District Youth Centre, Mongo Bendugu, Mongo Chiefdom, 27th January, 2022— The Falaba District Council has received €1,050,000 (over 13 billion leones) grant from the European Union through the Government of Sierra Leone to support COVID-19 response, infrastructure, agriculture and administration (tax and revenue) in Falaba District.
The grant is part of the 11th European Development Fund program to empower District Councils and respective Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to improve the environment for effective decentralization and local governance.
In his welcome address at the launch of the project, the Chairman of Falaba District Council, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, said the grant would ensure the council tackle some of its challenges as a new district. He noted that the 30-month project would unleash both the socio-economic potential and participation opportunities for citizens in the district.
Mr. Sorie thanked and appreciated the Government of President Julius Maada Bio and the European Union for identifying and supporting Falaba District’s development priorities.
On his part, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, reiterated his call for the need for effective coordination, ownership, participation and monitoring in development processes, adding that the stakeholders and leaders of Falaba District must embed those principles in the implementation this project.
He said the launch of the project was an important step towards achieving the development goals President Julius Maada Bio’s government has set out in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023), which was founded on a strong political commitment to deliver development results that would improve the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.
The Minister ended by calling on the people and authorities of Falaba District to support the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census (already in the mopping up phase) which would be helpful to the government, international agencies and Falaba District Council to support local planning and economic development for Falaba District.
Gerald Hatler, the Head of Cooperation, European Union, in his brief statement said that the aim of the funding was to support effective decentralization and efficient service delivery to citizens, especially in remote areas.
He said that the project would contribute to economic growth and social cohesion for the benefit of Sierra Leone. He also acknowledged the President’s strategy and long-term vision in placing decentralisation at the core of the government’s New Direction.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Amb. Tamba Lamina, commended the government for the level of support they have given to local councils stating that it was a manifestation of President Bio’s commitment to the decentralisation process in the country.
He stated that the launch was as a result of the strong advocacy to the EU to consider the two new districts of Karene and Falaba, adding that the government appreciates the EU for their support to these districts.
In July 2020, President Julius Maada Bio unveiled the five-year EU grant which targets District Councils and respective Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Pujehun, Kenema, Bombali and Kambia districts.
and south-east); · Two panels shall sit simultaneously to cover incidents
of alleged violations/abuses; · Another panel shall sit in the Western Area to also cover same. Post-Inquiry Stage (June – August) ·
Human Rights Commission gives Update on Law Enforcement Agencies’ conduct
By Anthony Vandy
The Human Right Sierra Leone has called a press conference to update the media on the proposed of public inquiry into the conduct of law enforcement officers (Military,(RSLAF) Police,(SLP) Fire force, Correctional Service, and Road Safety Cops.)
Section 5 subsection (2) Paragraph (b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 provides that “the security Peace and warfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of government, and to this end it shall be the duty of the Armed forces, the police, public officers and all security agents to protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone”.
Victor Idrissa Lasana Esq, the Vice chairperson- Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone said that to protect and promote the right of all Sierra Leoneans, citizens need to know and aware of their duties and responsibilities.
He said the government established the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone by an act of parliament in 2004. This he said the Commission is to protect and promote human rights in the country and to monitor and document human rights violations as provided for in section 7(2) (f) of the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) Act (No.9) 2004.
Victor Idrissa Lasana Esq added that the terms of reference for the public enquiry involves Investigating alleged systemic human rights violations that occurred from 2015 to 2021; examine and determine individual cases of victims of alleged human rights violations and abuses; document, analyze and articulate the human rights issues and violations experienced by affected person(s) as consequence of activities, actions, omissions or negligence of LEOs and private person(s) and finally to produce and publish a report containing key findings, conclusion and recommendations, directives and orders included legal and policy reforms;
He noted that” For the purposes of this inquiry and in accordance with Rule 43(5) of the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone (complaints, investigations and inquiries) Rules, 2008, the Commission has set up secretariat to manage the affairs of the public inquiry.
He said the inquiry is divided into three (3) phases which includes:
Pre- inquiry Stage (January – March).
Inquiry Stage (April-May) and the final stage which is the Post- Inquiry Stage (June to August)
He encouraged the public to participate in the inquiry process.
New Managing Director for SLCB
The newly appointed Managing Director of the oldest indigenous commercial bank in the country, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Yusufu Abdul Silla, will today Monday 31st January 2022 assume office to the delight of the entire staff.
Yusufu Abdul Silla is a well-qualified and result-oriented Financial Services and Banking professional with over fifteen (15) years of successful experience in positions of increasing responsibilities and duties.
The proficient gentleman is also a top performer with an enviable track record of consistently meeting and mostly exceeding set targets and customer expectations. In addition, Yusufu A. Silla is exceptional in educating customers on Mortgage and Banking products and recommending best options that meet their needs. He is also a team player with well-polished communication skills, good interpersonal relations, verbal, written, presentation and rapport building respectively.
The new Managing Director is also richly endowed with the following skills: a good leader, self-sufficient, goal-oriented, people-oriented, excellent time management skills, analytical, cheerful, savvy relationship-building, highly motivated and positive, excellent verbal and written skills, team player and can prioritize workload respective.
With regards job history, Yusufu Silla served as Acting Managing Director from September 2019 – September 2020 and Managing Director from 2020 to date at the Commerce and Mortgage Bank Plc. During that period, he was charged with the responsibility of stabilising and turning around the bank which was running at a loss and almost about to collapse due to poor management in the past.
Consequently, he succeeded in leading the Bank to turn its fortune around and moving performance from a loss position of Le28billion to a profit before tax of Le14.6 billion as reported in the Bank’s 2020 Audited Financial Statement.
Mr. Silla was also Director of Business Development from January 2016 – September 2019 at the Commerce and Mortgage Bank Plc. In this capacity, he reported directly to the Managing Director and was primarily charged with developing the commercial banking business after the company had secured a banking license. He succeeded in growing the bank’s commercial client portfolio by 30% during his tenure in this role.
The new Managing Director was also Director of Credit Management from January 2013 – January 2016 at the HFC Mortgage and Savings SL LTD on 30 Liverpool Street in Freetown respectively. In this capacity, he was primarily responsible for the entire credit granting process, including the consistent application of the company’s credit policy, periodic credit reviews of existing customers, and the assessment of the credit worthiness of potential customers, with the goal of optimizing the mix of company sales and bad debt losses.
As Head of Mortgages, Mr. Silla, was principally responsible for setting up the Mortgage Department and for introducing the concept of Mortgage Finance into the Sierra Leone’s lending space. This introduced recruiting and training of staff and creating the relevant mortgage operations, credit and insurance manuals.
Mr. Silla was also Senior Mortgage Consultant from January 2005 – July 2008 at the Britannia Finance and Mortgage Limited – 252 Belsize Road, London, NW6 4BT, and Mortgage Consultant from January 2004 – July 2005 at Clarence House Financial Limited – Richmond Surrey TW9 2JN.
The new Managing Director has an excellent educational background befitting an academic. From 2001-2003, Mr. Silla graduated from the London Metropolitan University with a Master of Science in International Banking and Finance. He has vast knowledge in International Finance, Banking Operations and Strategy, Domestic and International Banking, Corporate Finance, Research Methods, Portfolio Management and Quantitative Methods, macroeconomics.
Between 1991 and 1996, Mr. Silla graduated from the oldest University South of the Sahara, Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone (USL) with a Bachelor of Science in Pure Economics with Honours.
He is also versatile in Macroeconomics Analysis, Microeconomic Analysis, Quantitative methods, Development Economics and Business Methods.
Mr. Silla was also an active student government representative and one of the shakers and movers of the FBC Students’ Union Government during the war years.
The new Managing Director also did professional training and came out with flying colours, including Certificate (Credit Assessment Tools & Techniques) National Banking College, Ghana, April 2009, Certificate (African Perspective on Real Estate & Housing Finance) National
Banking College, Ghana, February 2009, and CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgaging Advice and Practice) Institute of Financial Services, May 2004 respectively.
It could be recalled that prior to Mr. Silla’s appointment, Mr. Bockarie Kalokoh, who is now the Deputy Minister of Finance II, was the Acting Managing Director of the SLCB following the sudden death of the substantial holder, the late Fidelis Turay of blessed memory.
IMC gets new Chairman
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio in a press release has appointed Dr Victor Massaquio as the New Chairman or Commissioner for the Independent Media Commissioner (IMC).
See the statement below.
District Youth Centre, Mongo Bendugu, Mongo Chiefdom, 27th January, 2022— The Falaba District Council has received €1,050,000 (over 13 billion leones) grant from the European Union through the Government of Sierra Leone to support COVID-19 response, infrastructure, agriculture and administration (tax and revenue) in Falaba District.
The grant is part of the 11th European Development Fund program to empower District Councils and respective Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to improve the environment for effective decentralization and local governance.
In his welcome address at the launch of the project, the Chairman of Falaba District Council, Ibrahim Sorie Sesay, said the grant would ensure the council tackle some of its challenges as a new district. He noted that the 30-month project would unleash both the socio-economic potential and participation opportunities for citizens in the district.
Mr. Sorie thanked and appreciated the Government of President Julius Maada Bio and the European Union for identifying and supporting Falaba District’s development priorities.
On his part, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, reiterated his call for the need for effective coordination, ownership, participation and monitoring in development processes, adding that the stakeholders and leaders of Falaba District must embed those principles in the implementation this project.
He said the launch of the project was an important step towards achieving the development goals President Julius Maada Bio’s government has set out in the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023), which was founded on a strong political commitment to deliver development results that would improve the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.
The Minister ended by calling on the people and authorities of Falaba District to support the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census (already in the mopping up phase) which would be helpful to the government, international agencies and Falaba District Council to support local planning and economic development for Falaba District.
Gerald Hatler, the Head of Cooperation, European Union, in his brief statement said that the aim of the funding was to support effective decentralization and efficient service delivery to citizens, especially in remote areas.
He said that the project would contribute to economic growth and social cohesion for the benefit of Sierra Leone. He also acknowledged the President’s strategy and long-term vision in placing decentralisation at the core of the government’s New Direction.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Amb. Tamba Lamina, commended the government for the level of support they have given to local councils stating that it was a manifestation of President Bio’s commitment to the decentralisation process in the country.
He stated that the launch was as a result of the strong advocacy to the EU to consider the two new districts of Karene and Falaba, adding that the government appreciates the EU for their support to these districts.
In July 2020, President Julius Maada Bio unveiled the five-year EU grant which targets District Councils and respective Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Pujehun, Kenema, Bombali and Kambia districts.
and south-east); · Two panels shall sit simultaneously to cover incidents
of alleged violations/abuses; · Another panel shall sit in the Western Area to also cover same. Post-Inquiry Stage (June – August) ·
Human Rights Commission gives Update on Law Enforcement Agencies’ conduct
By Anthony Vandy
The Human Right Sierra Leone has called a press conference to update the media on the proposed of public inquiry into the conduct of law enforcement officers (Military,(RSLAF) Police,(SLP) Fire force, Correctional Service, and Road Safety Cops.)
Section 5 subsection (2) Paragraph (b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 provides that “the security Peace and warfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of government, and to this end it shall be the duty of the Armed forces, the police, public officers and all security agents to protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone”.
Victor Idrissa Lasana Esq, the Vice chairperson- Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone said that to protect and promote the right of all Sierra Leoneans, citizens need to know and aware of their duties and responsibilities.
He said the government established the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone by an act of parliament in 2004. This he said the Commission is to protect and promote human rights in the country and to monitor and document human rights violations as provided for in section 7(2) (f) of the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) Act (No.9) 2004.
Victor Idrissa Lasana Esq added that the terms of reference for the public enquiry involves Investigating alleged systemic human rights violations that occurred from 2015 to 2021; examine and determine individual cases of victims of alleged human rights violations and abuses; document, analyze and articulate the human rights issues and violations experienced by affected person(s) as consequence of activities, actions, omissions or negligence of LEOs and private person(s) and finally to produce and publish a report containing key findings, conclusion and recommendations, directives and orders included legal and policy reforms;
He noted that” For the purposes of this inquiry and in accordance with Rule 43(5) of the human rights Commission of Sierra Leone (complaints, investigations and inquiries) Rules, 2008, the Commission has set up secretariat to manage the affairs of the public inquiry.
He said the inquiry is divided into three (3) phases which includes:
Pre- inquiry Stage (January – March).
Inquiry Stage (April-May) and the final stage which is the Post- Inquiry Stage (June to August)
He encouraged the public to participate in the inquiry process.
New Managing Director for SLCB
The newly appointed Managing Director of the oldest indigenous commercial bank in the country, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Yusufu Abdul Silla, will today Monday 31st January 2022 assume office to the delight of the entire staff.
Yusufu Abdul Silla is a well-qualified and result-oriented Financial Services and Banking professional with over fifteen (15) years of successful experience in positions of increasing responsibilities and duties.
The proficient gentleman is also a top performer with an enviable track record of consistently meeting and mostly exceeding set targets and customer expectations. In addition, Yusufu A. Silla is exceptional in educating customers on Mortgage and Banking products and recommending best options that meet their needs. He is also a team player with well-polished communication skills, good interpersonal relations, verbal, written, presentation and rapport building respectively.
The new Managing Director is also richly endowed with the following skills: a good leader, self-sufficient, goal-oriented, people-oriented, excellent time management skills, analytical, cheerful, savvy relationship-building, highly motivated and positive, excellent verbal and written skills, team player and can prioritize workload respective.
With regards job history, Yusufu Silla served as Acting Managing Director from September 2019 – September 2020 and Managing Director from 2020 to date at the Commerce and Mortgage Bank Plc. During that period, he was charged with the responsibility of stabilising and turning around the bank which was running at a loss and almost about to collapse due to poor management in the past.
Consequently, he succeeded in leading the Bank to turn its fortune around and moving performance from a loss position of Le28billion to a profit before tax of Le14.6 billion as reported in the Bank’s 2020 Audited Financial Statement.
Mr. Silla was also Director of Business Development from January 2016 – September 2019 at the Commerce and Mortgage Bank Plc. In this capacity, he reported directly to the Managing Director and was primarily charged with developing the commercial banking business after the company had secured a banking license. He succeeded in growing the bank’s commercial client portfolio by 30% during his tenure in this role.
The new Managing Director was also Director of Credit Management from January 2013 – January 2016 at the HFC Mortgage and Savings SL LTD on 30 Liverpool Street in Freetown respectively. In this capacity, he was primarily responsible for the entire credit granting process, including the consistent application of the company’s credit policy, periodic credit reviews of existing customers, and the assessment of the credit worthiness of potential customers, with the goal of optimizing the mix of company sales and bad debt losses.
As Head of Mortgages, Mr. Silla, was principally responsible for setting up the Mortgage Department and for introducing the concept of Mortgage Finance into the Sierra Leone’s lending space. This introduced recruiting and training of staff and creating the relevant mortgage operations, credit and insurance manuals.
Mr. Silla was also Senior Mortgage Consultant from January 2005 – July 2008 at the Britannia Finance and Mortgage Limited – 252 Belsize Road, London, NW6 4BT, and Mortgage Consultant from January 2004 – July 2005 at Clarence House Financial Limited – Richmond Surrey TW9 2JN.
The new Managing Director has an excellent educational background befitting an academic. From 2001-2003, Mr. Silla graduated from the London Metropolitan University with a Master of Science in International Banking and Finance. He has vast knowledge in International Finance, Banking Operations and Strategy, Domestic and International Banking, Corporate Finance, Research Methods, Portfolio Management and Quantitative Methods, macroeconomics.
Between 1991 and 1996, Mr. Silla graduated from the oldest University South of the Sahara, Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone (USL) with a Bachelor of Science in Pure Economics with Honours.
He is also versatile in Macroeconomics Analysis, Microeconomic Analysis, Quantitative methods, Development Economics and Business Methods.
Mr. Silla was also an active student government representative and one of the shakers and movers of the FBC Students’ Union Government during the war years.
The new Managing Director also did professional training and came out with flying colours, including Certificate (Credit Assessment Tools & Techniques) National Banking College, Ghana, April 2009, Certificate (African Perspective on Real Estate & Housing Finance) National
Banking College, Ghana, February 2009, and CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgaging Advice and Practice) Institute of Financial Services, May 2004 respectively.
It could be recalled that prior to Mr. Silla’s appointment, Mr. Bockarie Kalokoh, who is now the Deputy Minister of Finance II, was the Acting Managing Director of the SLCB following the sudden death of the substantial holder, the late Fidelis Turay of blessed memory.
IMC gets new Chairman
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio in a press release has appointed Dr Victor Massaquio as the New Chairman or Commissioner for the Independent Media Commissioner (IMC).
See the statement below.
