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Showing posts from 2024

Grand Finale of Honorable Aaron Teachers Christmas Football Competition Ends in Grand Style

By: Richmond B Tholley The much-anticipated grand finale of the Honorable Aaron Teachers Christmas Football Competition lived up to its hype, brought excitement, passion, and thrilling moments for all in attendance. The final match, held on Christmas Day, Saw Ansarul Islamic Secondary School (AISS) Teachers and Marian Memorial Secondary School (MMSS) Teachers battling fiercely for the championship title and a grand prize of over $1,000.  The game ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw during regular time, highlighting the determination, skill, and sportsmanship of both teams. The atmosphere grew tense as the match proceeded to penalty shootout, Ansarul Islamic Secondary School (AISS) Teachers emerged victorious, claiming the championship trophy and medals.  Honorable Aaron, the sponsor and visionary behind this remarkable initiative, expressed immense satisfaction with the success of the competition. He emphasized the importance of fostering unity and camaraderie among teacher...

REMAPSEN's Tribute to Dr Michel Sidibé

The REMAPSEN Awards ceremony, featuring prizes named after former UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Michel Sidibé, was held on 6 December in Dakar, Senegal. During this event, the African Media Network for Health and Environmental Promotion (REMAPSEN) paid a special tribute to Dr Michel Sidibé by presenting him with a special recognition award. Through Mrs Line Renée Batongué, CRTV (Cameroon) journalist, REMAPSEN Vice-President for Environmental Promotion and Awards Director, this distinction was established not only to encourage African journalists to increase their engagement in promoting health, environment, human rights and gender issues, but also to honour a great servant of Africa in the health and environmental sectors, Dr Michel Sidibé. Dr Michel Sidibé served as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNAIDS Executive Director, and Mali's Minister of Health and Social Affairs. He has dedicated over 44 years to global health, consistently emphasising people-centred pol...

Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024: What Sierra Leoneans Need to Know

  By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Makeni - Sierra Leone The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024 has sparked widespread discussion across Sierra Leone, with debates focusing on its potential to transform maternal healthcare, address systemic inequalities, and overcome cultural barriers that have long hindered progress. Supporters argue that the bill is a much-needed step toward achieving equitable healthcare access, while critics raise concerns about its feasibility and the challenges of implementation in rural areas. This groundbreaking legislation, introduced in Parliament earlier this year, aims to improve maternal health and enhance access to reproductive healthcare services nationwide. Here is what every Sierra Leonean needs to know about this transformative bill: 1. What Does the Bill Propose? The Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill is a comprehensive policy framework designed to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Sierra Leone. The pro...

IRCSL Opposes Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024

Freetown, Sierra Leone By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh — The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) has published a position paper rejecting the Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Bill 2024, citing profound ethical, religious, and constitutional concerns. The council argues the proposed legislation undermines the sanctity of life, contradicts religious teachings, and risks social and medical instability. The IRCSL's position revolves around three core arguments: 1. Sanctity of Life: The council asserts that life begins at conception, emphasizing religious teachings from both Christianity and Islam, which prohibit abortion except when a mother’s life is in immediate danger. The bill’s provisions for liberalized abortion and women’s autonomy in reproductive health decisions are seen as threats to moral and constitutional values. 2. Constitutional Violations: The IRCSL claims the bill violates Sierra Leone's 1991 Constitution, particularly the right to life outlin...

As Fire Displaces The Nyandemoh Family in Kabaidu Village - Councilor Benjamin Calls for Emergency Relief

By: Ibrahim Sangba On the 17th December, 2024 around mid-day when almost all the villagers are busy in their various farms, a roaring flames of fire from no where engulfed Mr. Tamba Nyandemoh's house in Kabaidu Village, Sumungifeh section, Sandor Chiefdom in the Kono District which left the entire family displaced. According to Mr. Nyandemoh, who is the head of the family,   "The fire burnt everything in the house, including my harvested produce like rice, yams and other food stuff", he narrated. He went further and stated that his biggest worry at the moment is his five children whose are school going pupils but all of their school items including but not limited to uniform, shoes bags, books and other learning materials were all burnt. He therfore called on the authorities, council and other sorry-heart organization to come to their aids in this challenging time. In an interview with one of the councilors of the Chiefdom, councilor Benjamin informed this medium tha...

Sierra Leonean Music Legend Steady Bongo Passes Away in Tragic Road Accident

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Sierra Leone is mourning the untimely loss of one of its greatest musical icons, Lansana Sheriff, popularly known as Steady Bongo, who tragically passed away yesterday following a road accident. The Sheriff family shared the heartbreaking news on his official Facebook page, writing: "Dear Sierra Leone, It is with profound sadness that we pen this letter. Yesterday, we lost Lansana Sheriff, fondly known as Steady Bongo, in a deeply tragic manner. He devoted his entire life to his music, serving the people of Sierra Leone with unwavering passion and dedication. In light of this, we earnestly appeal to the general public to honour and safeguard his legacy by refraining from sharing the distressing images of his final moments. If you truly loved Steady Bongo and respect his legacy and family, we implore you to remove such images from circulation. Let us mourn him with dignity and without sharing those heart-wrenching photographs. With all our love and gra...

What Do Sierra Leonean Women Love in a Man?

  Sierra Leonean women, like women all around the world, have unique tastes and preferences when it comes to choosing a life partner or significant other. While individual preferences vary, there are some qualities that resonate deeply across the cultural, emotional, and social landscapes of Sierra Leone. In this blog, we explore the traits and values that many Sierra Leonean women admire and cherish in a man. 1. Respect and Good Character Respect forms the cornerstone of relationships in Sierra Leone. Women appreciate men who show respect—not just towards them, but also to family members, friends, and elders. Good character, which includes honesty, humility, and kindness, is highly valued. A man who respects boundaries, listens actively, and treats others with dignity tends to win the heart of a Sierra Leonean woman. “Respect means understanding that a relationship is not just about love, but about kindness and consideration.” 2. Financial Responsibility and Ambition While wealth ...

How to Become a Successful Freelancer: A Complete Guide

  Freelancing has become one of the most attractive career paths today, offering the freedom to set your own hours, choose projects that align with your passion, and earn money on your terms. But, starting out as a freelancer can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. This blog post will walk you through the steps to successfully launch and thrive in the freelancing world. 1. What is Freelancing? Freelancing involves working as an independent contractor rather than being tied to one employer. Freelancers offer their services to multiple clients on a short- or long-term basis. Typical freelance fields include writing, graphic design, web development, marketing, consulting, and many others. 2. Benefits of Freelancing Before diving in, let’s look at some reasons why freelancing is worth considering: Flexibility : You control your schedule and workload. Remote Work : Work from anywhere—your home, a café, or the beach. Diverse Projects : Choose projects that interest you acro...

Nigerian Comedian Brain Jotter Set to Headline ECOFEST 2024 in Freetown

Freetown, Sierra Leone – Nigerian comic star and viral skitmaker, Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, is officially confirmed to perform at the highly anticipated ECOFEST 2024. This announcement has stirred excitement among fans as the comedian prepares to make his first-ever appearance in Sierra Leone. Hawa Turay, the newly appointed CEO of ECOFEST, broke the news on social media, teasing the audience about what to expect. “Brain Jotter needs no introduction! We're thrilled to welcome him for his debut performance in Sierra Leone on December 20th, as part of ECOFEST 2024,” Turay announced. Brain Jotter, born on February 5, 1996, has built a solid reputation as a comedian, content creator, and philanthropist. His comedic journey began during his university days, where he entertained audiences at local shows across Nigeria. However, his big break came in 2020 when his short, humorous skits on Instagram exploded in popularity, propelling him to stardom and ...

Local Government Service Commission Presents the Revised Human Resource Guidelines to Tonkolili District Council

By: Richmond B Tholley  On the the 9th October 2024, a ceremony was held at the Tonkolili District Council Hall, which marked the official presentation of the newly revised Human Resources Guidelines to the Administration of Tonkolili District Council, in Magburaka town, Northern Sierra Leone. This initiative in collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme  (UNDP) and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, aims to enhance institutional management and staff performance across Local Councils. During the presentation, the Chief Administrator Edward Alpha had the opportunity to welcome the Chairman , the newly appointed Executive Secretary and team from LGSC to Tonkolili District Council. He continued to express gratitude to the Commission for posting competent Core Staff to the District of Tonkolili.  Out of experience, with close to 15 years, this current team have shown oneness and performance index in departmental delivery, including...

Leone Rock Metal Group Wins Most Outstanding Mining Company in Africa

By: Richmond B Tholley Leone Rock Metal Group was on Thursday 10th October 2024 awarded as the most Outstanding Mining Company in the continent of Africa. "We are thrilled to announce that on the 10th October 2024, Leone Rock Metal Group has been recognized as the “Most Outstanding Mining Company in Africa” at the prestigious Africa Development Conference 2024," one of the company's Communication experts wrote on Facebook.  This incredible achievement, according to Bashir Koroma is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire team, as well as the strong relationships the company has built with the operational communities and stakeholders through its CSR Projects. As Africa’s leading mining company, this award reflects the company's focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and  positive impact on both the local economy and the mining industry across the continent. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey. ...

Paul Kamara Esq to Represent Sierra Leone at the Accra Forum on Freedom of Expression and Media Rights

By: Shebora Samba Kamara Accra, Ghana – Paul Kamara Esq, a leading Human Rights and Freedom of Expression Advocate from Sierra Leone and a Media Law Lecturer at the University of Makeni will represent his Country at a pivotal gathering of legal experts in West Africa.  The forum, organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), will commence on the 8th October,2024 at the Mensvic Grand Hotel in Accra, Ghana.  The event, themed “Countering Legal Obstacles to Media Freedom, Civic Expression and the Fight Against Impunity,” seeks to address the growing legal and safety challenges faced by journalists, activists, and media organizations in the region. Kamara’s participation in this meeting marks a significant moment for Sierra Leone and the broader West African region, where press freedom has been increasingly threatened. As an advocate, Kamara has dedicated his career to defending freedom of expression, fighting for the protection of journalists, and challenging legal fr...

How to Apply for the U.S. Diversity Visa Program: A Step-by-Step Guide for Africans

Every year, the U.S. Department of State offers an incredible opportunity for people worldwide to immigrate to the United States through the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery. For many Africans, this program is a chance to pursue a new life in America. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you have all the information needed to apply successfully. What is the Diversity Visa Lottery? The Diversity Visa Program grants up to 50,000 green cards each year to applicants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the U.S. Selected individuals receive permanent residency, also known as a Green Card, which allows them to live and work in the U.S. The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail to avoid disqualification. Why Africans Should Apply Many African countries are eligible for the Diversity Visa Program because they are underrepresented in U.S. immigration. Countries such as Ni...

How to Apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program

Are you dreaming of living and working in the United States? The U.S. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Program is one way to turn that dream into reality. Each year, the U.S. government offers 50,000 green cards to people from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery program. What is the Diversity Visa Lottery? The DV Lottery, also known as the Green Card Lottery, was established by the U.S. government to promote immigration diversity. The program provides an opportunity for applicants worldwide to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. Each year, winners are randomly selected and granted the chance to live and work in the U.S. as permanent residents. Key Dates The 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery program is open for applications from October 3, 2024 , to November 8, 2024 . Missing this window means you’ll have to wait another year to apply, so it’s crucial to submit your applicat...

Sierra Leone Secures $1.4 Million for TechCity and Startup Growth

Sierra Leone's tech industry is set to receive a major boost as the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation has successfully secured $1.4 million in funding from the African Development Bank. This grant is geared towards the development of Fɛlei TechCity, an initiative aimed at establishing a cutting-edge technological hub in the country. The funding will also contribute to the creation of a Startup Innovation Fund, designed to empower local entrepreneurs and foster the growth of tech startups. In addition, a specialized team will be assembled to work closely with the TechCity leadership, ensuring smooth project execution and strategic development. According to the Ministry, the project is expected to fuel significant innovation and contribute to building a dynamic tech ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to position Fɛlei TechCity as a leading center for technological progress, not only in Sierra Leone but throughout the region. Stay Updated! Join Our Wha...

10 Senior Police Officers Promoted to Assistant Inspector General

Freetown – In a major development within the Sierra Leone Police Force, the Police Council has approved the promotion of 10 senior officers to the esteemed rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). This decision, made during the council's meeting on September 27, 2024, takes effect immediately. The Inspector General of Police communicated the promotions to all regional police officers (REGPOLs), local unit commanders (LUCs), directors, and department heads, highlighting the significance of these appointments in reinforcing the leadership of the force. The newly promoted officers include key figures within the police structure, each holding vital roles. Among them is Francis Musa Hazeley, who has been serving as the Acting Director of Professional Standards, and Victor Manfred Williams, now the Acting REGPOL for the North-East region. Other prominent appointments include Andrew Mustapha Kamara as Acting REGPOL East, Hillary Sao Kanu, currently deployed with the African Un...

President Bio Commends Vice President Juldeh Jalloh for Securing MCC Compact

On Friday, September 27, 2024, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commended Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for his crucial role in securing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact for Sierra Leone. During the official signing ceremony between Sierra Leone and the U.S. government, held at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington D.C., President Bio praised the Vice President’s leadership throughout the process. “When we accepted the MCC challenge, I tasked VP Juldeh Jalloh with engaging all key stakeholders, and he handled it with great precision,” President Bio stated. “Thank you, VP Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. You may not be present here today, but you deserve all the credit.” The President also used the occasion to urge unity among Sierra Leoneans, encouraging them to set aside political differences for the sake of national progress. “Sierra Leoneans are intelligent and capable people,” he emphasized. “Let’s harness our collective talents for the development of our nation. Let th...