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Showing posts from September, 2024

Family Cries For Justice as Former EBK Student Brutally Killed in Broad Daylight in Makeni

By Richmond B Tholley The family of a man that was brutally killed in the Northern city of Makeni is bitterly crying for justice weeks after their relative was forcefully taken out of this world. Born on May 4th 1993, Abdulai Kanu was allegedly attacked and killed on September 6th 2024 in Makama, Back Of the Makeni Government Hospital in Makeni City. Kanu is a former student of the Ernest Bai Koroma University. Though killed in early September, the family is frustrated because the incident has taken weeks and the  police in Makeni haven't brought to book possible suspects linked to alleged crime. According to a family member, the death of their late relative was suspicious which is why they're emphasizing that an investigation must be thoroughly done. "This is a very painful death and we want to know the circumstances that led to this kind of unprecedented incident," a family member said over the phone. The deceased, the family said was found dead with rope tied arou...

Acting Chief Justice Opens September Criminal Calendar with 94 Cases

Sierra Leone’s Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Nicholas C. Browne-Marke, officially opened the September 2024 High Court Criminal Calendar today, presiding over a call-over session involving ninety-four (94) criminal cases. These cases, which were brought before the High Court, mark the start of this year’s September criminal proceedings. The call-over serves the purpose of recording the pleas of all accused individuals who have been committed for trial by the Magistrates’ Courts, as well as those indicted with a judge’s written consent. During the session, if an accused person pleads guilty to the charges against them, the Presiding Judge moves directly to sentencing. For those pleading not guilty, the cases are adjourned to specific dates when trials will commence, assigned to individual judges. The ceremony began with a Guard of Honour presented by the Sierra Leone Police. This criminal session features a wide range of offences, including treason, murder, conspiracy, robb...

IGP Sellu Pledges to Enforce the Child Marriage Act 2024

The Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW), in partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (Family Support Unit), hosted a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Police Wives Association Hall in Kingtom. The gathering was centered on the rollout of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the MoSW and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP). During the event, Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu voiced his pride in being part of the discussions and the signing of the MoU, which marks a significant step towards enforcing the new Act. He emphasized that the MoU represents the SLP’s commitment to realizing the vision of Sierra Leone's First Lady and the country to eradicate early child marriage. IGP Sellu urged for collective action, acknowledging that the fight against child marriage cannot be won solely by the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Sierra Leone Police. He called on other min...

APC National Secretary General Showcases Benefits of New Digital Party ID System

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya Esq., the National Secretary General of the All People’s Congress (APC), has highlighted the advantages of the party’s newly launched digital ID card system, marking a significant shift from the old analog method. Dumbuya described this digital transition as a key advancement, aimed at strengthening the APC's internal operations and preparing the party for future growth. Among the main benefits is the enhanced security of the new digital cards. Each card carries a unique identifier, making duplication or misuse nearly impossible, thus protecting the party’s membership database. In addition, the new system introduces a centralized database for securely storing member information. This update streamlines the management of party records, allowing for quicker access to data and improving the efficiency of administrative tasks. The digital platform also improves membership verification. It speeds up the process at party events and act...

Travelodge: From Kenema to Port Loko: A Journey of Determination and Discovery

By: mansarayamaduibrahim@gmail.com On Monday morning, September 9th, I embarked on a challenging yet memorable trip from Kenema to Port Loko. Departing around 11:40 AM after purchasing my ticket, the journey proved to be a mix of stress and surprise. Seated between two young men and an elderly woman, I navigated the bus ride through a tapestry of languages and conversations, from Krio to Mende. An Islamic scholar’s sermon offered a spiritual pause amidst the hustle. Our first break at Tiayama provided a brief respite, though local food options didn’t appeal to me—I opted for a simple bread and soft drink. The journey continued with a frustrating stretch from Mile 91 to Masiaka, where I began to feel unwell and eagerly checked my Google Maps for progress. Upon reaching Masiaka, I faced the challenge of finding transport to Port Loko. A young local kindly helped me find a taxi, and after negotiating a price, we set off for the final leg of the journey. With a mix of Themne chatter in the...

BBC Journalist Targeted by Fraudster Impersonating Sierra Leone Minister

Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh - Freetown, Sierra Leone – Renowned BBC correspondent Umaru Fofana has reported a disturbing encounter with a fraudster who attempted to impersonate the Minister of Local Government, Tamba Lamina, in a phone call earlier today. Fofana shared his experience in a social media post, calling on mobile operators and regulatory authorities to take swift action against such fraudulent activities. According to the post, the fraudster, using the number  +232 74119918 , contacted Fofana, posing as  Minister Tamba Lamina.  Fofana, who immediately sensed something was amiss, responded in his professional broadcaster’s voice, speaking English. Recognizing Fofana’s voice, the fraudster hung up. Despite multiple attempts by Fofana to return the call, the impersonator continued to evade further communication. Fofana used the opportunity to appeal to mobile operators in Sierra Leone to act decisively against such fraudsters. He also called on the National Communi...

IBATECH SL Opens Applications for the 2024/2025 Academic Year

By: Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh, Lunsar,  Sierra Leone - September 2024 The Institute of Business Administration and Technology (IBATECH) SL, affiliated with Njala University, has officially announced that application forms for the 2024/2025 academic year are now available. Aspiring students can apply for a range of programs offered across multiple faculties, including Liberal Arts, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Technology. Available Programs: IBATECH offers certificate, diploma, and undergraduate degree programs in the following areas: Faculty of Liberal Arts and Education : Certificate programs in Teachers' Training, with diploma and degree programs in International Relations, Mass Communication, Modern Languages, and Education. Faculty of Clinical and Community Health Sciences and Policy : Diplomas and degrees in Public Health, Nursing, and related fields. Faculty of Business and Public Administration : Diplomas in Business Administration, Banking, Finance, and mor...

The Ministry of Education Announces Start Date for 2024/25 Academic Year

MBSSE The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has confirmed that the 2024/25 academic school year will officially begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. Schools across the nation are scheduled to reopen on this date. In a statement released today, the ministry urged school administrators, teachers, parents, and students to get ready for the new term, emphasizing that teaching will commence on the very first day of classes. “Learning will start immediately, and we encourage all parents to ensure their children are in attendance from day one,” the ministry stated. Teachers and school leaders are also being called upon to make the necessary preparations for a smooth reopening. The ministry also reminded parents to fully prepare their children for the upcoming school year, stressing the importance of prompt attendance as lessons will begin without delay. Stay Updated! Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now

Forum Against Harmful Practices Launches Bloodless Bondo Rite in Moyamba District

Moyamba, Sierra Leone – 3rd September 2024 – In a groundbreaking effort to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sierra Leone, the Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP), in partnership with Praise Foundation, has officially launched the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) in Kayama Chiefdom, Moyamba District. This initiative, also known as the Bloodless Bondo Rite, represents a significant advancement in the ongoing fight to eradicate FGM while preserving the cultural heritage of the Bondo society. The Alternative Rite of Passage provides a culturally sensitive approach that maintains the essential aspects of the traditional Bondo practices but eliminates the harmful and traumatic practice of genital cutting. Funded by Irish Aid, the ceremony in Moyamba underscores the collective commitment of various stakeholders to protect the health, rights, and dignity of young girls across Sierra Leone. For generations, the Bondo society has played a central role in the lives of women and girl...

New York community knock-out defending champion in the Makeni Inter-Area Tournament

By Ishmail Momodu Samura The recommencement of the Makeni inter area quarter final of the late PC Bai Shebora Kasangha ll organised by the Makeni Union of Youth Groups in collaboration with Makeni Connect has on Sunday 1st September, 2024 at the Wusum Field in Makeni witnessed a thrilling encounter between defending champion of the second edition held in 2017, Urban Community hosted New York Community in the quarter final of the 2024 edition. The intensity of the tournament attracted host of stars from across Sierra Leone in readiness to defend their communities. Suffian Kalokoh, the most decorated star player of Wusum Field who scored fourteen (14) goals in a single match and twenty-eight goals in a single tournament, a golden boot winner of the WAFU U-20 hosted in Guinea few years ago and a star player of Bo Rangers FC was in action for his community as a pay back. Suffian Kalokoh gets an opener in the first half of match proceedings from a free kick spot almost twenty yards to the p...

Petroleum Regulatory Agency Announces New Retail Petroleum Prices for September 2024

  Freetown, Sierra Leone – 2nd September 2024 – The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) of Sierra Leone has released the maximum retail prices of petroleum products for the month of September 2024. These prices, carefully calculated and collated, reflect the cost of fuel imports and the performance of the Leone against the US Dollar during August 2024. According to the PRA, the Leone showed a strong and stable performance, maintaining parity with the US Dollar at an exchange rate of NLe23.38/USD. This stability was a crucial factor in determining the new fuel prices for the month. During the review period, the average landed cost for imported petroleum products saw a decrease. Petrol now stands at USD920.03 per metric ton, diesel at USD919.27, kerosene at USD942.94, and fuel oil at USD675.91. These figures represent a notable drop from previous averages, such as USD984.26 for petrol, USD975.80 for diesel, USD1,009.79 for kerosene, and USD680.44 for fuel oil. Additionally, the PRA ha...

Deputy Speaker Awards Standing Ovation to Northern Bureau Chief Hassan Bruz

Port Loko, Sierra Leone – 2nd September 2024 – In a rare moment of recognition, the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Tawer Conteh, awarded a standing ovation to Hassan Bruz, the Northern Bureau Chief of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and a senior correspondent for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). This accolade was bestowed in acknowledgment of Bruz's unwavering dedication to journalism and his committed service to the people of Sierra Leone, particularly in Port Loko District. The commendation took place at the Port Loko District Council Conference Hall during a session of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts. The committee was holding hearings on accountability issues with local councils from the North West Region and other regions across the country that had previously been flagged for improper financial practices. Hon. Tawer Conteh, who is also a veteran Member of Parliament, pa...