President Dr Julius Maada Bio has become the first holder of the Flot Ultra Black Card, a Visa card introduced through a partnership between Sierra Leonean financial technology platform Flot and Zenith Bank Sierra Leone.

The Flot team presented Card No. 001 to President Bio at State House in Freetown on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, ahead of the official launch of the flot.ai platform.

The presentation represented a major milestone for the homegrown financial technology company, which seeks to connect Sierra Leoneans to the international financial system through modern payment and travel services.

According to the company, the Flot card will enable Sierra Leoneans to travel without carrying large amounts of physical cash, providing a safer and more convenient way to make payments anywhere Visa cards are accepted.

The initiative is also expected to ease some of the pressure on the Government and commercial banks associated with the disbursement of foreign currency to travellers.

During the presentation, discussions also focused on Flot’s travel services, which are designed to allow customers to search, book and pay for international flights through the company’s digital platform.

President Bio welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to make Freetown International Airport a more competitive gateway for Sierra Leonean travellers. He said affordable and convenient travel options could encourage more citizens to depart from Sierra Leone instead of using longer and potentially riskier alternative routes.

Flot representatives disclosed that a flight to China, which previously cost travellers about $2,800, could now be accessed for approximately $1,600 through its travel service. The company said the reduction could save traders and other business travellers about $1,200 on one of Sierra Leone’s important commercial routes.

“Financial innovation of this kind speaks directly to our vision for Sierra Leone’s place in the world,” President Bio said.

“When our citizens can travel cashless, transact globally and fly affordably from their own airport, we strengthen not only their opportunities but our nation’s competitiveness. I commend Flot and Zenith Bank for building this here for Sierra Leoneans.”

Chief Executive Officer of Open Banking Hub, the company behind Flot, David Kpakima, described the presentation of Card No. 001 to President Bio as a proud moment for the institution.

“Flot was built on a simple conviction: that Sierra Leoneans deserve the same ease, dignity and access in managing their money as anyone else in the world,” Kpakima stated.

“From cashless travel to more affordable routes for our business community, this is only the beginning, and the best is yet to come.”

Flot, Zenith Bank Sierra Leone and Visa reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high service standards and placing customer experience at the centre of efforts to expand financial opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Operated by Open Hubb (SL) Limited, Flot is designed to integrate financial services, international travel and commercial transactions on one platform. Through Flot Travel, customers will be able to search, book and pay for flights within the application while using Visa cards for purchases at home and abroad.

The wider platform is also expected to connect mobile money services, bank accounts and merchant-payment systems, making it easier for individuals and businesses to manage their finances and conduct cross-border transactions.

Details of the full launch will be announced later. More information is available at www.flotme.ai. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64190

Jolaks Manufacturing Company Limited, a Sierra Leonean family-owned palm oil refining company founded by businessman, Mahesh Nandwani, has secured a $20 million financing package from Proparco to expand its production capacity and strengthen local food security.

The financing, provided under the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator initiative, will support Jolaks in increasing local palm oil processing, improving its supply chain and creating a larger and more dependable market for smallholder farmers across Sierra Leone.

Based in Freetown, Jolaks currently processes up to 300 tonnes of crude palm oil daily into edible oil for distribution across the country. Its operations connect local palm oil producers with consumers while supporting the growth of Sierra Leone’s domestic agricultural value chain.

The investment represents a major milestone for the company and strengthens its position as an important player in the country’s food-processing industry.

The $20 million package will enable Jolaks to expand its refining operations and increase the volume of palm oil processed within Sierra Leone.

This expansion is expected to support national efforts to reduce dependence on imported food products, conserve foreign exchange and improve the availability of locally processed edible oil.

Proparco’s Regional Director for West Africa, Sadio Dicko, described Jolaks as a key player in Sierra Leone’s food supply system. He said the financing would allow the company to process more palm oil locally and help secure the supply of the staple commodity.

The transaction was facilitated through the Africa Resilience Investment Accelerator, a Proparco-supported initiative established to increase private investment in fragile and underserved African economies.

ARIA Country Manager for Sierra Leone, Valerie Entsiful, said Jolaks’ emphasis on food security, local production and employment creation is consistent with the programme’s objectives.

The financial support demonstrates growing confidence in Jolaks and its ability to contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s agricultural and industrial development.

Jolaks’ expansion is expected to have an impact beyond the company’s Freetown refinery by creating additional commercial opportunities for smallholder palm oil farmers.

Farmers in several communities have previously faced difficulties finding reliable buyers for their produce. In some cases, harvested palm fruits have gone to waste because producers could not secure a dependable market.

Jolaks provides a regular purchasing outlet, allowing farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices, increase production and improve their household incomes.

Cecilia Jimmy, a Sierra Leonean farmer who has supplied Jolaks since 2001, said the company has maintained a strong relationship with producers and offers competitive prices for their products.

With increased refining capacity, the company is expected to purchase larger quantities of crude palm oil from local suppliers. This could encourage existing farmers to expand production while attracting new participants to the sector.

The expansion could also reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the connection between rural farming communities, processors, distributors and consumers.

The financing comes as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to increase domestic food production, create jobs and reduce its reliance on imported commodities.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Henry Musa Kpaka has said that investments in palm oil and other agricultural value chains could improve household incomes and help address food insecurity.

He has also highlighted growing private-sector investment in rice, onions, palm oil and flour as an important part of Sierra Leone’s employment creation and import-substitution agenda.

Jolaks’ expansion places the company at the centre of those national development priorities. Increased local processing could generate direct employment at the company’s facilities and create indirect opportunities in farming, transportation, packaging, distribution and retail.

For consumers, greater local production could improve the availability of edible oil. For farmers, it could provide a predictable buyer and encourage increased investment in palm oil cultivation.

Founded by Mahesh Nandwani, a Sierra Leonean businessman of Indian descent who serves as owner and Chief Executive Officer, Jolaks Manufacturing forms part of the wider Nandwani family business network in Freetown.

The network also includes Pee Cee & Sons and Pee Cee Holding Limited, which have established operations in Sierra Leone’s commercial sector.

Under Mahesh Nandwani’s leadership, Jolaks has developed into a major local palm oil processor linking agricultural production with industrial manufacturing and nationwide distribution.

The company’s products are supplied through commercial outlets in Freetown and other parts of the country, connecting locally sourced raw materials with consumers.

The $20 million financing is expected to strengthen that network and enable Jolaks to increase its contribution to Sierra Leone’s food-processing sector.

Beyond expanding one family-owned company, the investment could help deepen local agricultural production, strengthen farmers’ access to markets and build a more resilient domestic food supply chain.

It also shows how long-term private financing can help Sierra Leone process more of its agricultural products locally, create employment and retain greater economic value within the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64185

Sierra Leone’s drive to reach children who have never received routine vaccinations has recorded significant progress, with 7,117 of the targeted 9,006 zero-dose children located and vaccinated under the ongoing 300 Days Activism campaign.

The figure represents 79 percent of the national target at the halfway point of the campaign, demonstrating growing success in extending lifesaving immunization services to children in hard-to-reach and underserved communities across the country.

For many families in Sierra Leone, accessing routine vaccination services remains challenging. Some communities are located several kilometres from the nearest health facility, while others are scattered across difficult terrain that becomes even harder to access during the rainy season.

Some children may also have never been captured by the routine immunization system, making it necessary for health workers to actively identify, locate and vaccinate them.

Those children, commonly referred to as “zero-dose children,” are at the centre of the Ministry of Health’s 300 Days Activism campaign, which seeks to ensure that no eligible child is left without essential protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

With 7,117 children already vaccinated, 1,889 zero-dose children remain to be reached during the second half of the campaign.

The Ministry of Health, with support from its partners, is intensifying efforts to locate the remaining children and ensure that every eligible child receives lifesaving vaccines.

Central to the campaign has been a shift beyond the traditional approach of waiting for parents and caregivers to bring their children to health facilities.

Community Health Workers, vaccinators, community leaders and other local structures are actively supporting efforts to identify children who may have been missed by routine immunization services.

Health facility records, community information and micro-planning data are also being used by outreach teams to track and trace zero-dose children, particularly in settlements where routine health services have historically struggled to reach eligible families.

Some districts have already exceeded their initial vaccination targets, highlighting the impact of intensified community outreach.

Falaba has vaccinated 464 more zero-dose children than originally projected, while Karene exceeded its target by 262 children and Western Area Rural surpassed its initial target by 141.

Health authorities say the figures demonstrate that outreach teams are identifying children who may previously have been missed or were living in communities not adequately captured during initial planning.

However, exceeding projected targets has also prompted closer examination of available data. Authorities say the figures could reflect previously unmapped settlements, population movements, children accessing vaccination services outside their original catchment areas or initial population estimates that were lower than the actual number of eligible children.

Beyond the vaccination figures, programme analysis estimates that the broader intervention has contributed to approximately 592 lives saved, including mothers and children.

For families and communities, however, the impact goes beyond statistics. Every child vaccinated represents another child with greater protection against potentially deadly but preventable diseases and another family benefiting from essential healthcare services.

The progress recorded during the first 150 days also underscores the importance of collaboration between communities, health workers, local leaders, the Ministry of Health and development partners.

Through active community engagement and targeted outreach, children who were previously invisible to the routine immunization system are increasingly being identified and protected.

With 79 percent of the national target already achieved, attention now turns to the remaining 1,889 zero-dose children.

The Ministry of Health and its partners are expected to intensify outreach, strengthen community mobilization and improve the use of health data during the remaining 150 days of the campaign.

The objective remains clear: to find every eligible zero-dose child, provide essential vaccination and ensure that geographical location or difficulty accessing health facilities does not prevent children from receiving lifesaving protection. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64182

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has intensified its campaign for stronger constitutional protection of freedom of expression and the media, calling for the inclusion of a stand-alone chapter on Free Speech and Press Freedom in Sierra Leone’s new Constitution.

SLAJ made the case during a stakeholder engagement held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the Civil Service Training College on State Avenue in Freetown.

The engagement brought together representatives from the Law Officers’ Department, human rights groups, Civil Society Organisations, the Inter-Religious Council, Children’s Forum Network, women’s organisations and media stakeholders to discuss the proposed constitutional provisions and solicit recommendations.

SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said the campaign goes beyond protecting journalists, stressing that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that should be clearly guaranteed for every Sierra Leonean.

“The stand-alone chapter is not just for journalists but for the citizens of Sierra Leone. It guarantees the right to express oneself freely within the bounds of the law and protects the media’s independence from undue interference,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said.

He maintained that although Sections 11 and 25 of the 1991 Constitution contain provisions relating to freedom of expression and the press, stronger and more explicit safeguards are needed to protect those rights.

According to the SLAJ President, the proposal is consistent with recommendations contained in the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee Report, which called for media rights and freedom of expression to be accorded distinct constitutional recognition.

“The Cowan Report recommended that media rights and free speech be given their rightful place in the Constitution; a clear, dedicated chapter that leaves no room for ambiguity,” he stated.

Alhaji Manika Kamara cited Ghana and South Africa as examples of African countries with stronger constitutional provisions protecting freedom of expression and the media, arguing that Sierra Leone could draw lessons from their experiences as it reviews its Constitution.

Lawyer Paul Kamara, in a detailed presentation on the conceptual framework of free speech and press freedom, outlined key recommendations for consideration in the proposed stand-alone chapter.

He underscored the importance of providing constitutional safeguards for media independence and citizens’ freedom of expression, arguing that constitutional protection offers greater security for fundamental rights.

“A constitutional guarantee is the strongest form of protection for media independence and citizens’ rights to free expression,” he said.

Lead facilitator, Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, who represented SLAJ on the Justice Cowan Constitutional Review Committee, welcomed the progress made in advancing the proposal and commended successive SLAJ leaderships for sustaining the campaign.

He, however, cautioned that more engagement would be required before the objective could be fully achieved.

“This is work in progress,” Dr. Isaac Massaquoi said, encouraging the current SLAJ leadership to continue engaging relevant institutions and stakeholders to build broader support for the proposal.

Participants also presented recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed chapter and ensuring that the constitutional reform process is inclusive and comprehensive.

Dr. Francis Sowa, Esq., National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), called for the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to be entrenched in the Constitution rather than existing solely through an Act of Parliament.

“The IMC must be part of the Constitution to ensure its independence and protect media practitioners,” Dr. Francis Sowa said.

Charles Israel Williams, Esq., proposed that SLAJ consider advocating for a Media Practitioners’ Act similar to the Legal Practitioners’ Act governing the legal profession.

He argued that such legislation could establish clearer professional standards and ethics for media practitioners while promoting accountability and professionalism within the industry.

The stakeholder engagement forms part of SLAJ’s continuing advocacy for constitutional reforms that provide stronger guarantees for freedom of expression, media independence and the public’s right to information.

The initiative is being implemented under the MEDIA Project, supported by the European Union through BBC Media Action, as SLAJ continues its campaign for a dedicated chapter on Free Speech and Press Freedom in Sierra Leone’s new Constitution. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64173

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has joined the international community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, with Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, calling for stronger national and international partnerships to confront increasingly sophisticated crimes that transcend borders.

The commemoration was held on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Sierra Leone Bank Complex in Kingtom, Freetown, bringing together senior Government officials, security personnel, international partners, Civil Society Organisations, the media and young people.

The event focused on the themes of protecting vulnerable people, building trust and legitimacy in policing, strengthening partnerships and creating safer communities.

Delivering his welcome address, IGP William Fayia Sellu, said modern security threats require greater cooperation among law-enforcement institutions, communities, Civil Society Organisations and international partners.

He identified cybercrime, human trafficking, illicit trafficking and transnational organized crime as major threats that cannot be effectively tackled by individual countries acting alone.

According to the Police Chief, stronger intelligence and information sharing, digital forensics, cross-border cooperation, advanced training and the use of modern technology are critical to strengthening the capacity of law-enforcement agencies.

IGP William Fayia Sellu reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to improve professional standards, strengthen community-oriented policing and protect human rights.

He stressed that public trust and legitimacy remain fundamental to effective policing, noting that the Police must continuously engage communities and strengthen relationships with the people they serve.

IGP William Fayia Sellu also welcomed Sierra Leone’s reported ranking as the second most peaceful country in West Africa, seventh in Africa and 54th globally in the 2026 Global Peace Index, describing it as recognition of progress made in maintaining peace and stability.

“By reinforcing our global partnership today, we can secure a safer tomorrow for communities everywhere,” IGP William Fayia Sellu said.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Morie Lengor Esq., said cooperation between national institutions, communities and international partners is essential to maintaining peace, strengthening security and upholding the rule of law.

Minister Morie Lengor said the commemoration demonstrated Sierra Leone’s commitment to professional, accountable and cooperative policing, while highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society.

He noted that efforts to build trust and legitimacy in policing complement Sierra Leone’s broader drive to strengthen partnerships for effective policing and safer communities.

The Minister highlighted reforms within the Sierra Leone Police, including the transition from a police force to a police service, improvements in community policing and the ongoing review of the Police Act.

He also pointed to stronger security-sector coordination and expanded training in human rights, investigations, cybercrime and transnational organized crime. Greater attention, he said, is being given to police welfare and increasing women’s participation in policing.

Despite the progress, Minister Morie Lengor acknowledged challenges facing the SLP, including inadequate infrastructure and equipment, difficult working conditions and deficiencies in some detention facilities.

He further identified cybercrime, trafficking, illicit drugs, gender-based violence and economic exploitation as emerging security threats requiring coordinated national and international responses.

Minister Morie Lengor stressed that effective accountability mechanisms, including the Independent Police Complaints Board are crucial to strengthening public confidence and ensuring professional and responsible policing.

He appealed to the United Nations, INTERPOL, ECOWAS, African Union and development partners for sustainable support in training, forensic and digital capabilities, communications, mobility and police infrastructure.

The Minister also called on Government institutions, Civil Society Organisations, traditional and religious leaders, the media and private sector to recognize public safety as a shared responsibility.

Addressing police personnel, he urged officers to remain disciplined, professional, honest, respectful and accountable, stressing that the true measure of effective policing is whether citizens, particularly vulnerable people, feel safe, protected and equally treated under the law.

Other speakers included United Nations Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana; National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker; Chairman of the Local Policing Partnership Board for Congo Cross Division, Simeon Bai Sesay; and Civil Society representative, Sao Lamin.

Their contributions underscored the shared responsibility of State institutions, communities and Civil Society in protecting vulnerable groups, promoting peace and strengthening accountability and mutual understanding.

Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, CSP Brima Q. Sesay, also delivered a presentation highlighting key achievements and challenges of the Sierra Leone Police.

He underscored the need for continuous capacity building, adequate resources, institutional support and stronger partnerships to enhance the SLP’s ability to protect communities and strengthen public confidence.

The commemoration culminated in an interactive dialogue involving representatives of the SLP, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Civil Society Organisations, Kids Parliament and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

Discussions focused on protecting vulnerable members of society and strengthening trust, transparency, accountability and mutual respect between security institutions and the public.

The event concluded with the Sierra Leone Police reaffirming its commitment to stronger partnerships with Government institutions, security-sector actors, international partners, Civil Society, the media, young people and communities in building a professional, accountable, trusted and people-centred Police Service.

Minister Morie Lengor reaffirmed Government’s commitment to police reform, professionalism, human rights and accountability, describing the commemoration as a “public covenant” to build a Police Service worthy of Sierra Leone’s hard-won peace. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64170

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has launched an investigation into allegations that official Government documentation was misused in connection with a visa application submitted to a diplomatic mission.

In a Press Release dated September 5, 2026, the Ministry confirmed receiving a formal complaint concerning the alleged misuse of its official documentation for visa purposes. It also acknowledged concerns surrounding the matter that have been raised publicly.

According to the Ministry, the allegations are being treated seriously, prompting the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to establish an internal committee to urgently investigate the matter.

The committee has been mandated to review relevant documents and procedures, establish the facts surrounding the allegations and submit findings and recommendations to the Ministry.

The investigation will also examine existing procedures and safeguards governing the preparation, authorization and transmission of official correspondence, particularly documents relating to visa requests.

MFAIC said the broader review is intended to identify possible weaknesses in the system and strengthen institutional controls to prevent any future misuse of official Government documentation.

The Ministry warned that if the investigation confirms any unauthorized use of official documents or breaches of established procedures, those responsible could face appropriate administrative or legal action.

“The Ministry assures the public that any unauthorized use or breach of procedures, if confirmed, will be dealt with through appropriate administrative or legal action,” the statement said.

The Ministry further stressed that the investigation would be conducted promptly and in accordance with due process, while avoiding any prejudgment of its eventual findings.

It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, accountability and institutional responsibility in the management and transmission of official correspondence.

The development comes amid growing public attention surrounding allegations involving the use of official diplomatic documentation for visa applications.

However, the Ministry’s statement did not identify any individual allegedly involved in the matter nor did it disclose the diplomatic mission to which the visa application was reportedly submitted.

MFAIC said further information would be communicated to the public as appropriate, following progress in the investigation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64166

Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of Tabital Pulaaku International, unveiling an agenda centred on unity, cultural preservation, stronger leadership, global cooperation and economic empowerment.

He formally announced his candidacy on August 29, 2026, at the headquarters of Tabital Pulaaku International in Bamako, Mali, marking the beginning of his campaign to lead the organisation and strengthen its role in promoting the values, culture, identity and interests of the global Pulaaku community.

His declaration brought together supporters and members of the organisation amid growing discussions about its future direction and the need to strengthen cooperation among Pulaaku communities across national boundaries.

Presenting his vision, Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe positioned his candidacy as a call for collective action rather than individual ambition, stressing the importance of building a stronger, more inclusive and globally connected organisation.

Central to Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe’s campaign is a commitment to strengthening unity among Pulaaku communities across Africa and the wider world.

The Fula people, spread across several countries and continents, share a rich cultural heritage and traditions rooted in the principles of Pulaaku. Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe believes Tabital Pulaaku International can play a greater role in bringing those communities together, irrespective of borders, languages or generations.

His agenda places emphasis on building stronger relationships and partnerships among national chapters and Pulaaku communities while creating platforms for dialogue, cooperation and collective development.

The campaign also advocates responsible, transparent, accountable and inclusive leadership to strengthen confidence in the organisation and position it to respond effectively to emerging challenges.

Cultural preservation forms another major pillar of Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe’s vision.

His campaign seeks to promote and preserve the traditions, languages, values, history and identity of the Fula people, with particular attention to ensuring that younger generations understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.

According to the vision outlined following his declaration, modernization and cultural preservation should complement rather than compete with each other.

Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe wants Tabital Pulaaku International to remain firmly rooted in its traditional values while expanding its engagement with the contemporary world.

Beyond cultural preservation, the presidential hopeful is also placing economic empowerment at the centre of his agenda.

His campaign advocates initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people, women, professionals, entrepreneurs and communities, enabling them to contribute more effectively to economic and social development.

Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe, who is known within Pulaaku circles for his involvement in faith and community service, has framed his leadership philosophy around responsibility and service to the people.

His campaign maintains that leadership should not simply be about occupying a position of authority but about accepting responsibility for advancing the collective interests of the community.

The vision is for a renewed Tabital Pulaaku International capable of strengthening its institutions, expanding international cooperation and creating opportunities for its members while protecting the cultural identity upon which the organisation was founded.

Under the campaign message, “One People, One Vision, One Future,” Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe is calling on traditional leaders, women, young people, professionals, intellectuals, entrepreneurs and community leaders to participate in shaping the organization’s future.

His supporters say the campaign represents an opportunity to promote reconciliation, cooperation, institutional renewal and stronger engagement across the global Pulaaku family.

As the electoral process approaches, Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe’s declaration has formally placed him in the race to lead Tabital Pulaaku International.

His campaign is expected to continue engaging members and national chapters on its priorities of unity, accountable leadership, cultural preservation, international cooperation and economic empowerment.

The Bamako declaration represents the opening chapter of what Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe and his supporters describe as a broader movement to strengthen the organisation and prepare it for the challenges and opportunities ahead,. With the campaign slogan “Leadership for Unity, Vision for Progress, Service to the People,” Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe has pledged to pursue an organisation in which cultural identity remains strong while members are empowered to participate meaningfully in shaping their collective future.

His message to the global community remains anchored on four themes: one people, one identity, one vision and one united future.

For Alhaji Amadu Brakindo Juldeh Sowe and his campaign, the journey towards the presidency has begun with a broader appeal: United for Pulaaku, united for progress and united for the future. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64163