AUSPICIOUS FAREWELL FOR OUTGOING SLBL MD ALPHONSE WILLY MABIALA NGANA

*Auspicious Farewell for Outgoing SLBL MD Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana* ‼

*By Ranger*

The outgoing Managing Director Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL), Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana has received a rousing farewell from staff and other partners at the end of his successful tenure in the country’s only brewery.

Speaking at the ceremony which was held at the Golden Tulip – Kimbima Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown on 13th January, 2017, the Chief of Staff, Saidu Conton Sesay explained to his audience that Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana is an enigma and that he knows the latter to be a major player in the brewery business.

Mr. Conton Sesay added that at one point, Mr. Ngana met him at State House to discuss Local Content Policy, adding that it was as a result of this meeting that actually brought to reality the LCP Act.

He went on to commend SLBL workers and thanked them for the support given to Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana. He also asked the SLBL staff to welcome with open arms their next MD. He promised sorghum farmers in the country that he would do everything within his power to elevate their respective businesses.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Capt. (Rtd.) Alieu Momodu Pat Sowe in his brief address, told his audience that he is happy over the success of the SLBL. He thanked the outgoing SLBL MD, adding that initially, he was very impressed with Mr. Ngana when he assumed the top most position at the SLBL, adding that he is still impressed with Mr. Ngana’s achievements at the SLBL.

The Trade Minister added that over the years, the position of the government has been to encourage and support Local Content Policy (LCP) and that, the intervention and contribution of Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana went a long way to make better sorghum farming and trade in the country.

According to the Trade Minister, he is very grateful to Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana for coming to State House to discuss and do everything within his power to actualize the reality of sorghum farming and maximum production of beer, stout and other drinks at national level.

The Chairman, Sorghum Farmers Association, Mr. Denis Jusu, told his large audience that he honors and has a lot of respect for the outgoing SLBL MD. He stated that he is happy that at last, there is now a semblance of understanding and respect between the SLBL and sorghum farmers in Sierra Leone. He went further to state that the outgoing SLBL MD has made it possible for many more farmers in Sierra Leone to embark on planting sorghum as a way of life and as a business.

On behalf of all sorghum farmers across the country, he extended thanks and appreciation to Mr. Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana for his pro-activity, love and business acumen which has resulted to making hundreds of sorghum farmers wealthy. He added that as sorghum farmers, appreciate the efforts of the outgoing MD and wished him luck and joy in his future endeavors.

“We shall always remember you for your good and unselfish deeds which have made the lives of sorghum farmers in this country far better than it ever was and your footprints would never be forgotten,” Mr. Jusu maintained. He thanked the Chief of Staff, Saidu Conton for his efforts towards sorghum farmers and added that he and his colleague sorghum farmers are more than happy that as part of the Ebola Recovery Programme, HE President Ernest Bai Koroma promised 6000 jobs in the agriculture sector for rural youths in 2017.

In his brief but well received message, the outgoing SLBL MD Alphonse Willy Mabiala Ngana said it is always good but difficult to say goodbye. He however thanked all the speakers at the occasion, adding that he alone could not have succeeded at the SLBL without the contribution and participation of all SLBL workers. He also thanked the Government of Sierra Leone and the respective authorities which made his tenure at the SLBL though tedious, but successful. He thanked the SLBL Board of Directors for their professional and timely advices, adding that he also has great respect for all the guests present at the occasion as well as for the numerous SLBL workers and customers.

Present at the auspicious occasion were distinguished guests including Mr. Andrew Keili, Mrs. Zorah Anthony, Mr. Abdul Karim-Kone and Mrs. Emerance Ngana. They also gave short speeches. Master of the ceremony was Dr. Modupeh Taylor-Pearce introduced by SLBL Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert OU Collier.

The incoming Managing Director SLBL, Daaf J. van Tilburg after he was introduced explained to his audience that he is privileged to serve in Sierra Leone. He commended the outgoing SLBL MD and further commended the SLBL workers for ensuring his successful tenure. He added that he has come to take off from where his predecessor left off and that he would follow in the footsteps of his former predecessor, adding that the latter is a very special friend. Mr. van Tilburg is Dutch by nationality. Mr van Tilburg started his career in 2005 as Consultant Warehouse Systems  (Project Implementation Manager), Nederlands. From here he rose to the position of Sales Director HEINEKEN, in Rwanda. Following his success in this country, he has now been appointedto serve as SLBL MD.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Desmond George.

Climax of the event included a comedy and music show done by Faculty Group and Arkman respectively.

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