BecomingBosedeh: Making ; “Wakabut” And Style and Career.

Making ‘Wakabut’ A Life Style And A Career

It is definitely clear that it is when children are young, parents and society can be able to figure out their talents, potentials, skills, strength and weaknesses. Knowing oneself can be easier if the child has parents that are already aware of their potentials. This is one area that the West can do so much better than us in Africa. From a very young age, they help the child discover their potential and give them all the support to maximise it. This makes it so much easier when the child turns into an adult. He will just need to grow in the foundation that is already laid for him.

As a child, this was a problem I encountered. Because no one helped me to discover my talents from a tender age, I was growing and looking empty. Some people thought I had no talents or skills. It was not like I didn’t have any talent, but my talents differed from many other people. It was certain I didn’t know how to do any sport, draw, swim or do most of the things my age mates could do. What I knew how to do than many of my friends was to walk around, exploring and discovering unknown places. And I absolutely loved it so much.

Realizing that ‘wakabut’ was what I love doing, I did not know whether it was a talent. My love for the outdoors increased and walkabouts became like a therapy to me. Whenever I felt left out, because I can’t join my friends to play football, just walking lustfully and discovering unknown places brought so much relief to me. Walking long distances or losing and finding my way was one of my greatest motivations and it brought me so much peace and happiness. I did not need to have an instructor to tell me what to do or someone to guide me. I was just a man on my own on the road and that boosted my confidence and self-esteem so much. At most I had something that I was a master at.

During my teenage, I got more freedom from my parents and retreat. Camps and weekend became my hobbies. I had been to 6 districts out of the 12 in my country. Whenever I’m on those retreats during break time, I will just leave everyone in the camp and venture out on streets unknown. I will go as far as I can and I still find my paths back. I love going for hiking, picking waterfalls and absolutely everything that concern about the outdoor. Before leaving high school, all my friends knew I love adventures and travelling was not an ordeal for me.

I became so concerned about the history and monument around my country that I studied for a Bachelor’s degree in the University of Sierra Leone in History and Politics. It just brought me fulfilment whenever I visit a monument or a place I have read about. I visited almost every monument in my country and learnt its history to the detail. When I started studying African history, I grew so much in love with my continent that I wanted to visit every country in it. It was now in my life I knew that if I wanted to keep going for adventures and discovering all the places I have read about, it was prime time I made ‘wakabut’ – travelling – a business. And at this point I absolutely believe that there is not a feeling of fulfilment in anything other than to make your hubby your career; you can be at work and still think you are on holiday.

Written in The Gambia

Ernest farmer: The boy that refused to be just a student.

I don’t want to come to the university and just study, I want to create an impact in society. People are suffering and I know the government can’t do everything. As a patriotic Sierra Leonean, I wanted to contribute to societal good. I don’t have the money but I have the much needed leadership to create a difference”

These are the words of the passionate and goal-oriented 23- year -old Ernest Claude farma. Even though studying in Sierra Leone is difficult and it’s more difficult as a medical student. Farma have done excellent in his academic as a student and has also created an impact through his charity organization.

Ernest frama was born in Bonthe District and went to school in Freetown. Like many children in any African society, he has experiences and witnesses suffering, poverty and disease. It’s was from this early age his passion to serve humanity started to grow which has been nurtured and matured in the university of Sierra Leone, faculty of nursing.

” My push to be a nurse comes for my innate desire to serve humanity, with compassion and care, especially in times of need”

Many people were surprised when farma decided to study nursing. They thought he should study something bigger than it. Farma received from “Schooling 4 life Career pathway training and studying Medicine was the best pick for him. He said ‘
“I wanted to be an everyday superhero. I want to be there for the sick, needy and the poor. Nursing is an honorable career like any other and it’s gives me the unique opportunity that I was seeking.

Since 2017, when farma took the audacious step to study nursing. He made tremendous contributions to our society. He is the founder of the Sierra Leone Health Charity Organisation. His Organisation is made up of 10 executive members.

Last year, farma conduct a cleaning exercise at a Connought hospital, the Biggest Government hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He had volunteers from different charity organizations, friends, classmates and staff of the hospital. His team of 30 volunteers did an incredible job by cleaning and raising awareness about the importance of sanitation. This was a very significant move by him. Sanitation has caused a lot of health hazards in our society. This is why the President of Sierra Leone made it a priority in is agenda and reinstate the last Saturday of each month national cleaning exercise.

There are about 450 million people that are suffering from mental disease in African. Much priority has not been given to mental health but it is as significant as physical health. People are suffering from mental disease silently at their homes, offices, in the market, hospital, prison and many other places. Farma knowing the importance of mental health and wanting to raise awareness about it make it a cause.

On the 30th of May 2019, Ernest Farma’s Sierra Leone charity Health Organisation visited the Sierra Leone Female Correction Center formerly Sierra Leone Prison in Freetown. together with his members of his charity organisation they spent time with the inmates talking to them about mental health. It’s was a time of great joy and despair. Most of the women have been victims of mental health but have been silent and have refused to talk about their condition even with fellow inmates. They were encouraged by Sierra Leone Charity Health organization to speak up and end the silence. With the help of Rokel Commercial Bank, they donated sanitary pads to the female inmate at the correctional centre.

“Everyone should be concern about mental health. Mental health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Finding someone to talk to about your condition help a lot “

He has also been involving in radio talk shows in spreading the message of mental health. His organization is also collaborating with other charities in helping to raise funds for sick children in Sierra Leone.

Ernest cluad frama refused to be just a student but a changed Maker and influencer.

Sierra Leone: The guy that refused to find a job after graduation.

University graduation is a turning point in a person’s life. Graduates look forward to another phase in life especially those that are graduating for the first time. It’s a transition period for several from University to the Universe.

Behind the excitement, the flamboyant ceremony and parties, the biggest aspiration for fresh graduates is to find a job. Which has turned out to be the biggest frustration and disappointment in many countries in African. Job-hunting becomes the job for most Fresh graduates which can sometimes last for a year or less depending on the degree the person is having.

There is a guy that graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the faculty of Engineering with honors in mechanical engineering from the University of Sierra Leone and refused to find a job. But rather take on Christian kingdom service in a village for 8 month.

God, if only you can do it for me, I will be willing to give 8 months of my life to your service fully.

Many people might count it has the foolishness to spend 1 month in a village just for God’s service not to talk of 8 months. Many are of the belief that one can serve God while finding a job in the city. As many people that have done kingdom service before him, his family was skeptical about his decision. Some of his friends understood but others ridiculed him. But for the Young Sirh Fillie, he was ready to sacrifice because he has a commitment to God. He said,

I know very well that these 8 months I am giving to God service it will bring a lot of changes in my life. I am happy to service fully without pressure, give back to humanity. It’s will surely give me time to rest after all these years of schooling. I might never have such a time like this again in my life that I will enjoy absolute freedom in life and doing the work of the Lord”.

2011 was a turning point in the Life of Mr. Crispin Sirh Fillie. It’s was the time he had a real encounter with Christ and started a true commitment to God. It’s come about when he was invited by his friend Joel Tuboku- Metzger to attend the Bible Study Union Annual Conference. His true intending was not to meet Christ but not rather meet girls and use his university status to lure them. God works in a mysterious work. That was where the Young Sir met Christ and made his kingdom service commitment.

Most Christians are not willing to do kingdom service or even considering it. They think about many other things they have to do and the new responsibilities that have rested on their shoulders. After 6 years of studying at the University of Sierra Leone, he was more than willing to go for a kingdom service with Edunation at kionadugu District, kabala town, Benikoro village.

While staying in Benikoro, it’s helped him to build a more intimate relationship with Christ and reflect on the true meaning of life. A time he said will have an everlasting impact on his life.

Sir taught at the edunation Secondary school. He was teaching Mathematics and other science subjects. He also tries very hard to have a lunchtime Christian fellowship in the school. It was largely futile due to the unwillingness of the kids and the short time for the lunch break.

He also engaged in personal evangelism throughout the village of Benikoro. He made sure he evangelized to every soul in the village. Ironically not even a handful of people in the village accepted Christ openly while he was there. In his heart, he believes it’s was a sowing period and never fails to continue to evangelize to the people till he left

The village of Benikoro where he was sent as a missionary was a predominantly Muslim community in Sierra Leone. It’s is a village of about 150 people who were fanatic Muslims.

Perceiving his effort was not raping as many fruits as he wished. He started a youth fellowship and a football club. Many of the youths join the football club and enjoyed it. Out of the lot, it was only one that was in the youthful Fellowship.

This says a bit frustrating for him but he knows clearly that the work was the Lord and he is doing his own part. He said it’s was one of the thoughts that kept him thought his stay there.

He is very grateful that he acted as an Assistant Pastor in the church of a neighboring village where he was s able to preach the Good news. He still counts it’s as a privilege for him to be in the village and do the kingdom service.

Sierra Leone and Liberia Fun fact.

1: Liberia has far more flags than Sierra Leone.

Liberia has 16 legally recognised flags. Each representing the 15 counties in Liberia and the one is the National flag. Sierra Leone only has one official flag, which is the green white and blue

2: Liberia has far more Christians than Sierra Leone.

Even though Sierra Leone was the centre of Christianity in the 19 century. Nowadays it as lesser Christians than many Anglophone West Africa country. Liberia has 85.5 % Christian population, which is among the highest in West Africa while Sierra Leone has less than 15 % Christians.

3: Liberian streets are far more Cleaner than Sierra Leone Streets.

Although the Liberian street is not very clean, it is much more cleaner than Sierra Leone Streets. The Streets of Monrovia are far cleaner than Freetown streets.

4: Lesser or no street dogs in Liberia, Monrovia.

It’s very difficult for one to find a street dog in Liberia capital, Monrovia. Sierra Leone has a lot of street dogs. What happened to all the dogs in Liberia?

5: Liberia government officials are paid far much higher than their counterpart in Sierra Leoneans.

The salary of Liberians government official is higher than many west Africa countries. Last year’s Sierra Leone parliamentarians wanted tan increment on their salaries but the public went hot on then.

10 Differences between Sierra Leone and Liberia

1: Liberia has Bicameral legislature while Sierra Leone has a unicameral legislature.

In Liberia, there are two houses of the Parliament. The house of representatives, the lower house and the house of Senates, the upper house. The House of Representative is headed by the Speaker of the house while the house of Senates is headed by the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.

{Outside Liberia Capitol building)

Sierra Leone has one legislative house which is called House of Parliament. The Sierra Leone parliament is headed by the speaker of the house. The Speaker is elected among the Parliamentarians. Some Paramount Chiefs also Sit in Sierra Leone Parliament.

2: Sierra Leone flag is original While Liberia was copied from America.

The Liberian flag is designed after the United State of America flag. The only difference is that the Liberian flag has one star instead of the 50 stars in United State flag

{P.C Envizage concept)

The Sierra Leone flag is Green, White and blue. The Green represents Vegetation, white for Justice and the blue represents the natural harbour. The Sierra Leone flag is Naturally visible everywhere.

3: Liberia President term is much longer than Sierra Leone.

The term of office of the President in Liberia is 7 years while Sierra Leone is 5 years. When I was younger I thought Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was a Queen, she was in power from the time I was in primary school to the time till the time I was in University. She was the first African female President but not the longest-serving African Head of state.

Sierra Leone term of office of a President is 5 years not more than two terms consecutively. I wonder what it will be for Sierra Leoneans to have a President for 14 years.

4: Education is better in Sierra Leone than Liberia.

Sierra Leone was known as the “Athens of West Africa” because it was the centre of education and Western civilization in the world of west Africa and beyond. Even though Sierra Leone has lost that name. It still has more developed functional educational institutions than Liberia.

Liberia doesn’t have as much educational institution like Sierra Leone. The illiteracy rate high in these countries but much higher than in Liberia. There are Liberians coming to Sierra Leone for educational opportunities and sierra Leoneans attending schools in Liberia.

5: It’s easier to get a job in Liberia than in Sierra Leone.

It’s far much easier to have a job in Liberia than Sierra Leone. Although youth in these countries cry about employment opportunities, the case is worst in Sierra Leone.

{Cross-Section of Liberia and Sierra Leone Yalians at book launch )

This is due to the fact that Sierra Leone produces more graduates every year and only few businesses and companies recruit Staffs every year or are established. It’s very advisable to study in Sierra Leone and work in Liberia.

6: Sierra Leoneans youth know how to party harder than Liberians.

Liberian youth loves enjoyment very much. They love going to night clubs, drink alcohol and chill with friends. Sierra Leoneans youth know how to enjoy and party better. Sierra Leoneans can party whole night and still go to work early in the morning. From the 1 day of December to day 31 Some Sierra Leoneans every year attend festivals, Parties, chilling and night clubs non-stop.

{My Friend and I don’t like party }

Bars and night club in Liberia close much earlier than in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leoneans usually go to parties or night clubs at 12: am, come at 6:00 am and go to work at 8:00 am.

7: GST is included in the prices of goods in Sierra Leone but not in Liberia

In Liberia, the Goods and services tax is not included in the price of the goods. So one may have to pay for the good and an extra for the GST.

While in Sierra Leone the price tag on the goods is the actual price as it included the GST. Sierra Leones pay GST indirectly and Liberia directly.

8: Liberia was never colonized while Sierra Leone was.

All countries in Africa were colonised with the exception of Liberia and Ethiopia which make Liberia the oldest African Republic. Although Liberia celebrates its independent day every year. The fact remained that it was never colonised and the independent was self-proclaimed. From 1809 to 1937 Liberia was administered by American society. This must not be mistaken for colonialism. America was itself a colony, and never a colonial masters.

{Bosedeh George during the colonial era }

Sierra Leone was colonised from 1808 to 1961. It was, in fact, the centre of British administration in West Africa. It’s attained it independent on sliver plate in April 196l. Even after independence, the British Queen remained as head of state in Sierra Leone till 1971. Sierra Leone still maintains a very close relationship with its former colonial masters.

9: Land and Population Paradox

Liberia is almost two times larger than Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone and Liberia share borders. There is a lot of uncultivated land in these countries.

Sierra Leone has almost two times the population of Liberia. Sierra Leone population is 7.5 million people while Liberia is 4:7 million people.

10: Liberia has two official currencies while Sierra Leone has one.

Liberia is the only West Africa country to have two official currencies. They use the United State Dollar and the Liberia Liberty Dollar.

Sierra Leone has only one official currency which is the Sierra Leone Leones. The USD is however accepted by many as legal tender in Sierra Leone.

What would you want by next blog to be about Sierra Leone and Liberia?

These are from my personal research and opinion, stories in heard and what I saw in Liberia.

10 Similarities between Liberia and Sierra Leone

1: Ruled by foreigners

Both of these countries have been more or less ruled by foreigners.

Sierra Leone was ruled for almost 160 years by the British. Although native Sierra Leoneans took part in the administration but were just puppet. Sierra Leoneans in the colony was granted British citizenship.

{ Monument of the first President of Liberia}

Between 1841-1904 10 of Presidents of Liberia were American. They were Free slave in America that were repatriated to in Liberia. Although they can also be considered as Liberians because there are different ways a person can become a citizen of a country apart from birth.

2: Foundation Concept

Motto: The love of liberty brought us here

( Enjoying Freetown, Sierra Leone)

Liberia came from a Latin word meaning liberty. It was founded on the concept of liberty and Freedom. The founding fathers wanted Liberia to be a free land for all, particularly free slaves.

Motto: Unity, Peace, Freedom and justice.

Sierra Leone’s Capital city which was founded in 1786 when the slave trade was abolished and the black poor send to Africa. It was aimed to give the free slave the opportunity to enjoy Freedom, governed themselves and start a new life. This is why Sierra Leone capital was and is still Freetown.

3: Education

(Fourah Bay College founded in 1927 )

Education is free in Sierra Leone and Liberia!!

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone made education free for all pupils from primary schools to Secondary schools and for persons with disabilities and female in the Sciences.

President George weah made education free in all primary schools up to secondary school for everyone. These presidents are in their 50s and doing are a very good job of building our human capital.

4: Currency

Both Sierra Leone and Liberia currency are coloured, which make it very attractive and easy to identify the different unit. They are some countries in the world where their money is not coloured.

5: Politeness to strangers

{These boys called my Liberian friends “uncles” and they were amazed }

In Liberia when a person doesn’t know your name and want to call you, they will say ” fine boy ” “fine girl ” or ” ma men”. Which is very cool and polite. Sierra Leone calls strangers as if they were their family members. They say ” uncle ” “Aunty” ” brother ” ” sister” e.t.c

6: Staple food

Sierra Leone and Liberia are part of the countries that are known as the rice coast of west Africa. Rice is their staple food. If they don’t eat rice for a day they haven’t eating anything.

Also, most of the stew in these sister countries are similar.

S. Leone Liberia

1: Jollof. Jollof

2: Casada leaves. Cassava leaves

3: Petete leaves. Potato green

4: Beans. Butter beans.

The best Jollof in West Africa is made by Sierra Leoneans.

7: Small coastal Capital city

Our capital cities are very small in area and are around the coast. Our cities are also congested due to centralization. Many people come for job, education, business and many other opportunities in our cities.

(Freetown, Sierra Leone)

In relation to the total land of our countries, the capital occupies less than 10 % but over 30 % of the population lives in the capital city.

8: Official language

The official languages for these countries are English. This makes it easy for migration between these counties. However, Sierra Leone has British English while Liberia is American English.

Most citizens of their citizen are comfortable to speak their local Pidgin anywhere. Sierra Leone calls it ” Krio” and Liberia called it ” koloqua”.

9: Foreign frags

These countries have been ruled by foreigners and these people love the flag of these counties. The American flag is very popular in Liberia and the union Jack very popular in Serra Leone

10: Tribes( Ethnicity)

We have many mutuality even ethnic groups. There are are some of them

1: kiss, 2: Mende, 3: Gola, 4: Kroo, 5: Krio and fallah.

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How an African mum proves that all her kids are her best kids…

We live in a world that is full of conflicts and rivalry between and within countries, race, tribes, political parties, communities and families. The family which every human being belongs to has a significant part to play in these conflicts. But it’s sad to say there is also much rivalry in the family today. These have made it hard for a child at an early age to understand love, mutual respect, consideration, compromise and other human values.

My mum, Mrs Annie John, a lady in her late 40’s have always make us her children believe that we are all her best and favourites, children. These have promoted love and unity among us.

” Mama please don’t watch Tv at night till I finished my examination “

My younger brother, 14 years, Sinava John is my mum’s best child.

Her recently arrangement with my little brother amazed us very much. Sivana told her if she wants him to study, she should to not watching Television at night. She wholeheartedly accepted. My mum is someone that love movies so much she used to spend every Sunday watching movies. When she was much younger, she will leave her business to be in the cinema. Due to the love, she has for my little brother she is ready to sacrifice it. In most African home, a kid can’t mistake to say such.

” Go watch if dem don plant (braids ) you sister don”

My younger sister,19 years, Konia John is my mum’s best child.

My younger sister is enjoying her after High school life, she just braids her hair. It takes a long time before the lady could finish it and it was late. Every 10 minutes, my mum would ask us to check on her. She just keeps sending us to her and everyone notice how much she cares and love for her.

I, Bosedeh George, 24 years old, I’m my mum best child.

“You mama Lek you ooh, a yo e born?”

She has pampered me and give me the best life. Everyone that knows me will instantly know I’m for a family where I have enjoyed so much love. When I was in primary school I was believed by many people to be stupid and lazy. I lost my books almost every day and always fail my weekly spelling test. She still shows me love and gives me new books every day. She does not “beat” me very much and I am grateful for that. Whenever I failed and repeated a class, she will buy new uniforms and increase my lunch. I love my mum very much.

Her love and concern have been what have kept us all these years, it has inspired and strengthened us every day. One day we will make her the on happiest mum on earth.

Alhaji Mansaray: The Boy who dares to be a model in Sierra Leone.

“Sierra Leoneans, modelling is a career on its own, this multi-million dollar business whose worth the world has realised, it’s profit we are slow to yield because we can’t see beyond the stereotype or overlook our negative perceptions.

Alhaji Mansaray is Sierra Leone’s current representative for Mr University Africa and a runway and commercial model at Runway Angels Modelling Agency (RAMA).

Sierra Leone is a country where many parents find it hard to accept Modelling and Pageantry as a career path. Most models in Sierra Leone have experienced negative branding or have been a victim of abuse and exploitation by some so-called Sponsors and Managers.

“I will prove that there is great potential for other youngsters who chose my career path only if stay focused despite all odds”

Despite all circumstances, the 20 -year old model dares to dream and fulfil his desire to become an International (super) model. He fell in love with modelling at a tender age. His story began when he stepped on his first stage, First Face Modelling Agency, the oldest and the best modelling Agency in Sierra Leone. Since then, at 17 years, he has been modelling ever since. His family was not in support at the start, but with his drive and passion he managed to win them over.

“So I thought it fit to make my mum understand the true definition of modelling and Pageantry and she understood. It’s was a lot of consideration because of our stringent Madingo background. She realised I love my career and accepted”

2018 was a year of mixed blessings, he was crowned Mr planet -Sierra Leone, a competition he was supposed to represent Sierra Leone in Atlanta, Georgia; but couldn’t because of financial overburden. With what seemed like scattered hopes and dreams, he still emerged champion of Mr P- Lax a local male pageant competition.

“It was a bittersweet experience, I believe it was destiny. It is still not late for me to pursue that crown but God’s time is the best. I may not have been ready when compared to the maturity and experience I have now. Becoming Mr P- Lax just made me realise that I have to do more especially now that I have people looking up to me”

Alhaji Mansaray is competing in Zainab sheriff ‘s Zee Factor Fashion Reality TV show. As a proud Ambassador of Sierra Leone, we all should support him as he raises our flag in Nigeria come August. In the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College, he is studying for a Bachelor Degree. He still devotes his time and resources to ‘Every Child’s Dream Foundation’. A charity organisation focused on providing educational materials to derived kids. Alhaji is on a quest to change the concept of modelling in Sierra Leone.

“Sierra Leoneans, modelling is a career on its own, this multi-million dollar business whose worth the world has realised, it’s profit we are slow to yield because we can’t see beyond the stereotype or overlook our negative perceptions.

If the modelling industry grows, dreams, as well as endless opportunities and possibilities, can be realised. Let us support each other in the name of patriotism. When he wins, we all win. We will experience growth if we change our mind.

My goal at this time is to emerge as Mr University Africa, so I am compelling potential sponsors to make my journey lighter. It’s not an easy task and I need the backing of Mama Salone just as other African Nations look after their own”

Sierra Leone: Ahead of Sierra Leone’s independent, Sisters Choice Awards, celebrates 33 women.

It is believed that when a woman stands up, she does only not stand for her self but for other women. Kumba Kamara’s sisters choice Award is of vivid demonstration of that fact. It’s celebrated and awarded 33 women on the eve of Sierra Leone independent.

For the last two years, she has been organising the Sisters Choice Award and this year it took place on the 26 April at the Sierra Leone international Conference Centre, Bintu mani, hotel. The sisters choice Award is aimed at inspiring, motivating and celebrating women in Sierra Leone that have contributed immensely to our nation. It’s also there to act as an incentive to other women in Sierra Leone keep doing what they knows best to do in impacting livies.

The 63 nominees are women that have contributed, impacted and influence the narrative of Sierra Leone. They were taken from all works of life, whether it’s in the cooperate life, Business or politics. Among the 35 categories, including Best fashion designer, a Best petty trader, Best hairdresser, Best photographer, which are people that are hardly recognised in our society. The organizer hopes that this award will inspire young ladies to go into that field and know that everyone is important in society. Out of the 35 Awardees, only 2 were men: The Best supporting man of the year and Best Collaboration. This Award was definately not a popularity contest as Nomineee when though an elaborate process of Sreening. Public voting carries only 30 % and Evidence of work and interview carries 70% for the total scores. People with the highest point in their categories were the winner of the Awards.

The Sisters Choice Award is the first orange carpet show in Sierra Leone. Many people grace the orange carpet with a black dresses and suit with a yellow bash. The orange carpet was used to symbols the energy and Enthusiasm of women in Sierra Leone.

The sisters Choice Award, in its drive, to be unique and distinct from other Awards. It’s held a One-day Business Summit on the 24 of April. This Summit dealt with topics such as Branding, Marking, Business legality and the like though panel discussion and key speech. They believe that passion is not enough for one to succeed in Business. One needs to back it’s up with knowledge.

Kumba Blessing Kamara is the organiser of the Sisters Choice Award. She is the Chief Executive officer of F.B Customised, Life is beautiful and Co-owner of screen Nation. She is married with two children and a graduate from the University of Sierra Leone.

Indeed, the 21 century is a century for women

Vickie Remeo

Former Hon. Osman Timbo speak on what’s Ramadan means to him

Former Hon. Osman Timbo is a fervent Muslim, member of Parliament, solicitor and barrister in Sierra Leone. He came from a strong Muslim background and his father was the fullah Tribal Headman for the western area before his before death.

Hon. Timbo says Ramadan is a time of refection, cleansing and fasting for him. He said every year he looks forward to Ramadan evaluate his life. Every Ramadan he said he tries to be better Muslim and build a stronger relationship with Allah. When asking if Ramadan brings any changes in his activities, he has this to say.

“Ramadan for me is just like any other month… In terms of zakat, I do that all the time, it’s one of the pillars of Islam, I just try to do it more during Ramadan. I also pray more during Ramadan. In terms of the things Islam restrict us from doing it does not affect me very much. I’m a person that didn’t go out a lot. During Ramadan, I just try to get home early so I can break-fast with my family”.

He strongly believes that Islam has been what’s has made him outstanding and making a difference in society. He said,

” One of the things that have taken me along in politics is Islam. Islam teaching me one thing, and that’s is humility. Do you know how we pray? , We bow our head on the ground and sit on the floor. We might be sitting by the poorest man. That’s humility has been what I have taken along in politics ”

Hon Timbo has been an inspiration to many young people in Sierra Leone. On this Ramadan, he admonished Young people to be good Muslim in and out of Ramadan.

” I believe both Islam and Christianity teaches us to be pious. You are not a Muslim because of Ramadan, you are a Muslim because you are a Muslim. If you take one of the pillars of Islam, then you are not a complete Muslim. Its the same with Christianity, if you don’t practice the teaching of the bible you are not a complete Christain. The thinks you are doing in Ramadan, you must try as hard as possible to do it throughout the year. End of Ramadan does not mean the end of one’s Islamic practice”.

Even though Ramadan is one is the holiest months in the Muslim calendar. This has not to stop 419er to do their work. People have been using Hon. Osman Timbo’s name to fraud people, he has this to say

” It’s very unfortunate and I don’t think it’s my name only they are using. They are using my name more so because I am a public figure and I am well known in the country. They are using my name to default people. They would call people and say its Osman Timbo and am requesting for certain goods and service. And they should send certain about of money through mobile money before they can have the contract. I will very do such.

Over 100 people have fallen victim of this and he has been on the air for the general public to be aware of such activities. He said he will never call anyone to send him money.