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Showing posts from January 19, 2025

Juma Bah’s Transfer Saga: A Rising Star’s Path to Manchester City

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Welcome to Reidertech bloggers  Juma Bah’s Transfer Saga: A Rising Star’s Path to Manchester City Juma Bah, a talented young defender from Sierra Leone, has made headlines following his loan move to La Liga's Real Valladolid. Initially signed from AIK Freetong in Sierra Leone, Juma joined the youth team under a loan deal that saw Valladolid pay a €40,000 loan fee to AIK Freetong. Later, Valladolid decided to make the deal permanent with a €125,000 payment, bringing the total transfer fee to €165,000. However, despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Juma's contract with Real Valladolid remained a youth contract, which is far from a senior or even B-team contract. Reports suggest that Juma was one of the lowest-paid players in the top division, earning around €2,500 per week. While Valladolid provided him with a valuable opportunity to experience European football, the club appeared hesitant to offer him an upgraded contract. This lack of confidence in his potential seems...

Parliament of Sierra Leone Evaluates 2024 Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series

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Welcome to Reidertech radio Parliament of Sierra Leone Evaluates 2024 Parliamentary Learning and Sharing Series The Parliament of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of the Deputy Clerk and Director General, convened on January 22, 2024, to review the progress of the 2024 Parliamentary Learning and Sharing (PLS) Series. The event, held at Committee Room One, also celebrated the contributions of planners and facilitators who played a pivotal role in staff development through this initiative. The PLS Series, officially launched on May 16, 2024, by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, and the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, aims to foster a culture of continuous learning within Parliament. The program is managed by the Centre for Strategy & Parliamentary Studies (CSPS) in partnership with various parliamentary departments. An evaluation report presented by Parliament’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Units highlighted the significant impact of t...

Sierra Leone Launches Kassirie Mini Grid to Provide Clean and Reliable Electricity

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Sierra Leone Launches Kassirie Mini Grid to Provide Clean and Reliable Electricity The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and other development organizations, has officially launched the Kassirie Mini Grid project, bringing clean and reliable electricity to a community that has long struggled with inadequate energy access. Powered by a 67-kilowatt solar capacity and supported by 204-kilowatt-hours of battery storage, the Kassirie Mini Grid marks a significant achievement in Sierra Leone's transition to renewable energy. This initiative is the third project financed under the Universal Energy Facility, a results-based, multi-donor funding program managed by SEforALL. The mini-grid is set to provide consistent electricity to 54% of households, businesses, and public institutions in Kassirie. By replacing traditional fossil fuel generators with solar power, the project aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of fostering r...

SALWACO Regional Manager Embarks on Assessment and Familiarization Tour in the Southern Region

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The Regional Manager of the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) South, Edmond Manu Allieu Kabu, has initiated an assessment and familiarization tour across various operational areas in the Southern Region. The exercise began at the Pujehun Station, where Manager Kabu engaged Station Manager, Ing. Mohamed Yayah Sesay, and his team. Discussions revolved around strategic revenue generation initiatives, a critical component for ensuring the company’s sustainability. The station team also highlighted key challenges and areas of concern that require the attention of SALWACO leadership to enhance the station's ability to deliver on its mandate. In response, the Regional Manager assured the team that their concerns would be communicated to SALWACO's headquarters for necessary action. Additionally, Manager Kabu held meetings with the Council Administrator of the Pujehun District Council and the CTO Construction Company. These discussions focused on addressing water-related concerns ...

Ministry Announces Retail Prices for Rice Across Sierra Leone

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  Ministry Announces Retail Prices for Rice Across Sierra Leone The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Indigenous Transporters Association, has officially released the retail prices for a 50kg bag of rice in various district headquarter towns across Sierra Leone. This development follows a press release issued on January 7, 2025, by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which promised a nationwide disclosure of rice prices to promote transparency and ensure affordability. After extensive consultations, the government has established the following retail prices for a 50kg bag of parboiled rice in each district: Kenema: SLL 849 Kono: SLL 849 Makeni: SLL 846 Kabala: SLL 851 Port Loko: SLL 849 Kailahun: SLL 853 Mattru: SLL 860 Kambia: SLL 853 Karene (Kamakwei): SLL 860 Pujehun: SLL 860 Moyamba: SLL 850 Falaba: SLL 870 Tonkolili: SLL 848 Western Urban: SLL 830 Western Rural: SLL 83...

Ministry of Employment Cancels Licenses of Two Recruitment Agencies for Violations

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  Ministry of Employment Cancels Licenses of Two Recruitment Agencies for Violations The Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security has revoked the overseas recruitment licenses of two agencies for breaching the provisions of the Overseas Employment and Migrant Workers Act of 2023 . The affected agencies are Obinana (SL) Limited , located at No. 6 Main Motor Road, Waterloo, and Daresallam Travelling & Employment Recruitment Agency (SL) Limited , based at 27 Jui Highway, Jui. The cancellation of their licenses officially took effect on January 13, 2025 . In a public notice, the Ministry strongly urged prospective migrant workers to avoid engaging with these agencies for any recruitment-related activities. It further advised the public to ensure they only deal with agencies that hold valid recruitment licenses. The notice emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of job offers and recruitment agencies through the Ministry before proceeding with any agree...

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced key dates for the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) by-election in Tonkolili District

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The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced key dates for the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) by-election in Tonkolili District following the sudden passing of PCMP Alhaji Masakama Kanamanka III of Kholifa Rowallah Chiefdom on November 8, 2024. Key Dates: Nomination of Candidates: Prospective candidates can submit their nominations on Thursday, February 20, and Friday, February 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the ECSL District Office, 5 Boys School Road, Magburaka Town. Polling Day: The by-election is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025. The ECSL highlighted its mandate under the 1991 Constitution, the Public Elections Act, 2022, and the Paramount Chieftaincy Act, 2009, emphasizing the importance of adherence to these timelines and regulations. The by-election aims to fill the vacancy left by the late Paramount Chief Alhaji Masakama Kanamanka III. The ECSL has assured the public of its commitment to a transparent, free, and fair election process w...

Minister Melrose Karminty Leads Delegation to Assess Progress on Post-Ebola Recovery Projects

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  In a bid to fulfill President Julius Maada Bio’s promise of delivering transformative progress in 2025, the Minister of Social Welfare, Honourable Melrose Karminty, led a delegation to assess the progress of the Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund project sites. The visit focused on evaluating health infrastructure development in Waterloo (Western Rural District) and Lungi (Port Loko District). The delegation included high-profile officials such as the Deputy Minister of Health I, District Medical Officers (DMOs) from both districts, and other technical experts. Their mission was to inspect facilities designed to strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, particularly in areas severely impacted by the Ebola outbreak. A Collaborative Initiative for Recovery The Post-Ebola Recovery Social Investment Fund is a flagship project funded through a blended grant from the African Development Bank (ADB) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI) Trust Fund. T...

Minister Chernor Bah Vows to Finalize Key Legislation Within President Bio’s Timeline

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  Minister Chernor Bah Vows to Finalize Key Legislation Within President Bio’s Timeline Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has reaffirmed his ministry's commitment to finalizing critical legislation within the timeline set by President Julius Maada Bio. Speaking at a Technical Working Group meeting on Thursday, the minister emphasized the government’s determination to complete the process efficiently by building on previous efforts. “This has been in the works for years. We are building on work other ministries have done for years,” Minister Bah stated. He further highlighted that President Bio has instructed that the legislation be finalized within the first half of the year, ideally by the end of the first quarter. The minister assured stakeholders that they are not starting from scratch, as a draft and framework are already in place. “We have a draft, we have a way forward, we have the experts who are in this room, representing a diverse set of stakehol...

Manchester City Close to Signing Promising Defender Juma Bah from Valladolid

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  Manchester City Close to Signing Promising Defender Juma Bah from Valladolid Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly on the brink of signing highly-rated young defender Juma Bah from Spanish club Real Valladolid. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the City Football Group, Manchester City's parent company, has reached a verbal agreement with Valladolid for the transfer of the 19-year-old centre-back. Born in 2004, Bah is regarded as one of the brightest young football prospects to emerge from Sierra Leone. While the transfer deal is yet to be finalized, insider reports suggest it will likely include a loan move to French Ligue 1 club RC Lens. This aligns with Manchester City's approach of nurturing young players through strategic loan placements to gain top-flight experience. The potential partnership between City and Lens highlights their strong working relationship, evidenced by last season's successful loan of midfielder Abdoulaye Khus...

27 Police Officers Dismissed for Misconduct

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  27 Police Officers Dismissed for Misconduct

Parliament Halts Rent Allowance for 60 Civil Servants Over Audit Queries

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Parliament Halts Rent Allowance for 60 Civil Servants Over Audit Queries The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has announced the suspension of rent allowance payments for 60 civil servants. The decision follows concerns raised in the 2023 audit report and aims to address financial discrepancies flagged in the document. Speaking on Monday, January 13, 2025, Hon. Tawa explained that the measure seeks to recover government funds from salaries and emoluments and to ensure accountability in public spending. “The rent allowance is significant, and the government is preparing to start payments soon,” he said. “The PAC is mandated to ensure that public funds are recovered through appropriate channels.” Hon. Tawa emphasized the committee’s strict approach this year, stating that no documents from government officials would be accepted unless they have been validated during the audit exercise. The PAC has already made significant progress in recovering pu...

Sierra Leone Police: No Security Threat Found in Abandoned Vessel

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  Sierra Leone Police: No Security Threat Found in Abandoned Vessel The Sierra Leone Police have confirmed that an abandoned vessel, discovered near the Black Johnson coastal area, poses no security threat. The vessel, resembling a customized mini-submarine, was found in the early hours of January 18, 2025. According to a press release issued on January 20, the discovery came after a tip-off, prompting the Naval Wing of the Security Sector to deploy personnel to Yenkain Beach. Upon locating the vessel, authorities secured it and later transported it to the Military Navy Base in Murray Town for detailed examination. On January 19, a joint security team comprising several institutions conducted a comprehensive inspection of the vessel between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The team thoroughly searched the three main compartments, including the captain's cabin. In their bid to ensure a meticulous investigation, officials cut through sections of the vessel to access and inspect all areas....

WAEC Warns Schools: Upload Biometric Registration Scores or Miss 2025 WASSCE

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  The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued an urgent warning to Senior Secondary Schools nationwide, stressing the need to upload their candidates’ Biometric Registration Scores (BRS) on the WAEC portal by February 15, 2025. Schools that fail to meet this deadline risk disqualifying their students from participating in the 2025 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Low Compliance a Major Concern WAEC Spokesman, Sallieu Kamara, recently disclosed alarming statistics regarding compliance with this crucial requirement. While 892 Senior Secondary Schools have successfully uploaded their Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS), only 11 schools have completed the mandatory BRS upload. Mr. Kamara expressed concern over the low compliance rate and urged school authorities to act promptly to avoid dire consequences. Key Timelines for Compliance WAEC emphasized that schools have been provided with clear timelines for the upload of CASS and BRS, whic...

Latest International News

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 4. Latest International News Middle East: A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has begun, with the first three Israeli hostages handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza.  Europe: Russia conducted strikes in central Kyiv, resulting in three fatalities, marking a critical moment in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.  Asia: Protesters stormed a South Korean court after it extended President Yoon's detention, leading to heightened tensions in  the region.

Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: Match Analysis (January 18, 2025)

  Arsenal vs. Aston Villa: Match Analysis (January 18, 2025) Match Summary: Final Score: Arsenal 2-2 Aston Villa Arsenal Goals: Gabriel Martinelli (34'), Kai Havertz (54') Aston Villa Goals: Youri Tielemans (59'), Ollie Watkins (67') Key Moments: Arsenal established a two-goal lead with Martinelli and Havertz finding the net. Villa's comeback began with Tielemans' header, followed by Watkins' volley to equalize. A potential winning goal for Arsenal was disallowed due to a handball by Havertz. Implications: The draw leaves Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, impacting their title aspirations. Ollie Watkins continues to be a nemesis for Arsenal, having scored six goals against them, including four at the Emirates. Fan Reactions: Frustration among Arsenal supporters was evident, especially after the disallowed goal. Club legend Paul Merson empathized with fans, acknowledging the team's missed opportunity.

Water Scarcity: Challenges and Opportunities

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  Water Scarcity: Challenges and Opportunities Overview: Water scarcity  city is a pressing global issue affecting billions worldwide. It poses significant challenges but also opens avenues for innovative solutions. Challenges: Limited Business Opportunities: Regions facing water scarcity often struggle to attract and sustain businesses due to unreliable water supplies. Agricultural Constraints: Water shortages hinder crop production, affecting food security and farmers' livelihoods. Opportunities: Technological Innovations: Developing water-efficient technologies and infrastructure can mitigate scarcity. Policy Reforms: Implementing sustainable water management policies encourages conservation and equitable distribution. Engagement Strategies: Community Involvement: Engaging local communities in water conservation efforts ensures sustainable practices. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between governments and private sectors can drive investments in water...