United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone has concluded its 2026 Customer Service Week celebrations with a colourful display of creativity, cultural diversity, teamwork and customer appreciation, reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional banking experiences and strengthening relationships with its customers.

The five-day celebration, held under the theme “Go the Extra Mile,” provided an opportunity for the bank to recognize the loyalty and continued support of its customers while encouraging employees to demonstrate greater professionalism, empathy, innovation and dedication in their daily interactions.

Rather than limiting the celebration to conventional customer service activities, UBA Sierra Leone introduced five distinctive themes that allowed staff to express their creativity, embrace different experiences and reinforce the importance of placing customers at the centre of the bank’s operations.

The activities combined fashion, entertainment, cultural expression and direct customer engagement, creating an atmosphere of excitement across the bank while promoting the values of respect, understanding and service excellence.

The celebration commenced with an elegant display of classic fashion under the theme “Old Money,” as employees appeared in sophisticated outfits reflecting timeless style and professionalism. Beyond the fashionable appearance, the opening day's message centred on maintaining high standards in customer service and ensuring that every interaction leaves a positive and lasting impression.

On the second day, employees embraced “The Matrix,” adopting futuristic fashion styles to highlight the growing importance of innovation and adaptability in the banking industry. The theme reflected UBA Sierra Leone's determination to respond to changing customer expectations by continuously improving its services and embracing modern banking solutions.

The third day introduced one of the most significant aspects of the celebration through the theme “A Walk in Their Shoes.” Employees dressed to represent people working in different professions, including construction workers and other essential service providers, as part of an initiative designed to promote empathy and a better understanding of customers from diverse backgrounds.

The exercise reinforced the principle that effective customer service requires more than attending to banking transactions. It involves recognizing the different circumstances, challenges and expectations of individuals who depend on financial institutions for their daily personal and business activities.

The day's activities also featured a special Lucky Dip promotion organized by the bank's Customer Experience (CX) team, offering customers an opportunity to receive various gifts in appreciation of their continued patronage.

Among the items presented were UBA-branded notebooks, pens, provisions and other gifts, bringing excitement to customers who participated in the initiative.

Adding significance to the occasion, the bank's Executive Director, who is also serving as Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, personally presented gifts to customers, exchanged handshakes and interacted with beneficiaries.

The gesture reflected the institution's emphasis on building stronger personal relationships with customers and ensuring that appreciation extends beyond routine banking services.

The fourth day brought a nostalgic atmosphere as employees celebrated the “Y2K” theme, drawing inspiration from the fashion and popular culture of the early 2000s. Staff appeared in colourful and distinctive outfits, creating a lively working environment while demonstrating that professionalism and excellent customer service can be accompanied by warmth, creativity and positive engagement.

The celebration reached its climax on the fifth day with “African Heritage,” which featured employees proudly displaying traditional and African-inspired clothing.

The colourful cultural showcase highlighted the continent's rich traditions, diverse identities and shared heritage while reinforcing UBA's corporate identity as Africa's Global Bank.

Through the African Heritage celebration, the bank also demonstrated its connection to the communities it serves and its appreciation of the cultural values that unite people across the continent.

Throughout the week, UBA Sierra Leone used the various activities to emphasize the importance of customer satisfaction, effective communication, responsiveness and the continuous improvement of banking services.

The celebration also provided an opportunity to strengthen teamwork among employees and remind staff that every customer deserves attention, courtesy and professional assistance, regardless of their background or financial circumstances.

Customer Service Week is an important occasion for organisations worldwide to recognize the contribution of customer service professionals and appreciate the individuals and businesses whose loyalty supports their operations.

For UBA Sierra Leone, the 2026 observance went beyond colourful outfits and entertaining activities. It served as a reminder that customer confidence and long-term relationships depend on consistent service delivery, mutual respect and a willingness to exceed expectations.

The bank's decision to combine customer appreciation with employee participation also reflected its commitment to promoting a workplace culture in which service excellence remains a shared responsibility.

With the weeklong activities came to an end on Friday, October 9, 2026, UBA Sierra Leone reaffirmed its determination to continue improving customer experiences, responding to emerging needs and maintaining the trust of the individuals and businesses it serves.

The central message of the celebration remained clear: going the extra mile should not be limited to a special occasion but should form part of the bank's everyday approach to serving its customers.

With its continued emphasis on innovation, professionalism, cultural identity and customer satisfaction, UBA Sierra Leone seeks to strengthen its position as a financial institution committed to delivering meaningful banking experiences.

UBA Sierra Leone — Africa's Global Bank. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65333

The Minister of Finance, Karefa A. F. Kargbo, has assured the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Sierra Leone (ICASL) of continued Government support following discussions on annual funding, a proposed cooperation agreement and the Institute’s need for permanent office accommodation.

The assurances came during a courtesy visit by the ICASL Executive to the Minister’s office on George Street, Freetown, on Monday, October 5, 2026. The delegation congratulated him on his appointment and outlined several priorities aimed at strengthening the accounting profession and its contribution to public financial management.

Leading the delegation, ICASL President, Leslie Williams, described the appointment of a member of the Institute to oversee the country’s economic management as a source of pride for the profession. He congratulated Karefa A. F. Kargbo and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s longstanding support.

Leslie Williams said the annual Government subvention had made a significant contribution to the Institute’s operations. He appealed for the timely completion and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICASL and the Ministry of Finance to formalize their working relationship.

The ICASL President also briefed the Minister on efforts to review the legislation governing the Institute. He explained that the proposed review seeks to strengthen ICASL’s mandate and ensure that all Chartered Accountants practicing in Sierra Leone are appropriately incorporated into its membership.

Opportunities for local accounting professionals were another focus of the discussions. Leslie Williams called for greater participation by local audit firms in the auditing of donor-funded projects, saying such involvement would help build their capacity and broaden their professional experience.

He further requested Government assistance in securing permanent office space, stressing the importance of suitable accommodation for the Institute’s operations and services to its members.

Responding to the delegation, Karefa A. F. Kargbo welcomed the visit and acknowledged his close association with ICASL as a Fellow Chartered Accountant. He assured the Executive that the Government’s annual subvention would continue and pledge to follow up on the outstanding Memorandum of Understanding.

The Minister said he would engage Financial Secretary, Matthew Dingie and Accountant General Richard Williams, both members of ICASL, to advance the completion and signing of the agreement.

Addressing the request for permanent accommodation, Karefa A. F. Kargbo also assured the delegation of Government’s commitment to supporting the Institute’s efforts to secure a permanent structure that would provide a conducive working environment for its members. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65328

The continued detention of prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, popularly known as JFK, has generated widespread reactions from the parliamentary Opposition, legal institutions, senior lawyers, Civil Society Organisations and public commentators, with growing appeals for the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, who is representing the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) in ongoing constitutional proceedings, was ordered detained on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, following a disagreement over remarks made during proceedings the previous day.

The disagreement reportedly arose after Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara declined to withdraw a statement when directed by the Chief Justice. Although he subsequently tendered an apology before the Court, he was ordered to remain in detention until Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Adding its voice to the growing appeals, the Opposition in Sierra Leone’s Parliament, in a Press Release dated Saturday, October 10, 2026, and signed by the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Abdul Kargbo, expressed deep concern over the lawyer’s continued detention and called on the Supreme Court to consider his apology and order his release.

Honourable Abdul Kargbo emphasized that while the authority and dignity of the Judiciary must be respected, lawyers should equally be allowed to discharge their professional responsibilities independently and represent their clients firmly within the law.

The Opposition maintained that the matter could be resolved without undermining judicial authority, allowing attention to return to the substantive constitutional questions before the Supreme Court. It also expressed solidarity with Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and his family, while urging supporters and the public to remain calm and pursue their concerns peacefully.

Similarly, the Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone, in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, appealed for the reconsideration of the contempt proceedings and the unconditional release of Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara.

The Society acknowledged the Supreme Court’s authority to maintain discipline during proceedings but argued that the lawyer’s public apology, professional standing and longstanding contributions to Sierra Leone’s justice system deserved consideration.

It highlighted his previous service as Deputy Prosecutor of the United Nations-backed Special Court for Sierra Leone, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, maintaining that accepting his apology would help resolve the disagreement without diminishing the Court’s dignity.

The General Legal Council, in a statement dated Thursday, October 8, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., and authorized by its Chairman, Ibrahim Kanneh Esq., also appealed for reconsideration of the custodial punishment.

However, the Council expressed concern over Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s conduct, describing it as discourteous and inconsistent with Rule 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010, which requires lawyers to demonstrate courtesy and respect towards judicial officers and other participants in court proceedings.

Despite its criticism, the Council stressed the importance of maintaining constructive relations between the Bench and the Bar, suggesting that professional discipline and reconsideration of the detention could be pursued together.

Reports have also linked several senior legal practitioners to efforts to secure Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s release, including Charles Francis Margai, President of the African Bar Association, Dr. Abdulai O. Conteh and Sulaiman Borbor Kabba.

Although conflicting reports have emerged concerning possible bail arrangements, no final bail order could be independently established from the available accounts.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law – Sierra Leone (CARL-SL), in a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, called for judicial independence, professional restraint and respect for constitutional processes.

While stopping short of demanding Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s release, CARL-SL urged judicial officers to discharge their responsibilities impartially and appealed to politicians, Civil Society Organisations and the media to avoid inflammatory statements capable of undermining public confidence in the Judiciary.

Osman Abdal Timbo, who is associated with the ongoing constitutional proceedings, also reportedly expressed confidence in Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s legal representation while raising concerns that the detention controversy was overshadowing the constitutional questions before the Court.

However, public commentator Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden took a different position, criticizing remarks attributed to Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, particularly the statement, "You are showing your hand too early," which she considered inappropriate when directed at the Court.

Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden maintained that lawyers must respect judicial authority regardless of disagreements during proceedings and argued that the Chief Justice would have been justified in citing Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara for contempt.

The contrasting reactions have renewed public discussion about courtroom discipline, judicial independence, the professional responsibilities of lawyers and the exercise of contempt powers.

While the parliamentary Opposition, Lawyers’ Society and General Legal Council have appealed for reconsideration of the detention, other commentators have emphasized the importance of maintaining respect for the Judiciary.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the constitutional proceedings concerning the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Bill 2025, with stakeholders stressing that the substantive legal questions deserve careful and impartial consideration.

With Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara’s detention reportedly extending until Tuesday, October 13, 2026, attention remains focused on whether the Supreme Court will reconsider its decision following his apology and the appeals from political and legal institutions.

The growing calls for restraint and dialogue underscore the importance of resolving the matter in a manner that preserves the dignity of the Judiciary, respects the independence of the legal profession and allows the constitutional proceedings to continue without further distractions. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65325

The Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation has confirmed that Sierra Leone was among several countries affected by a major international cybersecurity breach that compromised the management system responsible for internet domain names, exposing 44 Sierra Leonean website addresses to potential fraudulent redirection.

In a Press Release issued in Freetown on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Ministry disclosed that the security incident occurred on September 25, 2026, when unauthorized individuals gained access to the CoCCA domain management system, an international platform used to administer internet domain names.

The breach affected Sierra Leone’s national internet domain system, which manages website addresses ending in “.sl”, including those belonging to Government institutions, private businesses and other organisations operating within the country.

According to the Ministry, 44 website addresses registered under Sierra Leone’s national domain were affected, including one Government website and several commercial websites. The unauthorized access created a potential risk of internet users being redirected from legitimate websites to fraudulent platforms controlled by cybercriminals.

The Ministry explained that the incident formed part of a wider series of cyberattacks affecting multiple countries that rely on the same international domain management infrastructure.

Citing a security report published by Google on October 6, 2026, the Ministry revealed that Sierra Leone was among several affected countries, including Ghana and American Samoa.

Despite the seriousness of the breach, the Government reassured the public that the incident was detected and contained on the same day it occurred, with all 44 affected website addresses restored to their correct configurations within hours.

The Ministry further disclosed that immediate security measures were implemented to prevent additional unauthorized access, eliminate the identified threat and strengthen protection of the affected domain management infrastructure.

A subsequent security assessment conducted after the incident found no evidence of continuing unauthorized access as of October 8, 2026, providing reassurance that the immediate threat had been successfully addressed.

However, the Government acknowledged that investigations remain ongoing to determine exactly how the attackers gained access to the international domain management system and whether any additional vulnerabilities could expose Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure to future attacks.

The Ministry stated that it is working closely with local and international partners to monitor the system, assess emerging security risks and introduce additional safeguards aimed at preventing similar incidents.

The development has highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in protecting Sierra Leone’s expanding digital environment, particularly as Government institutions, businesses and other organisations increasingly depend on internet-based platforms to deliver essential services and communicate with the public.

The security of the country’s national domain system remains particularly important because website addresses ending in “.sl” are used by institutions and businesses whose online credibility depends on users being able to access legitimate websites without interference.

Although the Ministry confirmed that the affected website addresses had been restored, it emphasized that continued monitoring and further security improvements remain necessary to strengthen the country’s protection against future cyber threats.

The Government of Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s digital infrastructure and ensuring that the national internet domain system remains secure and reliable.

It also assured citizens, businesses and other stakeholders that the public would be kept informed of any significant developments arising from the ongoing investigations.

The Ministry maintained that protecting Sierra Leone’s digital infrastructure remains a Government priority as the country continues to advance its technological development and digital transformation agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65322

The National Communications Authority (NatCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecommunications consumers and promoting a safer digital environment in Sierra Leone through its active participation in a nationwide campaign against mobile money fraud, WhatsApp scams, identity theft and other forms of cybercrime.

The initiative, launched on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the NatCA Auditorium in Freetown, represents another important step in the Authority's efforts to strengthen consumer awareness, encourage responsible use of telecommunications services and safeguard subscribers against emerging digital threats.

Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) and the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project, the National Awareness-Raising Programme on Mobile Money Fraud, WhatsApp Scams, Cyber Hygiene and Online Safety seeks to equip citizens with practical knowledge to protect their personal information and financial accounts.

The programme attracted representatives from Government institutions, mobile network operators, civil society organisations, religious bodies, schools and community groups. Commercial motorbike riders, kekeh operators, market women, teachers and school pupils were also represented, demonstrating the importance of extending digital safety education to every section of society.

At the centre of the engagement was NatCA's renewed emphasis on consumer protection, particularly as mobile phones, mobile money platforms and internet-based communication services become increasingly important in the daily lives of Sierra Leoneans.

Speaking during the launch, the Director General of NatCA, Amara Brewah, delivered a strong message on the need for subscribers to take personal responsibility for protecting their digital identities and financial information.

He cautioned consumers against sharing passwords and other confidential account details with unauthorized individuals, warning that such practices could expose them to cybercriminals seeking to gain access to private information and financial resources.

Director General Amara Brewah also advised members of the public to exercise extreme caution when receiving unfamiliar links through WhatsApp, text messages, emails and other digital platforms.

He explained that suspicious links could be used by hackers and online fraudsters to compromise personal information, making it necessary for consumers to verify messages before responding or clicking.

The NatCA Director General reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to effectively regulating mobile network operators and ensuring that consumer protection remains an important consideration in the delivery of telecommunications services across the country.

He further encouraged participants to become ambassadors for cybersecurity awareness by sharing the knowledge acquired during the programme with their families, colleagues and communities.

His message reinforced NatCA's position that telecommunications regulation must be complemented by continuous public education to help subscribers understand their rights, responsibilities and the potential dangers associated with digital services.

The Authority's involvement in the campaign is particularly significant at a time when mobile money transactions and online communication have become essential tools for business operations, family support, education and everyday financial activities.

By promoting greater awareness of cyber threats, NatCA is helping consumers recognize warning signs associated with fraudulent transactions, suspicious account verification requests, deceptive messages and attempts to obtain confidential information.

The Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Monorma Bah, commended the importance of sustained cybersecurity awareness while highlighting the growing risks associated with technological advancement.

She identified phishing, impersonation, ransomware, data breaches, cyber espionage and attacks on critical infrastructure as serious threats confronting countries around the world.

According to the Minister, even technologically advanced nations, including the United States and countries in Europe, continue to face significant cybersecurity challenges.

She therefore called for stronger public vigilance and encouraged consumers to safeguard their personal information against individuals seeking to exploit digital platforms for criminal purposes.

The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, Madam Mariama Yormah, similarly emphasized the importance of public education in preventing online fraud.

She explained that cybercriminals frequently use convincing messages, emotional appeals and digital applications to manipulate unsuspecting consumers into revealing confidential information or participating in fraudulent transactions.

Madam Mariama Yormah warned members of the public against online advertisements and promotions that appear unusually attractive, encouraging them to verify such offers before making financial commitments.

The awareness campaign also promotes practical digital safety measures, including protecting passwords and mobile money PINs, enabling multi-factor authentication, examining suspicious links and keeping sensitive personal information private.

Those preventive measures complement NatCA's consumer protection responsibilities by encouraging subscribers to adopt safer habits when using telecommunications networks and digital financial services.

The programme further draws public attention to Sierra Leone's Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, which criminalizes various forms of cyber misconduct, including computer-related fraud, identity theft,  unlawful disclosure of access credentials, cyberstalking and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

Members of the public who experience suspected cybercrime are encouraged to preserve relevant evidence, including screenshots, suspicious messages and transaction records, and report incidents to the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre through +232 30 952027 or reporting@nc3.gov.sl.

For NatCA, the campaign provides an opportunity to strengthen engagement with consumers while reinforcing the importance of responsible telecommunications practices and cooperation among regulators, service providers and the general public.

The Authority's participation also underscores the value of bringing cybersecurity education directly to communities, particularly individuals who depend heavily on mobile phones and digital payment systems but may have limited awareness of the methods used by online fraudsters.

With Amara Brewah at the helm, NatCA continues to place emphasis on effective telecommunications regulation, consumer awareness and collaboration with relevant institutions to address challenges affecting subscribers.

The nationwide initiative is expected to help build public confidence in digital services, promote safer online behaviour and encourage greater vigilance against mobile money fraud and other cyber-related offences.

Through its collaboration with MoCTI, NC3 and other stakeholders, NatCA is demonstrating that protecting telecommunications consumers goes beyond regulating service providers. It also requires empowering citizens with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect themselves in an increasingly connected society.

The campaign reinforces NatCA's commitment to supporting a telecommunications environment in which consumer safety, public awareness and responsible digital participation remain central priorities as Sierra Leone advances its digital transformation agenda. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65318

The Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper, Amin Kef, has been recognized among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026 for his outstanding leadership, professional dedication and contributions to national development.

The prestigious recognition was presented by the West Africa Youth and Children’s Advocacy Network (WAYCAN) during the maiden edition of the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Awards, held on Friday, 9th October 2026, at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The event, organized under the theme of recognizing excellence, leadership and social impact, celebrated distinguished Sierra Leoneans whose professional achievements, leadership qualities and contributions to society have made a positive difference in their respective fields and communities.

Amin Kef, an investigative journalist, Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper and media consultant, was recognized for his commitment to responsible leadership, professional excellence, community development and the advancement of Sierra Leone.

According to the citation accompanying his award, the recognition acknowledges his outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the country's development.

The citation further highlighted his commitment to excellence, service and positive social progress, describing his efforts as a demonstration of responsible leadership and dedication to national development.

It stated that through his professional and community engagements, Amin Kef has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating opportunities, inspiring others, strengthening communities and contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society.

The organizers also acknowledged his achievements, character and continued determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, noting that his leadership reflects the important role individuals can play in advancing Sierra Leone and building a better future for coming generations.

Reacting to the recognition, Amin Kef expressed profound appreciation to WAYCAN for considering him worthy of the prestigious national honour.

"I am proud and deeply honoured to be recognized among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026. This prestigious recognition is a testament to dedication, hard work, perseverance and a continued commitment to making a positive difference in society. I am truly grateful for this honour," he stated.

He described the award as an important milestone in his professional journey, emphasizing that recognition of that nature provides additional motivation to remain committed to excellence, responsible journalism and meaningful contributions to society.

For Amin Kef, the recognition represents not only a personal achievement but also an encouragement to continue using journalism and media platforms to promote public awareness, accountability, national development and positive social change.

His work in the media industry, particularly through The Calabash Newspaper, has been centred on providing information to the public, highlighting national development issues and giving visibility to matters affecting communities across Sierra Leone.

The latest recognition adds to his growing record of professional achievements and acknowledges the role of media practitioners in contributing to national progress.

It should be recalled that WAYCAN, in an official letter dated 20th August 2026, formally informed Amin Kef of his selection among the distinguished recipients of the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders Award 2026.

The congratulatory letter, signed by the Chairman of the Awards Committee, Dr. Alimatu Deen Kamara, explained that his selection followed a competitive nomination and assessment process involving outstanding individuals from different professional and social backgrounds across Sierra Leone.

According to the letter, the organizers considered his leadership record, dedication, professional achievements, community contributions and commitment to national advancement in determining his suitability for the recognition.

The Awards Committee described the honour as more than a ceremonial presentation, explaining that it celebrates leadership, service, excellence, influence, innovation and positive impact.

WAYCAN further stated that the initiative was established to recognize individuals whose activities have positively influenced communities, institutions, industries and the broader development of Sierra Leone.

The organisation emphasized that Amin Kef's selection reflected the significance of his contributions and the positive influence of his professional and community engagements.

In its official communication, the Awards Committee stated that among the numerous nominations received, his record of leadership, dedication, professional achievement and commitment to the advancement of the country distinguished him as a worthy recipient of the national recognition.

The letter also extended an invitation for him to attend the awards ceremony and dinner at the Bintumani Hotel, where exceptional leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, public servants, change-makers and community builders were to be celebrated.

The first edition of the awards provided a platform for recognizing Sierra Leoneans whose dedication and accomplishments continue to inspire others and contribute to national development.

The Executive Director of WAYCAN Sierra Leone, Mohamed Amidu Koroma, was identified on the award certificate presented to Amin Kef, which formally acknowledged his leadership, achievements and contributions to society.

The recognition comes as Amin Kef continues his professional engagements in investigative journalism, newspaper publishing, media management and consultancy, with a focus on informing the public and contributing to national discourse.

His selection among the 100 Most Impactful Sierra Leonean Leaders of 2026 highlights the importance of recognizing professionals whose work extends beyond their immediate responsibilities to influence society positively.

Expressing gratitude once again, Amin Kef described the honour as a reminder that dedication, perseverance and consistent efforts towards meaningful goals can earn recognition and inspire others.

He maintained that the award would serve as further encouragement to remain focused on professional excellence, responsible leadership and making a positive difference in society.

The 2026 recognition marks another significant achievement in his journalism and media career, reinforcing the value of commitment, service and sustained contributions to Sierra Leone's development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65314

 

NP Sierra Leone, has continued to demonstrate its commitment to employee health, safety and wellbeing through its monthly health walk, an initiative designed to encourage physical fitness, promote healthy lifestyles and strengthen workplace productivity.

The latest exercise, held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, brought together employees from different departments of the company for a fitness walk from Lumley to the Aberdeen Beach Roundabout and back. The activity formed part of Management’s ongoing efforts to create a healthier and more productive workforce while strengthening relationships among employees.

Beyond the physical exercise, participants benefited from an educational session covering general health and wellness, disease prevention, mental wellbeing, proper nutrition and occupational safety.

Addressing the employees on the topic, “General Health and Wellness,” Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh emphasized the importance of maintaining good health both at work and at home. He explained that employees could only perform their responsibilities effectively when they are physically and mentally healthy.

According to him, irrespective of their departments or responsibilities, every employee has a personal obligation to protect their health and ensure they return safely to their families after each working day.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh encouraged staff to adopt healthy eating habits by consuming balanced meals containing fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains while reducing their intake of highly processed foods. He cautioned against regularly skipping meals, explaining that proper nutrition plays an important role in maintaining energy, preventing illness and improving overall wellbeing.

He also stressed the need for adequate hydration, particularly among employees whose duties involve outdoor activities or physically demanding work. He advised staff to drink sufficient safe water throughout the day and ensure they get enough rest.

On the importance of sleep, he recommended between seven and nine hours of rest each night whenever possible, warning that consistently sacrificing sleep to meet professional commitments could negatively affect health, concentration and productivity.

Turning to workplace safety, Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh drew attention to the risks associated with operations in the petroleum industry, including fire outbreaks, explosions, fuel leaks and other occupational hazards.

He reminded employees that maintaining a safe working environment requires the collective responsibility of Management and Staff. He therefore urged workers to comply with established safety procedures, use appropriate personal protective equipment and promptly report damaged equipment, fuel spills, leakages and other unsafe conditions.

He further encouraged employees to familiarize themselves with emergency procedures and remain vigilant while performing their duties, noting that strict adherence to safety standards could prevent accidents and protect lives.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh also highlighted the dangers associated with prolonged sitting and physical inactivity, particularly among office-based employees. He advised them to take regular breaks, move around during working hours and participate in activities such as walking, cycling, dancing and sporting exercises.

He explained that regular physical activity helps improve fitness, strengthen muscles, reduce stress and promote better sleep. Drivers and operational staff were equally encouraged to observe safety regulations and use approved equipment while carrying out their assignments.

Addressing mental health, Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh acknowledged that employees often face pressures arising from demanding work schedules, financial responsibilities and family challenges. He warned that prolonged and unmanaged stress could affect concentration, sleeping patterns, personal relationships and professional performance.

He encouraged employees to organize their responsibilities properly, prioritize important tasks, take necessary breaks and maintain supportive relationships with colleagues, friends and family members.

He further advised workers experiencing serious emotional difficulties to seek assistance from supervisors or qualified professionals rather than allowing their problems to worsen.

Dr. Ibrahim Jalloh called on employees to show compassion and understanding towards colleagues experiencing mental health challenges, stressing that such individuals deserve support and respect rather than discrimination or stigmatization.

On preventive healthcare, he encouraged staff to undergo regular medical examinations instead of waiting until they become seriously ill before seeking treatment.

He particularly emphasized the importance of monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, alongside routine eye and dental examinations. He also cautioned against excessive alcohol consumption and the misuse of harmful substances.

Speaking in an interview during the exercise, NP Sierra Leone Operations Manager, Vandi Bockarie, expressed satisfaction with the positive impact of the monthly health walk on employees.

He disclosed that Management had observed a reduction in hospital visits among staff since the introduction of the initiative, a development he attributed to the healthier habits being encouraged through regular exercise and health education.

According to Vandi Bockarie, the initiative demonstrates Management’s determination to promote physical fitness, reduce workplace stress and ensure employees remain healthy enough to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

Drawing a comparison between the human body and a motor vehicle, he explained that just as vehicles require regular servicing and maintenance to function properly, the human body also needs consistent physical activity and proper care to remain healthy and efficient.

He maintained that regular exercise is an important investment in personal health, adding that employees who take care of themselves are better positioned to meet their professional obligations and fulfil their family responsibilities.

Vandi Bockarie further explained that the monthly health walk goes beyond physical fitness, as it creates an opportunity for employees from different departments to interact freely, exchange experiences and strengthen working relationships outside their normal office environment.

He said such interactions help promote teamwork, mutual understanding and cooperation among staff, contributing to a more supportive and productive workplace.

The Operations Manager disclosed that the company regularly communicates information about the exercise through its internal communication channels and encourages employees to participate, except where genuine health concerns or other unavoidable circumstances prevent them from doing so.

He expressed his desire for the exercise to be organized twice monthly instead of once, explaining that more frequent participation would help employees develop lasting fitness habits and further strengthen the culture of healthy living within the company.

Vandi Bockarie reaffirmed Management’s commitment to sustaining the initiative, stressing that employee wellbeing remains an important consideration in the company’s efforts to maintain operational efficiency and improve service delivery.

He noted that a healthy workforce is essential to the continued growth and effective performance of any organisation, particularly one operating in a demanding sector such as petroleum marketing and distribution.

The monthly health walk has become an important part of NP Sierra Leone’s employee wellbeing activities, providing staff with opportunities to improve their physical fitness while gaining practical knowledge about disease prevention, mental health, nutrition and workplace safety.

Through the continued implementation of the initiative, NP Sierra Leone is reinforcing the importance of personal responsibility for health, teamwork and occupational safety, while demonstrating its commitment to building a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65310