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Parliament Debates Concession Agreement on Refurbishment of the Kissy Storage Tanks Project

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on the 17th November 2020 debated and approved a petroleum agreement geared towards the rehabilitation and refurbishment of the Kissy Storage Tanks Project.

The following agreement was approved by Parliament:
Concession Agreement Between the Government of Sierra Leone Represented by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Finance and All Petroleum Products SL for the Rehabilitation and Refurbishment of the Kissy Storage Tanks Project

Presenting the agreement for ratification, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy said the agreement is to ensure development on the infrastructure by rehabilitating the storage facilities of the Kissy petroleum project and to expand the facilities to contain seven hundred thousand metric tons for purposes of reserving petroleum products. He said it would boost revenue mobilization for the Government and create job opportunities for the people of Sierra Leone.

Contributing, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Trade Committee, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay said the trade agreement is timely and important for the development of the trade sector. She referred to “maintenance culture” as a major challenge in Sierra Leone. She called for proper monitoring and evaluation of the project so as to meet its intended purpose including job creation to enhance the livelihood of the people of Sierra Leone.

Submitting, Hon. Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella said Parliament should be involved in the initial scrutiny process of any agreement before the executive in order to ascertain the relevance of such agreements to the nation. He said the petroleum industry is the lifeline for the development of any nation and called for the agreement to be checked and properly monitored during implementation. Based on research, he said the company had no track record in petroleum business and decried the huge tax concessions in favour of the company. He said as NGC, they would not support the agreement considering the huge tax concessions in the project.

The Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Rogers said the company has invested a lot of money in the rehabilitation process and he is of the firm belief that the company has the capacity to deliver. He said it high time they stop using politics in development and acknowledged that there is no perfect agreement in the world, but underscored that the “Minister and the Government are perfect” by entering into this agreement for the development of the country.

Other MPs made salient contributions.

Rounding, Hon. Chernor R.M Bah, Leader of the Opposition said the agreement is very important and relevant for the development of the country. He shared the views expressed by the leader of NGC relating to huge tax waivers that have been given to the company. He called on Parliament to review any agreement at the initiation stage before the Executive can decide otherwise. He commended the Minister for the agreement and supported the rehabilitation of the petroleum project.

Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma advised MPs to avoid being subjective on debate on political grounds but rather to indulge in debate for the benefits of the people of Sierra Leone. He thanked MPs who contributed to the motion and added that the agreement would hugely benefit the Government and the people of Sierra Leone.

He also said that “petroleum products are political products and no Government will want see a shortage of fuel”. Allaying the fears of MPs with regards to the termination clause in the agreement, he said fuel shortages have the potential to halt the smooth functions of the State.

Also, following continued and protracted debate, the Parliament passed into law the Bill entitled: “The Finance Act, 2021” with some amendments to enable Government to collect revenue for its Le9.2 Trillion National Budget for 2021 themed: “Economic Recovery for Job Creation and Human Capital Development”.

The Bill is seeking to provide for the imposition and alteration of taxes with a view to give effect to the financial proposals of the Government and for other related financial matters for the year 2021.

Chief Minister Justifies Enactment of Peace Commission Bill

Chief Minister Professor David John Francis

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 17th November, 2020, Chief Minister Professor David John Francis for the second time presented the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion Bill to Parliament for second reading. The Bill which was unanimously committed to the Parliamentary Committee by Members of Parliament is said to promote Peace and Development for the people of Sierra Leone.

Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo in his presentation said even though his party, the All People’s Congress (APC) was not part of the Bintumani 3 peace talk they will not endeavor to undermine or miss the ratification of the Bill. He referred to it as a Serious Bill. He said the Commission will create room for political cohesion and that Sierra Leoneans are people of the same stock and same background. He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to support the Bill because to them it makes sense, and that, they will support the Chief Minister to the fullest in the passing of the said Bill.

Hon. Kandeh Yumkella of the National Ground Coalition (NGC) commended the Chief Minister for transforming the idea of Bintumani 3 into reality also stating that peace and development cannot work without respect for fundamental human rights. He emphasized on the need for ownership of the Commission by all political parties and asked for geographic and ethnic balance. He suggested the need for having an ethnic audit unit within the Commission.

The leader of the main opposition party in Parliament, Hon. Chernor Manju Bah said he believes in the leadership of the Peace expert who is the Chief Minister. He pointed out how he saw the reliability and validity of the Bill from the first day it was presented before the House by Professor David John Francis. “Chief Minister has brought before us one of the finest Bills that reflect the current need of our country,” he stated.

Professor David John Francis while addressing the issues raised by Members of Parliament thanked the Parliamentary leadership for demonstrating patriotism in discussing the Bill. He said the Government of President Bio will continue to promote political inclusiveness for the good of every Sierra Leonean. Professor Francis reassured Parliament of the independence and inclusiveness of the Commission.

Before Committing the Bill to the Committee, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Nyuma said, the Government of President Bio has demonstrated on several occasions that indeed Sierra Leone will be developed. He said the efforts made by the Government to transform the lives of the ordinary people must not be politicized. He called on members of the House to do due diligence and make decisions based on the interests of the nation and not their individual political parties.

Retailers Association Chairman Showers Praises on Mercury International MD

Ibrahim Bosto Kamara, Chairman of Mercury International Retailers Association

By Tejan Sinneh Kargbo (Intern) 

Ibrahim Bosto Kamara, who happens to be the  Chairman of Mercury International Retailers Association, has profusely showered praises on the Managing Director of Mercury International, Martin Michael, for not only his commitment but his invaluable contributions in rolling out fine initiatives that are impacting positively in expanding the operations of the company within the five geographical locations of the country.

Chairman Bosto Kamara made this statement during the distribution of the new TPM machine product (Black Box) to beneficiaries/retailers from across the country; a move which has been described as a positive one taken by the Management of the company.

According to Bosto Kamara, since its establishment in the country, the Company has changed the lives of many people including vulnerable youth, who were struggling with the issue of accessing gainful employment.

He said: “This new machine which is easy and comfortable to handle has many qualitative features and can provide payment to winners in record time.”

“This new Black Box distribution is a clear manifestation that the Managing Director is a considerate person that seeks the interest of all retailers and customers. As retailers, we have suffered so much from many gang attacks in some parts of the country but with the coming of this new product such will ease stress and fear in retailers,” he expressed optimism.

Bosto Kamara furthered that it is good that the Management continues to acknowledge the work of retailers who are directly inter facing with customers adding that 2020 has been a productive and progressive year for them as retailers.

The Retailer Association Chairman also called on his colleagues, the new retailers, and new customers to help boost the sales and usage of the new product.

NP-SL Huge Customer Base is Continually & Exponentially Increasing

By Amin Kef Sesay

One of the business entities that have remained undaunted and very committed in terms of the importation and marketing of high grade petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants one of which is the widely utilized Castrol oil is without doubt the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd).

It is on record that the company is highly competent in professionally conducting the transaction of these products, having huge customer base which is continually and exponentially increasing.

Individuals are first attracted by the company’s state of the art Filling Stations, perfectly built and painted in green and yellow colours, many of them spacious to accommodate large fleet of vehicles, having mini marts where basic items could be bought and in some instances, small sections to mend tires, there is much to satisfy customers’ needs. Besides, the pump attendants are always dressed in uniforms with the company’s official yellow and green colours, creating a serene atmosphere around these Filling Stations.

Now within the Filling Stations one can discover modern calibrated pumping machines which are automated and whenever fuel is discharged these machines display the prices and quantity in litres. These pumping machines are far more efficient than those that used to exist in the past as they are very much transparent, something which buyers cherish a lot. As a matter of fact, seeing what one is paying for brings extreme satisfaction especially when one has the feeling that one is getting back exactly what one is paying for.

When an individual is mindful of the fact that, he or she, is being cared for like how a mother cares for her child then the individual feels great. NP-SL Ltd is like a Mother to all its numerous customers in the country.  It is in that region that the company sees it as a matter of importance to always remind individuals about certain precautionary measures to be adhered to for safety purpose and these include not sparking any naked flame, to switch off phones at Filling Stations, to turn off vehicle engines whilst purchasing fuel among others. Fire extinguishers are always handy at these Filling Stations. Taking into cognizance the fact that the petroleum products that the company deals in, petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants, are highly inflammable then it is very much important that a caring company must always endeavor to enhance precautionary measures.

NP Gas is a cooker that has been proven to have a high precision performance. Manufactured in different cylinder sizes NP Gas has been rated to be environmentally friendly as it does not cause any gaseous negative effects on users. It can be easily refilled with gas that maybe be secured at any of the company’s Filling Station at reasonable prices and they have now become very trending as many people are going for it.

With NP Smart Card customers can purchase fuel with ease. Replacing chits, holders of NP Smart Card, including institutions and individuals can credit their cards with money. With unique codes, it gives the holders security. The card is presented at any NP Filling Station, with the holder stating the quantity that he or she wants to be pumped into a vehicle. This is shortly communicated to the pump attendants who will then pump the stipulated quantity of fuel. It has been attested by many that they find it quite convenient using the Smart card to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel.

NP-SL is commended for strictly implementing the laid down policy of giving preference to offering job opportunities to Sierra Leoneans instead of thinking of bringing in foreign expatriates. This policy is really in sync with the country’s Local Content Policy. The good thing about this policy is that it had and still continues to help in the area of poverty reduction. Lives have been improved as a result of the strict application of this policy.

When it comes to the execution of its Corporate Social Responsibility the company has been steadily rolling it out. The company was highly commended for joining the fight against COVID-19 by donating the sum of One Billion Leones to the National COVID-19 Response Centre in Freetown which was meant to be utilized by Government in its strides to subdue the new enemy in our midst.

NP-SL Ltd helped the National Fire Force (NFF), Kissy Branch, when early this year it facilitated the construction of a water facility from which water could be sourced to be used in extinguishing fire incidences within Greater Freetown. Considering the fact that water could be very difficult to access in the East End of Freetown the intervention of the company to salvage firefighters from the hassle of fetching water was widely commended. As a matter of fact it was not the first time that the company has come to the aid of the NFF.

The passion of the Shareholders of the company and its various Management teams to succeed and expand is truly evident in the opening of branches within the West African sub-region in countries like Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia. All these branches are vibrantly functioning and providing qualitative services to its numerous customers.

In all the countries where the company is operating it is paying huge taxes to the Governments. These taxes paid form part of the revenue bases of those countries and are used to finance certain development projects that are expected to positively impinge on the lives of the vast majority of the populace.

From the foregoing, it is very certain that NP-SL Ltd, based on the various services it is offering its numerous customers, is becoming very endearing to many as the clock ticks. Indisputably, the company has won the minds and likes of many and more and more individuals are becoming attracted.

Housemates Salone is Huge & Positively Transforming Young Lives

By Amin Kef Sesay 

Housemates Salone is going on steadily as planned by the organizers, Africell and AYV Media Empire, in order to give the best in terms of qualitative Reality TV Show, which is indeed quite new in this part of the country. The entertainment Show has gained huge momentum among different classes of the populace as the episodes are truly thrilling and very informative.

The way and manner in which the Housemates are carrying themselves with regards putting on their best performances as required in order to score certain points or scores are captivating and worth learning from. These Housemates are imbibing life-long skills as evident in them given the opportunity to cook, to play various games, to compete in the form of debates, to socialize, to learn how to psychologically respond to certain situations in life, how to compose songs, how to sing, dress for different occasions and a host of others. From time to time they are taken through certain tutorials by experts who have specialized in certain disciplines to mentally impact on their knowledge base to better prepare them for the future.

What has been seen so far is that these Housemates are availed outlets to demonstrate their innate talents through the platform that the Reality TV Show has so far provided. Argued from whatever perspective it is glaring that these young Housemates are going through an empowerment phase in their lives and by the time they emerge from the House they may be quite different personalities.

Some, those not well informed, may be wondering why there is the need to take part in this competition. Well the answer is simple: these Housemates are battling for the mouth-watering sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and to undertake a round trip to Dubai, both as the ultimate winning prize set aside.

It will also worthy of note that for every day that each Housemate lives in the House, he or she is entitled to One Hundred Thousand Leones which is cumulatively given to anyone of them if evicted from the House.

Talking about eviction, already Eight (8) Housemates have been evicted so fat from the House for not meeting certain benchmarks, one important one which is to get certain number of votes from members of the public. It is important at this juncture to underscore that it is the number of votes that each and every Housemate bags from members of the public that will largely determine whether he or she will continue to be in the House.

All the Housemates have their unique numbers which members of the public should send via SMS message or used to vote for the Housemates to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting, call: +23299005500.

Members of the public know that their votes matter and there must step up the pace at which they are voting for their favourite Housemates, The responsibility of galvanizing the public squarely lie on the shoulders of the various Fan Clubs of the Housemates better known as “Teams”. They should take the campaigns to all the nook and cranny of the country to convince individuals that their Housemates deserve the best.

As the Reality TV Show is widely followed, the Housemates are presently benefitting from widespread exposure. There are entrepreneurs in the entertainment out there who are interested in spotting innate talents in these young people which could be built to well place them to perform certain roles in the entertainment industry ranging from film acting, singing , choreography, play acting, embroidery etc. There is the possibility for contracts to be signed with some of the Housemates at the end of the Show and who knows if they could end up becoming Stars in their own right.

For now the Housemates are kicking their games, having a lot of fun, dressing sexy and interacting in various ways. They are pairing, courting relationships, building on those relationships which probably could be life enduring to finally culminate in the Last Standing Couple.

What is indisputable at the moment is that Housemates Salone Season 2 is huge; it is putting Sierra Leone in the international entertainment spotlight and contributing in changing wrong perceptions about the country as a theatre of conflict which was imprinted by the senseless rebel war that decimated lives as well as the ramifications of bad governance.

Housemates Salone is not only thrilling but truly entertaining and empowering.

 

Govt. Undertakes Rehabilitation of Goderich-Funkia Road

By Theresa Kef Sesay

On the 14th November, 2020 President Bio turned the sod for the construction of a major road network in the Goderich-Funkia community, thirteen miles from downtown Freetown with over 30,000 people in the neighbourhood.

Delivering his keynote address, the President said that his presence at Funkia was a testament to the fact that his Government had placed priority on the role the transport sector is playing to improve the standards of living of people and the enhancement of the nation’s economic growth.

“The rehabilitation of the Funkia-Goderich road project by my Government is in fulfilment of the overall Government strategy to open up communities, towns and cities throughout the country and to the free flow of goods and services, helping to improve the living standards of the people. Roads are part of the cornerstones of my Government and we shall continue to invest in the maintenance, rehabilitation and construction of more roads nationwide,” he stated.

President Bio also noted that his Government is committed to not only improving the road network in communities but also improving the living conditions of people, adding that they would, in addition, provide more scholarships to that community to enhance access to higher education.

“Next week, NaCSA will start to do an assessment of the petty traders so that Funkia traders too will benefit from my Government’s support of Le1.3 million each to businesses across the country. As a Government we are going to provide more fishing boats and nets, machines and gears to every fishing community in the country, irrespective of regions, tribes or political leanings,” he said.

The President also reminded the people of Funkia that the road and its construction were theirs while admonishing them to own the project and help in monitoring the contractors so that they would produce quality and standard work.

Director-General of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, Ing. Amara Kanneh, said the road work covering 1.35 kilometers around main Funkia Road and sections of Femi Turner-Gbendembu Junction would cost $3.4 million, adding that the project would also cover the construction of the road leading to the jetty, construction of a new market to be completed in June, 2021.

He, therefore, urged the community to cooperate with the contractors for a speedy accomplishment of the project.

Speaking on behalf of the CSE Group, Mohamed Sowe, said that the work is a significant project that would transform the community and expand the road connection network within Freetown and especially the Peninsular Road. He added that it is not only a transformative development in the economic life of the community but it is also an inspiring project of how much change could be accomplished in a short period of time.

Mr. Sowe maintained that CSE had a dedicated team of experienced engineers, structural designers, surveyors, financial officers and an overwhelming technical experience to embark on any challenging project.

Chairlady of the Funkia Traders Association, Kadiatu Mansaray, expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio for the construction of the Goderich-Funkia road, saying that the traders would be the direct beneficiaries. She noted that Government after Government had abandoned the road for a very long time, adding that the people of Goderich and Funkia would forever be grateful to the President and his Sierra Leone People’s Party Government.

UN Deputy Secretary-General & Pres. Bio Discuss Progress on SDGs/COVID-19

By Amin Kef Sesay

At State House on the 15 November 2020, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed, called on President Dr Julius Maada Bio to discuss efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and support to COVID–19 socio-economic response and recovery plans.

Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said he was honoured and privileged to welcome the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and her entourage, noting that the visit was an opportunity to witness first-hand the socio-economic progress of the country so far.

The Deputy UN Chief, who was on a 2-day visit to Freetown, extended fraternal greetings from the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, adding that she was excited to be with the President. She described her tour of the region as a solidarity visit to Africa, adding that she wanted to see how the continent is coping after the Coronavirus pandemic that had disrupted every development in the world.

“Your Excellency, this is a visit of solidarity. These are difficult times. I am happy that education is at the centre of your Government’s plans and for the many gains made so far in the health sector. The United Nations will continue to support you in your education drive,” she noted.

Madam Mohammed further announced that the UNSG had sent her to see the quick actions on economic recovery of developing countries like Sierra Leone, Niger, Mali, Ghana and Nigeria. She said that she is happy with the way the Sierra Leone Government had handled the spread of the virus so far, adding that she is also impressed with Government’s efforts at sustaining the peace in the country.

President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the UN Deputy Secretary-General and expressed thanks and appreciation for the commitment demonstrated by the UN Country Team to the development efforts of Government, particularly towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063 aligned to Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan – 2018–2023.

He reiterated Government’s unwavering support for the UN and its programmes and implementation of the UN reforms in the country, adding that they were appreciative of the global efforts by the UN to fight the coronavirus pandemic through the multilateral system and for providing the leadership that was necessary during such health and economic crises.

“Reduced economic activity, revenue losses, budget constraints and huge cost of managing the pandemic have adversely affected efforts to achieve the SDGs aligned to the Medium-Term National Development Plan. Public health institutions need to be strengthened. For progress to be made on issues like health, education, gender equality and climate change on global agendas, we should strive to reduce inequality, violence, injustice and corruption,” he said.

The President expressed Sierra Leone’s support for current efforts by the UN and other International Financial Institutions calling for emergency debt relief and standstill mechanisms from international financial institutions.

 

Bar Association Gets New Executive

By Elkass Sannoh

The Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) over the years had received an overwhelming criticism from the media, colleagues at the Bar and members of the public for either being a toothless bull dog or a politically infamous rubber stamp Association.

In one of his articles, Rashid Dumbuya Esq also wrote, “I am emboldened to say that the Bar was overtly weak and nebulous.” Even the just convicted Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah Esq didn’t spare the SLBA because the Association outlived its usefulness as a vibrant pressure group.

Over the past ten years to be precise, the SLBA didn’t only present itself as the mouthpiece for the previous administration but woefully disappointed the people. For instance, when former President Ernest Bai Koroma “illegally” sacked a constitutionally elected Vice President (Samuel Sam Sumana), the then Bar executive endorsed the action. Before his death, the former Bar Association President, Jenkins Johnston Snr. lampooned the Bar Association and described the Executive as dysfunctional.

KENEMA AGM

In the jam-packed hall, Albertson Hotel, Nongowa Chief in Kenema on Friday 13th November, 2020, the out-gone Robert Kowa led executive didn’t only receive a standing ovation from the traditional authorities in Kenema, they were commended for taken the Bar Association to the people to revive its usefulness as a potent pressure group.

The AGM in Kenema, according to many legal pundits, alluded to the fact that the Bar is on the rebranding path to fully wake up from its deep-seated slumber.

Since its establishment, this is the first Annual General Meeting held in Kenema with barrage of lawyers including the former Bar Association President, Elvis Kargbo.

THE JUDICIARY

The Judiciary is one of the branches of the Government of Sierra Leone headed by His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards.

The Judiciary was well represented and the Hon. Chief Justice delivered one of the best thrilling and inspiring speeches. Among the Hon. Justices that were in attendance are: Justice Allan Halloway, Justice Deen Tarawallie, Justice Sengu Koroma of the apex Court of the land. The Director of Public Prosecution, Easmon Ngakui Esq, Justice SO Taylor and Justice Musa among host of other dignitaries graced the occasion.

During the ceremony, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards catalogued his impressive achievements and further encouraged the Lawyers to move forward as the legal conscience of the people.

The current SLBA executive enjoyed an overwhelming support from their colleagues.

The President-elect, Michaella Eddinia Swallow Esq has envisioned the SLBA as the best professional Association in the country. She is of the view that the legacy of its founding fathers in upholding the rule of law, enhancing the democratic dispensation in the country and providing access to justice will be upheld under her leadership.

“As Lawyers much is expected of us from the public,” President Swallow said and assured that she will ensure that the SLBA seeks to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards.

“Let us start a new path, where there is recrimination let us build trust; where there is hatred let us share love; where there is division, let us embrace unity; where there is despair let us breath hope; where there is individualism let us carry each other with collectivism; where there is indifference let us choose compassion and where there is emptiness let us fill with the Bar Association,” she said.

On his part, the General Secretary-Abdul Karim Koroma Esq said they will continue to strive for a perfect justice system that has the confidence of members of the public. He therefore used the moment to commend the Judiciary in enhancing the efficiency of the system.

The President-elect graduated from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone with LLB Honours and BL from the Sierra Leone Law School. In pursuit of higher education she enrolled for her LLM in Commercial & Business Law (Distinction). As a multifaceted person, she also acquired Diploma in Mass Communications.

The administrative engineer of the SLBA, Abdul Karim Koroma Esq holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a first division, a Bachelors of Laws degree (LLB Hons) with a first class, and a joint Masters of Advanced Studies degree (LLM) in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights from the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute for International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. He is currently the Board Secretary of the National Revenue Authority, Legal Adviser of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and Board Secretary of Kamboi Eagles Football Club.

Let me join Sierra Leoneans to congratulate the New Face of the SLBA: Michaella

Eddinia Swallow – President; Abdul Karim Kamara – Vice President; Abdul Karim Koroma – Secretary General; Ibrahim Fayia Sawaneh – Ass. Secretary General; Matilda Egbenda – Treasurer; Tenneh Smart – Asst. Treasurer and Michael Charles – PRO. Congratulations and continue to do us proud in rebranding the SLBA.

Earmarked to be Crowned Honorary Paramount Chief…   Dr. Adonis Abboud Trust Fund Donates Satellite Television Systems to 2 Schools in Pendembu

Chairman of the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund, Dr. Adonis Abboud

By Amin Kef Sesay

In order to support education & community development in the country, the Chairman of the Adonis Abboud Trust Fund, Dr. Adonis Abboud has on 11thNovember, 2020 unveiled two donated satellite Television Systems, which is a complete system with six (6) months full subscription with flat Screen 32 inches Television sets, to two educational institutions at Pendembu in the Kailahun District.

In his address during the launch, Dr. Adonis Abboud stated that when satellite television first hit the market in 1986, the home dishes used were expensive metal units that took up a huge chunk of yard space and that in those early years, only the most die-hard television fans would go through all the hassle and expense of owning their own dishes, also adding that Sierra Leone pioneered Satellite TV in West Africa through their organization furthering that FBC was the first University in West Africa to enjoy Satellite TV which they donated in 1990 at the Mary Kingsley Amphitheatre.

He noted that presently the story is different as compact satellite dishes are perched on rooftops in virtually all major cities and towns as well as some parts of our rural areas.

Dr. Adonis Abboud stated that early Satellite TV viewers were explorers of sorts as they used their expensive dishes to discover unique programming that was not necessarily intended for mass audiences, adding that the dishes and receiving equipment gave viewers the tools to pick up foreign stations, live feeds between different broadcast stations, American space activities and a lot of other stuff transmitted using satellite.

He revealed we are not only in the internet age which has turned the world into a global village but also in a digital age where anything and everything is possible, real or imagined, in order to ensure that what is going on anywhere in the world is brought immediately via satellite transmission and without even having a dish, some can afford data on their mobile phones to keep in touch with events elsewhere.

“A good example is the current global COVID-19 pandemic which has been a major problem for the world. It has forced developed countries to rely on technology to provide education on-line for students right in their living rooms. As I speak, virtual classes are now a common feature of the lives of students abroad. While this is taken for granted in the developed world, developing countries like ours are still struggling to make the provisions of such facilities, including the satellite connection for easy accessibility nationwide,” he pointed out.

Dr. Adonis Abboud revealed that although Sierra Leone is still a long way from achieving that level of virtual education because of limited infrastructure, it is his pleasure to be in the fore front of the crusade by the current Government to expose students more to the powerful instrument of technology that links the world that is taken for granted elsewhere.

He added that the provision of these satellite television systems is one way of making sure that it is not only those who are rich that have the opportunity of listening to and watching whatever is happening in the world underscoring how it is a step towards ensuring that everyone can see for themselves what is going on in the world.

The Chairman urged all to take the opportunity to widen their vision and understanding so that they will know what is good from what is bad and that they should not allow themselves to be manipulated and used as tools and fodder in someone else’s agenda.
He commended the Government for its concerted efforts in improving the educational rot further urging for the intensification of its efforts at strengthening policies and investments that will further harness the massive potentials of the young people.

Dr. Abboud added that there is an urgent need for the education curriculum to be reviewed to reflect contemporary realities that would assist students and youths to contribute more meaningfully to national development by unleashing their potentials under an enabling environment and today’s technological opportunities.

“There is a serious cry today to embark on a national psycho-sociological project to re-energize and save the eroding mind-set of many of our youths who are currently addicted to internet scams and other unsavory behaviors as the only way to progress and indeed their last hope in life,” he enjoined.

Dr. Adonis Abboud said it is against such an unrestrained chronic youth-centred negative thinking and attitudes that he pray that their direct exposure to a more global outlook, presented by this satellite television system, will help counter and in its place instill the value of patriotism, national service, self-discipline and honesty.

The event was climaxed with the appointment of the Chairman Adonis Abboud Trust Fund, Dr. Adonis Abboud as an Honorary Paramount Chief of Upper Bambara Chiefdom, Kailahun District. This development came after the Paramount Chief consulted with the Council of Chiefs and decided to reward him for his historical contributions to Sierra Leone and Sierra Leoneans in the fields of education, health care and community development of which the official crowning ceremony is slated to take place on the 6th February 2021.

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