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Idris Elba Partners With FCC & GOAL-SL Against Covid-19 Threat in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

Freetown City Council (FCC) and international humanitarian aid agency, GOAL, have joined together to launch a campaign to reach millions of vulnerable people in Sierra Leone with vital Covid-19 prevention messaging.

The campaign will see the launch of five two-minute information videos, the first to be aired on four Sierra Leonean television channels starting Friday December 4. The videos will also be circulated on social media platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp and YouTube, whilst audio episodes of the series will be broadcast on local radio stations.

Produced with the support of Idris Elba and his London-based production company, Green Door Pictures, working with Sierra Leone production company Eminence Africa, this unique collaboration is harnessing drama, technology, and emergency response experience to reach every single home in Sierra Leone. The video and audio episodes contain key messages and actions for Covid-19 prevention and control, including the importance of social distancing, good hygiene and wearing of face masks.

Backyard Media – Interesting Shit

Elba’s team worked closely with Freetown City Council and international humanitarian aid agency, GOAL, on the series which are a mix of animation and film. Sierra Leonean actors were used and a local production company, Eminence Africa, filmed on site in Freetown.

The videos include two animation characters Bola (representing the Ebola virus which hit Sierra Leone in 2014) and Rona (representing the Coronavirus). Bola is encouraging Rona to be the “better” virus, stressing how the Coronavirus has potential to be far more devastating than the Ebola outbreak, which killed over 1,500 people.

The campaign is supporting the “Transform Freetown Agenda” being driven by the Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, and will complement the FCC Covid-19 response plan.  The video story lines are drawn from all walks of life including homes, offices, communities, and street corners.

As of November 25 there were 2,406 confirmed Covid-19 cases reported in 16 districts in Sierra Leone, with 74 deaths. Freetown and its hinterland continue to be the epicentres for the outbreak in Sierra Leone.

In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Government of Sierra Leone introduced a number of measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the country, including a ban on mass gatherings, (now partially lifted), promotion of social distancing and mandatory wearing of face masks in public.

GOAL, an international humanitarian relief and development agency, has been working in Sierra Leone since 1999. GOAL is a trusted key health partner in Sierra Leone and has been working with national government on Covid-19 preparedness and response activities across eight districts, including Western Area Urban, Kenema, Moyamba, Koinadugu, Falaba, Bombali, Kerene and Kambia districts. GOAL’s partners in Freetown include FCDO, the UK Government’s international aid agency. To date, it has reached 3,950,294 people through the media and 205,584 with Covid-19 awareness from direct contact messaging.

GOAL has first-hand experience in infectious disease control in Sierra Leone, having played a central role in the 2014 Ebola response in developing the Community Led Action (CLA) approach to tackling the spread of the disease. This approach is being adopted by Ministry of Health & Sanitation in Sierra Leone, as a social mobilization approach to tackling the spread of Covid-19.

Idris Elba said today: “I am delighted to be part of this transformative and urgently needed partnership and campaign that seeks to protect the most vulnerable people using the power of drama, technology and humanitarian experience. Sierra Leone is very close to my heart, as it is the country where my father was born and grew up. One of my proudest moments was when I received citizenship of Sierra Leone last December, and it was the perfect opportunity for me to make my first visit to the country.”

“I feel invested in Sierra Leone and want to be part of the efforts for its rejuvenation and rebranding. I have made a commitment to give back in any way I can, and the campaign with GOAL and Freetown City Council is one positive way in which I can support and help make a difference. “

The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, said: “This is a unique collaboration between Freetown City Council, GOAL and Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures to help protect communities from the threat of COVID-19.

“The episodes are tailored to educate all Freetonians to be committed to improve Freetown. The city deserves better and we all need to embrace our flaws, ignite our passion and build on our strength to make our city great.”

She added; “There are many issues affecting Freetown and certain practices and behaviors have developed that are damaging our city. Some people are ignorant of the law, others choose to take chances.  I am passionate about building a coalition of Freetonians who together will take ownership to transform our city. I had the pleasure of meeting Idris Elba and his wife last December and I know he is also passionate about Sierra Leone where his father grew up. We are proud to be working with him and with GOAL on this campaign.”

GOAL Sierra Leone Country Director, Gashaw MeKonnen, said: “We are honored that Idris Elba and his team have collaborated with Freetown City Council and GOAL in the fight against Covid-19 in Sierra Leone. The impact of this unique partnership is transformative. We thank Idris Elba for his generosity, passion and commitment to this life-saving campaign. Our goal is to reach every single household and our hope is that the campaign will help educate people and inform behaviour changes that will save lives.”

Prof. Alpha Wurie Launches 3 NCDs Documents

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie

By Ibrahim Sorie Koroma

Minister of Health and Sanitation, Hon. Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie, on Thursday 26th November, 2020, launched the Non-communicable Diseases Strategic Plan, NCDs National Policy and the Sierra Leone Non-communicable Diseases, Injuries and Poverty Commission (NCDI) Findings and Recommendations. The launch took place at the Hill Valley Hotel, West of Freetown.

Prof. Wurie, while making his keynote address, said that the launch of the 3 NCD documents is a step in the right direction, adding that for far too long the health system has been focusing on communicable diseases to salivate suffering, morbidity and deaths, while paying less attention to issues around Non-communicable diseases.

The Minister was optimistic that these three documents will help to attract some attention on the area of NCDs, especially on screening and providing the enabling environment in addressing NCD issues.

“We are here today to launch 3 documents all in an effort to address issues around NCDs and Injuries, but the enabling environment for screening and management of NCDs is not readily available in most of our health facilities”. This, the Minister noted, can be addressed by all stakeholders/partners.

The Hon. Minister said that NCDs could be associated to physical body issues, genetic, environment, urbanization, excessive alcohol intake and poverty, to name but a few
Prof. Wurie reiterated the need for robust health promotion and awareness raising on NCDs, thereby promoting the risks/dangers of NCDs to the public.

He continued that NCDs are preventable, and information and communication for changing behaviors are key in disease prevention. He also urged for attention to be given on Mental Health, as the country had experienced civil unrest, Ebola, Mudslide and now COVID-19, and with that we all can now relate to the devastating mental issues in the country.

He further called for huge investment on NCDs, which, he noted, may not come from Government alone, but NGOs, UN Agencies and public private partnership.

The Minister thanked partners like WHO, Partners in Health (PIH) and World Bank for their support on NCDs, as there are very few partners who venture in that area.

While presenting the Findings and Recommendations of the NCDI Commission Report, the Director at the Directorate of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Santigie Sesay, said the key objectives of the Sierra Leone NCDI Commission was to serve as a Multi-sector Steering Committee for the MoHS, NCDS and Mental Health Directorate and to provide Strategic Planning and Policy guidance on NCDs issues and Injuries, adding that a sizable number of the country’s population is associated to either 1or 2 conditions of NCDs.

He thanked partners for their support and called for more support and collaboration, especially from the Public-Private Sector.

The World Health Organization Country Representative (WR), Dr. Shon, committed their continued support on NCDs, especially in strengthening the health system to actualize Universal Health Coverage. He advocated for more investment, where the health system cannot only provide services on communicable diseases, but also Non-communicable.

Parliament Completes Deliberations On Peace Commission Bill

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Thursday 26th November, 2020, the Legislative Committee of the Sierra Leone Parliament ended hearing on the Bill for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Act, 2020, which was presented before the house by the Honourable Chief Minister, Professor David John Francis, on the 12th and 17th of November, 2020, for the first and second readings respectively at the Parliamentary committee room 1, Tower Hill, Freetown.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the legislative committee Hon. Adbul S Marray Conteh, welcomed members present in the room. He said the purpose of the gathering was for the committee to critically look at the Bill for omission, inputs and adoption. He thanked the development partners, civil societies and other peace regulatory institutions that were present at the hearing.

The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew S Nyuma, said they were careful about the Bill, because of its uniqueness and relevance to the peace of the nation. He asked for an inclusive participation from every member in the committee room.

The leader of the Opposition All People’s Congress, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah, thanked the Chief Minister for being professional and very dedicated in moving the Bill for Parliamentary approval. He said he was impressed with the patience and professionalism demonstrated by the Chief Minister.

The Hon. Chief Minister thanked the Members of Parliament and development partners for witnessing the legislative committee hearing of the Bill. He said the Bill, when approved and passed into law, will be a legacy for the Parliamentary membership. Highlighting the relevance of the Commission, Professor Francis said the Bill will be the first permanent infrastructure for peace and development in Sierra Leone; and will Build institutions, prevent violence and conflicts, promote restorative justice and create room for dialogue. Professor Francis said the Commission will have the powers of the high court, but will only be limited to investigations. He stated that the purpose of the establishment of the Commission was about the future of Sierra Leone in terms of Permanent Peace and Development.

Celebrating 120th Anniversary… Dr. Adonis Abboud Champions Fund Raising For Harford School

By Amin Kef Sesay

On The 27th Of November 2020, Guest Speaker and Champion of the fund raising ceremony for the Rehabilitation of the Harford School For Girls, Dr. Adonis Abboud, a philanthropist and humanitarianist, urged members of the Old Girls Association of the Harford School for Girls in Moyamba to donate to the fund for the rehabilitation of the school, and provide the enabling and conducive environment that had led to the school producing eminent personalities and leading a glory unmatched in female academic achievement in the country’s history.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Abboud said that there is joy and satisfaction in giving. “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving. You give little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

In the case of schools, it is not all about shaking the charity cans or raising money for good causes, it is also about the joy that envelopes the lives and faces of the beneficiaries, as the students become more inclusive and a buzz is created around the school.”

Dr. Adonis Abboud reminded the audience of what COVID-19 has taught humanity that new ways of should be found to do things, especially in raising funds, in the absence of luncheon sales and school dinner and dance, which he described as “all priceless acts of charity.” These activities, he furthered could not be embarked on during COVID-19,. But with resilience, people should be able to contribute in their own little way to help others. He admonished the audience to nurture those charitable and voluntary acts which “transcend the differences between us and which motivates us to put self-interest aside and which are explicitly, beyond politics.”

He noted that 2020 has been an unpredictable hot mess for charitable organizations and even non-governmental organizations that depend on generosity, goodwill and fund raising. He commended the intervention of the old girls association of the school, which “jump-started the school’s performance, increased the academic output of the girls and complemented the government’s determined effort to restore and revive the well-documented level of Sierra Leone’s famed education system.”

Dr. Abboud recalled the humble beginning of the school in August 1900, with eight girls housed in a hut, stressing that today the school has produced excellent eminent personalities in society and across the globe, and expressed optimism that the school’s glory will return and even greater exploits will be achieved.

“I’m sure that with your help and the concerted effort of the executive members of the old girls association, the glory of the latter days of the Harford School for girls, will indeed be greater than its former.”

He expressed delight over the anticipated beauty of a renovated school and the facilities that will be made available through the success of this event. He called on people and organizations to appreciate the tremendous work of those who have called-out for help, in the pursuit of a dream that they are not direct beneficiaries.

Dr. Abboud noted that Harford prides itself not only on academic success, but also on creating school ethos that encourages all students. This, he furthered, is best achieved in an enabling environment that is conducive, and which is the driving house behind the work of the old girls association. He commended the Old Girls Association and the school authorities for their tireless efforts to transform the school. He called on all to help the school achieve its goal by making generous donations to the fund.

Launching the fund, Dr. Adonis Abboud donated, what he called the widow’s mite of Le1billion (One Billion Leones).

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am asking for your Leones, pounds, dollars, euros and any currency in fact, to see these ideas of the Harford old girls association and future programmes, come through to fruition. Every little helps. With that, I hereby sound the gong for this launching, with my widow’s mite of ONE BILLION LEONES and challenge you all to beat it, if you can. Thank you.”

Umaru Fofanah, BBC Stringer, who was also present had this to say:

Today my wife and I are in Moyamba Town – the home of Sub-Saharan Africa’s first female cabinet minister. It’s my first time here in a very long time. I’m honored to have been invited by the Harford Old Girls’ Association to motivate the future leaders and to help them raise Le 1.2 Billion to rehabilitate their dormitories, which are in a bad shape. It is 120 years since the school was founded as Sierra Leone’s first outside the capital.”

He also gave a brief history of his own life and how education and determination had brought him thus far, admonishing students to put more effort in their work and engage in research on google than spending time on WhatsApp or Facebook. He called on parents to invest in the education of their kids, especially the girl child, as well as coming to the aid of the school to help them get things like  water tanks to improve on sanitation and beds and solar energy.

With 500,000 Targeted Beneficiaries… President Bio Commissions Rehabilitation and Expansion Of Bo-Kenema Electricity Network

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday 27th November 2020, His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio launched the Bo-Kenema Network Rehabilitation and Expansion Project in Kenema City, Eastern Province, and emphasized the importance of energy supply to national development.

He thanked donors and partners like the British Department for International Development, African Development Bank among key partners who supported the project. He spoke of his government’s plans to build robust energy infrastructure, train citizens to ensure a smooth knowledge transfer regime and deliver on the new energy projects.

The President also stated that upon the completion of the different energy supply project components and deliverables, he was hopeful that in the not too distant future, electricity supply would be steady in the southern city of Bo, Kenema in the east and towns like Gerihun, Baoma, Yamandu, Tinkoko and Jembe in those parts of the country.

”My government recognizes the impact of energy insecurity on quality of life, public service delivery and business development. Access to energy is good for learning and education. With electricity, students can use a wide array of ICT facilities to access information, communicate and learn new skills and technology,” he said.

President Bio also noted that access to reliable energy supply could support the establishment and enhancement of huge financial and communication facilities, adding that his government had insisted on providing reliable energy access to Sierra Leoneans, because it was critical to development.

Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, said that after two years the government was in a better position to adequately assess and reflect on progress in the energy sector.

He said the project was very important, because it would improve on the already existing and potential energy generation and distribution efforts of his ministry, adding that donors had already pulled out of the project, which started in 2017, before his intervention to build confidence in the process of delivering the project.

President at Alpha TND Limited and contractors of the project, Avinash Dadhich, disclosed that the project was going to directly benefit households, small businesses and manufacturing units located in the towns of Bo, Kenema and Blama, adding that more than 500,000 persons in general, would benefit from a better power supply in one way or another.

“The project seeks to enhance the reliability of power supply for existing consumers by adding 4 new Substations including 2 x 66 kV Substations and provide 37,000 additional connections to the grid. The final development goal of the project is to ensure reliable power supply and access through a complete rehabilitation, improvement and extension of the distribution network, enabling newly established communities, who do not have access to electricity, to be connected to the grid,” he said.

Orange Money SL Launches Oversea Money

By Mary Kabay

At a ceremony held at their Hill Station head office on 27th November, 2020, one of Sierra Leone’s leading mobile operator, Orange–SL, through its Orange Money Department, officially launched its latest product, dubbed ‘Oversea Money’. The occasion was graced by CEO of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, the CEO of BNB international, Alpha Barrie and the CEO Orange Money, David Mansaray.

The Oversea money service offers all valid orange money customers to opportunity to receive money from friends and families from the Diaspora to their orange money wallet, which can be easily accessed through an SMS alert on their orange money line.

Speaking during the launching ceremony, David Mansaray, CEO of Orange Money Sierra Leone, appreciated their international partner and his team for their relentless support towards the reality of this service, maintaining that Orange Money Sierra Leone continues to break new ground in Digital Financial Inclusion. “Today we launched “Oversea Money”, in partnership with Western Union and BnB. Diasporas can now send money directly to the mobile phone wallet of their friends and relatives in Sierra Leone via Western Union, BnB and other Money Transfer Operators”.

This service, he went on, will eliminate the discomfort and associated travelling costs incurred by their esteemed customers to obtain funds received from overseas.  It is, in his words, the “Key solution for customers to avoid queues at various touch points and the impact of middlemen (relatives and friends) have been addressed.”

Mansaray explained that inbound remittances are expected to increase, especially during this festive season and will provide flows to support exchange stability in Sierra Leone. It will also enable policy makers to have a better perspective of significant portion of international remittance that goes through the informal channels, guiding their decision making process with enhanced data.

David Mansaray maintained that Orange Money is fully committed to making  a difference in the lives its valued customers  and shape the future of Sierra Leone. He extended special thanks to Mr. Alpha Barrie, CEO of BNB, for the partnership and the provision of this valuable service to their customers, which, he furthered, will go a long way to reduce the stress of accessing remittances from friends and family members in the diaspora at a much faster rate and in record time.

The service includes remittances through the following partners: WESTERN UNION,BNB, Small World, OmnexGroup, Yahwii and Shaka Express. He furthered that more will be disclosed as the service hits its mark, thus customers will now receive money at their comfort zone and at ease.

Dilating on the importance of this service to its valued customers, Mr. David  Mansaray said that customers will be able to access money sent from oversea into their wallet, and can carry out their normal daily transactions using their orange money line. This service also broadens the economic landscape in the digital revolution, adding that after the introduction of the Larjor money, now it is the oversea money.

Mr. Alpha Barrie, Chief Executive Officer of the BNB in his statement, elaborating on how his company operates, he said that he is proud to say that they are technologically inclined. He furthered that if issues arise, they are ready to fix it, advising that the customer will first download the BNB app and all their problems will be resolved without stress or fear of losing their money.

Finally, the orange money technical team explained how this service works. “DI MONI DON LAND” is the first statement that is asked by many customers receiving money from overseas.

They also explained the meaning of Overseas Money, which is receiving money from overseas using your orange money wallet.

It was explained that for this service, the customer can receive up to Le15 million at the maximum and 50 thousand minimum, furthermore, no charge is applied in using this service, except when the customer wants to cash out from his/her wallet, where the normal fee for cashing out will apply. They disclosed that the customer will receive an SMS alert on his or her phone to confirm that transaction is done.

Explaining further about the service, it was disclosed that there is no verification process for the customer; all they need to do is send their correct information to the sender, which includes their names as it is registered on their orange line.

The BNB app will make it simple for the customer, if there is any mistake during transaction, but it is done only for those that they are sending and receiving money through the BNB company.

With the Oversea Money Service, customers in the country can only receive, but will not be able to send.

They called on their valued customers to take advantage of this service and inform their friends and families abroad to directly to their Orange Money wallet, as Orange Money now partners with Western Union, BnB etc. to bring you Oversea Money.

NP-SL Stamps Its Footprints On The Sands Of Time

By Amin Kef Sesay

National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), the country’s leading petroleum company has stamped its footprints on the annals of history as an institution to reckon with in the petroleum industry. As an indigenously owned company, it has demonstrated what a locally owned and well- managed company can do, as against others in the same sector. Its dominance in the petroleum landscape cannot be over-emphasised, as evidence of same can be seen everywhere in the country and in the sub-region.

This feat was only achieved through its proactive stance with regards the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products including petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which one of the best is the widely used Castrol oil.

NP-SL Ltd, over the years, has placed high premium on customer care, which it a pre-requisite for any progressive business, as the customer consideration comes first. This prudent administrative and economic acumen has earned the company top position in the minds of many Sierra Leoneans, who now prefer to patronise the company’s outlets across the country above those of other companies.

An integral part of the company winning national appreciation is the provision of quality and accurate measurements of its petroleum products to buyers, through the use of its modern pumping devices stationed in all its stations across the country. Attendance to customers at such stations by the company’s staff, also forms part of the reasons why they are held in high esteem. Well dressed, soft spoken and polite pump attendants, as well as those in their respective mini-marts have further enthused customers and heighten the appreciation for their services, thereby earning it the enviable reputation of 1st for Customer Care. It is within that realm that the initial shareholders of the company, thirty-five (35) of them, thought it entrepreneurially prudent to import and install modern calibrated machines at all its Filling Stations.

These are automated and high precision machines which have the capability of pumping the exact quantity of fuel that a particular buyer or customer requests for, displaying quantity (in litres) as well as the price(s). With these machines, contrary to what used to obtain in the past when less sophisticated pumping machines were used, customers have sincerely attested that they do derive utmost satisfaction whenever they do transactions expressing the belief that the process is really transparent.

Within that same domain of satisfying and providing care for its customers, the company made it a must that all its Filling Stations should have safety regulations. That is why it cautions its customers and others that they should not use naked flame, that mobile phones should be switched off, engines must also be switched off at Filling Stations when fuel is pumped among others.

In order to ensure that fuel is distributed timely to all its Filling Stations in the country, the company has maintained a fleet of tankers (vehicles that transport fuel) and they are regularly maintenance in order to ensure that they are roadworthy.

The company has also sustained an open door policy in the sense that it encourages customers to express their concerns as well as recommendations which the Management takes into consideration whenever major decisions are taken, geared towards the development of the company. It has been ascertained that whenever customers have the feeling that their inputs are well respected such does not only bring them closer but also gives them the satisfaction that they are indeed relevant and highly regarded. This is exactly what NP-SL Ltd does and that has been paying good dividends. As far as the Shareholders and Management are concerned their customers do matter.

With the avowed objective of making fuel transactions easier and very convenient for its esteemed and numerous customers, the company again introduced the brilliant idea of introducing the use of NP Smart Card. This is a cashless way of transacting business or in other words purchasing fuel without using physical cash. The holder of an NP Smart Card could present the card at any Filling Station, as long as it contains money, and request for the quantity of fuel he or she requires.

The card is then slotted into the pumping machine with the subsequent discharge of the amount of fuel into a car or jerry can. This method of conducting cashless transaction is very advantageous in the sense that a customer is saved the hassle of intermittently rushing to the bank to withdraw cash for the sole purpose of purchasing fuel. This is so because already his or her NP Smart Card is loaded with money for that purpose. Indeed, it also provides security as the card is securitized only having the particulars of the holder which cannot be used by another person.

Human beings cannot exist in the absence of food as it is a basic necessity of life. Food is prepared in various ways but one popular way of doing so is by cooking. In this part of the world, most households are dependent on largely using wood and charcoal for cooking purposes. However, the cutting down of trees to be used as wood and charcoal have been frowned upon by environmentalists on the grounds that such is contributing negatively  to the depletion of the environment and pose other adverse consequences on the ecosystem.

Against this backdrop, the Shareholders and Management of the company thought it fit that to assuage that they must introduce a safer way of cooking. It was out of this idea that the initiative of introducing an environmentally cooking device arose and NP Gas was borne. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes, NP Gas has a high precision performance and to refill it is simple as the gas could be accessed at all the company’s Filling Stations in the country. Many whom have tried them intimated this medium that it is worth having at home and one could never regret having it but would rather recommend it to others.

NP-SL Ltd has etched its name in the sands of time for embracing and effectively rolling out the country’s Local Content Policy. As one of its major priorities, the company has placed high premium on giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. It is only on rare circumstances that the company make use of expatriates and in most cases it is when local personnel cannot be sourced.

In a country where accessing a secured and suitable job is like finding a needle on the beach for a company like NP-SL Ltd to avail Sierra Leoneans the opportunity to access job is indeed commendable. This posture, on the part of the company, has given the beneficiaries the opportunity to live improved lifestyles and have a sense of believing that they are contributing to national development.

A company that has vibrant branches in neighbouring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia speaks volumes of a serious company that is determined to grow. In all those countries, the company employs indigenes and is paying taxes to the Governments which in turn are used to fund various development programmes.

From what have been said so far, NP-SL Ltd is a company that is making Sierra Leoneans proud and is an epitome of selflessness with a strong passion to further climb higher heights. Indeed, the company is a truly a success story!

2 Nigerian Big Brother Participants Join Salone Housemates Eviction Party

By Amin Kef Sesay 

In a rare and surprised appearance, never witnessed in Sierra Leone’s Reality TV Shows, two (2) former Nigerian Housemates in the just concluded Realty TV Big Brother Show, Erica and Kiddwaya, on Sunday 29th November 2020, joined evicted housemates of the Housemates Salone show Season 2, in an eviction Party at the New AYV Media Empire Complex on Tower Hill in Freetown.

This action by the organizers has been welcomed by the viewing public as a new incentive geared towards encouraging those evicted to have hope that their participation in the show will pave the way for better things ahead for them. It will further provide fans of the housemates to interact with them during the party and get a feel of what celebrity means.

According to the organizers of the Reality TV Show, the Sunday party comes in the wake of the introduction of a new promotion that the organizers packaged to avail viewers the opportunity to win different prizes by predicting the evictees on a weekly basis. To win prizes one should: Dial: *5500# and choose Option 3 to enter the draw and win Le5,000,000 by predicting two right names and Le1,000,000 by predicting one right name.

From what ,so far , have been gathered  from the different fan zones, there are ongoing behind the scenes campaigns geared towards convincing the wider citizenry to cast their valued votes for Housemates considered to be their favourites . Theirs is not only limited to mounting campaigns but also raising funds in order to credit their mobile phones so that they can vote as many times as it is within their ambit.

It is the number of votes that the Housemates bag from members of the public which the judges will partly consider in arriving at any decision that will define or determine their fates, that is continued stay in the House or face eviction.

All the Housemates have their unique numbers which members of the public should use to vote by sending them via SMS to: 5500 or Dial *5500#.

For International voting an individual can call: +23299005500.

Members of the public should know that their votes do matter and as a result they must step up the pace at which they are voting for their favourite Housemates, The responsibility of popularizing the unique numbers of the Housemates with the objective of obtaining public votes squarely lie on the shoulders of the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”.

What is up for grabs, as put forward by the organizers of this Reality TV Show, is the mouth-watering sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) plus undertaking a round trip to Dubai.

The Reality TV Show is designed in such a way that for every day any of the Housemates stays in the House, he or she becomes automatically eligible to earn One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000).

By all estimation and regardless of any contrary view that has been expressed, which is naturally inevitable, the crystal fact remains that the ongoing Housemates Salone 2020 TV Reality Competition will go down the annals of this country’s entertainment industry as one of the biggest events that have been successfully staged in this country.
The competition is indeed truly thrilling and somehow funny, generating discussions in different quarters not particularly about how it is organized or is being rolled out but rather bordering on the performances and characters of the various Housemates presently in the House.
If some of the Housemates appear sexy by the kind of dresses they wear then that must not come as any big surprise simply because they are expected to display nudity. Again, if sometimes they talk harshly then it is because they are to intermittently use strong language and acting funnily is as a result of the expectation of being humorous. In a bid to manifest these elements that is what is really making the Reality TV Show that is shown on AYV Television Channel 34, very interesting to watch providing some form of relief for viewers and serving as a therapy to reduce stresses.

The remaining Housemates, save those who have been evicted,  are  currently interacting, learning new skills, taken through certain tutorials, learning how to solve conflicts, courting relationships, playing games and doing a host of other things.

Housemates Salone Season 2 is huge, historic which is why you should not miss the interesting episodes as they are truly entertaining, informative and educative.

Victims of Land Grabbing at Rokel Community Call For Govt. Intervention

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The rate of land grabbing has become alarming in the country to an extent that if measures are not put in place violence will continue to be the order of the day.

This ugly scene prompted residents of Lower Sima Town in Rokel Village to call on the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to intervene in order to save lives.

Patrick Massiquoi representing Mamud Barrie is one of the victims. He alleged that the fight to grab his friend’s one-acre land started about 5 years ago with one Kadia Conteh and Abu Bakarr on the frontline.

Massaquoi displayed document for the said land which he said are the correct ones alleging that Abu is claiming that Kadia gave him the land.

Mamud Barrie’s caretaker was reported harassed and his property was evicted under rain.

Massiquoi explained that the investigation which was done by the Police through the Ministry of Lands that gave them the go-ahead to do their fencing

Massaquoi alleged Kadia Conteh and Abu Bakarr are claiming to own 83 acres of lands which is the entire Lower Sima Town.

He spoke about the constant stress they are facing, most of the doors were sealed, some were broken and properties destroyed.

The determination of Massaquoi and most of the other community land owners is very strong.

“We will not leave this place like that. The fight against corruption is what the Government is talking about. We want the Government to step in and for them to show their documentation. We will not negotiate until we know the rightful owner.”

Alusine Cole, Co beneficiary of the 7acre estate of the late Pa Basha Koroma explained the matter between the Conteh and Kargbo families and how ruling had gone in favor of the Conteh family.

He said the alleged grabbers are conniving with the LUC of Waterloo Police, Musa Baudabia, Amza, Heavy Dee and Bigger.

Mhomade Jalloh said the harassment started in August when students were taking public exams. He alleged that the perpetrators are using their Lawyer JK Lansana who is believed to be a strong supporter of the ruling party.

The community is asking for presentation of documents and for the Government to conduct survey of the lands as a means of saving lives.

NaCOVERC Appeals to Respect COVID-19 Regulations

By Esther Wright

The Sierra Leone National Coronavirus Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC) has engaged show promoters on enhanced COVID-19 enhanced regulations. This came after a huge crowd was spotted along Aberdeen Road down to Lumley beach that was engaged in massive publicity.

“The corona virus is still with us and there is every need for citizens to continue wearing their facemasks as part of regulations to defeat the virus,” says Group Captain, Hassan Sei Coomber, Operation Pillar Lead at NaCOVERC.

Colonel Coomber was speaking to the leaders of show promoters who are now busy holding huge rallies within the city as the festive season approaches.

He called on people to adhere to enhance regulations put forward recently to which the use of facemasks is compulsory.

Colonel Coomber told the crowd of young people who were out on street to advertise their show that corona virus is still in Sierra Leone and across the world.

“The only way we could defeat this virus is by wearing facemasks, maintain social distancing and the washing of hands regularly.

“We cannot defeat the virus if we continue to flout the laws. That is the more reason why we continue to enforce these regulations, he said.

The Group Captain noted that the regulations put in place by NaCOVERC are still in force and that any body found wanting will face the law.

This, he said, is not good for the fight and the more reason for the revised strategies lately.

“We’ve receive complaints from the business community and ordinary Sierra Leoneans about harassment from security forces. We have met with the business community to understand from them what the problem is and how we could all work together in fighting the disease,” he said.

Colonel Coomber said defaulters will be dealt with but however noted that they do not take pleasure in putting stop to entertainment activities but with blatant flouting of the regulations will leave NACOVERC with no alternative but to put a stop to it.

“What we want is a peaceful adherence to the regulations so that all of us will work together in order for us to defeat the disease. Let us continue putting on our facemasks, wash our hands and do what the health experts are telling us.

“We all know this is a difficult period but we must bear with it. What we are doing is to safeguard our lives and the lives of every other citizen,” he said.

The Operations Pillar Lead encouraged show promoters to also help in the fight by limiting people during advertisements and shows.

“We will also be engaging the entertainment spots across the country to understand from us during this festive season. We have engaged market places before now about these regulations, and same for the Inter-Religious Council on places of worship. If we all do what is right by adhering to rules and regulations governing the fight against the Coronavirus we will defeat this virus in no time,” he said.

Colonel Coomber concluded that Asian countries have been able to control the spread of the disease for the simple reason that they continue to adhere to regulation more so putting on facemasks.

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