By Amin Kef Sesay
Human resource development is key to the successful operations of corporate institutions. Capacity building of members of staff is very much important in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of various tasks at workplaces and helps greatly in accomplishing the overall mission of any institution. Without it members of staff will only perform tasks through guess work and trials which sometimes may not work in the best interest of an institution and ultimately lead to avoidable losses in terms of profits and even credibility.
Besides, awarding partners, employees or individuals for commendably accomplishing certain tasks always serves as a reward as well as motivation to continue to do more and for others to follow exemplary examples.
One of the corporate institutions in this country that has been at the forefront of enhancing the capacities of its partners, members of staff, from time to time conducting training exercises is indisputably the National Petroleum –Sierra Leone Limited (NP-SL Ltd), which is a renowned petroleum importing and marketing business entity.
It also awards Station Managers and Pump Attendants for accomplishing commendable feats.
The company, which, is a household name, for marketing products ranging from petrol, diesel, gas and various lubricants of which the Castrol Oil has been rated as the best for the efficient working of the engines of vehicle.
On the 15th January, 2022 after a successful training of Station Managers and Pump Attendants, the Shareholders and Management of NP-SL Ltd thought it but fitting to grant Certificates of Completion to the beneficiaries, over 97 of them, during an auspicious ceremony that took place at the Hill Station Club in the West End of Freetown as a way of recognizing or certifying that they have gone through a training programme and completing it geared towards putting them at vantage positions to effectively discharge their duties at their various locations.
In attendance were the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker, Ing Alhaji Munu, Operations Manager NP-SL Ltd, Ing Vandy Bockarie, Sales Manager NP-SL Ltd, Leon Aboku Cole, Sales Supervisor NP-SL and a cross section of NP staff, Station Managers of different Filling Stations in Freetown and their Pump Attendants and the Media.
In his statement, Ing Vandy Bockarie intimated all present that in November of 2021 NP-SL Ltd conducted a rigours training for Station Managers and Pump Attendants on Customer Care, Safety and on other related areas. He continued that the training was done in order to demonstrate that they consider all under the NP umbrella as a Team. “We consider you very important as you are contributing immensely to the enhancement of the company and the nation as a whole through the duties that you are performing,” he told the beneficiaries adding that the petroleum marketing entity leaves no one behind maintaining that without them there will be no NP-SL Ltd.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of NP-SL Ltd, Kobi Walker, euphemistically said for the occasion he is not the CEO but rather the Chief Pump Attendant. He said he is excited that the company is rolling out such an important programme maintaining that he is of the conviction that the training will enhance their performance effectively.
He gave a synopsis of the humble beginning of the company saying in 1996 the Government of Sierra Leone decided to withdraw from doing petroleum business and decided to sell shares. “Thirty five former employees, Sierra Leoneans bought shares and that is the way the company started,” he narrated adding that today the company has a presence in Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
Kobi Walker implored the beneficiaries to conduct themselves in ways that should make the company become stronger and stronger. He said the company is not only appreciating the good work they are doing but also empowering them and will continue to do so.
“As frontline workers you are not selling only fuel but also the NP experience ,” he stated adding that the way they that customers goes a long way in endearing them to continue doing business with the company.
During the course of the programme the Safety Campaign was launched in the form of television and radio jingles containing safety measures all must adhered to.
The award of certificates and gifts to various Filling Stations based on merit formed the highpoint of the programme.
The graduates are now expected to carry out effective service delivery to the numerous and esteemed customers that the company is well known for, that years back earned it the enviable accolade of 1st for Customer Care.
