Sierra Leone's Chief Census Officer, Bob Jonny inspires Northern Region Districts Catographic Mapping Trainees...

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

Published from Blogger Prime Android App

The Statistician General of Statistics Sierra Leone, who doubles as the Chief Census Officer, Mr. Andrew Bob Jonny, delivered inspiring messages to trainees participating in the ongoing 10-day cartographic mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) training during his supervisory visit in Makeni on Saturday, September 27, 2026.

The training, currently taking place at the Garden State, and Buyas Hotel training centers in Bombali District, Northern, Sierra Leone is part of the preparatory phase for the 2026 National Population and Housing Census.

Addressing dozens of aspiring field mappers and other filed staff, Mr. Jonny commended the participants for their enthusiasm, commitment, and discipline demonstrated in the early days of the 10-day cartographic mapping training for trainees from Bombali, Falaba, Koinadugu and Tonkolili districts in the northern region.

“I’ve observed that you are gradually adjusting to the training process, which is truly encouraging,” he said. “By the look on your faces, I can see that most of you are young, and that aligns perfectly with our mission to empower youth and invest in our human capital.”

Mr. Jonny emphasized the significance of the mapping exercise, calling it a critical step toward executing a successful and data-driven national census. He reminded trainees that while the opportunity is promising, only the most dedicated and capable individuals will be retained for the full seven-month mapping assignment.

“Not all of you will be selected. Only those who excel, based on training assessments, fieldwork performance, punctuality, and commitment will move forward,” he stated.

Acknowledging the strong support from the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Statistician General assured participants that extensive groundwork is already in place, with collaboration ongoing across national and international partners.

He also urged honesty and transparency among trainees, particularly those juggling other commitments such as academic programs says, "this is a full-time engagement for the coming months. If you know you cannot commit fully to the process, kindly step aside and allow others who can. We won’t tolerate divided attention,” he added.

Mr. Jonny was accompanied during the visit by Council Members of Statistics Sierra Leone, including Mr. Sahr James Bangah (Media Representative) and Mr. Kalie S. Samura (Northern Region Representative), along with several senior staff and facilitators of the mapping training including the District Census Officers (DCOs) of the four Northern Region Districts.

The Statistics Sierra Leone's Statistician General and Chief Census Officer day's supervisory visit concluded at the Buyas Hotel Hall, where he delivered a similar address to another group of GIS trainees, and jounerned to Port Loko where similar trainings are being held for trainees from the three North Western districts of Kambia, Karene and Port Loko District.

The cartographic mapping and GIS training is part of Sierra Leone’s broader effort to modernize its data systems and ensure the 2026 Census is inclusive, accurate, and digitally executed.

Makeni Medical Mission Brings Hope and Healing to Bombali District

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Residents of the Asker Amputee Camp in Makeni City, including various war victims, are rejoicing over the inauguration of the Makeni Medical Mission health facility, established by philanthropist, author, and pastor Mr. Bambay Sawaneh, alongside his partners in the United States. This newly launched medical facility, comprising 11 treatment rooms, was developed with the support of Southeastern Medical International (SMI) and the Concord Christian Church. Their mission is to deliver compassionate healthcare and a range of medical services to the people of Bombali District and surrounding areas, with a particular focus on war victims and vulnerable families living in the Asker Amputee Camp at Robureh. At the official opening ceremony in Makeni city, a team of 10 medical missionaries from Southeastern Medical International, including Sheila Yates, a seasoned medical missionary with two decades of experience in the US, provided free medical care to 100 individuals,...

Yoni Chiefdom Crowns Journalist Richmond Tholley as Ceremonial Chief

By Azrat Umar Saidu Turay The ceremony which took place on Sunday, May 26th, 2025, at Yoni Bana Town within Tonkolili district brought brought together eminent personality across the Northern -East parts of Serra Leone. The event was attended by dignitaries, community leaders, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to witness this significant moment in the history of the Yoni Chiefdom. The ceremony began with traditional rituals, including the presentation of gifts and offerings to the ancestors, symbolizing respect for the rich heritage and customs of the Yoni people. Elders from the chiefdom, adorned in traditional attire, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, blessing Tholley and imparting wisdom as he embarks on this new journey. Richmond B. Tholley, known for his dedication to journalism and community service, expressed deep gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized the importance of unity, cultural preservation, and developm...

Senegal, first African team to beat England, but not first to score three goals

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson Claim: Soccer World HQ, in a Facebook post , claimed that Senegal is the first African team to beat England and the first to score three goals against them. Verdict: Partly True! Senegal is the first African team to beat England, but not the first to score three goals against them. Full Text The England senior men’s national football team, nicknamed the “Three Lions,” played their first match against Scotland in 1872. That match ended goalless but marked the beginning of an intense soccer rivalry between both nations, dubbed the “Auld Enemy.” Since 1872-2025, the England national team has achieved its 1000-game milestone in November 2019 when they played Montenegro at the Wembley Stadium. England's all-time head-to-head record shows that they’ve played a whopping 1072 matches against 100 countries, won 615 games, drew 255, and lost 200. Senegal, on the other hand, is one of Africa’s most famous football nations, nicknamed the “Lions of Teranga.” In 2002, ...

AWE Media Sierra Leone

Search This Blog