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Hon. Emmanuel Shar Gbekie Bags Humanitarian Goodwill Award 2020

Honorable Member of Parliament for Constituency 116 in the Western Area-East Urban District, Hon. Emmanuel Shar Gbekie Receiving the Award

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In a show of grateful appreciation and recognition for his outstanding and excellent services towards orphans and less privileged  children in the country, the Honorable Member of Parliament for Constituency 116 in the Western Area-East Urban District, Hon. Emmanuel Shar Gbekie was on Monday 9th November, 2020 among several other personalities that bagged this year’s Humanitarian Goodwill Award 2020  during an auspicious event that was held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

The Honorable Member of Parliament expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Orphans Empowerment Society- Sierra Leone for recognizing his efforts towards his contributions to orphans and the less privileged children in society.

He described the moment as historic furthering that some of the most serious problems faced by orphans are social exclusion and isolation, which could not be easily noticed at first sight, adding that they, the victims, also develop psychological trauma through the loss of one or both parents maintaining how such a situation could lead to withdrawal, while discriminatory treatment by relatives, peers or the society can lead them to self-isolation and destruction.

He further disclosed that another serious problem faced by orphans is trying to survive alone in the society also highlighting their inability to access adequate and necessary health care which further exacerbates the plight of children in such vulnerable situations.

He recommended that in order to address issues affecting orphans in the country, organizations should accelerate treatment and access which will improve their social wellbeing adding that organizations should also work on organizing programs that will strengthen and empower them as orphans.

He also recommended Psychological Counselling and Monitoring of these orphans and ended calling on Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to support them further underscoring how it is a national concern pointing out that it is time to ensure that no child is left behind as every child matters regardless of his or her status.

Rodney Edmond Michael Declares Candidacy for SLFA Presidency

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Sierra Leone seasoned football administrator and one time Chairman of the Bo District Football Association, Rodney Edmond Michael, has on Thursday 12th November, 2020 officially declared his intention to contest for the position of President in the forthcoming Sierra Leone Football Association Election. He made this disclosure during a press conference that was held at the Atlantic Hall, Stadium Hostels in Freetown.

Stating his declaration, the seasoned Football Administrator, Rodney Edmond Michael, disclosed that it is with great pride that he is seizing the opportunity to once more declare his candidacy for the Sierra Leone Football Association Presidency. He  added that on the 3rd day of August 2013, the football family and the nation was forced to accept a rigged electoral process, influenced by politics, marred by bribery and corruption, campaigned on racism, underscoring how the manipulation was carried out by own brothers and sisters who were responsible to ensure fairness and a legitimate process.

He said the mandate of the current President of SLFA and her Executive has expired and they must no longer continue to assume the legitimacy to lead the Association underscoring how they are on borrowed time lamenting that it has extended for far too long and it is no longer acceptable emphasizing that it must end now.

Rodney Michael said they are not desperate for power, but they are desperate to restore constitutionality and legitimacy, and to end dictatorship, adding that SLFA is not a family inheritance nor is it any individual’s private property.

He revealed that under his leadership, they shall amend the statutes and remove the delegate status from organizations that should be respected for their independence and as such the Heroes Foundation furthering that the referees and coaches association will have their delegate status replaced with permanent executive positions, to be determined solely by their own members and that they will no longer be taken advantage of or compromised in exchange for votes pointing out that the female members of the Association, ignored and considered inferior, will also enjoy a permanent Executive position and encouraged to administer their own leagues and development and enjoy relative autonomy and appreciable funding.

Michael said Regions and District Associations will be funded and empowered to supervise and develop a youth policy and also to be responsible for the implementation of youth leagues from primary right through to secondary school level, adding that football will no longer be a charitable or voluntary service, but a responsibility for all elected officials across board, and the same will apply to all employees as well. He added that there will be a considerable power shift from the headquarters.

Rodney Edmond Michael maintained that the Premier League will be floated as a company by limited guarantee, owned by the Premier League Clubs and the Association, subsidized by the FA and Government, and encouraged to enter major sponsorship deals with corporate entities and that the Premier League Board will be autonomous devoid of any interference from the Executive, except in forms of technical and administrative support they may require.

He further revealed that for the last several decades, the Association has lacked transparency and accountability, but the President assured all that under his leadership, they will ensure best practice in the requisition, approval and expending of the Association funds and the generous support from FIFA and CAF, and all other revenues generated from TV Rights and other means will be transparently utilized for the growth of the game and not to enrich individuals.

“We will retain the services of a Global Marketing Firm to help them improve their marketing strategy, locally and internationally, and improve our revenue potential. We will collaborate with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Education, the National Sports Authority, the Parliamentary Sports Committee and all other key partners to design initiatives and National Policies that would entice corporate sponsorship, improve grass roots football and create a conducive atmosphere for our National Teams for all international matches,” he stated followed by loud round of applause.

He continued: “I will be the People’s President, the Nation’s President, the Best President for the Sierra Leone Football Association at this time. We will transform football for the better under the slogan “One Game, One Family”!

Chairman of the SLFA Membership Forum, Idrissa M. Tarawally, said that Rodney Edmond Michael popularly known as “SUPER ROD” is one of Sierra Leon’s most experienced and celebrated Football Administrator, adding that he has been in football administration for decades and started at the early age of fourteen.

He added that he is just one of the many that comprise the membership of the forum stating that the Membership Forum has a large following, despite they are been castigated and branded with all sorts of names by the SLFA and some of its employees. That is the Premier League Clubs, Regional Football Associations, District Football Associations and other notable institutions as contained in Act. 10 of the SLFA statutes

He stated that they are threatening to take them to court because according to them they are not members and not recognized by FIFA, CAF and SLFA.

He gave a brotherly advise to some of their brothers and sisters that have been fortunate to gain employment at the SLFA to desist from the SLFA politics pointing out that they are not politicians and therefore let them concentrate on their jobs.

Center for Research Peace & Youth Affairs-SL Launched

By Foday Moriba Conteh

In order to undertake research activities that will inform a wide range of issues bordering around development, peace and youth affairs in the country, the Executive Director of Center for Research Peace and Youth Affairs-Sierra Leone (CRYPA-SL), Abdul Kpaka ,has on Wednesday 11th November, 2020 officially launched the Center for Research, Peace and Youth Affairs Sierra Leone organization at an event held at its Old Railway Line Office Tengbeh Town in Freetown.

Speaking during the event, Abdul Kpaka, disclosed that they started as a Campus Peace Club (CPC) with its first branch established and officially launched at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone in 2017 and eventually they extended it to other Universities and schools across the country.

He added that in order to formalize its operations, CPC in 2018 officially registered as a Community Based Organization (CBO) and later affiliated with the National Youth Commission after undertaking several activities such as non-violence campaigns in schools, peace training for pupils and youths, celebration of International Peace Day, etc.

He underscored that CPC’s founding members, now Board Members, deemed it necessary to broaden its scope, hence work towards the attainment of an NGO status.

Abdul Kpaka stated that the organization was founded on the basis to inform national decision-making through research adding that most national and international programs and projects are undertaken with little empirical basis, foundation or evidences, hence when such projects or programs are undertaken, the result or impact will be low.

Kpaka added that the organization intends to be undertaking research activities that will inform a wide range of issues relating to development, peace and youth affairs on both national and international activities. He furthered that Peace and conflict activities characterize all what obtain in the world today and therefore, the need for an expert peace and conflict program in a post war developing country like Sierra Leone is key.

The Executive Director noted that, moreover, there has been a paradigm shift in security and the meaning of peace; the attention of the world is more directed now towards human security rather than physical security and that peace is more viewed now to be viable and desirable when it is certified to be in a positive state (positive peace).

He pointed out that the organization will at all time serve as an Ambassador for Peace (positive peace), promotes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and all human related activities such as rights, social structures and human capital development.

In the area of education, Abdul Kpaka said students and pupils are faced with numerous challenges ranging from violence, human rights violation, sexual exploitation or abuse, poor lecturer-student relationships, inadequate learning environment, lack of qualified teachers and lecturers, lack of mentorship and career guidance, involvement in examination practices, teenage pregnancy, lack of respect for students and pupils and also for teachers and administrators.

He revealed that having identified the above problems, they will constitute a student youth Campus Peace Clubs that will consist largely of the very victims of the aforementioned of which he said they will solve or reduce the effects.

Head of Department, Peace & Conflict Studies at FBC, Dr. Alex Mbayo, extended appreciation to the Executive Director of the Center for Research Peace and Youth Affairs-Sierra Leone, Abdul Kpaka for the initiative, adding that this is what they are expecting from students of the Peace and Conflict Department.

He said as a department they train students to solve societal problems in order to contribute to national development also encouraging other students to emulate his footstep, adding that their department is very key to such an extent that one cannot separate the United Nations from them as peace experts.

President of the FBC Student Union, Augustine Bona, also showered praises for the laudable venture for the establishment of the said organization, adding that he came to know, Abdul Kpaka, during his days at the shores of FBC.

He admonished them to embrace each other as members in order to achieve the mandate of the organization, adding that sustainability and consistency are very key also challenging them to face difficult times and overcome them together as members of the organization.

Executive Director of Center for Research Peace and Youth Affairs-Sierra Leone (CRYPA-SL), Abdul Kpaka

Chinese Ambassador Dilates on China’s Development Strides

H.E. Hu Zhangliang, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef Sesay

H.E. Hu Zhangliang, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone has revealed that from October 26 to 29, 2020, the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee (hereinafter referred to as “the Session”) was held successfully in Beijing.

He stated how H.E. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made important speeches at the session and that the Session adopted The CPC Central Committee’s proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 (hereinafter referred to as “the Proposal”) maintaining that the above attracted wide attention and positive response from both home and abroad.

He asked these questions: What is the significance of the Session? and What the Proposal is about?

The Ambassador said he would like to take the opportunity to share some of the highlights with their Sierra Leonean friends.

Giving a Background and Significance of the Session, the Chinese Ambassador noted that 2020 is the year in which the time frames of the Two Centenary Goals converge and is also a juncture linking the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) and the 14th Five-Year Plan.

He said the 14th Five-Year Plan period covers the first five years from 2021 to 2025 in which China embarks on a new journey toward achieving the second centenary goal of fully building a modern socialist country.

“During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, China succeeded in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving its first centenary goal based on previous achievements,” he disclosed furthering how in the past five years, China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased substantially and by the end of 2020, it is expected to cross the 100-trillion yuan ($14.93 trillion) mark.

He said 55.75 million rural residents were lifted out of poverty and more than 60 million new urban jobs created maintaining that the annual grain output has remained above 650 million tonnes for five consecutive years, which effectively guaranteed China’s food security and self-sufficiency.

“China has put in place the world’s largest social security system with basic medical insurance covering 1.3 billion people and basic old-age insurance covering nearly 1 billion. China’s science and technological advancement has also been remarkable,” he divulged.

According to him, these achievements demonstrate that under the leadership of CPC and by upholding Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, the Chinese nation has made a big stride toward its great rejuvenation.

From a historical point of view, he said, China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development stating how there are new developments in both opportunities and challenges.

He said under such circumstances, the Session adopted the Proposal and it highlighted the progress made during the past five years, laid down guiding principles to be followed, projected major economic and social development targets for the next stage and charted the course for China’s development in the next 5 to 15 years toward modernization.

Dilating on the Proposed Targets Through 2035, he said, the session raised the following long-range objectives for China to basically achieve socialist modernization by 2035:

— China’s economic and technological strength as well as composite national strength will increase significantly. A new stride will be made in the growth of the economy and the per capita income of urban and rural residents. Major breakthroughs in core technologies in key areas will be made and China will become a global leader in innovation.

— New industrialization, IT application, urbanization, and agricultural modernization will be basically achieved. China will succeed in building a modernized economy.

— The modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance will be basically achieved. The people’s rights to participate in national affairs and to develop as equals will be adequately protected. The rule of law will be more comprehensively strengthened.

— China will become more powerful and competitive in culture, education, talents, sports and health. The well-rounded development of all people and social etiquette and civility will be significantly enhanced. China’s cultural soft power will grow much stronger.

— Eco-friendly ways of work and life will be advanced to cover all areas of society. Carbon emission will steadily decline after reaching a peak. There will be a fundamental improvement in the environment with the goal of building a Beautiful China basically reached.

— The opening-up will reach a new stage with substantial growth of the country’s strengths for participating in international economic cooperation and competition.

— The per capita GDP will reach the level of moderately developed countries. The size of the middle-income group will be significantly expanded. Equitable access to basic public services will be ensured. Disparities in urban-rural development, in development between regions, and in living standards among people will be significantly reduced.

— The implementation of the Peaceful China initiative will be promoted to a higher level. The modernization of national defense and the military will be by and large achieved.

— People will lead a better life. More notable and substantial progress will be made in promoting well-rounded human development and common prosperity for everyone.

Mentioning the targets for the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Chinese Ambassador said the Proposal states that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the socioeconomic development must stick to the Five Principles, namely ensuring Party leadership over all work, committing to a people-centered approach, continuing to deepen reform and opening up, adopting a new vision for development and upholding a systematic perspective. Major social and economic development targets for the 14th Five-Year Plan period are suggested to be the following Six “New”s, which he said are :New strides made in economic development, New steps taken in reform and opening up, New enhancement achieved in social etiquette and civility, New progress made in building an ecological civilization, New level reached in the well-being of the people. New advancement attained in governance capacity.

The Ambassador said The Proposal also highlights several development priorities. On the top of the priorities is upholding the central role of innovation in the modernization drive and implementing the innovation-driven development strategy. It points out that China must nurture a strong domestic market, establish a new development pattern and comprehensively deepen reform in pursuit of a high-level socialist market economy.

It also stresses that China will hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit, strive to create a favorable external environment and promote the building of a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for humanity.

He acknowledged that the tasks are arduous but the prospects are bright highlighting that under the staunch leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people have full confidence to realize those goals and transform China into a great modern socialist country.

Whilst Parliament in Denial… Chief Justice Edwards Praised For Admitting Corruption in Judiciary

Hon. Chief Justice of the Republic of Sierra Leone Hon. Justice Desmond Babartunde Edwards

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is very admirable and commendable of  the forthright Head of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards, to admit that there is corruption in the Judiciary; and to not stop there but go on to warn staff and officials of the Judiciary to desist from it and its related offenses or risk prosecution.

In years past, public accountability hardly existed. Under CJ Edward’s reform minded administration, Sierra Leone’s justice sector is undergoing major reforms after years of neglect and malfunctioning.

Before now, there were very few High Courts across the country; where courts existed a general sense of pervasive corruption in the Judiciary undermined the integrity and public confidence in the justice sector.

However, despite these encouraging changes, much remains to be done.

Poor coordination within  the  sector  continues  to  inhibit  complete  reform,  while  undue  executive  influence  remains a relentless problem.

Long delay in hearing cases, lack of adequate legal aid services, discriminatory laws and allegations of corruption continue to impede universal access to justice.

Prison conditions remain overcrowded and inhumane, and juveniles have yet to realize their full rights, guaranteed by international and now domestic law.

Continued vigilance, as well as legal reform, is therefore needed to ensure an independent Judiciary that can engender a true culture of human rights.

This CJ Edwards is continuing to do with this week’s training for Court Registrars, Bailiffs, Administrative and other Support staff of the Judiciary numbering 128 – the first to have been organized in the annals of the Judiciary in his bid to have a new Judiciary that is transparent and accountable to the people.

For taking such a big bold step forward, CJ Edwards deserves the nation’s praise because we cannot over-emphasize this interest in the rule of law as well as the invaluable role of judicial institutions in safeguarding it.

This concern with the rule of law is not surprising.  It  remains  an  important  element  in  building,  strengthening  and  consolidating  democratic and constitutional governance.

It also provides a framework for accountability, checks and balances, and respect for fundamental human rights.

Needed also is a strategy to foster expanded access to justice, which is a core agenda for a just and equitable society; as the lack of access to justice undermines the possibility of equality in society, which is a key tenet of human rights and the rule of law.

Of  particular  concern  are  the  lack  of  institutional capacity and the shortage of human resources to effect needed reforms, particularly due  to  the  lack  of  financial  resources.

Accessibility,  accountability  and  the  responsiveness  of  the  justice  system  continue  to  be  a  major  challenge,  with  allegations  of  executive  interference  and  corruption  within  the  Judiciary  widespread.

The  criminal  justice  system  faces  myriad  of  problems  and  consequently  fails  to  function  effectively  and  efficiently.  Arbitrary  arrests,  detentions,  bad  practices  regarding  the  administration  of  bail  and  human  rights  abuses  are  commonplace.  The  courts  system  is  poorly  funded,  with  a  lack  of  Magistrates  and  premises  without  basic  equipment.

Prisons are overcrowded, living conditions are appalling  and  many  detainees have been awaiting trial for years. Addressing inequality and the discrimination of women will have to be prioritized as sexual and gender-based violence remains a serious problem.

UN Deputy Secretary General Visits Sierra Leone Tomorrow

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG), Ms. Amina J. Mohammed

By Amin Kef Sesay

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General (DSG), Ms. Amina J. Mohammed will arrive in Freetown, Sierra Leone on Saturday, 14 November 2020, for a two-day official visit as part of her solidarity mission to West Africa and the Sahel region.

The DSG is visiting Nigeria, Niger, Ghana, Mali and Sierra Leone to hold discussions on how to Build Back Better their economies post-COVID-19. She will explore, in consultation with Governments, development partners, and Civil Society Organizations, how to mobilize international support in three areas deemed critical to building a better future for Africa, and for the world: financing for sustainable development; COVID-19 socio-economic response & recovery for a better, sustainable and equitable future for all, and; social cohesion, community resilience & protecting people: a new social contract.

For Sierra Leone, she hopes to look at progress towards strengthening existing peace and stability through the Sustainable Development Goals including socio-economic response and recovery, the contribution of the extractive industry, and addressing issues of gender-based violence. In this regard, Ms. Mohammed has scheduled interactions with key development stakeholders and partners in the country, including the Government of Sierra Leone, the donor community, and some beneficiaries of development activities. Due to COVID-19, her interactions will be in blended form—virtual and physical interactions adhering to COVID-19 protocols. The DSG is also scheduled to visit the 2017 Landslide Stabilization Site where a community dialogue on women’s role in environmental sustainability will also take place.

The members of the DSG’s delegation include, Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and Ms. Hannah Tetteh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU), and Mr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone.

Orange CEO Bags Africa Best CEO Award

By Mary Kabay

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, has on Thursday 12th November, 2020 bagged the Africa’s Best CEO Award 2020 which was celebrated by the company for her emerging victorious. This disclosure was made during an auspicious event held at their head office on Hill Station in Freetown. She was awarded by the AfricaCom Awards.

The Best CEO Africa Awards are dedicated to recognizing strong and innovative leadership amongst business leaders operating in Africa. They bring together companies pushing the envelope in business, and the Executives and leaders that make such progresses possible.

The Chief Executive Officer, Orange Sierra Leone, Aminata Kane, expressed appreciation to those who voted for her as the best Africa CEO 2020, adding that it is an extreme honor for her to win such an award in Africa.

Aminata Kane, in her excitement in celebrating such an honour, extended her profound gratitude to her team for supporting her to be recognized at this highest level. She also thanked those who nominated her for such an award describing them as the best to her family.

She revealed that this is not only a win for her but for the company and Sierra Leone as a whole and all those who believe in her vision.

The CEO said that Sierra Leone is a country that is full of potentials and has a rich culture adding that when she arrived in the country as the CEO of Orange Sierra Leone it was not an easy task for her but pointed out that with the support from the team in Sierra Leone she  has worked tremendously in order to push the vision of the company to the peak.

She noted that at the initial stage when she took over she never thought she would reach this level stating that, however, she  was hoping at the same time  that they would reach this far.

Madam Aminata encouraged all to believe in themselves and always see themselves as the best furthering that they should consider themselves as one without discrimination, be united for the betterment of the company.

Kadijata , a member of staff of the GS Department, Orange-SL, congratulated the CEO for bagging the award revealing how the CEO has been working tirelessly to promote the company and that she is always there to see the best happen.

She added that the CEO will continue to make everyone know that this victory is not for her but also for the women in Orange-SL and Sierra Leone as a whole, noting that her ambition, drive, objective and goal to take orange to the next level is exceptional.

Kadijata stated that since her coming to Orange-SL as a CEO she has being a hard working personality putting all she can to make her plans materialize into  reality pointing out that they are very proud of her as a company and in that regard they are now crowning her as “De Mammy Nar Power”.

The event was climaxed with the presentation of gifts from members of staff, especially the female, of Orange-Sierra Leone as tokens of appreciation to her.

Ambassador Anthony Navo Gives Leone Stars Big Boost

Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Young Voices Empire cum Chairman of East End Lions Football Club, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr Handing over the Boots to Leone Star

By Amin Kef Sesay

It is indeed an incontestable fact that we have certain individuals who are patriots, always ready to selflessly contribute to national development. It was a former President of the United States of America, John F Kennedy, who once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Of course, it is an open secret that there are some Sierra Leoneans who are at vantage positions to give back to society but for one or two obvious reasons they are refusing to do so.

One exceptional personality who, on countless occasions, has proven to have been positively contributing to national development is indisputably the result-oriented and charismatic Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Young Voices Empire cum Chairman of East End Lions Football Club, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr. He has once demonstrated that he is a true patriot.

This young lover of football recently provided cash support to the national side, Leone Stars, ahead of the team’s away AfCON qualifiers against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Addressing the technical team and players after their training session at the National Stadium, Ambassador Navo, on behalf of the Management of E.E Lions and the fans wished the squad victory in both their home and away matches. He appealed for unity and togetherness as they are set to represent their country.

“Salone first should be our mantra as citizens and we should do our best in whatever way, whenever we are given the opportunity to serve this country,” he admonished.

He said the cash support and his presence was to compliment the efforts of Government and the Sierra Leone Football Association to motivate the squad that seems very determined to return home over the weekend with victory.

The delegation departed Sierra Leone Wednesday, 12th November, 2020 for Nigeria and will play today 13th November in Benin City.

NP-SL: Very Pragmatic in Petroleum Marketing

By Amin Kef Sesay

The National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd) has been regarded as a well-positioned institution within the realm of being a very pro-active institution that is always poised to pragmatically put concrete arrangements in place to ensure that the populace in this country gain access to qualitative petroleum products ranging from petrol, diesel, gas to lubricants, including the ever highly demanded Castrol lubricant oil that has been rated to be a very good for the efficient  lubrication of various engines.

NP-SL is indeed poised to continue to avail its numerous customers with qualitative products that the company markets.

The company has in its employ, a workforce as well as distributors that market its various petroleum products. As far as it has been established, this laid down policy which the company is implementing to the letter, is complementing the efforts of the Government to deepen development.

Today, it is now non-existent for individuals to complain that when they are in the process of procuring petroleum products, pump attendants cheat them in terms of not getting their money’s worth. The simple reason is because the Shareholders and Management of the company were indeed very business savvy to procure modern calibrated pumping machines which were installed at their various selling points and are very capable of churning out the exact quantity of what is demanded and the price to be paid. In this regard the company has bagged the covetous commendation of, “1st For Customer Care”.

During a random countrywide survey conducted over a period of time targeting a large percentage of customers of the National Petroleum-Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), with the avowed objective of sounding their views on the operations of the company in the country, the methodology utilized bordered on asking random questions in order to get their candid views.

When quizzed on how they view the way the company treats its numerous customers across the country, most of the respondents warmly reacted by stating that the Shareholders and Management of  the company are doing extremely well in the direction of effective service delivery and giving utmost satisfaction to customers.

Abdul Aziz Koroma, a renowned Social Commentator, maintained that when it comes to customer care, NP-SL Ltd is second to none within the business landscape of this country.

“From what I so far learnt in order to conduct sales in a very transparent manner and to give customers their money’s worth, the Shareholders of the company decided to procure and install modern calibrated pumping machines at their various Filling Stations that are capable to pump the exact quantity of fuel, at the same time display the price and quantity,” he pointed out, adding that to even think that the pump attendants are cheating customers could only be a mere figment of one’s imagination, as anything like that is farfetched.

A Development Specialist of long standing intimated that for the country’s economy to grow sustainably it is but important to deepen local content further arguing that it is only when we make meaningful use of both our human and natural resources that development could transpire.

“Instead of depending on the importation of certain consumable items and foreign expatriates, it is but very significant and cost effective to make use of what we have at hand to produce goods and services,” Jacob Macauley, an Economist averred, also stating that for NP-SL Ltd to make it a laid down policy and put into practice to offer employment exclusively to Sierra Leoneans is indeed laudable and no mean feat.

He further underscored that by offering jobs to Sierra Leoneans is a way of empowering the citizenry to take care of daily responsibilities and live improved standards of living.

“I really doff my hat to the Shareholders of the company for actualizing such a high sense of patriotism,” he expressed admiration.

A vast majority of those interviewed revealed that they are using NP Gas for cooking purpose, maintaining that it is very efficient and environmentally friendly. The NP Gas that they referred to is a cooking device which is manufactured in different cylinder sizes and sold at affordable prices at the company’s Filling Stations. “I discovered that this device is very fast in terms of performance and is now going like hot cakes, as many are now going for it, especially when the gas that is used to refill it could be easily secured at various Filling Stations ,” Memunatu Forna, a business woman selling cooking utensils on Sani Abacha Street informed.

With regards the use of NP Smart Card, it is one that is now in vogue. Some personalities who are using it said they find it very useful and a convenient way of purchasing petroleum products. They added that they always ensure their NP Smart Cards are credited to be used to purchase fuel, be it petrol or diesel. “Sometimes I don’t have to go through the hassle of going to the Bank on a busy Friday afternoon to withdraw cash just for the purpose of purchasing fuel that will last throughout the weekend. I do procure petrol by using my Smart Card and it is working perfectly well,” Musa Kalokoh, an Engineer told one of our reporters.

Momodu Fofana stated that the company is really growing by leaps and bounds. “For NP-SL Ltd to successfully establish branches in neighboring Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia is indeed no mean feat, especially when cognizance is taken of the fact that these branches are operating vibrantly,” he pointed out.

From what was so far gathered throughout the conducted random survey, it can be safely concluded that NP-SL Ltd is indeed a living testimony of a successful and thriving business entity that is contributing significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation and worthy of emulation.

7 Couple in Housemates Salone Up for Possible Eviction

By Amin Kef Sesay

As Housemates Salone Season 2 continues to take centre stage in public places, homes and offices, the unfolding of interesting episodes keep viewers glued to their TV sets and different social platforms as well as other gadgets just to catch up with those funny episodes.

The big news for this week is that Seven (7) couples are now up for possible eviction with the exception of the Head Boy and Head Girl in the House.

Indeed during the midweek, Wednesday 11th November, 2020 it was fun day as there were interesting games session, debate and task line up plus an amazing night live band pool party which was powered by Crips International.

The Head Boy and Head Girl (Heads of House), for this week now ending, are Augustine and Kama as they received automatic immunity from possible eviction after winning the games sessions on Monday night.

The organizers of the show, Africell and AYV have facilitated the arrival of, Sunday Ginikachukwu Nweke, popularly known as Masterkraft, who is a popular Nigerian Music Producer, to inspire the amazing Housemates and for possible partnership and collaboration.
Masterkraft has worked with artists like Banky W, 2face Idibia,
Olamide, Timaya, Flavour N’abania, Phyno, CDQ, Jaywon and Wizkid among other popular artists in the continent.

Yesterday, 12th November 2020 the House catered for Rastafarians and there was a music class, dance “Sheeray Challenge”, debate and game time.

Indeed, indisputably the show that has captured the airwaves, igniting interesting debates in various circles is Housemates Salone Season 2 as is evident from the various feedbacks we have been receiving within and outside of the country.

According to what was so far gathered by our  reporters who were up and about in different parts of the country to gauge the views of members of the public, many are really impressed with the way that the show is being conducted and directed.

“The House is really a state of the art building befitting hosting such a Reality TV Show. It is neatly decorated and have all the necessary facilities required for youth empowerment and such could only be achieved through proper planning which is why I am doffing my hat to the organizers, Africell and AYV Empire,” President of the Fanabachi Ataya Base, D-Abu intimated, resonating the views of others present who were chatting over their favourite drink.

Mahawa Kulagbanda in Kenema underscored that the show has an international flavour as if  it is hosted in a foreign land. “It is only the Krio that they sometimes speak which tells one that the show is taking place in Sierra Leone,” she sincerely stated, adding how the Housemates are really doing well, dressing fabulously and acting smartly.

The Housemates are currently doing their best, putting up performances that will enable them score points in order to make it to the top in order for anyone of them to emerge as the winner to bag the covetous prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M).

However, what determines who will emerge as the ultimate winner depends on the number of votes which any of the Housemates receive at the end of the day from members of the public. These votes are calculated into percentages and falling below the threshold within a specified period of time could lead to the eviction a Housemate. As at present six (6) of the Housemates have been evicted from the House out of the twenty-two (22) that entered the House at the start of the competition.

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

One striking thing about the on-going Reality TV Show is that for every day that a Housemate spends in the House, he or she is entitled to One Hundred Thousand Leones (Le100, 000). It is in that regard that two former Housemates who were evicted last weekend were given the sum of Two Million Leones each.

Although we do not want to go into the nitty-gritty of how the show should be directed especially against the backdrop of some crying down certain explicit scenes, however, it was categorically mentioned at the onset via a Parental Advisory stating that the show  is meant for those who are 18years and above. Definitely, children are exempted from watching.

The main rationale behind putting together Housemates Salone Season 2 is to promote youth empowerment

The Housemates are assigned various tasks to perform that are shaping their characters, they are availed the opportunity to learn new skills, improve on existing ones. These young people are, from time to time, emotionally tested, afforded the space to find panacea to certain human problems and are doing a host of other things.

Furthermore, the Housemates are presently benefitting from widespread exposure as the Show will be watched near and far. Talents are spotted and vistas of opportunities opened as some of the Housemates would be earmarked to become Brand Ambassadors, movie artists, models etc.

The Housemates are also benefitting from motivational lectures and added to that they are afforded the opportunity to socialize, learn how to play different games, how to speak fluently etc. With all these it will definitely transform the Housemates from what their characters were before they entered the House.

But financially empowering these Housemates is one of the most important channels of making them relevant in society. Each day spent in the House will earn a Housemate Le100, 000. The winner will bag Le250, 000,000 and he or she is expected to champion a key project that could positively impact the lives of young people in this country.

As it is  an interesting and widely watched Reality TV Show on AYV TV Channel 34, Housemates Salone is providing a marketing platform for many corporate and business institutions such as Banks, business houses, entertainment entities etc, who are effectively making use of the channel to advertise their products and services.

As advertisement is key to marketing through this means provided by Housemates Salone these business entities are presently reaching out to the wider public.
Housemates Salone Season 2, from all indications, will continue to be a very interesting and tantalizing show as the episodes unfold until the event culminates into the Grand Finale. Don’t miss out. Make a date with Housemates Salone, the Quarantine Drama.

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