AWE Media Sierra Leone

By: alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl Sierra Leone senior men’s A’ team Leone Stars are non-movers in the latest FIFA/Coca Cola World ranking after failing to score additional points since the team slipped one place down from 107th to 108th last November. The nation’s total score remained at 1174.12 since last November, it’s the second time in the same year, Sierra Leone has failed to score more points in the global ranking after maintain the same place 114th in April and May respectively. However, Sierra Leone is the 23rd best men’s team in Africa leading one of their AFCON Group-E opponents Equatorial Guinea on 33rd place behind their two other group opponents Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire on 4ht and 8th place respectively. The latest men’s ranking by the world football governing body means more work is needed to be done should Sierra Leone desire to overcome their Group-E best two opponents (Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire) according to the FIFA/Coca Cola ranking whom they will cor...

Statement for Presidential Coctail 2021 Thursday 16th December, 2021 Country Lodge, Hill Station, Freetown, Sierra Leone Your Excellency, please permit to ask everyone present here who has not yet been counted. Let me see your hands raised please. If the Census people are here, I encourage you to please go around and do the counting whilst we continue with the program. I believe as citizens we should all stand up and be counted. If the government wants to count us 10 times in a year let them count. I don’t think there’s any harm in that. May be the government is planning to do some gifts distribution to every household during this Christmas. So if you refused to be counted then you will lose out and you will have yourself to blame. Your Excellency, since the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, SLAJ has become very attractive, especially for women. Earlier today we inducted new members into SLAJ from the Western Urban and Rural regions, after a membership drive of over 200 applicants, ...

NOW AND HEREAFTER (DECEMBER) A Message From Papa Ray As we approach the threshold between 2021 and 2022, help us to recall that Governor Clarkson prayed, and we MUST now PRAY     B E C A U S E It's worse NOW than THEN. Dear God and Father of all,       we thank you daily,            for your eternal GIFT,                       at John 3:16.   Enable us to appreciate     the purpose of your  GIFT               (J E S U S ),    THE KING, NOT A BEGGAR. Coming soon,      on your second visit,         to receive those            prepared to meet YOU, Empower us to reflect,       on the significance,       especially in today's world,    when men usurp                 your identity,             calling themselves,       Saviour,  Redeemer                       and  Messiah.             Have mercy!                 Have mercy on us. Motivate Sierra Leoneans,       as we scramble for THINGS,           to feel the need        to give time and service,        ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Selected students from the Mass Communications Department at the University of Makeni-(UNIMAK) have received capacity building training from the United Nations International Children Education Fund-(UNICEF) on how to ethically report on Children’s issues and activities in the Media. The training according to UNICEF’s country representative in Sierra Leone Dr. Suleiman Braimoh, is among the activities UNICEF has lined up in commemoration of its 75th anniversary which are all aimed at improving the wellbeing and safety of Children in the country that is in tandem with the commemoration’s theme: "Reimagine a happy, safe and healthy future for every child.”   In his remarks, Dr. Braimoh advised students to accord special appreciation for children and to as well put into proper practice the skills and knowledge the training would provide which he believed will allow them to report on the happenings around children in an ethical way. He further disclosed that, ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Within the imaginations and wishes of their supporters, Slim-G D’Viper and Internet-Man are bracing to compete in a live indigenous gig scheduled for 30th November, 2021 at the Masongbo Community Center in Makeni, the largest city in the Northeastern part of Sierra Leone. The scheduled Tuesday concert will be the second for the two musicians following their November 12, live microphone challenge which was organized by the Makeni Disc Jockeys Union at the Makeni city plaza who first presented the two artists in a friendly but very competitive contest although It eventually turned out as a moment where real recognize real, reconnecting moment of the artists and their supporters although the fans were unable to agree who was the favorite singer to would had cut short the age long argument.  The lead organizer of the concert underway Mohamed Titi Kamara, a  trendy Disc Jockey working for Radio Mankneh in Makeni who doubled as the Chief Executive Officer of Kamaras ...

By: Mohamed Simbo Kamara Class Rep Clinical Psychology  The above named Center has observed the 16 days Activism Campaign on Gender Based Violence. The manger Mrs Mary HAWA Turay in her opening statement made it clear that the Administration will not accept any form of violence in any of its campuses therefore, she is urging all students to refrain themselves from any kind of it both in and out of the campus. She added that both male and female students suffered violent in different areas such as physical violent, social violent and the likes. Therefore, the administration will be hard on any student found wanting of such, if anything of such arose among students let them report the matter immediately to the appropriate authorities. In her conclusion she reiterated that all students should know that the University has given its support in-order to participate and disseminate this message across the length and breath of the university for better education and to prevent future occurrenc...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson - alusinerehme.wilson@awokonewspaper.sl Two of the most consistent and popular indigenous musicians nationwide, Internet Man of Makeni and Slim-G D’Viper of Lunsar will face each other live later today at the Makeni city plaza in a microphone battle initiated jointly by the Elected President and Executive members of the Makeni Disc Jockeys Union. President of the DJ’s Union in Makeni Alpha Mohamed Kabia alias “DJ Dustman'' has confirmed that the anticipated microphone battle will take place in the evening hours of today, (12th November, 2021) and the event will begin at 8:00pm local time. “This contest will be our maiden event since I was voted into office some two months ago. For sure it will be bigger considering the fact that the two contenders namely Internet Man-(Orkurmoh) and Slim-G D’Vipder-(Orkurgba) are presently unarguably the finest indigenous musicians nationwide, which is why we have resolved as a union to present them to their supporters ...

By: Amadu Wurie Timbo The National Civil Registration Authority on Monday 25th October 2021 trained Healthcare Workers on Births and Deaths Digital Registration and Notification.  Commenced at the Bombali District Council Hall in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone, the event was categorized as ‘Training of Trainers’ for 40 Healthcare Workers functioning in distinct Government Healthcare Centres across Bombali District who were netted with Births and Deaths data collection training.  Wherein they are expected to further cascade the message to colleagues at Healthcare centres level to ensure even contribution in this new system of Digital Registration and Notification. In his presentation, Ivan Palmer the Bombali District Information Technology Officer at NCRA disclosed that, Births registration is important to be done for all new-born in the country as a way of granting them Birth Certificates; a Basic Legal Document that gives identity to a child, and automatically presents a number of righ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Selected students from the Mass Communications Department at the University of Makeni-(UNIMAK) have received capacity building training from the United Nations International Children Education Fund-(UNICEF) on how to ethically report on Children’s issues and activities in the Media. The training according to UNICEF’s country representative in Sierra Leone Dr. Suleiman Braimoh, is among the activities UNICEF has lined up in commemoration of its 75th anniversary which are all aimed at improving the wellbeing and safety of Children in the country that is in tandem with the commemoration’s theme: "Reimagine a happy, safe and healthy future for every child.”   In his remarks, Dr. Braimoh advised students to accord special appreciation for children and to as well put into proper practice the skills and knowledge the training would provide which he believed will allow them to report on the happenings around children in an ethical way. He further disclosed that, ...

By: Amadu Wurie Timbo The National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) has on Tuesday 19th October 2021 ended a day-long Regional Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Data Protection Policy and Bill. The Engagement was held at the Wusum Hotel Hall located at Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma Road in Makeni with Key Representatives from the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Statistics SL, National Revenue Authority (NRA), Right to Access Information Comissiom, Office of Natrional Security (ONS), National Social Security Insurance Trust (NASSIT) and other major institutions dealing with Citizens personal Details across the North-East Region. Mr. Abraham Turay the Deputy Director of Administration at the National Civil Registration Authority was the Chairman of the event who in his opening remarks informed attendees on the importance of Protecting Citizens’ Data which has to do with their privacy, Security and well-being. He further told participants that, inasmuch as the policy focus in preventin...

By: Amadu Wurie Timbo  It was all incredible on Saturday 16th October, 2021 at the Hall of the makeni City Council where many notable people including members of the Makeni Artist Union (MAU) met for the Inaugural ceremony of Daniel Yusif Tarawalie (Governor Blaq), the Union Newly Elected Leader. Governor Blaq assumes leadership in the Union after devoted members of the MAU took to the poll and jointly voted him in as their new Leader in an Election conducted at the Makeni Wusum Field on Sunday August 29. President Blaq’s 87 votes was enough to place him top over three others, including Incumbent Stunt Man who came second with a total votes of 52. However, the event marked as Former President Stunt’s end of Governance, whose handing over of Staff speaks high volume of peace and hope for the new Administration. “Power is hard to gain, but becomes more difficult to hand-over. Its only takes the grace of God, good leadership and courage to get it all done.  I was expecting to serve you gu...

By: Amadu Wurie Timbo The Independent Media Commission (IMC) on Tuesday 12th October 2021 ended a day-long engagement with Journalists, CSOs and Security forces to validate the newly Revised Media Code of Practice. The event took place at the Hotel Conteh-U in Makeni where Media Stakeholders from institutions across the North met and  looked into the recently drafted ‘Media Code of Practice’ and collectively validated Laws that serves as guiding principles to Journalists and, as well as reflecting the needs and desires of Citizen. Fourah Bay College Lecturer Dr. Francis Sowa was the Facilitator who in his presentation reminded attendees on the priceless role of the media in national development and its adverse effect when it is poorly used. He continued that, Journalists should enhance familiarities and heighten relationship with laws that surround their trade, inasmuch as their role in National development is key and always remain counted.  However, heads of Media institutions were en...

By: Amadu Wurie Timbo The National Council for Civic Education and Development in Partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry and the Environmental Minisry have on Saturday September 18th 2021 conducted a day’s Engagement with Stakeholders in Makeni to help combate the negative effects of Climate Change in Sierra Leone. The engagement which was held at the MAF conference Hall located at Agriculture Road in Makeni brought together Timber Loggers, Charcoal Burners, Community Heads and many other people whose roles and activities lead to indiscriminate cutting down of trees.  Jinnah Bockarie the Deupty District Officer- Bombali was the Chairman of the event who in his opening statement jogged the minds of attendees about the relationship of Man and plants in gaseous exchange. “Without enough trees, the Carbon dioxide man and animals give off will remain in the air and serves as threat to our health as a result of its hotness.” He disclosed.  In his statement, Lahai Kpa...

By: Sheku Putka Kamara Maybe it makes sense to suppose that today’s globe has a serious threat to deal with in so far as the media’s agenda setting function is concerned. In this discourse, my propositions would not only be limited to traditional mediums of radio, television and newspaper. For the purposes of this narration, I shall be looking into how fake news and false information have disturbed quality and reliable social media agenda setting. This is not to suggest that social media does not come with positives, but the intent of these few lines is to suggest how news falsification is a problem and to also note the relevance of avoiding such potential risks and conflicting situations in society. In this day and age, we all must be mindful that the power of the media cannot be overstated. The moment we realize this, the better for us all. However, there tends to be a huge and reasonable concern when what is not true and correct begins to inform what we come across either on Faceboo...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Former Public Relations Officer of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone Northern Region Alimamy Kewullay Kanu who doubled as Ex-Production Manager of Amzas Radio in Makeni on Friday, 3rd September 2021 has attained the rank of a Second Lieutenant in the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces (RSLAF) to began his journey as a Military Personnel. Kanu was among the sixty graduating cadet officers of the Benguma third Brigade Battle School unveiled by the Grand Commander and Army Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Arm Forces His Excellency Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio at a grand armed forces event held last Friday in Freetown. Awoko spotted the former media sensation bursting into tears of happiness in the midst of his former media colleagues, family members and other loved ones who like many other attendees of the auspicious event celebrated the former football commentator and astute Makeni based radio presenter and producer. A barrage of co...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The Head Coach of Sierra Leone Premier League side Freetown City Football Club Hassan Bongo Kamara on Friday, September 2, 2021 told Awoko that his side is in high gear to compete and win the 2021 men’s elite league title. Kamara said he is so far impressed with his players performance since returning from a brief season break and resumed training on August 16, 2021, adding that in the last two weeks of intense trainings they have also engaged on friendly matches against several football clubs including Premier League and non-division clubs and the results were very encouraging especially their 2-1 win over former league champions Mighty Blackpool. “We are in a very high spirit to compete for the title this season as we get back to Premier League action on September 11, 2021 against SLIFA Mount Aureole FC, a side th Coach Hassan Bongo further stated that the team is not boarded about the departure of their former Head coach Francis Zappa Koroma, whom himse...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The Paramount Chief of Magbema Chiefdom in Kambia District, North-Western Sierra Leone PC Bai Farama Tass Bubu Ngbak-IV who doubled as the Paramount Member of Parliament of the district, last Thursday appointed popular businessman Abdul Petrol Kamara as the new Section Chief of Rokupr Khaliza following the death of the setion's former Pa. Alimamy Kafoire Kamara. A September, 2, 2021 correspondence from the Administrative Clerk of Magbema Chiefdom confirmed the appointed of the famous business mogul: “I’m directed by the Honorable Paramount Chief Bai Farama Tass Bubu N’gbak IV to inform you that you have been appointed the Regent Chief of Rokupr Section, Magbema Chiefdom, Kambia District with immediate effect.” The new regent chief of Rokupr section Abdul Petrol Kamara comes into his latest role with huge administrative experience having occupied the leadership position in the section such as the Chairman of the Rokupr Wharf Boat Riders for over ten year...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Following a goalless friendly encounter between Ethiopia and Sierra Leone at the Bahir Dar Stadium last Thursday, the Assistant coach-1 of Sierra Leone Senior Men’s team “Leone Stars” Amidu Karim who guided a 23-man squad dominant of home-based players against their Ethiopia counterpart says the game was a good test for his side as they heightens preparation for the 2021-TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations finals. Speaking to Awoko Newspaper, Karim said Ethiopia is a very formidable side but expressed delight that they were unable to edge his dominated home-based side, an outcome he believes is encouraging for his local players. "For a completely dominant squad of local based players to withstand such pressure from a formidable Ethiopia side in a friendly cracker is indeed bravery from our players who were also swift to adopt our game plan. Our players did prove to be devoted and very eager to deliver for the nation at all times even when there are n...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The president of the Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone(SWASAL) Sahr Morris Junior has called on SWSAL members and all sports journalists in Sierra Leone to submit their work broadcasted or published from November 10 to October 4, 2021 to compete in the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) prestigious Sport Media Awards 2021 edition. Prezo Morris on diverse occasions had encouraged members of his Association to embrace AIPS initiatives meant to develop Sports Journalism. Earlier last week he shared the award's link to the SWASAL National Whatsapp forum and wrote: “Good morning all. Members are encouraged to read through and submit their work.” The AIPS has distinguished 8 senior categories split into Photography (Action Picture, Portfolio), Writing (Best Column, Best Colour Piece), Video (Short Feature up to 10 minutes; Athlete Profile +10min, Documentary +10 min), opened to all Sports Journalists working in the print media or digital j...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Members of the Makeni Artist Union last Sunday, August 29, 2021 unanimously voted in Multi-Award winning Hip-Hop Artist Samuel Yusuf Tarawalie popularly known by his stage name as Governor Blaq as the Union’s new President until 2023. Tarawalie secured a total number of 87 votes from the pool, the highest of all to edge the Union’s former President Milton Franklyn Koroma alias Stuntman, his former vice president Mohamed Lamin Fofanah-(Wanko) and Francis Sisto Kabia-(FSK) who scored 52, 27 and 10 votes respectively. Upon his vast winning from the pools to clinch the MAU top seat Samuel was duly announced as the Union’s boss by female Activist Emilia Jengo-one of the three members of this year’s Elections normalization committee in the presence of members of the public and MAU members had called on his membership to but all differences aside and work towards one motive. Following his election, Governor Blaq stated in his congratulatory message strong works o...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The Chairman of the Northern Region Rugby Association Alex Kapotho Kamara yesterday told pressmen that the Association has resolved to postpone its National Rugby competition earlier scheduled to commence in the second week of September to October this year. Kamara said the decision to postpone the tournament arrives as a result of the ongoing West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination-(WASSCE) which many of the Rugby players are currently writing. “We cannot organize the tournament as proposed for in the second week of September because our players are busy writing to the WASSCE so we have decided that the competition be organized in October this year as we continue to plan and will eventually communicate the actual a final date.” He revealed. The proposed competition which is to be hosted in Makeni, North-East Sierra Leone will help to popularize the sport and also provide the opportunity for the public to watch competitive rugby games. Rugby is ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson The first female Executive Committee member Haja Ramatulai Kamara who also doubled as the female football chairperson at the Sierra Leone Football Association-(SLFA) together with the vice president-2 among other members of the local football federation during a familiarization visit in the North-Eastern city of Makeni last Sunday, August 29 pledged to jointly uplift the devastating status of female football in the country Kamara while addressing key female football stakeholders and other attendees at the Makeni city council conference hall during a brief engagement that was organized by the North-East Region Football Association following a warm welcome by players and officials of female football clubs based in Makeni and Magburaka said she is committed to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure female football becomes am envy of all. She furthered and reveals her plan to organize the first ever National Women’s League in the country, confirmed October 3, ...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Famous musician Innocent on Friday August 28 announced September 1, 2021 as the release date for his first single from his upcoming album: "Love, Politics and Religion." A statement from his Facebook page reads: "The First Song from the Album - LOVE, POLITICS & RELIGION will be out on the 1st of September 2021-GOD NOR GO SHAME US Is A Complete Definition Of Good Music, I Am Not Going To Say Much, Let The Music Speak For It Self (El Patron Kuti)." Innocent's fresh single is evidently anticipated by entertainment enthusiast to be classy as the famous social commentary songs composer had promised his fans and the rest of others following his music. For almost twenty years the Money Making Machine boss has prevailed to be a musical worrier and after releasing two hit songs and videos (E shock You and Full Package) respectively few months ago he will be dropping another anticipated song titled: "God Nor Go Shame Us" thi...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Makeni based Afro, Hip-Hop and dancehall musician Richmond Festus Koroma otherwise called by his stage name as "Romantic RFK" has gifted his loyalist and other entertainment enthusiast with a new love song titled: "Royalty". The Leo Wonder Entertainment soloist released the melody last week and the song had since evolved to becoming one of his best music in the year 2021. According to him, his latest melody “Royalty” paints musically the true picture of his love life with a lady that has held him down for ages while being loyal and loving constantly. “This song is just a pay back to my loving baby that has been doing her best since some years ago to get my attention and has eventually won me, so I decided to build up this story as a concept of my lyrics” Romantic RFK told Awoko Newspaper. As his stage name goes “Romantic RFK” has been a love lunch cherished by mostly female for his swaggering romantic and flamboyant appearances has o...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Heightened efforts on response by traditional leaders and healers in the Northern region since the Government of Sierra Leone through the National Coronavirus Emergency Response Center (NaCOVERC) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation initiated a nationwide 10-day vaccination surge has been reported by District Coronavirus Emergency Response Centers (DiCOVERCs), health workers and others interviewed by this writer to have been meaningful letting many people turned out for the vaccine. Civil Society and Human Rights Activist John Banato Sesay the Chairman of Citizens Rights (a Civil Society organization) when interviewed said Traditional Leaders and Healers have been supportive to both DiCOVERCs and the District Health Management Teams-(DHMTs) leading to the increase in the number of vaccinated persons. "I have noted the role of Traditional Leaders and Healers on awareness raising, taking leadership of the vaccine roll out to help kick against the po...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Former Teddy Football club forward Amadu Conteh who is on a maiden spell with Sierra Leone Men’s top-tier side Wusum Stars of Makeni has revealed that his ambition is to score goals for his new club when he is given the nod. Conteh last Wednesday scored the Curtain raiser for Wusum Stars against his former club Teddy FC at the Wusum Stadium in Makeni during a pre-season friendly match that saw him earned his maiden victory with the Black and Yellow men since he completed his move to the club two weeks ago. “Before the encounter I never expected to score against my previous club-(Teddy FC) a side I’m forever grateful to for the team had contributed immensely towards my career as player, but I’m again thankful that God helped me to score my first goal for my new club-(Wusum Stars) plus an assist that polished our 3-1 victory, the forward added. When asked about his ambition with Wusum Stars ahead of the resumption of the nation’s elite league which will comm...