AWOL NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2012
Theme: Put Salone Fos
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR- TERTIARY/Tech Voch/Polytechnic
The nominees are:
i) UNIMAK ii) IAMTECH iii) Njala University
And the Winner is: IAMTECH
Citation:
Established more than two decades ago to train Sierra Leoneans in Management and Technology, the Institute of Advanced Management and Technology (IAMTECH) has grown to become one of the leading educational institutions that are catering to the needs of the working society.
They tailor their courses to meet the employment needs of society by targeting middle level man-power, which Sierra Leone is in dire need of.
This year, IAMTECH introduced two important courses, Mining and Petroleum Technology, to equip young Sierra Leoneans to be eligible for employment in those key industries.
ACADEMIC INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR- SECONDARY
The nominees are:
i) Modern High School ii) Prince of Wales iii) Sinkunia Secondary School (Kabala, Koinadugu District)
And the WINNER is: Sinkunia Secondary School (Kabala, Koinadugu District)
Citation:
Located about 25 miles beyond Kabala in the Dembelia Chiefdom, Koinadugu District, Sinkunia Secondary School started in 2005 with 19 pupils (12 boys, 7 girls).
Today the school has 308 pupils (205 boys, 103 girls) and a total of 18 teachers (10 approved, 8 unapproved).
In 2011 and 2012, the school offered free extra classes, free night classes and free summer school focussing in all core subjects.
The result is all 44 pupils (31 boys, 13 girls) entered for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) passed.
YOUNG ACHIEVER I
This is the Best Candidate for NPSE 2012
And he is: Lans Conteh (International Primary School):
Quantitative Aptitude- 73 Verbal Aptitude- 67 Mathematics- 70 English Language- 100 General Studies- 64 Aggregate- 374YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE II
This is the Best Candidate for WASSCE 2012
And he is: Morie Vandi (Sierra Leone Grammar School): Literature-in-English- D7 English Language- B3 Further Maths- A1 Mathematics- A1 Agricultural Science- B2 Biology- B3 Chemistry- B3 Science- B2 Physics- A1SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Isha Johansen ii) Ola Sesay iii) National U-19 Beach Volley Ball Team
And the WINNER is: Isha Johansen
Citation:
In Sierra Leone’s Football fraternity she is most commonly referred to as THE IRON LADY, presumably because of her zero tolerance towards indiscipline and her insatiable appetite for success.
The FC Johansen story is a Hollywood movie based on obscurity to fame. Today one of the most guarded and treasured young football talents under the guardianship of Manchester City is a Sierra Leonean player from FC Johansen and Sierra Leone cannot wait for his international debut.
She is also the first person to single-handedly organise an international youth football tournament in Sierra Leone bringing clubs from Brazil, Norway, Senegal, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, The South African National U-20, the Ghanaian U-20, to participate in a youth tournament for two consecutive years, before the West African Football Union, (WAFU) asked if they could endorse and host her concept as part of their football calendar of events. This was to Isha Johansen another legacy for Sierra Leone.
As if this was not enough for her, she is now seeking to take the helm of football in Sierra Leone in the male dominated arena. Her campaign, DAWN OF A NEW ERA, she says, signifies the new beginning for football in Sierra Leone.
PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Hon Claude Kamanda ii) Hon Bernadette Lahai iii) Hon Alimamy Kamara
And the WINNER is: Hon Bernadette Lahai
Citation:
She is a third term Member of the Sierra Leone Parliament. She is an accomplished debater, who understands issues before she speaks and stands for what she believes in – even across party lines.
Presently, she is the Minority Leader in Parliament and is the first woman in Sierra Leone to lead her party in Parliament.
She currently represents Sierra Leone at the Pan-African Bureau, which is the executive arm of the Pan-African Parliament.
During the signing of the Tonguma Agreement, which involved Koidu Holdings, she ensured that all stakeholders in the Tonguma Operation area came to Parliament to witness the ratification of the Agreement.
MINISTRY OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Min. of Agriculture & Food Security ii) Ministry of Works, Housing & Infrastructure iii) Ministry of Transport & Aviation
And the WINNER is: Ministry of Works, Housing & Infrastructure
Citation:
The Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure which hitherto was nicknamed the Ministry of Waste because of its non performance has during the period of the Agenda for Change transformed itself into one of the most acclaimed sectors in rebranding the outlook of our country. It supervises the ongoing road reconstruction and rehabilitation in the country. The most spectacular this country has witnessed.
Notable among these are;
The Rogbere / Pamlap Road, which forms part of the Trans-West Africa highway connecting Freetown and Conakry, thus easing inter city transportation and benefiting residents along the highway, including traders, tourists, diplomats and other commuters. Of significant consideration is the completion of the Joint Border Post at Gbalamuya which serves as a beacon of regional integration in terms of customs and trade.
PARASTATAL OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)NRA ii) SLRTA iii) SLAA
And the WINNER is: National Revenue Authority (NRA)
Citation:
The National Revenue Authority in Sierra Leone administers most of the taxes payable including the major revenue contributors such as income tax and import and export duties.
This year, the NRA has already exceeded its revenue collection target.
The revenue target was increased three times as a result of the hard work of the authority from Le 1.3 trillion to Le1.5 trillion and later to Le 1.8 trillion.
This latest target of Le 1.8 trillion has also been exceeded.
In addition, because of NRAs contribution, Sierra Leone was named as one of the best places to do business in the world.
Also, because of the NRA’s revenue collection effort, Sierra Leone is gradually depending more on domestic revenue.
MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR (Print)
The nominees are:
i)Awoko ii) Premier News iii) Concord Times
And the WINNER is: Awoko newspaper
Citation:
The newspaper continues to be independent, objective and creative in its daily (Mon-Friday) publications, especially in this crucial year of national elections, when many other newspapers decided to be out-rightly partisan.
The newspaper’s online version has been very efficient in disseminating and updating local news to the international community.
It continues to be innovative in its layout and design.
Their latest introduction is the business supplement every Friday which has been invaluable to business houses operating in the country as well as the Diaspora.
MEDIA HOUSE OF THE YEAR (Electronics)
The nominees are:
i)98.1 Radio Democracy ii) Star Radio iii) SLBC Radio
And the WINNER is: Star Radio FM 103.5 (www.starradiosl.com)
Citation:
From their flagship magazine program Star Good Morning Show to Star Baskit, In Touch, Insight, Youth Encounter, Better Health, Down Memory Lane, Crime and Punishment, Familiarize with the Law, Provincial Report, Star Talk, Human Rights Talk, Romantic Tour and Forces Hour, Star Radio caters to a wider listenership interests ranging from politics, sports, education, human rights, disability issues to women and children issues.
This year, 2012, they further increased their target audience with the introduction of two more popular programs- Salone Talent and Sixty Minutes Encounter.
In its 24 hours broadcast, Star Radio covers more than 80 percent of Sierra Leone, more than any other radio station.
The Station also brings the Sierra Leonean Diaspora Community closer to their country by broadcasting online at www.staradiosl.com, an initiative that has contributed to the country’s rebranding process.
The station independently covered the November 17th multi-tier elections, the only private radio station that was able to do so single-handedly.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Bobby ii) Dezmond Finney iii) Cee Jay iv) Famous
And the WINNER is: Frederick Dapaye Peters aka FAMOUS
Citation:
He started his music career in 1996 with the rap group Step by Step. After several successful albums, he released his fourth, ‘Nor to all man go lek you’ in 2012 which is presently the highest selling album of the year.
He just released a brand new DVD album titled Best of Famous Vol. 1 and comprises 14 videos.
He has extensively and has just returned from United Nations charity show in Miami and Africa Diaspora show in New York.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Ltd. ii) Union Trust Bank iii) Rokel Commercial Bank
And the WINNER is: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank Ltd
In its quest to reach the unbanked population and increase the level of financial inclusion in the country, the bank held the draw on its new Jubilee Savings Product in February 2012. The grand prize was a return air ticket to London won by a petty trader in Waterloo.
Over 1000 new accounts were opened and Le 2.9 billion in savings mobilized.
This year, it emerged as the most profitable bank in Sierra Leone and achieved the enviable position as the leading financial service provider in key performance indicators such as deposits, asset base, number of full-fledge branches, shareholders’ funds etc.
The bank employs over 450 Sierra Leoneans and therefore remains the largest employer in the banking sector.
In view of the bank’s sustained focus on service quality and investment in ICT to improving banking convenience and service quality, the Bank was the proud recipient of the International Diamond Prize for Excellence in Quality in the Gold Category. This prestigious award was given to the Bank as recently as 2nd December 2012 by the European Society for Quality in Research based in the Brussels, Belgium.
INDIGENOUS BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i) Red Lion Bakery ii) Luawa Resort in Kailahun iii) Alie Abess Transport
And the WINNER is: Red Lion Bakery
Citation:
It’s the oldest indigenous bakery business that has survived the times spanning more than three decades of providing quality bread to Sierra Leoneans.
It’s a fun to pass along their branch shop at Siaka Stevens Street to see people queuing for the Red Lion bread.
Started by Pa Ashwood, and through which he educated all his children, the Red Lion bakery is today the pride of the family, as they continue to invest in the business and thereby maintaining the brand name.
MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i) Dr Juana Smith ii) Dr Patrick Don Davies iii) Dr Virginia George
And the WINNER is: Dr. Juana Smith
Citation:
HE IS CURRENTLY THE PROGRAMME MANAGER, NATIONAL MALARIA CONTROL PROGRAMME IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SANITATION, A POSITION HE ASSUMED IN 2010.
IN ADDITION TO HIS DEMANDING SCHEDULE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH SPECIALIST, DR SMITH FINDS TIME TO PERFORM HIS FUNCTIONS AS AN EXTERNAL EXAMINER, SCHOOL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SCIENCES FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND CLINICAL STUDIES, NJALA UNIVERSITY AS WELL AS OTHER DUTIES.
HE’S A MEMBER, REPRESENTING WEST AFRICA IN THE ROLL BACK MALARIA CASE MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP– AN INTERNATIONAL MALARIA CONSORTIUM REACHING OUT TO THE MALARIA COMMUNITY, INCLUDING ENDEMIC COUNTRIES; A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE AFRICAN FEDERATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATIONS AND A MEMBER OF ROTARY CLUB OF MAKENI, DISTRICT 9100, ETC.
HE WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE SIERRA LEONE MEDICAL & DENTAL ASSOCIATION FROM 2010 TO DATE. DURING HIS TENURE, HE HAS INITIATED SIGNIFICANT REFORMS WITHIN THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDING THE REFORM OF THEIR CONSTITUTION AND PURSCHASING OF 10.7 ACRES OF LAND SITUATED AT KERRY TOWN, OFF THE PENINSULAR ROAD.
HE ALSO FACILITATED, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SANITATION, THE PROVISION OF SPECIALISED MOBILE SERVICES IN KONO DISTRICT GEARED TOWARDS THE PROVISION OF QUALITY HEALTH CARE SERVICES THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AND AFFORDABLE.
HEALTH WORKER OF THE YEAR 2012
(Best Mama en Pekin Wel-body Health Worker)
There are 14 nominees, one from each Administrative District of Sierra Leone
And the WINNER is: Madam Saffie Luseni
Citation:
The best Mama en Pekin Wel-body Health Worker has been in active service since 1994.
She served as a volunteer for over eight years in the most remote Sierra Leonean communities investing her own resources in rendering services to her people.
She single-handedly started running a small clinic in the District, furnishing it with beds, tables, chairs, etc.
Now the clinic can boast of labour room, post-natal service, drug store, consultation room and food store.
She has won several awards and recognitions both at District and national level: best district nurse of the year 2007; honorary women’s initiative;
She is a 49 year-old MCH aide from Bonthe District, Southern Province.
PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i) Emergency Hospital ii) Aberdeen Women Center iii) Mercy Ship
And the WINNER is: Mercy Ship
Citation:
An international charity organisation that provides free medical services to the less priviledge in societies; treating deformities, very serious eye cases amongst others.
They have provided valuable health care services to thousands of Sierra Leoneans not only in Freetown, but also in remote parts of Sierra Leone and have been doing so for over a long period.
They have supported fistula surgeries in the country and this has led to the establishment of the Aberdeen Women Center which primarily treats these cases.
LEGAL PRACTITIONER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Sulaiman Kabbah Koroma Esq ii) Benedict Jalloh Esq iii) Gerard J. Soyei Esq.
And the WINNER is: Sulaiman Kabba Koroma Esq.
Citation:
In the year under review, he acted as co-counsel to successfully overturn the conviction of Sarah Finda Bendu in the Court of Appeal against the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
He successfully got Joe Tommy, a Government Surveyor, to be acquitted and discharged after been charged to court by the ACC.
He successfully obtained Stay of Execution against the decision of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to ban Awareness Times Newspaper from publication for a month.
Chaired the Independent Procurement Review Panel; a body charged with the responsibility of conducting Independent Administration review into complaints and challenging award decisions which has helped to steady the Procurement process in the country.
POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Supt Kaetu Gibson (Port Loko) ii) Head of Anti Robbery Moses Steven Kandeh iii)Woman Sgt Esther Kamara
And the WINNER is: Sup. Kaetu Gibson
Citation:
The astute leadership and negotiating skills of this gallant officer, enabled him to peacefully resolve twenty-five (25) strike actions in the London Mining, Cape Lambert, African Minerals, Dawnus, CCECC, RACEC and ATF companies this year.
He was also able to handle civil disturbances in Tonko Limba, Kukuna, Rokupr and Mange without the use of any lethal weapon or tear gas. Some arrests were made in some of the strike actions and charged to court and convictions secured.
He has absolute command over his subordinates and has proved on several occasions to be a professional and hardworking police officer particularly in the region where youth lawlessness is at its peak.
Above all, he knows how to motivate his personnel to work.
MILITARY OFFICER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Brig. John E. Milton ii) Col. Brima Sesay iii) Col. S.E.T. Marah
And the WINNER is: Brig. John E. Milton
Citation:
Brigadier General John Edson Milton was trained as officer cadet at the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 1985.
Brigadier Milton is a career soldier who has contributed immensely to the professional outlook of the RSLAF. During the days of the war and the consequent strained civil/military relationship, Brigadier Milton worked tirelessly through the media to improve the existing poor civil/military relations.
His leadership qualities are outstanding. During his tenure as 3 Brigade Commander, he provided support to the SLP and ensured that the 2007 elections passed off peacefully.
Owing to his hard work and efficiency he was in August 2012 appointed by His Excellency the President to the enviable position of Commander Joint Force. Not surprising that through his able leadership, he provided support to the SLP that culminated in a peaceful, transparent and credible 2012 general elections.
PRISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Asst Supt. of Prisons, Mrs Josephine Findlay ii) Chief Supt. of Prisons, Mr. Manso Sesay iii)Asst. Director of Prisons, Mr. Ransford Alfred Herbert-Williams
And the WINNER is: Asst Supt. of Prisons, Mrs Josephine Findlay
Citation:
She was enlisted into the Prisons service on 6th June 1980 as a recruit woman prison officer.
She has an unblemished record of 32 years dedicated and diligent service.
She has served in various capacities, ranging from clerical duties, general duties in both the male and female prison institutions.
From 2000 to date, she has served as Chaplain Officer for both inmates and officers.
She has gone through the ranks from a recruit prison officer to her present position, Asst. Supt. of Prisons.
She is very respectful and a role model to many of her colleagues.
PETTY TRADER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
Marie Laawa aka Aunty Marie of Moyamba Junction
And the WINNER is: Marie Laawa aka Aunty Marie of Moyamba Junction
Citation:
She rose from selling goat pepper soup at Moyamba Junction to now running a canteen at the same location.
From that humble beginning, she managed to educate her five children; one is now in the Police while another is in College.
FARMER OF THE YEAR
The nominees are:
i)Dr. Bockarie Kobba in Mobai, Kailahun District ii) Agnes Mamie Gbanie iii) Alhaji Wurie Jalloh Port Loko District iv) Abhaja Rice Development Company (ARID) Bonthe District
And the WINNER is: Alhaji Wurie Jalloh Port Loko District
Citation:
During the 10 year rebel war in our country there was massive depletion of livestock across the country.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Food Security had the task of restocking the livestock base of our country.
Only few farmers took the challenge and notable among them is Alhaji Wurie Jalloh of Port Loko District who is also involved in diversified food production which has contributed to our national food security drive.
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