SIERRA LEONE COMMERCIAL BANK MD’S 48TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE TO STAFF ON MONDAY 15TH FEBRUARY, 2021
Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, the People’s Bank was established by an act of Parliament 48 years ago. During these past 48 years, the bank has gone through many changes including surviving a brutal 10 year civil war, and is still standing strong. The bank currently is the largest commercial bank in the nation with 300,000+ customers. As one of the leading commercial banks in the country, SLCB is constantly evolving, particularly with our decision in recent years to embrace the FINTECH agenda where we are targeting customers with robust banking services via digital means.
Solid Performance Overall, our growth has been steady and we have withstood many challenges along the way and still continue to perform strongly in the market place. Thanks to you the devoted and hardworking staff, the bank continues to perform solidly against the competition and providing our customers with robust services that are second to none in the industry.
This past year brought its own set of challenges with the COVID-19 global pandemic. We have managed to stay afloat amidst the deterioration in the global economy as well as our national economy due to this unforgiven pandemic. As we overcame the challenges over the past years, so we will also overcome these and any new challenges that we might face in the future with togetherness and camaraderie, with passion and hard work, with focus and strategic thinking and planning, and above all, with a sense of ownership and pride in being part of one family, the SLCB family.
As we celebrate this year’s anniversary, while not forgetting our past, let us put our focus on our successes and the strives that we have made so far to earn us the reputation of being the largest commercial bank in the country. Let us continue to deliver immense value to all of our stakeholders and partners including you our staff. This celebration is for all of us to enjoy and be proud of the work that we have done to keep the torch burning brightly that was passed down to us from our predecessors along the way.
Let us endeavor to always put this wonderful institution first so that we continue to expand the envelope of our footprint and services across our country and even beyond. Not forgetting to continue to raise the bar and set new standards and heights for others to follow.
Banking has advanced tremendously over the years from the conventional banking that many of us started with. As such, let’s cherish the moment and embrace the technological opportunities as we forge forward into the new age. This calls for flexibility and adaptation in our thought process, and the willingness to become part of a larger community of banks world wide that have embraced new ways of doing business. Let us continue to innovate strategically, forge new partnerships and conquer new markets as we move forward.
Conclusion
In concluding, I want to thank you all for all your hard work in keeping the bank going during our time. I encourage you all to continue to give of your very best so that we too can pay it forward to those that may come after us and leave them a solid performing institution just like our predecessors once did. Our potential is limitless and we all have our part to play.
Thank you all once again for all the hard work and I look forward to your continued support as we keep on with the good work.
ABDULAI FIDELIS TURAY MANAGING DIRECTOR
NaCOVERC MEDIA UPDATE 15th FEBRUARY, 2021
ISSUES OF FISCAL DISCIPLINE MUST BE TREATED SERIOUSLY
In my opinion, whilst I believe some of the issues raised by the Africanist Press against the Chief Minister’s office can be easily handle provided the office was keeping proper books of account, I don’t believe those attacking Chernor or the Africanist Press are actually putting on an effective defence for the government of President Bio. What we must do as right minded nationals determine to see our nation move forward in a number of positive ways is to use a nationalistic lense in the issues raised by Chernor and his team and encourage the government to genuinely effect established financial laws as stated in our legal books.
Some of the issues raised by Chernor against the Chief Minister are within procurement laws. It’s important to underscore the point that the essence of having such laws in our society is to ensure that tax payers monies are wisely use. The truth is it’s the responsibility of the Chief Minister’s office to prove to nationals whether expenditures captured by the Africanist Press under his office were legitimate or not. Brown nosing tactics with an intention to gain recognition or sustain anyone’s position at the expense of the government and country must not be prioritised in issues like this especially if we read and understand our political history plus the manifesto of this government. There’s nothing wrong in holding this government responsible to it state obligation based on established democratic principles. And people must stop putting their personal interests ahead of national interest if this government is to succeed.
It’s important to understand that this government is a democratic government and where it failed to observed democratic principles of transparency and accountability, right minded nationals must feel free to register their opinions without harbouring the fear of potential undemocratic actions by people masquerading as party loyalists.
In Sierra Leone, years of experience from one government to another, continue to teach us how sycophantic actions by political parties stooges, who often parade as party loyalists, wrongly support governments actions that often pave the way for governments to be voted out of power. Patriotic nationals hate seeing a repetition of such actions under this government because the country and its people suffer a lot when a government fails to succeed.
Let’s all recall that the APC was in a similar denial state and they were shown the exit door by the people. This government must not tolerate a situation where it will suffer from a similar situation. We were told we are supposed to be in a “New Direction” where wrongs done by the previous government are supposed to be corrected under this government to move the contraption forward in a number of positive ways. This government promised to up it game in fiscal discipline and issues being raised by the Africanist Press specifically centered around fiscal discipline. Time for our government to do some soul searching and ascertain whether it makes sense to declare the Africanist Press as government enemy number one or to look in to the issues raised by the said press and effectively tackle them for the good of us all.
Sierra Leone Activates Emergency Response System following Confirmed Cases of Ebola in Guinea
Following a Press Release from the Government of the Republic of Guinea on Sunday February 14, 2021, confirming seven reported cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) including three deaths, HE Retired Brig. Julius Maada Bio, instructed the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to inform the general public that even though there are no reported cases of EVD in Sierra Leone, the government should take prudent action to prevent any introduction of the virus into the country and to institute measures to protect the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
The government of Sierra Leone has activated its Health Emergency Response System to level II (Enhanced Surveillance, Active Case Finding and robust Community Engagement).
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation wishes to assure the general public that we will build on our expertise and experience to mount a solid response that not only prevents the reintroduction of Ebola into the country but should the virus be introduced, have a strong system that protects the lives of all Sierra Leoneans and interrupts the transmission of the virus.
With the border with the Republic of Guinea currently closed, Health Authorities and local stakeholders in the districts bordering Guinea and Sierra Leone have been supported to heighten Ebola surveillance, and improve community awareness including appropriate preparedness measures. National Rapid Response Teams are being dispatched to provide additional support to the District Health Management Teams. We intend to work very closely with our Guinean counterparts to quickly contain the situation.
EVD is a severe, often fatal illness in humans. The virus is suspected to be transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission. It can be transmitted through human contact with body fluids of a person infected with the virus.
Major symptoms of the disease can include some of the following: fever, sometimes unexplained bleeding tendencies from nose, gums, vagina, skin or eyes, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation wishes to encourage the general public to be vigilant and report all suspected cases and deaths through the 117 toll-free hotline or to their local authorities.
The Government of Sierra Leone intends to collaborate very closely with all our local, regional, and international partners especially partners of the Mano River Union
For more information, please contact:
At the Ministry of Health and Sanitation:
Harold Thomas – Risk Communications Lead/Health Education Manager – Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Email: haroldthomas2007@yahoo.com
Phone: +232 76 60 24 60
At the World Health Organization:
Saffea Gborie – Communications Officer
World Health Organization, Sierra Leone
Email: gboriesa@who.int
Phone: +232 76 77 78 78
Signed:
Dr. Austin Demby
Minister of Health and Sanitation
FINIC AND THE SIERRA LEONE ARMY COLLABORATE IN THE PRODUCTION OF AFFORDABLE BUILDING MATERIALS.
Making use of what we have, to get what we want, is a prerequisite to accepting, appreciating, and stimulation of our growth as a nation. No nation on planet earth can prosper if that nation does not respect and put into use its human and natural resources.
Innovative ways through science and technology must be sought from the nation’s endowment of all the resources. With that, confidence will be emboldened and there will be an assurance of home grown technologies generated that will endure and meet our circumstances and conditions.
In Sierra Leone, clay soil is in abundant supply. Why not use it and reduce the environmental foot print and cost implications linked to the use of cement?
The endowment in the country in both human and natural resources, should jolt us into perpetuating actions for an accelerated and sustainable development of our country.
An indigenous Enterprise like FINIC (Fomel Industry & National Industrialization Centre) generating technologies for agro processing as well as technologies for applications in the production of low cost building, materials, is carving paths in machine systems design and construction for a wide range of use accross the country and abroad.
General Lavahun, Commander of the Joint Forces in his quest to help provide affordable houses to each battalion across the country entered into a contractual agreement with FINIC for the manufacture of some Interlocking Clay Bricks Making machines and the conduct of training on their operation.
The training was conducted on the 10th of February 2021 with 12 participants from several battalions in the country. The skills imparted were:
1) Safety in the use of the machine
2) Operation of the machine
3) Service and maintenance
4) Cement, soil and water mixture ratio
5) Soil sieving/shifting operations prior to bricks production.
See pics and videos attached.
FINIC IS GOOD FOR AFRICA
Embrace FINIC BY Thinking Inbroad Before Abroad.
Reach us at +23276601956 in Sierra Leone.
In Ghana, we can be reached at +233 26 400 0480
Mayor Aki-Sawyerr to Serve as Keynote Speaker at the 45th Anniversary of Monrovia Day
Today, 14th February 2021, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr arrived in Monrovia, Liberia at the invitation of Mayor Jefferson Koije, Mayor of Monrovia.
Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr will spend the next two days in Monrovia for the 45th anniversary celebrations of Monrovia Day which will take place on Tuesday 16th February 2021. Mayor Aki-Sawyerr will serve as keynote speaker at the main celebration event, commemorating the establishment of the Monrovia as a city and she will speak on the theme “Sustainable Smart Action for Smart City”.
The visit reflects the decision by both Mayors to strengthen bilateral ties between Freetown and Monrovia, which will be centered on promoting city to city tourism and climate adaptation.
Upon arrival in Monrovia, Mayor Aki-Sawyerr was handed the key to the city by Mayor Koije, following a visit to the scenic and historic Blue Lake in Bomi County.
#TransformFreetown
©️FCC Communications
NaCOVERC MEDIA UPDATE 11th FEBRUARY, 2021
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Calls for More Rural Banking, Praises Union Trust Bank’s Customer-focused Products
Makeni City, Northern Province, Friday 12 February 2021 – His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio has told the opening of the Union Trust Bank, UTB, branch in Makeni that he is proud of the only indigenous private bank in Sierra Leone promoting more access to services in the rural areas.
“No doubt, its customer-focused banking products have helped deepen financial inclusion among citizens who live and do business in rural communities. But beyond this, my Government believes that we can gain a lot as a nation if we promote a savings and investment culture among citizens. The days of ‘earn and spend’ are gone. Banks can therefore work with Government to foster that savings and investment culture,” he said noted.
President Bio emphasised that the government expected that banks would be able to make available low cost credit to credit-worthy Sierra Leoneans who had proven investment ideas, adding that they had undertaken various efforts to promote financial inclusion in the country, including creating a digital biometric registration for citizens wishing to open bank accounts.
“I am informed that Union Trust Bank Limited is a client institution for both the African Development Bank Group and the Islamic Development Bank Group. It is also the first Western Union Money Transfer agent in Sierra Leone with agencies in all districts. This international reach and the diversified financial services portfolio is also very helpful.
“I am informed that Union Trust Bank did not experience a cash shortage during the two weeks of the Christmas period. I want to encourage Union Trust Bank, as well as other players in the sector, to adopt liquidity management practices that assure that depositors can access their money in banks as and when they need it.
“Let me conclude by stating that I am proud that Union Trust Bank Limited is the only indigenous private bank in Sierra Leone. It clearly demonstrates the capacity of Sierra Leoneans to develop a corporate culture and compete actively in the banking sector. The establishment of several brick-and-mortar branches all over Sierra Leone demonstrates that the bank is visibly re-investing its profits in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, said since its establishment in 1995 the bank continued to make significant gains in the financial sector, adding that its management was really committed to creating wealth and contributing to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Sierra Leone.
Chief Executive Officer of UTB, Dr Sanpha Koroma, expressed gratitude to President Bio for gracing the event, noting that he was pleased to host him in that part of the country.
For More Enquiries
State House Media and Communications Unit
+23276758764/+23278394949
info@statehouse.gov.sl
An intensification of discussions on corruption by Sierra Leoneans at home and in the Diaspora
THE OSWALD HANCILES COLUMN
by Oswald Hanciles, The Guru
February 10, 2021
There has been an intensification of discussions on corruption by Sierra Leoneans at home and in the Diaspora since the publication of alleged corruption in the Office of the First Lady of Sierra Leone by the US-based Africanist Press and its Editor, Chernor Alpha. M. Bah, who is also a doctoral student at Northwestern University (ranked among the Top 100 Universities in the world), and Founder of the African Socialist Movement. This is a wonderful thing for Sierra Leone.
I am however bemused and saddened by the typically partisan poisonous tone of the discourse on corruption in all media.
Those who when the APC government of former President Ernest Bai Koroma was in power (September, 2007 to April, 2018) were BLIND to corruption, now SEE corruption as a devilish vice; they were DUMB and could not speak about corruption, but have found their voices and screaming loudest all over the place. They were DEAF to the wailings of the impoverished majority because of corruption, but are now HEARING clearly the cries of the children and youth oppressed by Corruption. On the other side of our political-
schizoprenic divide….
There are those who between 2007 and 2018 who would unceasingly yell about corruption, but today, ensconced in some top government job, or, their ethnic kin part of government… have suddenly become BLIND, DEAF and DUMB.
We must fight corruption in Sierra Leone – for corruption is like a virulent cancerous cell that would inexorably kill Sierra Leone if not excised. Corruption is like a ticking time bomb, and if it’s not defused, will be detonated. Like the flagrant and rampant corruption when the APC governments of presidents Siaka Stevens and Joseph Momoh created the conditions for the nasty and brutal civil war of the 1990s. We urgently need patriots to come to the fore to provide leadership in this re-energized War on Corruption. We must not yield leadership to those overt or covert political types intent only on “state capture”; or, who are obsessed with clinging to power. Credible pastors, imams, civil society leaders must step up and guide the populace to make sense out of the cacophony by the political types.
The article which I republish here highlights another aspect of probable corruption – in the mineral sector.
We see corruption largely as figures posted by the Auditor-General’s Office; we are blind to corruption in the mineral industry; oblivious to corruption in the fisheries sector. Why?
Sierra Leoneans have been for too long used to meekly accepting whatever crumbs are thrown at them by corporate bodies of the West, and now China. I call this the SLAVE MENTALITY sydrome. When writers like us write about the need for reset of the global economic systems, we could very well be writing in Sanskrit. When Chernor Alpha M. Bah published a book recently on mineral corporate exploitation in West Africa, I can’t remember a single discussion of it on social media. Why? The chronic inferiority complex in the psyche of Sierra Leoneans. It is alright for the white man to intrinsically steal billions of dollars from us, but we are up in arms if we learn that a citizen has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars. We must learn to fight the big thief and the small thief at the same time.
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