By Foday Moriba Conteh
During a well-attended ceremony held on Friday, January 17, 2025, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) celebrated the dedication and loyalty of its employees at the company’s annual Long Service Award ceremony, held at its headquarters in Wellington, East End of Freetown.
The ceremony recognized 11 employees from various departments for their years of service to the company. This year’s awardees included three employees who have served for 10 years, three for 20 years, one for 15 years and for the first time four employees who have completed five years of service. Previously, the company only recognized service of 10 years or more, but this year’s inclusion of five-year milestones highlights SLBL’s commitment to fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
Addressing the gathering, Humu Kamara Mansaray, Head of Human Resources at SLBL, welcomed guests and outlined the significance of the occasion. “This year, we have combined two events the Long Service Award and the staff party to honor our employees in a unique and meaningful way. SLBL is a company that places its people at the heart of the business and today we express our profound gratitude to employees who have served for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years,” she stated.
Among the honorees were three employees who have served for 10 years, three for 20 years, one for 15 years, and for the first time four employees who have completed five years of service. Humu Kamara Mansaray highlighted that the introduction of the five-year recognition category and the increased cash gifts for awardees demonstrate the company’s commitment to boosting morale and fostering a sense of belonging among its workforce.
Awardees received medals of merit, certificates, SLBL products and cash gifts, tailored to the years of service. The Head of Human Resources emphasized the critical role of employees and their families in the company’s success, stating, “We also extend our gratitude to the spouses and family members of our esteemed employees who, in every respect, have contributed to ensuring the company achieves its objectives despite challenging circumstances.”
She also acknowledged the importance of female representation among the awardees and expressed hope for more award ceremonies in the future. “Congratulations to all our colleagues. Your dedication continues to shape the culture and values of SLBL. Together, we are making SLBL an employer of choice in Sierra Leone,” Humu Kamara Mansaray complimented.
She concluded her address with a call to action for all employees to continue their relentless contributions toward making SLBL an employer of choice in Sierra Leone.
Commenting on being an awardee, Foday Daboh, Corporate Affairs Manager at Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, who has served the company for 10 years, expressed gratitude to the management for the recognition. He noted that the award would serve as a source of motivation for him and other staff members.
Reflecting on his journey, Foday Daboh shared that he began with humble beginnings at the company and expressed pride in receiving the award, which symbolizes both his professional growth and dedication.
He acknowledged the challenges of working at the company over the years but attributed his success to passion and perseverance. The Corporate Affairs Manager also took the opportunity to inspire younger employees, urging them to remain passionate and resilient in their roles to achieve similar success.
Neimatu M. Sannoh, Sales and Operations Manager at Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, who was recognized for her 15 years of service, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the company for the recognition. She emphasized the importance of such awards in motivating staff and fostering a sense of belonging within the company.
Reflecting on her career, Neimatu M. Sannoh shared that she had worked across various departments during her time at the company, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge in each role. She credited these opportunities for broadening her professional skills and contributing to her growth within the company.
The Sales and Operations Manager further highlighted the role of leadership and teamwork in creating a supportive work environment. She encouraged her colleagues to embrace challenges, remain committed and take advantage of the learning opportunities provided by the company to grow both personally and professionally.
The event underscored SLBL’s commitment to celebrating loyalty, hard work and the collective contributions of its employees as it navigates its path to sustained excellence in the industry.
