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Speak Up Africa Recognizes Aki-Sawyerr For Exemplary Leadership

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, Mayor of Freetown has once more gained recognition as a leading figure in public health across Africa alongside HEM Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger. Both were recognized for their remarkable leadership in sustainable development.

Awarded by Advocacy and Policy Action Tank “Speak Up Africa”, the 2020 Leadership Award celebrates individuals and organizations which demonstrate exemplary leadership and bring a positive impact through their work and initiatives.

Winners also include the Confederation of African Football, pan-African banking conglomerate Ecobank and Mr. Salomon Dopavogui, Executive Director of Jeunesse Secours, an organization based in Guinea and Member of the No to NTDs Civil Society Network.

Presented on Speak Up Africa’s 9th anniversary, the award recognizes those who have raised awareness and driven action around important public health issues such as malaria, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), immunization, sanitation and COVID-19.

HEM Mahamadou Issoufou has been a dedicated champion for sustainable development. In July 2019, His Excellency hosted Speak Up Africa’s high-level event on the sidelines of the African Union Summit held in Niger and recently expressed his desire to further Speak Up Africa’s work to end NTDs in Africa.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE was recognized for her efforts as a malaria elimination champion in Sierra Leone. Through her work as Mayor of Sierra Leone’s capital city, Aki-Sawyerr also dedicates her time to improve access to water and sanitation at a national level.

According to Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr: “It is a great honor to receive the Speak Up Africa Leadership Award this year, particularly in a time when continued action against malaria is critical to protect decades of hard earned progress. Only by working together can we keep up the fight against malaria and ensure that we rid the continent of this disease for good.”

Mr. Saloman Dopyogui is a long-standing development champion, and integral member of the No to NTDs Civil Society Network, which provides a platform for CSOs to consult and collaborate to maximize their efforts in fighting NTDs. Mr. Dopyogui demonstrates immense leadership in his role as Executive Director of Jeunesse Secours, a civil society organization based in Guinea. In this role, he rallies young people, media reporters and fellow civil society organizations to increase awareness in the fight against NTDs.

Mr. Saloman Dopavogui, Member of the No to NTDs Civil Society Network said: “Engaging Africa’s youth, journalists and other civil society organizations to join the fight against neglected tropical diseases will be essential if we want to alleviate suffering and help the 600 million people who are impacted by this sub-set of diseases. Working together with dedicated organizations like Speak Up Africa will ensure we reach our goals, and it is a great honor to be recognized by Speak Up Africa today.

In July this year, Ecobank launched the Zero Malaria Business Leadership Initiative in partnership with Speak Up Africa. As part of The RBM Partnership to End Malaria and The African Union Commission’s  Zero Malaria Starts with Me movement, Ecobank is leading private sector organizations in the fight against malaria, mobilizing support and funding across the continent.

“Ultimately, ending malaria will increase prosperity across Africa, with a healthier population that drives economic growth. As an organization, we are proud to receive Speak Up Africa’s Leadership Award and hope that we can continue to use our position as a platform to raise awareness and inspire action against this deadly disease.” says Ade Ayeyemi, CEO of Ecobank Group.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been a strong advocate for raising awareness of public health issues, particularly this year with its involvement in the Stay Safe Africa campaign, which seeks to educate the public on how to protect themselves from COVID-19. Speak Up Africa commends CAF’s dedication to bringing the Stay Safe Africa campaign to a new audience, ensuring factual information was disseminated to the wider public.

Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa adds: “2020 has introduced many new challenges in our journey to drive sustainable development for the continent. Despite the difficulties presented by the ongoing pandemic, we’ve seen remarkable examples of collaboration and new initiatives across the continent. In the current context, we are therefore particularly delighted to recognize such strong leadership from this year’s worthy awardees.”

Pres. Bio Romances with Civil Society Organizations

By Theresa Kef Sesay

At the Freetown International Conference Centre, Bintumani Hotel, on the 30 October, 2020 His Excellency President Dr., Julius Maada Bio inaugurated the Government Civil Society Organization (CSO) Dialogue Series expressing hope that the public engagement will help strengthen and consolidate the country’s democratic values.

“I am tasking my Government to infuse more candour and transparency in Government business through regular interactions with Civil Society as representatives of the interests of our citizens. I want to have a frank dialogue about what is working and what is not working”.

The President observed that for too long the conversation between Government and Civil Society was embittered, shrouded in mistrust and a belief that Civil Society could only do its job by criticizing the activities of Government, creating the impression that those who did not criticize Government were complicit.

“There is a serious need for a paradigm shift in this relationship. It is this shallow binary view that I hope this dialogue series will unravel. The truth is, the relationship is complex and dynamic and more importantly, can be a catalyst to promote good governance,” he said.

European Union, EU, Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Tom Vens, said that he was delighted to join the President at the start of a national dialogue series, hoping that the day’s event would translate into action. He praised the commitment made by President Bio to enhance consultation and collaboration with Civil Society Organizations in addressing the crisis engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic and other broader governance and development issues.

He observed that it takes a good leadership to rethink and take affirmative action to reinvigorate the state-society social contract, even more so during such difficult times.

“To foster economic development and strengthening peace and democratic rule is not only your priority but has been the principal aim of the European Union from the very outset some 70 years ago. As a community of like-minded States the EU promotes the pursuit of peace and democracy both internally and in all its external actions, political and diplomatic relations with the rest of the world,” he explained.

Speaking on behalf of all CSOs, John Caulker of Fambul Tok International, expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to them by President Bio to involve in the dialogue session, adding that they would not take such a unique opportunity for granted. He urged his colleagues to engage constructively in ensuring that they make meaningful contributions that would help in the development of the country.

“We want to assure your Government that this is a new beginning. We want to make sure we engage constructively. The principle of our future engagement with the Government after his dialogue will be with trust, honesty and frank conversation,” he noted.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh said that the dialogue was borne out of the belief of His Excellency that deepening the relationship between Government and Civil Society is critical to promoting good governance and establishing robust accountability systems.

“HE, following your meeting with CSOs on May 20 this year, you tasked me with the responsibility to develop a framework to constructively and sustainably engage civil society. I was extremely excited to take on this challenge because as you all know, I have a very long history with civil society organizations in Sierra Leone,”.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would also provide a unique opportunity to address some of the challenges that civil society organizations had faced in getting the requisite support to contribute meaningfully to the national discourse.

“I, therefore, want to take this opportunity to appeal to our partners to continue to support Civil Society Organizations to play a key role in promoting good governance and accountability,” he said.

KAFSAD to Host Koinadugu and Falaba Achievement Award 2020

By Foday Moriba Conteh

As part of their strides to recognize outstanding and hard-working personalities, who have contributed to the development of Koinadugu and Falaba Districts, the Koinadugu and Falaba Sons and Daughters (KAFSAD) Organization, is now poised to host the first ever Koinadugu and Falaba Achievement Award 2020. The award ceremony is slated to take place in December, 2020 within Kabala District.

Speaking to this Press, Founder/Chief Executive Officer Koinadugu and Falaba Sons and Daughters (KAFSAD), Musa Kamara, disclosed that the Koinadugu and Falaba Achievement Award 2020 is an idea from young people within the two districts which will serve as a yearly event where they will be recognizing outstanding and hard-working personalities for their tremendous contributions to society from all walks of life in Koinadugu and Falaba districts.

He disclosed that over the years the contributions of descendants from Koinadugu and Falaba in these districts cannot be overemphasized adding that descendants from these two districts have contributed immensely towards the major development of the districts and other parts of the country but lamented that they are not celebrated or recognized as it is happening in other parts of the country.

Musa Kamara revealed that it against such a backdrop they thought it fit as young people of these districts  to undertake such an Award ceremony  in order to recognize and celebrate those who personalities who have contributed immensely to the development of these two districts.

The CEO further revealed that the event will attract the attention and participation of key decision makers from the two districts; the Corporate World, Civil Society Organization, the Media, Professional Bodies, Academia and descendants from Koinadugu and Falaba community in the diaspora and that the Award categories are carefully designed to reflect their hard works.

“We want the two districts to be recognized as symbols of excellence and for meaningful contributions to national building. It will also serve as a national culture and nature attraction and this will only continue if we start celebrating our own which will capture national and international attention with the strong belief that it will be an added developmental advantage for the two districts,” he maintained.

Musa Kamara noted that the event will be led by a trusted team whom are developmentally inclined and have lots of experience in running similar programs further assuring the people of Koinadugu and Falaba districts that the Award Ceremony will be credible and who so ever takes an award home must be a deserving personality. He disclosed  that the organizers will look for outstanding personalities in different categories such as Development, Education, Sports, Media, Entertainment, Financial Institutions, Health etc.

He further disclosed that the Nomination Process is now open and it will be closed on the 15th November, 2020, adding that the team will work together with the leadership of all sectors within these districts to do a thorough background check and bring out a comprehensive nomination list which will look at different categories in all sectors.

The CEO said members of the public who wish to nominate any descendant of the two districts should visit their Facebook page @Koinadugu and Falaba Achievement Award 2020 or visit Radio Bintumani Kabala, Rokel Commercial Bank Kabala, Traders Union Office Kabala etc. to secure the nomination form free of cost , adding that filled nomination forms can be uploaded at kafaaaward2020@gmail.com or sent to the various institutions listed above.

Prefabricated Materials Received by Abdul Kadiru Kaikai, CEO of ABCD Export City Project

By Amin Kef Sesay

The official handing over of prefabricated building materials for the commencement of the ABCD Export City Project in Sierra Leone has taken place in Istanbul, Turkey on the 27th October 2020.

This medium was made to understand that the prefab materials will be used for the construction of the export city houses in the four project sites, in Sierra Leone, Moyamba Junction in Moyamba District, Mamamah in Port Loko District, Tikonkor in Bo District and Tissaor in Kenema District.

The materials were received by Abdul Kadiru Kaikai, CEO of ABCD Export City Project for Sierra Leone and Liberia and Ibrahim Abass Kanneh Esq Legal Representative for Spire SL.

It was established that this development is a major landmark for the commencement of the operations of the ABCD Export City Project in the country and will create jobs for over twenty-three thousand Sierra Leonean youths once it starts.

Several other meetings are currently being held by the CEO about the project before the Spire -SL team returns to Freetown.

The ABCD Export City Project will be the most sustainable economic growth initiative in Sierra Leone since its independence.

Spire-SL is striving to create communities with vital opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, employment and the means as well as the ability to live in dignity irrespective of social, cultural or political differences.

It is also paving the way for inclusive lasting peace, health, security and socio-economic development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and its blueprints to address global challenges.

Also, it will help ease unemployment with twenty-three thousand jobs that will particularly benefit young people and reduce so much pressure on the Government.

According to CEO KaiKai, the Project is part of President Bio’s vision to transform the country’s economy and its objective is to build four cities with standard facilities for the poor people in operational areas.
He added that each operational district will have five thousand (5,000) employees and that the Project after implementation will be the biggest ever in the history of the country.

Timely Availability of Petroleum Products Has Become a Mantra for NP-SL

By Amin Kef Sesay

The well-established oil marketing company in the country, the National Petroleum Sierra Leone Limited, NP (SL-Ltd) is relentless enhancing its strides to always ensure that its imported petroleum products are available on the market and easily accessible. Management of the company has made it a matter of must for these products to be present in all the nook and cranny of the country.

NP-SL Limited, as a private entity, is purely an indigenous company that has mastered the art of importing and marketing petroleum products which include petrol, diesel, gas as well as certified lubricants, one of which is the widely used Castrol oil.

Amidst various challenges that have been encountered since the company was established, it has, however,  successfully weathered those storms that could have dwarfed it or left it to extinct save therapeutic intermittent Managerial injections that keep it upright and on the right course.

Demonstrating its true Sierra Leonean identity the company has maintained a policy of strictly adhering to the Local Content Policy ensuring that it has a maximum indigenous staff in its employ. What this actually means is empowering our brothers and sisters to access employment opportunities and reduce poverty.

As a matter of fact some members of staff continue to benefit from various trainings that have afforded them the conduit to imbibe useful skills to efficiently carry out certain assigned tasks. If we are counting the number of companies that have upheld the Local Content Policy, without any iota of doubt, NP-SL could be seen at the top.

This intrinsic nationalistic posture of the company runs through and it is a sine qua non to overall national development. If such a compliance rate should have been followed by other local companies, willingly, without any pressure from the relevant authorities then indisputably this country should have been miles away in its development trajectory.

Business Management experts have made it abundantly clear that the way and manner in which customers are cared for in terms of talking to them, making them feel at ease go a long way in attracting them. Such should be done sincerely in order to make them more important. NP-SL for a very long period now has executed it so well which definitely is paying dividends.

1st for Customer Care was earned by the company because it has been widely acclaimed by many for solidly executing such.

In its drive to optimize customer satisfaction the company went the extra mile to install calibrated pumping machines which are not only modern but trustworthy, as opposed to old pumping machines which certain unscrupulous individuals used to cheat unassuming customers.

This is helping to repose confidence in customers that they are dealing with a very transparent entity. The friendliness of their pump attendants is very impressive and they are always there to timely respond to various concerns.

Still within the purview of 1st for Customer Care, the company is always in a position to enter into payment plans with its reliable and dependable customers including Ministries, Departments and Agencies for supplied fuel and lubricants as long as all the necessary modalities have been put in place.

When cognizance is taken of the fact that some of these institutions receive intermittent budgetary allocations then such an arrangement is very significant. Its significance in real terms borders on functional continuity of those institutions as they will be assured of supplies of petroleum products in as much as they keep honouring their obligations.

For those who have not tried NP Gas for the first time it is now time to give it a try. Designed in sizable varying cylinders and sold at various NP Filling Stations, this cooking device has been rated as one of the best that is on offer for sale. NP Gas is safe, user friendly and portable. Trying it will spur you to recommend it to others.

NP Smart Card is now in vogue and is one of the latest technological devices used to purchase petroleum products. Using it has attendant advantages as evident in procuring fuel at any time of the day even during times when monies could not be accessed from banks. It is secured, easy to use and very quick. It is now trending.

To crystallize proposed projects into tangible realities on the ground, Government needs the required financial resources to effectively do so and one sure way is from collection of taxes which is the mandate of the National Revenue Authority (NRA).  NP is one big tax payer to Government and it has been doing so timely.

NP-SL remains undaunted, unperturbed amidst all the challenges it is going through and conscientiously it is steadily contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as well as  positively changing communities and lives.

As Reality TV Gets Hotter… First Lady Lectures Housemates

By Amin Kef Sesay

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

The latest of these dramas or episodes, which took place on the 30th October, 2020 and caught the attention of many viewers in and out of the country, has to do with the Housemates Season 2 Court Verdict.

Yanapoli and Sarah, two of the Housemates, were accused of violating one of the rules of the House which is no fighting. In other words, they were accused of fighting for which both were charged to court. In the same case, it was furthered that Victor Onie Williams, another Housemate, stands accused of “hesitation to act responsibly”.

The court, which was presided over by Magistrate Mohamed Heist of Housemates Court No. 1, found both Yanapoli and Sarah guilty of violating the rule of no fighting in the House. Both were therefore given a Yellow Card and sentenced to twenty-four (24) hours Room arrest.

With regards, .Victor Onie Williams, who was accused of “hesitation to act responsibly” he lost five (5) points. He, however, launched an appeal contesting the decision by Chief to deduct 25% of his points scored in the House. Lamentably, he lost the appeal and thus got 5% of his points deducted and 20% restored. According to the judge, he (Victor) hesitated to act responsibly in separating the aforementioned during the fight to an extent of standing by, watching as if he was enjoying the drama.

Yanapoli and Sarah were escorted by the lockup to their cells.

After a long day with court proceedings, the Housemates finally cool off themselves in a Halloween BBQ Pool Party with DJ Cross as the Guest.

In another related issue, the First Lady, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio’s courtesy visit to the Housemates this past Saturday, 31st October 2020 could be best described as very significant not only in giving confidence to the Housemates to continue to do 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, encapsulating keeping their heads up, 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 on “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 of the ongoing show.

Though the First Lady has taken the campaign to almost all the districts of the country, however, 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 know the Housemates by their individual names, 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 different backgrounds 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 albeit evictions along the process ultimately leading to the clash of the Titans to determine to 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 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 to keep the Housemates in the House, viewers must vote for them. In other words, their survival to be in the House largely depends on the voting public. Make use of this opportunity now by sending SMS messages or vote via the number of any of the Housemates to: 5500 or Dial *5500#. For International voting, call: +23299005500.

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 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 could be liken to a refinery where the current competitors are going through life overhauling experiences to such an extent that life after Housemates Salone will be  positively 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, 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 for 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 positive change lives.

Choithram Hospital Commences Professional Medical Check-Up

By Amin Kef Sesay

The Choithram Hospital, situated on Hill Station in the West End of Freetown is starting professional medical check-ups from the 1st November 2020. The rationale is geared towards the Hospital’s endeavour to promote health and the well-being of all.

Chief Administrator of Choithram Hospital, Harish Agnani, in a statement averred that, “Health check-ups are aimed at screening, identifying risk factors and advising on preventive measures. These are a means to sustain good health and lifestyle”.

On his own part, the Head of Medical Services at Choithram Hospital Dr. Gowrinath M. George underscored that, “We have various check-up plans catering to different categories of screening like General Health Check-up, Basic and Complete Cardiac Check-up, Neurological Evaluation, Gynaecological Evaluation, Junior and Senior citizens health plan and Executive Health check-up for corporate clients .We also have a plan for whole body screening to identify hidden conditions or space occupying lesions (tumors and cancers)”. He added that check-up to determine HIV is not covered as such is dealt with the consent of an individual and is absolutely free.

During this medium’s exclusive interview with Dr. George he responded to the question of why the health check-up that the hospital has undertaken is necessary by stating that it is very significant medically for certain complications or diseases to be detected early especially those that are potentially life threatening. He added that in that light, medical check-up increase the chances for prevention and early treatment.

“As a matter of fact check-up reduce risk of complications by monitoring and greatly helps in promoting healthy lifestyles,” he explained, adding further as to how it also reduces health cost over time.

Responding to the question of who should get it done, Dr. George said living in a fast moving world with hectic work schedules and lifestyles demand medical check-ups to monitor factors that drive our health conditions.

He noted that it is suggested that screening is essential for each and every one periodically to establish a selective approach to keep and stay healthy.

Dilating on the steps to be followed for a check-up, the Head of Medical Services, Choithram Hospital, revealed that the individual should book an appointment and reach the hospital by 8:00 am on empty stomach.

He went on to state that after giving fasting sample, the individual will then have breakfast and complete the rest of the tests.

He clarified that this check-up should not be mistaken for the periodic camps that the hospital conducts from time to time as it will be a permanent feature of the services that Choithram Hospital is now offering. Dr. George said the aforementioned check-up is not done for free as there are charges to be paid.

Disclosing some of the facilities that Choithram Hospital has in place he mentioned the Accident and Emergency Department, Health Check-Up program, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedic, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Surgery, Neurology, Histopathology, Clinical Laboratory, Endoscopy, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Ultrasound guided Biopsy, Digital x-ray, Incentive Care Unit, Cardiology, ENT, Paediatrics, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, 64 Slice CT Scan, Dental x-ray, Mammography.

Orange Money & Access Bank Launch Bank to Wallet & Wallet to Bank Service

Bank to Wallet and Wallet to Bank was launched by Orange Money-Sierra Leone in partnership with Access Bank

By Mary Kabay

On the 30th October 2020 the Bank to Wallet and Wallet to Bank was launched by Orange Money-Sierra Leone in partnership with Access Bank to make banking easy and bring it to the door step of everyone in the country. The program took place at Orange-Sierra Leone Rawdon Street Office in Freetown.

Orange Money is now partnering with the fourth commercial bank in the country, Access Bank, in making possible accessibility to the Wallet to Bank and Bank to Wallet platform of sending and receiving money with a view to ease the workload on the Bank to give easy access to the banking system country wide.

Sadia Kanu, a member of staff of Orange Sierra Leone in a presentation demonstrated how the service works. She said the first step to be taken is that an individual must be a customer of Access Bank as well as operating an Orange Money account.

With the customer having an E-wallet, he or she can send or receive ten thousand Leones which is the minimum and fifteen million Leones as the maximum per day.

Sadia intimated that to connect to the service, the individual must start by entering the Orange Money Code #144#, then go to number six which will display the list of the banks, he or she can then choose Access Bank and it will take him or her through the menu as well as the secret code which the individual must enter.

An SMS will be sent to the individual and he or she must reply within 30 minutes and as well be around the bank axis.

Explaining the benefits of the service to its customers, she mentioned among others visibility, that it is easy to access, that it suits all type of customers and not only influential personalities.

Mohamed I. Kargbo, Head of Product Development, Access Bank, maintained that what customers will be required to do at the bank is to give their Orange Money link and after filling forms customers’ signatures must be presented.

Martha Kpakima, a representative of the Manager Access Bank in her statement expressed delight with Access Bank linking up with Orange Money Sierra Leone further stating how they are determined to work together in order to build a mutual and beneficial relationship.

CEO of Orange Money, David Mansaray, highlighted the advantages of the banking wallet service stating how the service is easy and quick to access money, makes it possible for customers to avoid long queues saying it can be used in shops and beach bars in case users are financially stranded. He assured that Orange Money is here to improve financial inclusion in the country.

Former President Koroma Bags Prestigious Euro Knowledge Leadership and Humanitarian Award

His Excellency Ernest Koroma(Former President of Sierra Leone)

By Amin Kef Sesay

Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma on the 30th October, 2020 was the proud recipient of the Euro Knowledge Leadership and Humanitarian Awards in acknowledgement and celebration of exemplary leadership who has made significant contributions and positive impacts in specific fields as a role model, philanthropist and inspirational leaders. He was given the Award during the Euroknowledge  Philanthropy Leadership Forum 2020.

Former President Koroma Bags Lifetime Extra-Ordinary Award of Excellence

The Ex-President was among other influential personalities that bagged the prestigious award including  Sallo Polak (Executive Director, Philanthropy Connections Thailand), Mr. Christian Paradis (Former Ministry of Trade and Industry, Canada), Ms. Benedict Lee (President-Elect Rotary Club, Hong Kong), Mr. Tsvi Gal (Former CTO, Morgan Stanley USA), Dr. Manu Chandaria OBE (Kenyan Billionaire and Chairman, Comcraft Group Kenya). They were all honoured with the Prestigious Euroknowledge Awards on the 30th October 2020, at the House of Lords in London.

Other personalities honoured at the ceremony were Sadiya Umar Farouq (Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social development, Nigeria), Dr. Mahmood Ahmadu (Chairman, Integrated Online Services), Ms. Florence Otedola ( DJ CUPPY) Founder, DJ CUPPY Foundation), Dr. Anthony Nwachukwu (CEO, Innovate Pay 1).

The Keynote Speaker for the event was Mark Minevich (World Renowned Visionary) and was introduced by Angelica Sirontin (Co-Founder, Digital Pioneers Network and the event was moderated by BBC Business Reporter, Ms Jayne Constantinis.

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.

In his brief statement, Ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma started by thanking the coordinators of Euroknowledge for putting together the programme. He said that ongoing discussion that is taking place bordering around philanthropy was indeed an interesting one. Ernest Koroma furthered that the art of giving has to be in an individual and it does not matter the level of affluence a person enjoys if one is not a giver one will still not give. He noted that people in very remote and poor communities have people in there that share the little they have.

He added that sharing or giving is something that is required now especially as the level of poverty has increased and with all what is going around us there is a need as human beings, philanthropists, politicians to show greater empathy because some  people are caught in the vicious cycle of poverty and the little help given will help get them out of the cycle.

“The little help one gives  to help somebody’s schooling will help the recipient get out of the cycle, come and give back to society  and the little help that is given for medical attention will help to save lives,” the Ex-President maintained underscoring the importance of helping the needy.

Ernest Bai Koroma, who was born on 2 October 1953 is a Sierra Leonean politician who served as the fourth President of Sierra Leone from 17 September 2007 to 4 April 2018.

Born and raised in Makeni in Northern Sierra Leone, Koroma spent more than 24 years working in the private insurance industry before entering politics in 2002. From 1988 to 2002, he was the Managing Director of the Reliance Insurance Trust Corporation (Ritcorp).

Koroma earned a Bachelor’s degree from Fourah Bay College in 1976; and is an insurance agent by profession.

Koroma was elected as leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, on 24 March 2002, after defeating then-incumbent APC leader Edward Turay. Koroma stood as the APC candidate in the 2002 presidential election but was defeated in a free and fair election by incumbent President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who won 70.3% of the vote, to Koroma’s 22.35%. Koroma conceded defeat.

Koroma was later elected to Parliament, representing his home District of Bombali from 2002 to 2007. In 2005, he was elected the Minority Leader of Parliament and remained in that position until his election to the presidency in 2007.

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

FIN has special passion for promoting and showcasing investment opportunities in Africa and beyond to the international investors from all parts of the world.

Over the years, FIN has stamped it authority in the following areas:

Project Financing, Location Branding, Entrepreneurship Matchmaking, Conference & Exhibition, Publishing, Joint Venture, Training & Workshops and Media Relations.

Premier Lotto Limited (PLL) also known as Baba Ijebu is a Gaming Company which was incorporated in 2001 and was established to carry out the Lotto business in Nigeria. The founder and current Chief Executing Officer of the company is Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu.

Premier Lotto comprises of a management team that has over 40 years combined experience in the gaming industry and has been able to leverage on such experience to develop, sustain and strengthen the business over the years thus giving rise to one of the biggest lotto practice in West Africa.

In order to achieve best practice and ensure excellent and timely service to its customers,
PLL partnered with EDITEC S.A of Paris, France and some other indigenous business and technology professionals to provide technology and back end support for the company. This has enabled the business to continuously provide quick and efficient services to its numerous customers.

Premier Lotto currently has one of the biggest lotto practices in Nigeria operating with over 200 principal agents supervising over 16,000 sub agents/sales representatives spread across the western region of Nigeria. The company’s ability to pay winnings consistently has made her the leader in the gaming industry.

The company is currently concluding plans to replicate its Services across the entire nation adopting different expansion strategies such as Alliances and Partnerships.

Former President Koroma Bags Lifetime Extra-Ordinary Award of Excellence

 

 

 

Vincent Sankoh’s life still under threat from Secret Society

Vincent Sankoh

By Thaimu Thullah

Reports from Western Urban Water Loo states that members of the Poro Secret Society are still in search of a youngman by the name of Vincent Sankoh Vincent  was some times in 2015 abducted and taken to a secret society Poro bush, where he was supposed to be forcefully initiated, in line with their tradition, as a replacement of his late father, Pa Adakalie Sankoh, as the Pa Rakkah (a very senior position within the Poro Secret Society).

Vincent and another friend are said to have set fire to the shrine, whilst preparations were being made for their initiation, and managed to escape through the bush,

This action prompted society members to pursue him. Sources say that Vincent managed to escape from his pursuers, and his whereabouts are yet unknown and it is said that if found he will be offered to the Gods to appease them for this rather sacrilegious act.

Investigations mounted by this medium has revealed that members of this secret society in Port Loko have on several occasions descended on the residence of Vincent’s Aunt in Waterloo, where he was said to have been living when his father died and had been issuing threats to her in a bid to get her to disclose his whereabouts. This was confirmed by residents around the home of his Aunt, Mammy Kadie Sankoh of 55 MaBurreh Road, WaterLoo.

According to the Aunt, members of the Poro Secret Society, headed by one Pa Alimamy Kamara, alias Pa Yamba, has been frequenting her house in search of Vincent, but to no avail. Other residents told this writer that they had witnessed the members exhibiting spiritual powers around the residence. It was also disclosed that this action by the society members have not been well received by these residents, as it is common knowledge that when they perform rituals, all those who are not members of the secret society should stay in doors, away from sight or will have themselves to blame for whatever that will befall them. This had further created panic among those residents, especially as the visits had been too frequent for their comfort.

Explaining to this writer, a terrified aunt, Mammy Kadie Sankoh, said that she does not know about the whereabouts of her nephew, and only knew that some time in 2015 Vincent had left for Port Loko in the company of a childhood friend, Sorie Bangura, who had invited him to attend a festive season show in Port Loko. It was disclosed that on his arrival there, he was abducted by the secret society members and taken to the society sacred bush for initiation.

When asked why the society would want to initiate Vincent? She stated that his father held a senior position in the Poro secret society and on his death, tradition demands that his son should take his seat, and this will include rigorous initiation rites. She furthered that Vincent had told her that he had been approached by members of the society after his father’s death to take his place and he had tactfully declined the offer, and was told that it is mandatory and he had no option. It is against this backdrop that Vincent had told her that he left Port Loko to come and stay with her in Waterloo.

Mammy Kadie Sankoh narrated that on Tuesday 27th October 2020, the poro society members of Port loko District, headed by Pa Alimamy Kamara, alias Pa Yamba, again, went descended on her residence at 55 MaBurreh Road, WaterLoo, in search of Vincent, On their arrival at the said resident on that fateful day, they openly began to perform society rituals, much to the fear of residents in the area, especially as they were exhibiting supernatural powers, and those who were not members of the Poro Secret Society were confined in their homes.

Mammy Kadie Sankoh (Vincent’s Aunt) further explained that: “These people swore to their Gods that they will continue to raid my residence in search of Vincent until he is found and taken to the society shrine in the bush for initiation”

Mammy Kaddie furthered that she begged the secret society members to discontinue their actions, because she has no knowledge of Vincent’s whereabouts and could not give them any information that will lead to his eventual discovery and apprehension.

However, those residents who were members, who opted to know the reason for the performance, relayed to this medium that the members had vowed to use all ways and means to get Vincent initiated into the Poro Society to replace his late father.

Our investigations undertaken in Port Loko, further revealed that Vincent was living with his parents and siblings in Port Loko, until when his father died of the deadly Ebola Outbreak in 2014. He then travelled to Waterloo and lived with his Aunt (Mammy Kadie Sankoh), but he was later approached by members of the Poro Secret Society, at the end of the outbreak, and told that he will have to replace his father as the Pa Rakkah, which meant that he will have to undergo some rigorous initiation rites in the society bush.

According to our source, the opportunity came when Vincent appeared with his friend in Port Loko during the festive show. He was abducted and taken to the society bush for initiation and there was information from some members of the society in the township that he had set fire to the society shrine and had absconded and is now wanted by the members of the society who are busy searching for him, and have vowed to continue their search until they capture him.

It was also understood that Vincent Mother died in the 2017 Mudslide that took away over 1000 lives and destroyed proprieties.

He further that Vincent is also had another case to answer at the magistrate Court in Freetown on Miscellaneous offences

The Poro secret society was a male cultural institution in Sierra Leone, which is considered as an integral part of Sierra Leonean culture. Almost 95% of authorities in both local and central governments are members and do not venture to discuss any issue bordering on the said society, especially as they are members.

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