its citizens equally, and wondered how people living with disability, especially women, who most times are at the disadvantage end of society, feel.

On behalf of her organization, Marian Pleasant Kargbo used the opportunity to encourage women living with disabilities to continue standing in their little way, and also informed them to advocate to their colleagues in order to see themselves as very important people in society who can contribute to nation building.

Financial Secretary of All Political Parties Women Association, Kaday Johnson, commended the One Family People for awarding women living with disabilities, describing the recognition of the role played by these women towards nation building as important and worthy of praise.

She added that this also shows that there is ability in disability, adding that women have not been giving the equal opportunity to participate in politics, decision making etc. due to the very fact that they are discriminated against by society and get little access to resources, or opportunities, and women with disabilities are no exceptions.

Representative from the National Commission for Persons with Disability, disclosed that the Commission is a specialized Government Agency established by the Persons with Disability Acts 2011 in order to enhance the wellbeing of persons with disabilities and the fight against discrimination, and for the polarization of opportunities for persons with disabilities amongst its core functions.

He stated that the commission is aware of the challenges persons living with disabilities undergo on a daily basis, but even more so, they are aware that women with disabilities are even finding it more challenging.

He said that under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, through the dynamic Minister of Social Welfare, Baindu Dassama, the Commission is very serious in addressing issues of disabilities, and the award ceremony is a bid to complement the efforts of Government in creating an enabling environment for women with disabilities.

One of the beneficiaries, Melrose Kargbo, expressed appreciation to One Family People and partners for the award, describing it as an indication that their role towards nation building is being recognized by people. She noted that she has been taking care of abandon children living with disabilities for the past 40 years and that her orphanage is currently hosting over 30 children.

She called on the Government and other humanitarian organization to support her in her endeavor to give a better life to abandon children living with disabilities.

Over 500 Muslims Benefit from Orange Jammah Sunakati at Waterloo

Edward Vamboi

On Thursday 29 April 2021, Orange SL, one of the leading mobile operators in the country, mobilized its female staff and joined community women in Waterloo to cook delicious Sunakati  meals for hundreds of worshippers at Waterloo Refugee Camp.

For the second week in a row, Orange has provided food for over 500 Muslim worshippers as Sunakati.

The Orange Jammah Sunakati initiative is the first of its kind by any mobile company, and started last week at Dwarzack. Orange says this is their way of giving back to communities across the country during this month of Ramadan.

Thursday saw hundreds of worshippers, men, women, young and old gather at Waterloo Refugee Camp after evening prayers and sit side by side to eat, marking the end of the fasting day.

Head of Communication and Branding at Orange SL, Mr. Kallon, said during the program that the company is happy to give back to not just Muslims, but to Sierra Leoneans generally.

“As you know, every Ramadan we try to give back to communities. This is what we do, we want to give back to Muslims during this month and every Sierra Leonean” Kallon said.

One of the community leaders and a sheikh, said he was grateful for Orange’s support to the community, stressing that the support was crucial for their community at a time like this.

“We are happy that they chose our community for this. At a time like this, we need a lot of support and so we are grateful to Orange for providing this (food) for us,” he said.

Jamma Sunakati is not the only initiative by Orange during this Ramadan. The company has set aside Le510 million to be given away in food items.

Everyday ten customers get Le750,000 and Saturday draws will also see customers win as high as Le50million.

Chinese Embassy Holds Symposium on 50 Years of China-Sierra Leone Cooperation

By Amin Kef Sesay

On April 30, 2021, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone hosted a symposium on Xi Jinping’s thoughts on Diplomacy and the 50 Years of China-Sierra Leone Cooperation at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown.

Present at the event were: Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Abass Bundu, H.E. Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, Chairman of Parliament Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Leader of NGC, Hon. Kandeh Yumkella and Hon. Members of Parliament, Deputy Director General of MFAIC, President of SLAJ, Ahamed Nasralla and other SLAJ staff as well as members from the fourth estate.

In his keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, thanked the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists for co-hosting this symposium with the Chinese Embassy, maintaining that he is of the strong belief that the symposium will help us further deepen the mutual understanding and strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation.

He stated that three days ago, the Republic of Sierra Leone celebrated its 60th Anniversary of independence, and he would like to extend warm congratulations and best wishes to all his Sierra Leonean friends with greater successes in the future, based on what they have already achieved.

Underscoring the main contents, historic significance and practical outcomes of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Ambassador Hu Zhangliang maintained that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation from standing up and growing rich to becoming strong, adding that with the foresight of a great strategic thinker and a keen appreciation of the laws of human society, H.E. President Xi Jinping put forward a series of new ideas, new propositions and new initiatives with distinctive Chinese features, which reflect the call of our times and lead the trend of human progress. President Xi has also given clear answers to a series of key questions in theory and practice, namely, what kind of world and what type of international relations China should promote, what kind of foreign policy best serves China and how China is to conduct diplomacy in the new era. Xi Jinping Thoughts on Diplomacy has thus been formed and established.

The Ambassador added that in recent years, China’s diplomacy, guided by Xi Jinping’s Thoughts on Diplomacy, and aimed at building a community with a shared future for mankind, has exerted immense efforts and made new progress in peaceful development and win-win cooperation. China has actively carried out the “Belt and Road” initiative and advocated the necessary reform of the global governance system. He also reviewed the rich results of China-Sierra Leone Cooperation in the past 50 years.

He noted that the cordial relations between China and Sierra Leone are a result of the joint efforts of generation after generation and all circles of life of the two countries, including all have contributed to the development of this relationship in different ways.

“In August 2018, H.E. President Xi Jinping held official talks with H.E. President Julius Maada Bio in Beijing. The two heads of state reached extensive consensus on consolidating our friendship and mutual trust as well as expanding practical cooperation. Standing at the new historical starting point and guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China will continue to work with Sierra Leone to further enrich our bilateral relations so as to bring greater benefits to our two countries and two peoples” Ambassador Hu Zhangliang concluded.

Hon. Dr. Abass Bundu, as guest speaker, delivered a wonderful opening speech. The Hon. Speaker and other dignitaries spoke highly of China’s diplomacy under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and China’s great achievements under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC). He praised the good ties between China and Sierra Leone in the past 50 years, envisaging and wishing that Sierra Leone and China would further expand exchange, deepen cooperation and strengthen friendship in the next 50 and more years so as to promote common development.

This year marks the 50thanniversary of China-Sierra Leone diplomatic relations, as well as the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The symposium is one of the series of activities commemorating the anniversaries.

President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, said that he has followed the evolution of China, albeit from a distance, but what has struck him most is their deep thinking, the original ideology, and the concentration on what is good for China, and he is looking forward to learn a few things about the vision of President Xi Jinping, with the hope that somehow he can pick a few lessons from, which he can use to further help in the transformation of SLAJ into a more productive Association just like China is almost topping the world now.

He noted that just a few years ago China was a third-world country, but even though 60 years ago Sierra Leone was influential enough to recommend China for a seat at the United Nations and that China is amongst the first three nations in the world while Sierra Leone continues to struggle, adding that in terms of the relationship between China and Sierra Leone, this should be a period of reflection to see how in the next 60 years the country can be at par with China.

Ahmed Sahid Nasralla added that this is why this symposium is important because they at SLAJ are looking forward to hearing the history, and learning about the strategy that China has used, adding that SLAJ is very pleased and honoured to partner with the Chinese Embassy and the Parliament of Sierra Leone to organize this symposium on ‘President Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and 50 Years of China-Sierra Leone Cooperation’.

He pointed out that as China and Sierra Leone celebrate 50 years of friendship this year 2021, SLAJ is also celebrating 50 years of existence as a professional umbrella body for the media in Sierra Leone, dedicated to promoting and protecting free speech and freedom of the media, and the event is part of our Golden Jubilee activities.

On behalf of the national and regional Executives, and the entire membership of SLAJ, the President used the opportunity to congratulate the China-Sierra Leone Cooperation, furthering that SLAJ believes that any bilateral tie between China and Sierra Leone must have a component for media development; more than ever before, the country needs independent and professional media to hold this nation together.

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