Author: gleanernewspaper
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, marking a watershed moment in his administration’s efforts to promote agricultural development and food security in Sierra Leone. This visit demonstrates President Bio’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector through his flagship initiative, “Feed Salone.” Upon his arrival, President Bio was greeted warmly by Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Julius F. Sandy, along with officials from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff members from the Sierra Leone High Commission. The visit was made possible by an invitation from the International Institute…
Recent reports from Nieuwsuur, based on findings by Clingendael and the Global Initiative, have unveiled alarming insights into the escalating crisis of Kush, a potent synthetic drug causing turmoil in Sierra Leone. The Netherlands and the United Kingdom have been identified as the main suppliers of Kush, which has emerged as a significant public health concern in the West African nation. The situation has escalated to such an extent that President Julius Maada Bio declared a state of emergency in April of the previous year. Kush, a relatively new addition to the drug market, is notorious for its affordability and…
Africell Mobile Telecommunications Company has officially launched an exciting 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament exclusively for its employees, with a total prize pool of 18,000 new Leones for the top-performing Teams. The tournament is being held at the Young Sportsmen Club (YSC) on Wilkinson Road in Freetown, which provides an exciting atmosphere for both Players and spectators. Shadi Gerjawi, Chief Executive Officer of Africell, emphasised at the launch event the tournament’s goal of fostering camaraderie and enjoyment among employees. “This initiative reflects our commitment to encouraging our employees to work hard while also spending time together,” Mr Gerjawi said. He extended a…
A delegation from the World Bank, headed by Senior Energy Specialist Paul Kagaba, recently visited the Electricity House in Freetown to engage with Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Energy Governance Coordination Group (EGCG). The purpose of this visit was to provide updates on various World Bank-funded initiatives and to reinforce the institution’s commitment to aiding Sierra Leone in achieving its energy goals. During the meeting, Kagaba highlighted the importance of open dialogue with the Ministry of Energy regarding ongoing projects, specifically the Energy Sector Leveraging and Expansion Project (ESLEAP) and the Renewable Energy and Sustainable Power Improvement Project (RESPITE).…
In recent years, West Africa has faced a burgeoning crisis involving a synthetic drug known as “kush,” which has emerged as a significant threat to public health and safety. This alarming trend, with Sierra Leone at its epicentre, has likely resulted in the deaths of thousands of individuals across the region. The drug has rapidly spread to neighbouring countries, including Liberia, Guinea, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, leading to severe health implications and prompting national emergencies declared by the presidents of Sierra Leone and Liberia in April 2024. Kush is a synthetic drug that contains a mixture of potent substances,…
On January 25, 2025, Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) Council and Executive Management gathered at the Njala University Campus in Mokonde for a strategic retreat. The retreat reviewed key achievements and challenges from 2024 and laid out the Annual Work Plans for 2025. This significant event provided a collaborative platform for enhancing Stats SL’s institutional capacity, improving staff welfare, refining service delivery, and promoting effective management and decision-making processes. The retreat commenced with opening remarks from Andrew Bob Johnny, the Statistician-General and CEO of Stats SL, who also serves as the secretary of the council. He highlighted the importance of…
To enhance understanding of the African Union’s operations and the pressing issues facing the continent, the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. recently facilitated a simulation exercise for students from Georgia Southern University. This initiative comes in preparation for the 23rd Annual International Model African Union Conference, which will be held at Howard University in Washington, D.C., bringing together students from various universities across the United States and Canada. On February 22, 2025, the Embassy welcomed the Georgia Southern University delegation, which includes students and faculty advisors, to engage in a comprehensive briefing aimed at equipping them with the…
The Lumley Beach cleanup in Sierra Leone emerged as a remarkable initiative to protect the environment, enhance tourism, promote public health, and foster a sense of community pride and sustainability. This collaborative effort saw volunteers come together to clean approximately 2.5 miles of beach, successfully removing a substantial amount of trash that had accumulated over time. The results of this cleanup not only contributed to a cleaner and more inviting space for both visitors and local wildlife but also served to raise awareness about the critical importance of safeguarding our natural environments and combating pollution. The cleanup’s success was made…
President Julius Maada Bio and Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella In an astonishing admission, President Julius Maada Bio has openly admitted that he cannot bring about the transformative changes the country requires, instead promising to inspire future leaders to take up this critical task. This revelation was made during a recent address at the State Lodge, following a significant blackout in the capital city of Freetown, which had a substantial impact on small businesses and everyday citizens. “I will not be able to change the country, but I will inspire others to do so,” President Bio said, expressing a sense…
By Beamie-Moses Seiwoh I wheeled down to Singapore this morning for work and will be here for a week—an opportunity to experience firsthand a country that has transformed from an underdeveloped island into a strong economy. It is one of the most remarkable development success stories of the 20th century. From work experience, I have reviewed and analyzed Singapore’s development model with much admiration. My observations of the country’s impressive infrastructural developments coupled with an insightful conversation with my Singaporean taxi driver during a drive from the airport to the hotel is evident that the country’s transformation from a struggling post-colonial state…