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First Lady Bio Springs Surprise At Housemates Salone 2

By Amin Kef Sesay

Housemates Salone Season 2 is getting hotter as interesting episodes keep unfolding. The gossips, the intimate relationships courting, the educative debates on various topics and the hullabaloo going on in the House are adding juice, maggi and pepper to the unique Reality TV Show that is being staged in Sierra Leone, brought together by courtesy of Africell and AYV.

The latest episode that caught the Housemates and even viewers by surprise was the visit of the First Lady, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio’s courtesy visit to the Housemates this past Saturday, 31st October 2020. Her visit has been seen by many as Her Excellency’s continued efforts to touch and change lives of citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs, tribes/ethnicities, regions, or economic status. Her presence in the house has been described as a game changer and one which broke barriers and bridged gaps.

This episode could be best described as very significant, not only in giving confidence to the Housemates to continue doing their best, but to know that after Housemates Salone Season 2, their invaluable contributions to nation building will be of utmost importance.

Her inspirational messages, encouraging them to continue keeping their heads high, to have self-esteem and be change makers, were well in place, encouraging and would definitely help to define the rationale behind the Reality TV Show, which borders on Youth Empowerment.

Housemates Salone Season 2 provided the right platform for the First Lady to reiterate her campaign “Keep Your Hands Off Our Girls” and other burning issues relating to Sexual and Gender Based Violence, and the need to come together to combat the social malaise of rape and sexual penetration to the wider audience, especially viewers of this special episode in the ongoing show.

Though the First Lady has taken the campaign to almost all the districts of the country, her visit to the House took the campaign to another level and the intended impact could be huge, as the bulk of those who are emotionally attached to watching the Reality TV Show are young people, and therefore the expected outcome will be positive in terms of people knowing more about the ramifications of perpetuating Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

Housemates Salone Season 2 has captured the hearts and minds of many, evident in the various discussions it is generating. For now, many viewers know the Housemates by their individual names and can vividly describe their behavioural patterns and the attributes they possess.

This Reality TV Show is currently giving viewers a lot of fun and laughter.

The Housemates that are now in the House were drawn from various parts of the country and from different backgrounds and are currently competing to the best of their abilities to scoop the votes from members of the public, until such a time when the show will reach its climax, with evictions along the line, ultimately leading to the clash of the Titans to determine the final winner.

The ultimate winner will heartily and elatedly bag the whooping sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones (Le250M) and will be availed the opportunity to go on a round trip to Dubai.

However, Housemates Salone 2 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).

It is important to note that in order to keep the Housemates in the House, viewers must vote for them. In other words, their survival in the House largely depends on the voting public.

According to the organizers, this exciting Reality TV Show was put together against the backdrop of promoting Youth Empowerment. Better put into perspective, Housemates Salone 2 encompasses providing mentorship for young aspiring Sierra Leoneans, who believe that they have talents that they could showcase that will not only be sources of entertainment for viewers, but provide valuable insights as to the everyday behavioural patterns of young people living together.

However, the most important aspect of the Reality TV Show is that it is serving as a conduit via which the Housemates are taken through  mental and physical exercises that will end up to mould and shape their characters. They are now benefitting from being guided to be motivational speakers, to think critically as well as rationally, how to healthily interact, how to solve problems, to cook, to sing, dance, control emotions and stress.

The Housemates now have the opportunity to learn from what visiting guests, including the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, as well as officials of corporate institutions will teach them, learn how to play games and a host of other things that are aligned to coping mechanisms in life.

If it could be succinctly put in other words, Housemates Salone 2 could be likened to a refinery where the current competitors are going through life overhauling experiences to such an extent that life after Housemates Salone 2 will positively be different for them.

Another good thing about the show is that it has now put all the Housemates in the spotlight, as the Reality TV Show is being watched by many in and out of the country. People are now coming to know them, and the talents they possess and what they are capable of doing. The show is a window of opportunity for the Housemates, as some people out there could be interested in tapping the talents that they have seen displayed, which could end up in changing their fortunes in life. Indeed something has to start somewhere!

This is a rare opportunity for young people who have the conviction that they have all what it takes to grab the mouth-watering winning prize of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Leones and a round trip to Dubai.

Housemates Salone Season 2 will definitely leave an indelible imprint on the entertainment landscape of this country and positively change lives.

Make use of this opportunity now by sending SMS messages or vote the number of any of the Housemates to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting, call: +23299005500.

SLCB Promotes Naasu Fofana’s Book: ‘Leave it to Naasu’

By Amin Kef Sesay

Away from its usual corporate social responsibility practice of sponsoring education, health, sports, entertainment and other socioeconomic and cultural activities that benefits communities that they operate in, and the nation at large, Management and staff of the nation’s leading bank, the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank on Tuesday November 3rd 2020, gave feminist writer Naasu Genevieve Fofanah a helping hand to spread her book Leave it to Naasu: How to take charge and go for what you want to SLCB staff, with promise to have them stocked in school libraries where SLCB has operations.

Feminist writer Naasu Genevieve Fofanah

Naasu G. Fofanah is a gender and global public policy expert. She is the Deputy Leader of the Unity Party Sierra Leone and Board Chairperson of the Sierra Leone Rugby Union. Naasu was Special Gender Adviser to the erstwhile President of Sierra Leone and former Vice Chair of the UNECA Bureau on Women and Development. She is an award winning women and girls rights advocate.

Reviews of Naasu’s book have been heartwarming since it was published by Amazon in July 2020.

One reads: Loved how real and thus insightful Naasu’s story was – felt like I was reading the story of my mum and the many other powerfully authentic women around me. No fanfare – Just the story of a real woman – her upbringing, trials, challenges, laughter, strength, industriousness, professionalism, and beautiful character. It is a very relatable and engaging read.

Another reads: A good read about someone who at a very young age knew the value of education and was determined to excel. She wasn’t going to allow obstacles in her way to stop her from achieving her goals. By facing the challenges in her life, she was able to make some meaningful life changing decisions. With her experience, she is reaching out to others.

Another reads: I love the fighting spirit of the Author. She is an inspiration to all women who have been faced with trials – A role model to emulate.

Another reads: I found this book a total page-turner! – And so boldly honest. From a turbulent childhood in rural Sierra Leone, suffering loss and rape by trusted men, to business success and academia in London, to gender advisor to the President, and much, much more. This is a gripping and eye-opening account of Naasu’s life so far – she’s only 50 now, so I’m looking forward to the next installment… My favourite bits were the way she dealt with seemingly impossible work situations at the UN and in Government in Sierra Leone – just incredible to manage to maintain professionalism and integrity, in the face of such treatment. Everyone working in international development and every Sierra Leonean should read this book. If in doubt about paying for this book, remember that ALL PROCEEDS go towards a project supporting rape victims and survivors in Sierra Leone.

Another reads: This is a remarkable and open account (though diplomatic where it matters) of a remarkable life, flagging up the obstacles faced by the author in her rise from a small African village to studying in London and New York, working for the UN and as an advisor to a President, while raising a daughter as a single mum, and campaigning about rape. The sometimes chilling insights into the way politicians and civil servants can operate show how great a need there is for more open, ethical, and inclusive government. Ms Fofanah’s resilience is inspiring, and we await the next volume – it is bound to be remarkable too. I recommend this book.

SLPP Chairman Aspirant Jimmy Batilo Songa Speaks On His Vision And Mission For The Party

Jimmy Batilo Songa

By James Kajue

Unity: Good day Mr. Jimmy Batilo Songa. Would you like to do an interview with the Unity Press in relation to your declaration to become the next chairman of the SLPP?

JBS: I am genuinely thrilled to be interviewed by this strong party platform. I respect the work the Unity Press has been doing in accurately and objectively reporting on issues not just within the party but all around the country. I consider it a real privilege to be talking to a media team that has shown so much interest in professionally covering national concerns as well as international issues.

Unity: Let us start by asking you, why do you want to become the next SLPP chairman?

JBS: That’s an excellent question that would require many pages, if I have to do full justice to your readership, but I will try to simplify my answer here.

For me, the SLPP is not just a political party; it is a strong sacred institution that must be embraced, and nurtured with all the love and skills that each and every one of us has got in us.

The SLPP is a living breathing body and anyone aspiring to any leadership position within the party must see it as a responsibility to work hard enough to keep the party going and growing. We have to do everything within our powers to justify the many sacrifices made, and still being made, by so many of our compatriots to bring the party to its present status.

I want to take the opportunity presented by this interview to heartily plead with the entire membership of this great party to accord me the privilege to serve our party as the national chairman, not because of the sound of that title, but because of all the good things that I am rooting to bring to our party. I have a unique plan to bring the party to the people and the people to the party using practical strategies that would further endear the party to the nation. I have a plan to make all our party organs responsive to the needs of our communities and to strengthen responsibility and increase awareness by installing sound administrative structures at all levels.

The overall aim is to alleviate the sufferings of our people and to position the party not only to win the next elections but many more elections after that.

I love this party because I firmly and fervently believe in the values it represents for the unity and progress of our country. Without a doubt, the SLPP is the only real vehicle for taking our country where we all want it to go and there can be no greater privilege than to be given the chance to map out that journey in a clear, logical and doable way.

Unity: Give us a clue about your activities as a leading party functionary whilst you where in the UK.

I have always been an unapologetic member of the SLPP both here at home and abroad in the Diaspora.

I served my party twice as Chairman whilst I was in the United Kingdom. The UK has historically played a leading role in bringing together and sustaining our party, especially during the repugnant one-party autocracy and at all times when we were in official opposition. It is unfortunate that the voices of division within our party have recently sought to create a wedge between the so-called Diaspora membership and the home-based members. This is really sad because the SLPP is ONE PEOPLE. Period. We don’t have Canada SLPP or England SLPP or Australia SLPP or any other place SLPP. What we have is ONE SLPP!

Those geographical nomenclatures should only be used for administrative and not divisive purposes because it is the coming together of all of our people, old and young, male and female, both within as well as outside of this country which gives us that enviable identity and the sustaining strength to maintain our ideals in the face of anything and everything. We need the support and the skills of everyone to achieve our collective goals.

That is how we were able to expand the SLPP UK & I into a region adding more active chapters within a very short time. I delivered on a campaign promise of giving the region a new constitution to expand the democratic space. The 2014 constitution which bears my name is still in use in that region. I championed the cause of the party inside the British courts and won. I ably liaised with international Human Rights Organisations and Public Relations Firms to promote party policies and emboss party image. I represented the party in a crucial conference inside the British House of Commons. We were also able to galvanise the entire Sierra Leonean community in the UK, irrespective of party affiliations, to stand together and publicly demonstrate our mutual opposition to the despotic practices of the past regime during which I presented a petition to 10 Downing Street on behalf of the cross-party group.

My experience as the SLPP youth organiser during the President Tejan Kabba era and my stint as two times regional chairman for the SLPP in the most vibrant diaspora region has been a great enabler for me in enhancing my understanding of people and systems. I didn’t fail our party then and I can assure everyone that I will not fail our party now or ever.

Unity: Obviously Jimmy, being the administrative head of a revered party like the SLPP means you must be academically and ethically competent. Tell us what you have in that department.

It is easy for me to market myself but I prefer projecting other people who I know are competent and effective because it feels far better when you are helping to propel other people into positions from where they would be empowered to help many more people. That is the job I am trained for and that is the main reason why I am running for this position. To empower other people!

But to answer your question precisely, I will say two things here:

Firstly, I am not just a grounded practical politician; I studied politics as a discipline. I have an MSc in government politics and policy from the best university in London, the same university where the great Pan Africanist icon, Osagyfo himself (Kwame Nkrumah) attended London University.

Secondly, I have only ever been married to one woman and we have been together for 24 years now. She is the mother of all of my three children, one of whom is currently studying law and sociology in her final year in one of the top universities in the UK.

That strong family bound coupled with my undying faith in God almighty informs my approach not just to politics but to life in general.  Respect for all, especially the elders, is key ingredients here.

I treasure transparency and I am firm on fairness. As a seasoned political administrator, who has convincingly operated both locally and internationally, I come with a clean set of hands to clean all the cobwebs and to straighten any curves on the road ahead.

Unity: Jimmy, there are fundamental organizational and administrative changes that you would want to introduce into the party if you become Chairman. Can you outline some of them for the benefit of our readers?

JBS: Of course I make no secret about the fact that the party would change under my leadership. But it would be a change for the better. If there is no need for any change or if I don’t have any ideas that can bring about positive changes, then there would be absolutely no reason for me to run for this position.

I am fully conscious of the fact that our party is a people’s party with core values and certain traditional traits that give us our definite identity. There is no way that we can attempt to change the things that have worked well for us and there is no way that we can change anything without first convincing our people and securing their consent.

Since time may not permit me here to delve into details let me just summarise the guiding principles of my stewardship: transparency, accountability, accessibility, a people-centred approach and above all, a result-oriented drive that is inspired and would be mirrored on the leadership style of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, with clear policies and clean procedures.

If elected, or shall I say WHEN elected, I would work to link the party with progressive partners with the same ideological leaning not just in Africa but all around the world.

Going forward I would ensure that the party owns its own office structures run by dedicated paid staff in every district and I would strongly recommend a proportionate investment in our non-traditional strongholds in an effort to expand our base and enhance the national character of the party.

Unity: Funding is central to the functionality, efficiency and effectiveness of any political organization. How do you intend going about making the party self financing and what fund raising activities you would use to ensure that?

JBS: Most people would agree that without adequate funding dreams would remain only as dreams. But again, we should understand that without dreams our realities would be stagnant. To act big you need to dream big and to work hard towards the realisation of your dreams.

I believe that we have enough sources and resources within the party to enable us to fund the party and its activities. What we need to do is to have a believable plan and inspiring programs with a clearly articulated pathway. When people understand that they journey is here and the trust is solid, they would certainly take the steps needed to walk with us.

We intend to construct a membership data base with an ID card and subscription payment system supported by solid financial discipline. And also at the heart of any fundraising strategy is the establishment of Business Hubs inside our party premises for selling T-shirts, memorabilia and other marketable items as well as investing in treasury bonds.

Unity: Jimmy, how do you see the future of our great revered party going forward as its potential Chairman?

JBS: This party is going to grow and rise.

We are record setters and trailblazers. We are going to leave no corner in the country untouched by our active presence. The SLPP is not a regional party or a tribal toy. It is a national institution with a strong umbrella reach. We are here to expand that umbrella and call many more to come pitch with us in unity and progress!

Unity: Thank you very much Jimmy for this wonderful interface with the party official mouthpiece. We look forward to having such discursive engagements with you in future.

JBS: Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to say a few words to my people using a platform that we all respect and adore.

 

Last Weekend… Orange Money Shoki Love Makes 10 Millionaires

By Mary Kabay

On 31st October 2020 Orange Money launched its 2nd edition of the Shoki Love live on SLBC and Star Television. The Orange Money Shoki Love is a promotion for all valid Orange money users and one is qualified for the draw by sending, receiving, using Orange E-wallet to do banking and pay for bills or buy goods.

The draw was hosted by Saio the comedian and Martha. This promotion has so many goodies for all Orange money customers as they are ready to give away 3 billion Leones and five brand new cars to the lucky Orange money customers.

For Saturday’s draw, about ten customers were lucky to be part of the draw and won various prizes. The first winner was John from Makeni and the fortune wheel was spun for him, luckily, the arrow stopped at Le5milion and automatically the customer won the money.

The second winner was a lady, Isata Kamara from Makeni, and again the wheel of fortune was spun for her and the arrow stopped at the Shoki box. She was asked to choose any number of her choice from 1-10. She chose 5 and the Shoki man, Mr. Amadu, opened the box for her, but an option was given to her: either Le4million or she gets what is in the box. She chose the hidden treasure in the box, which was 3million Leones.

The draw continued and many more winners popped up. Sidratu, a student living at Black Hall Road, Freetown won 5 million Leones, Samuel Kanu won 4 million Leones, Osman from Port Loko and a carpenter won 5 Million Leones apiece, Mary Bah won 2 Million Leones, Weah, a hair dresser from Kissy, won 5 Million Leones, Philip Kamara from Makeni won 5 Million Leones, Zainab from Sumaila Town and a student, won 5 Million Leones and the last winner for this edition was Mohamed from Angola town, who won 4 Million Leones.

Ten valid customers won prizes from Orange money – three from Makeni, one from Port Loko and six from Freetown. However, Orange money has lots more to offer to its valid customers as they are yet to unfold more when they end the promo and at the same time for the car and 3 billion Leones.

 

 

Salimo Amad Abdula of Mozambique Receives Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Award

Salimo Amad Abdula, Mozambique

By Amin Kef Sesay

On Friday 30th October, during a live virtual programme held at the House of Lords in the United Kingdom via Zoom, several noble personalities including Salimo Amad Abdula of Mozambique were given awards for their distinguished services to mankind. The program was moderated by BBC’s Jayne Constantinis. In her introduction, she expressed delight in welcoming all outstanding personalities to the program via Zoom, adding that the awards are to acknowledge and celebrate their exemplary leadership in their respective fields of operations.  The Awards are geared towards acknowledging and celebrating exemplary leaders that have made significant contributions and positive impacts in their specific fields as role models, philanthropists, tech giants, innovators, community and inspirational leaders.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Alex Itkin, President of Euro-knowledge Ltd, expressed appreciation to all the distinguished personalities for taking time off to grace the occasion. He further said that the current health situation across the world prevented the organization from doing what it would have otherwise gladly embraced, but in spite of the challenges posed by COVID-19, the organization is holding the said ceremony via zoom. He encouraged all to have fruitful engagements.

Among the personalities awarded was Salimo Amad Abdula of Mozambique. He received the Outstanding Business Leader of the Year Award.

In his acceptance speech, Salimo Amad Abdula thanked the organizers, adding that he is happy to be internationally recognized for his work because according to him, Mozambique is still facing challenges. He noted that despite his efforts, some parts of the north in Mozambique are still challenged with issues affecting the general welfare of the people in that part of the country. He however hoped that with this recognition, other players would be attracted to join hands with him to resolve some of the challenges plaguing especially the north of Mozambique. He appreciated the award on behalf of all Portuguese and dedicated the award to all Mozambicans and all those working for the development of the country.

Salimo Abdula is a renowned Mozambican business man, with more than 30 years of business experience in several areas and sectors of activity. He is currently performing the following functions:

  • He is President of the CPLP Business Confederation (CE-CPLP);
  • He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Intelec Holdings, S.A., (Business group acting in the areas of Energy, Advertising, Tourism, Finance, Mineral Resources, Telecommunications, Real Estate and Consulting);
  • He is Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Mozambique, promoting business and diplomatic relations between these two countries
  • He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vodacom Mozambique, position he held between 2009 and 2011 and between 2013 and 2015;
  • He was Chairman of the General Assembly of the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA);
  • He was Chairman of the General Assembly of the Mozambican Football Federation • Former Member of the National Parliament of the Republic of Mozambique

The event, which was organized by Euro-Knowledge Ltd, an international consultancy and advisor to many leading businesses, as well as Governments around the world, was graced by captains of industries, policymakers, and business magnates among others.

The programme was sponsored by Foreign Investment Network (FIN) and Premier Lotto Limited (PLL).

The Foreign Investment Network is a consulting, publishing and investment promotion firm established in 2001 with Headquarters in London, United Kingdom and also registered in America with Africa Regional office in Abuja, Nigeria. FIN main objective is to meet the investment needs and promote emerging economies in Africa through our marketing strategies which include: International conferences, Business meetings, Advocacy visits, Investment fora and International exhibitions. We are widely recognized for our power in fund raising, creative media, publishing and communication consultancy through it media campaign and image building services using the international leading media.

 

 

 

ITC & PMB Conducts Training to Increase Quality Cocoa Production

By Fatmata Jengbe

From the 19th-24th October 2020 a six- day training exercise was held at the Sahara Hotel in Bo for Cocoa Cooperatives, Exporters, Agencies and PMB workers on Cocoa Quality Management, with funds from the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Executive Chairman of the Produce Monitoring Board (PMB), Dr. James Vibbi informed participants that the training is going to be a continuous one for cooperatives, disclosing that the first one was held in Kenema.

Giving the rationale behind the training, Dr, Vibbi maintained that it is undertaken to increase the knowledge of farmers on farm management, good post-harvest practices, fermentation, good Agricultural practices for farm maintenance and increased yield among others, adding that if such practises are implemented by farmers, the quality of cocoa will improve and Sierra Leone will continue to win more awards internationally for best organic cocoa.

He stated that as an institution their motive is to ensure that Sierra Leone’s cocoa is internationally recognized, thereby attracting more investors in the sector.

Dr. Vibbi disclosed that this is the biggest training conducted ever for cocoa cooperatives in Sierra Leone and the training targeted 100 cooperatives from different districts. He noted that after the training, they are expecting the farmers to go to their various cooperatives and train the other farmers.

The Executive Chairman emphasized that such a training will help improve the cocoa value chain by increasing the knowledge of farmers and exporters to know what to do and what not to do, in order to increase cocoa production and quality to meet international standards.

Speaking on the International Cocoa of Excellence Award Competition, Dr Vibbi revealed that Sierra Leone is well prepared to send samples of quality organic cocoa to Paris, France for next year’s competition, adding that they believe that Sierra Leone will be among the best 50 organic cocoa beans producers in the world.

In his statement, the National Coordinator of International Trade Centre (ITC), Wahab Lera-Shaw, spoke of the support of ITC to Farmers through PMB with capacity building programmes. He expressed delight on the progress PMB is making in organizing a Cocoa of Excellence National Competition, which will position Sierra Leone to compete at the International Cocoa of Excellence.

He was also impressed with the gains made by PMB at the International level. He registered his institution’s continued support to PMB and the farmers, furthering that the reason for conducting such training is to increase the knowledge of farmers on how to improve the quality of cocoa and also to complement the efforts of Government in improving the sector in the country.

Mr. Lera Shaw reiterated that recently Sierra Leone was recognized among countries for best organic cocoa production, adding that as a country, they want to win more awards. He furthered that the training is to capacitate farmers to produce better cocoa that will meet international standards. He called on all cooperatives, exporters and agencies to implement what they have learnt during the training. Mr. Shaw underscored that the training gives opportunity to Cocoa Cooperatives and other stakeholders to develop positive attitude in enhancing quality in Cocoa Management.

The Lead Facilitator, Qadir Turay, made presentation on good environmental practices on Cocoa production, stating that farmers should note that cocoa production contributes to deforestation and biodiversity loss in West Africa. But Cocoa Agroforestry can play an important role for the environment.

He highlighted that bad environmental practices such as degradation, wild fire, among others, have potential negative impacts on Cocoa production, and that some of the potential negative impacts on the environment are: Drought, prolonged intensive rainfall and others. He admonished farmers to desist from bad agricultural practices and develop good environmental practices.

Mr. Turay underscored ways to achieve good environmental practices on Cocoa farming, which include; practicing of certification schemes; climate smart agriculture, diversify farming and adoption of the recommended spacing of Cocoa farming.

One of the beneficiaries, Milton F. Koroma, Chairman of Milowmar Farmers Cooperative, said that they have gained a lot, adding that their knowledge on cocoa has broadened. He explained that they have learnt more on cocoa fragmentation, transplanting, pre-harvest and the management of quality. He assured that he is going to organize such training for his cooperative members on cocoa quality management.

Other beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to ITC and PMB for conducting such important training for them. They called on ITC and PMB to always provide capacity training that will help increase their knowledge on cocoa.

SLFA Fires Back at Sports Minister

By Amin Kef Sesay

On the 30th October 2020 the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) stated that it has come to their attention that the Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, has once more made baseless and ill-considered statements towards the administration of SLFA.

It was highlighted that the Sports Minister on the 30th October 2020 during the  98.1 FM Radio Good Morning Show accused the FA of “sabotage” in relation to the Premier side , Kamboi Eagles, quest to participate and represent Sierra Leone in the upcoming CAF Interclub Competition.

According to SLFA, the fact of the matter is that the club failed to meet the CAF Club License Requirement which is a minimum obligatory requirement applicable to all clubs in Africa wishing to compete in CAF club competitions.

They furthered how the rules and regulations are publicly available on the CAF websites and SLFA had communicated related information to all Premier League clubs in Sierra Leone.

“Repetitive misinformation of this nature compromises the development of football in Sierra Leone to which the SLFA is dedicated,” SLFA bemoaned.

DoFA & LAB Seal Partnership to Cater for the Aged

By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Legal Aid Board and DORWONTONY Organization for the Aged (DoFA) on the 28th October 2020 have forged a partnership to cater for the justice needs of retirees and the aged.

The Executive Director of the Legal Aid Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles and the Chief Executive Officer of DoFA, Doreen Barrie sealed the partnership at a short ceremony which was held at the head office of the Legal Aid Board in Freetown.

Both expressed delight at and high hopes for the partnership. ‘This is very important to the Board because this is the first time we are having a partnership with an organization which caters exclusively for the needs and interest of the aged some of who suffer in silence because there is nobody to serve their interest,’ she said.

The terms of the partnership include visiting correctional centers around the country to identify the justice needs of aged inmates and the challenges they face while serving time in correctional centers either as trial or remand inmates.

“During our end of year visit at the Pademba Road Correctional Center in Freetown in December 2019 we found many old inmates with pressing problems ranging from long sentences to those without indictments,’ she said.

DoFA will also work with the Board to educate the aged people on the laws particularly the Sexual Offences Act 2012 (As Amended). “Many old people are serving time in correctional centers for committing sexual offences,” Ms. Carlton-Hanciles said adding “One client told me he was innocent of the offence because he cannot rape a women when he is impotent.”

The organization will also refer aged people to the Board for legal advice and representation for those on trial, inform the Legal Aid Board when aged people are arrested and investigated by the Police and work with the Board to lobby for release on compassionate grounds for those who continue to show good conduct and contrition.

Did Attorney General Rule that COVID-19 funds cannot be audited by the Auditor General?

By Amin Kef Sesay

Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Chernoh Bah, has risen up admirably to the occasion to remind the country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice that  it is most preposterous of him to state that the prevailing circumstance (State of Emergency) cannot warrant the Auditor General to perform her sacred role of auditing in real time the use of public  money – in this case, funds received by the Government of Sierra Leone allocated by the Executive arm of Government to be used in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is good for the gander surely must be good too for the goose.

It is in that sense that the leading opposition lawmaker and oversight member reminds our Attorney General that former President Koroma under similar circumstance ordered for an audit of Ebola funds in 2015 that was asked for by the current President in an open letter to the nation

Away from the controversy that has been generated in the public space over the Attorney General’s seemingly uninformed opinion on the matter of the Auditor General having at all times and under all monetary circumstances the power to audit the use of public funds, we should all be reminded as rulers and the ruled that Audit is an instrument, a tool of financial control, which is employed by the public or private sector or an individual to safeguard itself against fraud, extravagance and more importantly to bring credibility to the audited.

According to International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, audit is defined as “Evaluation or examination of systems, operations and activities of a specific entity, to ascertain they are executed or they function within the framework of certain budget, objectives, rules and requirements.”

This is a modern definition of audit in Public sector and does not constrict itself with only cash audit, which was the case originally.

Generally, for sound and effective functioning of Government and to ascertain that the benefit of public funds being used, reach the lowest strata of society and to every individual, audit is an indispensable tool.

It helps secure accountability of the Executive to the Parliament and towards the public in general. The Legislature can exercise control over the Executive and verify that the public resources have been utilized responsibly, for the purpose intended and funds raised through various sources like taxes reach Government fully.

As such, audit must be treated as an instrument for exercising control over processes, systems, finances and individuals to make Governments and governing bodies more responsible towards the public and its resources but it cannot be considered as an end unto itself.

In accordance with the target objective, several kinds of audit can be defined in the Public Sector.

Financial Audit: Intended to verify financial statements, accounts and balances as per generally accepted accounting principles.

Also, to verify money expended has been applied to the same purpose and premise for which it was obtained and within the boundaries of acceptable vagaries.

Audit of Legality Concordance: Intended to verify all transactions, processes are in full accordance with the law of the land and do not in any case harm or influence an organization or an individual for its own means.

Audit of efficacy or of programs: Intends to verify the result obtained from a plan for which money was employed is in conformance with the objective for which program was made.

Audit of Economy and efficiency: Intends to verify the way resources have been managed. Whether resources have been acquired at minimum cost and employed for maximum benefit.

Audit of Systems and Procedures: It is important for every organization which follows rules and laid down principles to verify its system and processes for improvement and quality conformance.

After audit is complete it is necessary to file a report which has adequate representation of facts and figures, adequate content, adequate preparation, adequate opinion for the target audience to understand it better and enough publicity for the report.

72 Parliamentarians Participate in Zero Malaria Parliamentary Engagement Forum

By Foday Moriba Conteh

72 parliamentarians on the 21st – 23rd of October 2020 participated in the Zero Malaria Parliamentary Engagement Forum as part of the Zero Malaria Starts with Me / Malaria e Don Wan Dae Na Mi Han campaign, a Pan-African movement committed to eliminating malaria by 2030.

Driving political will is essential to securing the resources and Governmental prioritization necessary to make progress against malaria – a disease that caused 1.78 million cases and 1,949 deaths in Sierra Leone in 2018.

Parliamentarians are the national policy makers, debate governmental priorities, vote on budgets and form committees to tackle specific social and economic issues. Reaching malaria elimination within a decade therefore necessitates full cross-party support, and this is why all Parliamentarians were invited to the Zero Malaria Parliamentary Engagement Forum.

Dr. Samuel Smith, Director of Disease Prevention and Control, said “Since malaria is one of the oldest recorded diseases and has plagued the African continent for so long, it is often seen as a fact of life and the idea of elimination seems, to many people, impossible. However, we must only look at the progress made in the past decade to know that malaria is a disease that can be defeated: the number of malaria deaths was reduced by 77%, from 8188 in 2010 to 1949 in 2018.

Just think what can be achieved with another 10 years of action and mobilization!”. He added “The National Malaria Control Programme is deeply encouraged by our parliamentarians showing such strong commitment to the malaria elimination agenda, and to taking concrete action so that Sierra Leone becomes a shining example of success, and one that will inspire other African nations.”

The Zero Malaria Parliamentary Engagement Forum, therefore, is seeking to inspire a unified commitment from parliamentarians representing all parties and all parts of the country, behind the malaria elimination agenda. Furthermore, an action plan is being developed between parliamentarians and the National Malaria Control Programme to ensure that concrete action is being taken.

Honourable Moses Baimba Jorkie, Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Committee, said “As the national representatives of the interests of all citizens of Sierra Leone, parliamentarians must lead the way in the fight against malaria with a renewed conviction and dedication to the long-term health and wellbeing of the country and its inhabitants. In demonstrating a cross-party consensus, parliamentarians have signed a declaration and a public statement will be released in due course.”

As well as using their platforms and influence to amplify public messaging and support existing initiatives, the parliamentarians will be championing the increase of the health budget from 11% to 15% of government spending, in line with the Abuja Declaration, which is essential to strengthen the health system as a whole. Furthermore, they have agreed to advocate for the doubling of financing for malaria, TB and HIV as well as the establishment of a high-level, multi-sectoral End Malaria Council/Fund to drive domestic resource mobilization. If these 3 actions are taken, Sierra Leone will be well positioned on the road to malaria elimination.

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