By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Chairman and Majority Shareholder of Pioneer Power Engineering Company (SL) Limited, Zhang Jiakai, has issued a formal public clarification concerning the company’s current management and operational control, citing ongoing judicial proceedings and internal corporate governance decisions.

In a public notice dated 24th February 2026 and addressed to business partners, stakeholders and the general public, Zhang Jiakai stated that the clarification became necessary following recent developments affecting the company’s leadership structure and decision-making authority.

According to the statement, the matter dates back to May 2024 when the Board of Directors of Pioneer Power Engineering Company (SL) Limited convened in accordance with its internal governance procedures and relevant legal provisions. During that meeting, the Board unanimously resolved to remove Zhou Wenjie, a minority shareholder holding 10 percent equity, from his managerial position within the company.

The situation, however, reportedly took a new turn in July 2025 following the commencement of judicial proceedings. As a result of the ongoing legal processes, Zhou Wenjie has since temporarily assumed operational control of the company.

Zhang Jiakai explained that under the prevailing circumstances, the majority shareholder and the original Board of Directors no longer have effective control over the company’s daily operations. He noted that this lack of control extends to key areas including financial management, contractual commitments and administrative decisions.

He further clarified that the majority shareholder and the original Board are not participating in, authorizing or approving any of the operational activities currently being carried out under the acting management.

The notice also contains a formal disclaimer aimed at limiting liability during this period. It specifies that any production activities, sales transactions, contractual agreements, financial arrangements, guarantees, asset disposals, land-related matters or other commercial engagements undertaken at this time are being executed without the authorization or approval of the majority shareholder or the original Board of Directors.

The statement emphasizes that such activities do not reflect the corporate will as previously constituted under the company’s original governance structure. Rather, they are described as actions undertaken independently by the current acting management pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.

Consequently, Zhang Jiakai asserted that the majority shareholder and the original Board shall not bear responsibility or liability for any obligations, risks or disputes arising from transactions conducted during this period. He cautioned that third parties choosing to engage in business dealings with the company under the present arrangement do so at their own independent risk.

Despite the ongoing governance dispute, the Chairman affirmed that the majority shareholder and the original Board have initiated legal action and will continue to pursue appropriate remedies through the judicial system. The notice expressly reserves all legal rights, claims and remedies available to them under the law.

Zhang Jiakai concluded by stating that the public clarification was issued strictly for transparency and risk disclosure purposes, emphasizing that all matters remain subject to final judicial determination.

The unfolding situation places Pioneer Power Engineering Company (SL) Limited at the center of a significant legal and corporate governance dispute, one that business stakeholders and industry observers are expected to monitor closely as court proceedings continue. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/pioneer-power-engineering-chairman-issues-public-disclaimer-over-companys-operational-control/

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has intensified preparations ahead of the arrival of the second batch of participants in the globally renowned Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally, with an inter-ministerial and private sector coordination meeting held to ensure seamless logistics and hosting.

The high-level Inter–Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) and Private Sector Committee Meeting was convened at the Ministry’s Conference Hall and chaired by the Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sahr Philip Morsay. In his remarks, Sahr Philip Morsay commended MDAs and private sector stakeholders for their effective collaboration during the successful hosting of the first batch of rally participants on February 25, 2026.

He emphasized that the collective effort demonstrated Sierra Leone’s growing capacity to host large-scale international events and urged partners to sustain the momentum as the country prepares to welcome the second group.

According to updates shared during the meeting, the second batch of the rally is expected to arrive in Sierra Leone on March 5, 2026. The group will comprise approximately 492 participants travelling in 203 vehicles, marking another significant influx of international visitors into the country.

Upon arrival, participants will overnight at Bureh Beach, one of the country’s most popular coastal destinations, before proceeding to Freetown for the official finish line ceremony at Lumley Beach.

Deliberations at the meeting focused on ensuring sustained coordination among all relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, tourism authorities, transport operators, health services and hospitality providers. Participants discussed detailed logistical arrangements, safety protocols, traffic management, accommodation, media coverage and visitor experience strategies aimed at delivering a smooth and memorable event.

Officials underscored the importance of maintaining high standards of safety and hospitality, noting that the rally presents a unique opportunity to further project Sierra Leone as a safe, attractive and adventure-friendly tourism destination.

The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its partners, continues to position Freetown as the official finish destination of the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally, widely regarded as the world’s largest amateur vehicular adventure event. The rally has increasingly drawn global attention, offering participating teams a challenging cross-continental journey that concludes on the shores of the Atlantic.

Stakeholders at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to intensified collaboration in the lead-up to the second batch’s arrival. They emphasized that a well-coordinated and successful finish line ceremony would not only enhance the country’s international image but also stimulate economic activity across the hospitality, transport and creative sectors.

With preparations entering their final phase, authorities remain confident that the upcoming arrival will further consolidate Sierra Leone’s reputation as a capable host of major international events while showcasing its rich tourism and cultural potential to a global audience. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/second-batch-of-budapest-bamako-freetown-rally-heads-for-grand-coastal-finish-at-lumley-beach/

The United Brethren in Christ Sierra Leone Conference has entered a historic chapter with the consecration of Reverend Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa as its first-ever female bishop, marking a transformative moment in the life and leadership of the church.

Reverend Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa was formally consecrated on February 15, 2026, in a spiritually uplifting and well-attended ceremony following her landmark election on October 10, 2025, at the Henrietta School Compound in Kenema City. Her victory was declared after what observers and stakeholders described as a free, fair and credible electoral process, underscoring the transparency and integrity of the Conference.

The consecration service attracted ministers, delegates, ecumenical partners and dignitaries from across Sierra Leone. Representatives from the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone, the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, sister denominations and members of the wider Christian community gathered in unity to witness what many described as a divine appointment and a new dawn for the church.

Her election shattered a longstanding glass ceiling within the Conference and has been widely celebrated as a monumental milestone for gender inclusion in church leadership. For many within the denomination, the moment signaled not only progress but a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to recognizing God’s calling irrespective of gender.

Prior to her elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa served faithfully as pastor of Faith UBC Church in Freetown, where she distinguished herself through dedicated pastoral care, dynamic preaching and servant leadership. She brings to the office of bishop a wealth of ministerial experience, marked by humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Gospel.

In her remarks during the consecration ceremony, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa expressed profound gratitude to God and appreciation to the Conference for the trust reposed in her. “I give all thanks and praise to God Almighty for this historic moment,” she declared.

She paid tribute to the outgoing bishop, Reverend John Momoh Pessima, acknowledging his leadership and service to the church. She also extended appreciation to her colleagues and delegates for their cooperation and support throughout the transition process.

Emphasizing unity and collective responsibility, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa called on members of the United Brethren family to work together in harmony. “We can only achieve our shared goals through unity and teamwork,” she stated, urging the church to remain focused on its spiritual mandate and mission.

In a spirit of reconciliation and sisterhood, she reaffirmed her respect for her electoral opponent, describing her as a beloved sister in Christ. She encouraged the entire church body to move forward together in faith, purpose, and service, putting aside divisions and embracing a shared vision for the future.

The consecration of Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa represents not only a personal milestone in her ministerial journey but also a defining breakthrough for the United Brethren in Christ Sierra Leone Conference. It signals the beginning of a new era characterized by inclusive leadership, renewed vision and strengthened commitment to spiritual growth and national impact.

With the Conference entering a new chapter under her leadership, many within the Christian community remain hopeful that her tenure will inspire transformation, strengthen unity, and advance the Church’s mission across Sierra Leone and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/a-new-dawn-for-ubc-sierra-leone-rev-elizabeth-e-w-sowa-consecrated-as-first-female-bishop/

By Isatu Sankoh

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has reinforced its commitment to improving learner welfare by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three key implementing partners under the National School Feeding Programme for the distribution of 27,369 bags of rice across the country.

The agreement, signed on Friday, February 27, brings together the Ministry and its partners, Plan International, World Food Programme (WFP) and Women United for Progress, to ensure the effective allocation and distribution of food supplies donated by the Government of China and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The total consignment comprises 20,369 bags of rice donated by the Chinese Government and an additional 350 metric tons of rice from ECOWAS, equivalent to 7,000 bags. The intervention is aimed at sustaining and expanding the National School Feeding Programme, which plays a critical role in improving school attendance, retention and learner concentration nationwide.

According to the Ministry, the 20,369 bags received from China will be distributed among the implementing partners as follows:

- 40 percent to Plan International


- 40 percent to Women United for Progress


- 20 percent to the World Food Programme

Meanwhile, from the 7,000 bags donated by ECOWAS, 100 bags have been earmarked for boarding homes. The remaining 6,900 bags will be shared equally between Plan International and Women United for Progress, with each organization receiving 3,450 bags.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, emphasized that strict monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.

He disclosed that, guided by the Ministry’s Internal Auditor, the handover and delivery procedures have been carefully structured to ensure that the rice reaches the intended beneficiary schools without diversion or misuse.

Minister Conrad Sackey further noted that oversight of the process will involve members of the media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission. He described their participation as essential in maintaining public confidence and ensuring that donor contributions are utilized strictly for their intended purpose.

To facilitate smooth delivery, vehicles provided by the European Union and other development partners will support the transportation and monitoring of the rice supplies across districts.

Andrew Ivaguha, Team Lead at Plan International, welcomed the collaboration and praised the Ministry’s leadership in strengthening the school feeding initiative. He described the programme as vital to promoting equitable access to education, especially for vulnerable children.

The Team Lead encouraged stakeholders and the public to observe the distribution process and witness firsthand how the food supplies will benefit identified schools. Andrew Ivaguha also commended the Ministry for maintaining an open and transparent engagement with partners.

The National School Feeding Programme remains one of the Government’s key social protection interventions within the education sector. By ensuring that pupils receive at least one nutritious meal during the school day, the initiative continues to address barriers to education while supporting child nutrition and learning outcomes.

With the latest influx of rice donations, MBSSE and its partners aim to expand coverage and enhance the sustainability of the programme, reaffirming the Government’s broader commitment to improving educational access and student welfare across Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/mbsse-partners-with-ngos-to-distribute-27369-bags-of-rice-for-school-feeding/

By Foday Moriba Conteh

Chief Executive Officer of Orange Sierra Leone, Aïcha Touré, visited the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, to reaffirm the company’s unwavering commitment to advancing digital connectivity and inclusive growth nationwide.

The high-level engagement underscored Orange Sierra Leone’s strategic focus on expanding telecommunications infrastructure and strengthening its partnership with Government to accelerate national development. During the meeting, Madam Aïcha Touré assured the Vice President of the company’s continued investment in broadening network coverage, improving service quality and deploying innovative digital solutions aimed at enhancing customer experience and bridging the connectivity gap across urban and rural communities.

She emphasized that telecommunications remains a critical driver of socio-economic transformation, noting that increased access to reliable digital services supports financial inclusion, stimulates entrepreneurship, enhances educational opportunities and empowers young people with tools to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.

In his response, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh welcomed the visit and commended Orange Sierra Leone for its sustained contributions to the country’s digital ecosystem. He reiterated Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports private sector growth, particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors, which he described as pivotal to Sierra Leone’s long-term development agenda.

The Vice President further encouraged deeper collaboration between Orange and relevant state institutions to ensure that digital expansion efforts align with national priorities, including improved service delivery, innovation and equitable access to technology for underserved communities.

The meeting highlighted the importance of strong public-private partnerships in strengthening digital infrastructure and unlocking new economic opportunities. Both parties expressed optimism about continued cooperation aimed at expanding access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services across the country.

Orange Sierra Leone reaffirmed its dedication to connecting communities, empowering businesses and delivering cutting-edge services that improve lives and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s inclusive growth and digital transformation journey. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/vice-president-hosts-orange-ceo-in-strategic-talks-on-national-digital-transformation/

By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

The Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, paid a landmark courtesy visit to the Secretariat of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), becoming the first corporate CEO to officially engage the Association’s newly elected Executive at its headquarters.

The visit, widely described by members as historic, marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration between one of Sierra Leone’s leading telecommunications companies and the country’s media fraternity. The SLAJ Executive is currently led by its President, Alhaji Manika Kamara.

Welcoming the Africell delegation, President Alhaji Manika Kamara described the engagement as a defining moment for the Association.

“This is a historic moment for SLAJ,” he stated. “We are honored to receive the CEO of Africell as the first corporate leader to officially visit our Secretariat under the new Executive. This demonstrates the value Africell places on the media and its role in national development.”

He commended Africell for what he termed its “heavy and consistent support” to journalists and media institutions across the country, noting that the company has remained a dependable partner in promoting press freedom, media capacity building and professional initiatives nationwide.

During the engagement, President Alhaji Manika Kamara briefed the CEO on the Association’s strategic priorities, including plans to establish a modern Data Center at the Secretariat. According to him, the proposed facility will provide journalists with improved access to research materials, digital tools and reliable internet connectivity, thereby enhancing professionalism, fact-based reporting and innovation within the media landscape.

The SLAJ President emphasized that strengthening digital infrastructure for journalists is critical at a time when media practice is increasingly technology-driven and requires access to credible data and secure information platforms.

In his response, Shadi Al-Gerjawi thanked journalists for their continued partnership and constructive engagement with Africell over the years. He underscored that collaboration with the media remains a central pillar of the company’s corporate culture and stakeholder engagement strategy.

“We value the media as critical partners in our journey,” Shadi Al-Gerjawi said. “Africell remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen journalism and promote national development. We will carefully review the proposed projects presented by the Association and explore areas of possible support.”

He further reiterated Africell’s commitment to fostering transparency, accountability and open communication through sustained engagement with media institutions.

Observers say the visit signals a renewed era of cooperation between the corporate sector and the Press, reinforcing the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing democratic governance and informed public discourse in Sierra Leone.

As a proudly Sierra Leonean brand, Africell continues to recognize the indispensable role of the media in shaping national conversations, promoting development and holding institutions accountable.

Members of the Association noted that the historic visit sets a positive tone for enhanced institutional collaboration, paving the way for stronger partnerships aimed at promoting impactful communication, media professionalism and sustainable national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/africell-ceo-shadi-al-gerjawi-pays-landmark-visit-to-slaj-secretariat/

QNET, a legitimate international direct-selling company, specializing in wellness and lifestyle products, has reiterated its intensified commitment to safeguarding consumers and upholding ethical business practices across West Africa, building on significant anti-fraud successes achieved in 2025 through robust collaboration with law enforcement agencies and its flagship “QNET Against Scams” 360-degree campaign.

This was revealed by the Regional Legal Counsel of the company in the sub-Saharan Africa region, Kwasi Danso at the New Year Media Webinar organized for Sierra Leonean journalists on Friday, 27th February, 2026. The Webinar was attended by seasoned journalists and editors.

In 2025, QNET established critical partnerships, notably signing a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). That collaboration, alongside support from the Police and Immigration Service, led to impressive results, including the rescue of over 300 victims and the arrest of 25 suspects involved in employment scams and human trafficking operating under QNET’s misused brand name. The company’s "QNET Against Scams" campaign, launched in 2024 and expanded throughout 2025 across Ghana, Senegal and Sierra Leone, played a vital role in public education. It was featured in a recent BBC documentary. QNET intends to extend the anti-scam campaign to Sierra Leone this year.

Looking ahead to 2026, QNET plans to replicate those successful anti-scam initiatives in more West African countries, including Liberia, Togo and Benin. The company remains dedicated to proactive investigations and fostering stronger ties with security agencies. QNET does not support illegal migration, false promises of overseas jobs and visas or fake recruitment schemes.

QNET also continues to enforce its strict Code of Conduct for Independent distributors, taking disciplinary action against 298 individuals in 2025 for violating ethical standards. That vigilance underscores QNET’s dedication to maintaining a reputable and trustworthy environment for its customers and distributors.

Some seasoned Sierra Leonean journalists shared their experiences of attending QNET’s flagship convention in Malaysia and meeting with the company’s global Management team to better understand the brand and have all their probing questions answered transparently. QNET does not support illegal migration, it does not engage in visa or overseas employment schemes and it has nothing to do with human trafficking. People who are involved in those vices are acting of their own volition, and the public should be wary of them or report them to the police. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/qnet-unveils-anti-scam-strategy-at-2026-new-year-media-webinar-with-sierra-leonean-journalists/