The umbrella body of all female journalists in Sierra Leone, Women in the Media Sierra Leone popularly known as WIMSAL, has awarded Africell Mobile Company for its exceptional and unflinching support towards the growth and development of the media in the country.
This award was handed over to the Chief Executive Officer of Africell Mobile Company on Friday 10th March 2023, at the Atlantic Hotel Conference Room in Freetown, by members of WIMSAL as part of their 15th Anniversary celebration.
The Outgoing President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, Madam Femi Jarrat Coker underscores that Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), is a media association focused on increasing women’s participation in the media. While recognizing the support of Africell Mobile Company towards the activities of WIMSAL and the general media fraternity, Madam Femi Jarrat Coker describes Africell Mobile Company as a kind-hearted company that believes in the development trajectory of the media. Madam Jarrat Coker added that, Africell Mobile Company is a friend of the media fraternity and they are always willing and ready to support the business aspect of the media. Madam Femi Coker recalled that, during the devastating corona virus that claimed the lives of many of our compatriots and equally affected the operations of many companies but despite the situation, Africell Mobile Company did not relent in giving out its support to the media.
“Some of us were able to keep our business up and running due to the support of Africell Mobile Company and few other companies that consider the media as a viable partner in the development of the country,” she applauded, stating further by outlining the numerous support of Africell Mobile Company to both the print and electronic media.
“Africell is currently providing free electricity supply to over 50 radio stations and television stations in the country,” she disclosed, adding that, Africell Mobile Company is also supporting over sixty (60) newspapers, over 30 radio stations and television stations with monthly adverts. She also commended Africell Mobile Company for also supporting the Women’s Voice Newspaper, which is the only female specialized newspaper in the country. She further applauded Africell Mobile Company for supporting the media and honouring their Cooperative Social Responsibility.
Receiving the award on behalf of Africell Mobile Company, the dynamic and assiduous Chief Executive Officer of Africell Mobile Company Sierra Leone, Mr. Shadi Gerjawi thanked Women in the Media Sierra Leone for awarding them for their exemplary work in the media. Mr. Shadi further congratulated WIMSAL for celebrating their 15th years in existence.
The Chief Executive Officer of Africell Mobile Company Sierra Leone inspired members of WIMSAL to continue to stay united and embark on several mentorship programs to the younger ones that are aspiring to be fulltime journalists. He also thanked them for their contributions in promoting free speech by championing issues that are affecting women and girls in the country.
Mr. Shadi emphasized that female journalists play crucial role in highlighting societal problems to stakeholders in the country and women are catalysts of development in any country. Therefore, he has encouraged WIMSAL to do more. Mr. Shadi said that the award is a big honour to the entire Africell’s family at home and abroad. He also reaffirmed their commitment in support of the media in Sierra Leone.
