Gbla TV Online

17/09/2024

Drone Footage of Monday September 16th 2024 Disaster in Freetown that saw the collapse of a Multi-storey Building, leaving a handful of people dead and many injured.
Our prayers go to the affected families!

13/09/2024

Freetown from the skylines captured with a DJI drone

26/08/2024

❗️❗️❗️ *KONO HERITAGE MEDIA HUB* ❗️❗️❗️

*THE KONO HERITAGE TO HOLD A POSTHUMOUS AND LIVING LEGENDS MERITORIOUS AWARDS CEREMONY.*

The Kono Heritage is a Non-Governmental and non profit organization that cherishes and seeks a prosperous socioeconomic, political and cultural prosperity of Kono District in particular and Sierra Leone in general.

Two great warriors including Faasukuwaa ( Fasuku the Great) and Komba Foa Mansa Matturie are notable and endeared as modern-day founding fathers of Kono District to whom scintillating tributes must be paid as our marvelous history unravels.

It is in that vein that the Kono Heritage is organizing a Living and Posthumous Legends Meritorious Awards Ceremony slated for the 23rd October, 2024, to honour Kono District legends, past and present for their meritorious contributions to the socioeconomic and political developments of the district since its establishment as a homogeneous district to the present. The awards are focused at individuals living and posthumous from all walks of life.

The October 23rd date is chosen for its significant symbolism to the carnage and destruction meted out on Koidu City and the Kono District in general and its peoples by caboodles of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and renegade elements of the then Sierra Leone Army (SLA) who were popularly referred to as 'Sobels'.

It could be recalled that it was on 23rd October 1992 that the ever peaceful and harmonious decorum of our beloved City was abruptly disrupted and our peoples forcefully moved from their peaceful abodes to become Internally Displaced Persons and refugees in neighbouring countries. This sad episode of our history lasted for eleven years.

The harrowing experiences of such involuntary movements were poignant and traumatic with its concomitant consequences that still lingers on including the remaining vestiges of the war.
Because we cannot reminisce on this dark chapter of our district's history marked by bombs, guns, arson, killing and r**e, the Kono Heritage is planning to commemorate that red letter day with a number of cheerful activities to include, cross-chiefdom jogging, candle night parade, speeches and a fundraiser dinner for the completion of a Youth Resource Center of Excellence.

These activities are aimed at celebrating the resilience and determination of the people of Kono against that adversity of marked violence and intimidation brought upon them by a foreign legion.

The events will serve as a moment of reflection and celebration of our heroes and heroines who through their individual positive contributions have silently waived out those dark days of burnings and collective destruction meted out against the peaceful coexistence of a district and people known across the country and around the world as receptive and accommodating.

The ceremony would be climaxed with the establishment of a Heroes Circle or Heroes Square housing images of some of our legendary heroes including but not limited to:

1• Fasukuwaa (Fasuluku the Great), the man who led the Konos from the then Mali Empire;
2• Komba Foa Mansa Matturie, the First Paramount Chief of Nimikor and one of Sierra Leone’s greatest warriors who defeated the Mende Warrior, Ndawa and caused the separation of Kono District from Panguma the former regional Headquarters;
3• Kaimachaindebaa, a War Lord who became the first Paramount Chief of Gbense Chiefdom, the nucleus of Kono District;
4. F.D. Konomanyi, the Fourth Town Clerk of the then Koidu New Sembehun Town Council (KNSTC) and the designer and planner of modern-day Koidu City;
5. Hon. Saa David Dingisayawo Nyandemo- Founder and First Chairman of the Kono Conference in London;
6• K.T. Turner- First Head Master, UMC Boys Primary School, Koidu;
7• Hon. T.S. Mbriwa- First Kono Paramount Chief to form and lead a political party for native Konos and he was a member of the Sierra Leone delegation to the Lancaster House Summit in London;
8• Alhaji Saj-Alieu Bah- one of the Proprietors of the Ansarul Mission;
9• Sia Doris Kamanda- Founder & Proprietress of the Si-MAADA School;
10• Hon. Kai Foday- Proprietor of the first Technical School in Kono;
11• Alhaji Sheku Tailor Koita- Proprietor Islamic Mission who championed the construction of the Opera Central Mosque; • 12. Edith Sebba-Margai- First female parliamentary candidate in Kono;
13. • Sahr Ngombu-Gbolie- first Kono native who constructed a Kono Model Academy Secondary School;,
14• B.A. Mbayo-First Konoman to earn a degree from FBC;
15• Sahr Fasuluku Suku-Tamba- First Kono Medical Doctor to construct a hospital in Kono;
16• Alhaji Aruna Koroma- First Kono Driver to drive a vehicle into Kono in 1955;
17• Hon/Amb. Sahr Randolf Fillie-Faboe- First Member of Parliament who became an Ambassador at the same time to Guinea;
18• Hon. Sahr Eddison Bobor Kissy- First Philanthropist who sent 17 people from his pocket to the USA who were not related to him;
19• N.B.C. Foday- First Konoman to establish a bookshop and a recording studio.and cinema theatre called Mortha Theatre;
20• Alhaji Songowa- First Konoman to perform the Hajj in 1956;
21• Artist Ngaujah Decibeyee- the Best Kono musician from Nimikor;
22• PC Samuel Momoh Solokor- First Chairman of the Sierra Leone Council of Paramount Chiefs;
23• PC S.E.K.Foyoh- First Konoman to attain the Rank of Officer Commanding (OC) in the Sierra Leone Police;
24• PC Sahr Mortatay M’briwa- the youngest ever crowned Paramount Chief in Kono at age 21 in Fiama Chiefdom in 1968;
25• Chief Mani Sundu- the First indigenous business tycoon who reconstructed the office of the District Office changing it from a palm- front/thatch structure to modern concrete house with corrugated zinc roofing;
26• Mrs. Sia Ngongor- First Kono Female Minister, Minister of Works;
27• Satta Kumba Amara- First Kono notable female Civil Society Activist who died in an helicopter crash;
28• Mohamed Alpha Jalloh- Best Kono civil society Activist in recent times, the founder and CEO of KOCEPO;
29• Alhaji Abdul Salam Kanawa- First Kono native Chief Imam;
30• Pormasu Abu Aiah Koroma Esq- First Kono Lawyer and Attorney General of Sierra Leone;
31• Pa B. Turay- the unbeatable Master Farmer in cocoa and coffee from Gbane;
32. Hon. S.R. Gandi-Capio- First Kono Minister of Mines, Interior and Energy and Power;
33• Hon. K.C. Gbamanja- First Full Kono Minister of Defence;
34• Mayor Sia Mary Musa- First Kono Mayor & First Provincial Female Mayor in Sierra Leone;
35• A.J. Sandi- First Kono Principal of Jaiama Secondary School immediately taking after a Whiteman;
36. Dr. S.T. Matturie- First Principal of Njala University College- 1964;
37• Head Master T.J.B. Lamina, First Kono President of the Sierra Leone Teachers’ Union (SLTU);
38• Sulay Hijazi, a dedicated godfather of Kono Football;
39. Alhaji Kasim Basma-Longest resident Lebanese and First Chairman of the Kono Gold & Diamond Exporters;
40• Hon. Komba Eric Koedoyoma- First Kono MP who earned a third term tenure from a single Political Party in the Second Republic;
41• Sia Elizabeth Tongu- First female District Chairman of a Political Party;
42. Hon.Rev. Paul Dumbar- Founder member of SLPP and First Cabinet Minister from Kono; Minister of Health and Sanitation in 1957;
43. Veteran Teacher Lamin Mohamed Baryoh- First Kono man to become Inspector of Schools, Eastern Province based in Kenema.
Additionally, living legendary meritorious awards would be awarded to legends including:
1. Hon. Rebecca Yei Sam, the First female MP who broke the glass ceiling to enter the well of Parliament from Kono;
2• Hon. Sia Mahawa Habiama Tommy, the youngest MP ever produced from Kono;
3• Umaru Fofana, the longest serving based BBC stringer in Sierra Leone;
4• Sayoh Kekus Kamara, a journalist who reported the most on Kono during the rebel war years;
5• Hon. Nyawo Matturie-Jones, First female graduate lawyer and Judge from Kono;
6• Sia Harriet Sonda-Turay, First Kono air hostess;
7• Alhaji Chewtor Jalloh- one of the distinguished Proprietors of the Ansarul Mission;
8• T.D. Yamba- the longest serving Principal in Kono;
9• A-Boy Cheweh- Youngest Kono best musician;
10• PC Paul Garba Saquee-Best Diamond Star Team Manager who superintended a back-to-back Premier League victory of Diamond Stars of Kono;
11. Amb. John Sahr Yambasu- Best Kono Politician whose party lost and peacefully came home to serve his people;
12• Alhaji Abdulai Sidibay- Best Kono Business man of recent;
13• Komba Yomba (Keeper Tawa)- the First Konoman to man the goalposts for the National Team, Leone Stars;
13• Hon. K.E.S. Boyah-the First Konoman to become a Brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army;
14• Dr. Saa Richard Moigbe- First Konoman to be Inspector-General of the Sierra Leone Police;
15• Hon. PC Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku Sonsiama- The youngest and longest serving Chairman of the Sierra Leone Council of Paramount Chiefs;
16• Amb. Tamba J.S. Lamina- Best Local Government Minister who raised the profile of Local Councils, ensured Paramount Chiefs are paid better salaries and provided with vehicles;
17• Prof. Aiah Kpakima- First Konoman to be Vice Chancellor & Principal of FBC/USL;
18• Sahr George Pessima- First Konoman to attain the highest rank in the civil service as Cabinet Secretary;
19. Kai Lawrence Mbayoh- First Minister from Njama, Tankoro Chiefdom;
20• PC S.S.G. Konobundor- current longest serving Paramount Chief in Kono;
21• Diana Finda Konomanyi- First female Local Government Minister and First Female District Council Chairman;
23• Yikuma- the most celebrated beach in Kono;
24• Susan Bono- the First Kono woman to vie for Flagbearer of a Political Party; the APC;
25• Dr. Tamba Charles- First Kono Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Sierra Leone;
26• Mayor Komba Mathew Sam- First Mayor of Koidu City to have been consecutively elected in office for two terms in tandem with the Local Government Act term limit albeit from different political parties;
27• President Dr. Julius Maada Bio-Best Kono-in-law who corrected historical injustices against Kono by his initiation of the construction of a resident University and the construction of the Koidu-Guinea highway;
28• Hon. Chief Alhaji Samuel Sidikie Sam-Sumana -First Konoman to have held the second highest as Vice President in the body politique of Sierra Leone;
29• Madam Finda Koroma- First Kono woman to darken the walls of Cambridge and Harvard Universities and came out with Distinctions; First Kono woman to have held the position of Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission;
30• Madam Sia Nyama Koroma the First Indigenous Kono First Lady, wife of former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, Initiator of the Free Healthcare;
31• Dr. Sia Fatima Maada Bio- First charismatic First Lady from Kono, famous for her "Hands off our girls" campaign and champion of the Bill to prevent early child marriage recently enacted by the Parliament of Sierra Leone;
32. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh- the most subservient Vice President of Sierra Leone who is a Master of the Biddings of Law One in Robert Green’s 48 Laws of Power;
33• Madam Taiwa Kaifala-Kaimachainde- First District Mammy Queen of Kono District;
34• Chief Alhaji Aiah Sansie Kwigba- Chief Hunter (Donso Mansa) and War Strategist who implored a lot of strategies to forestall rebel and sobel incursions in Kono District and teamed well with the Executive Outcomes Mercenaries to protect and defend his Motherland. He was strategically instrumental in the planning, coordination and the implementation of the 'Konomokwe' onslaught in collaboration with the Movement of Concerned Kono Youth the (MOCKY) that finally ended RUF and Sobel control and harassment in Kono District;
35• Dr. Fuambai Sia Nyako Ahmadu- the Kono Diaspora daughter who highly upholds the African and Traditional etymology/anthropology of history;
36• Abu Bakarr Mansaray- Exceptional KDFA Chairman who brought life and rekindled Kono Soccer with myriads of initiatives;
37• Salman Hindolo Mansaray- The most courageous Kono politician who sees the grassroots problems as his concern;
38• Dr. David Tam-Baryoh-Journalist and Social Commentator and First Kono Radio Proprietor with the widest and popular coverage in recent times;
39• Aminata Bondu Gborie- First Distinguished Gynaecologist cancer nurse from London with an M.Sc from Kings University;
40• Patrick Lamin Tongu- the most resilient extractive activist and whistle blower that ensured mining companies honour the payment of CDAs in Kono;
41• Sheik Mohamed Lamin Fofana- ( Madingo Chief) the youngest coalition of Tribal Authorities Chairman in Kono;
42• Bishop Sahr Erickson Konoyima- A courageous Christian Leader that has greatly depopulated the Kingdom of darkness;
43• Sheik Sufian Kabba- An Imam of the Sunnah Mosque whose preachings over time has transformed lots of young men and women and he is a truly pious Muslim whose life and preachings are solely based on the Quran and the Hadiths;
44• Prof. Juldeh Sesay- unbeatable 5000 meter record holder in Kono before the war, a studious student known for his high calibre and a Philanthropist;
45• Alhaji Mohamed Jabbie- a fearless Kono youth Leader of the Movement of Concerned Kono Youths (MOCKY), a human rights activist and a dedicated Muslim;
46• Tony Konomanyi- the most skilled basketball player before the war;
47• Ishmael Nabay- a distinguished Diaspora Convener of charity in favour of the Kono community;
48• Sheik Kabineh Mansaray- an exceptional Kono Council of Imams Chairman;
49• Rev. Christian Saa Fayia- First Kono native Bishop of Assemblies of God Mission in Sierra Leone & First Kono native to become National President of Red Cross;
50. Rev. Papa Silas- A distinguished Pentecostal Christian Leader in Kono;
51• Hon. Musa Fofanah- the First non Indigenous Kono who upholds the political and traditional etymology of Kono at the highest cadre;
52• Mamadi O. Jalloh- a celebrated charity mobilizer for the needy;
53. Journalist Saa Amadu Komba- a volunteer cub reporter who rose to a Community Radio Station Manager in recent times;
54. NMJD- The Champion Local NGO in our era;
55. Tamba Mohamed Pessima- Kono most resilient and dedicated Social Media blogger;
56. War veteran Sahr Emmanuel Komba- (Tormentor) The Highest Ranking Officer ( Inspector) at the Establishment of KNSCC Metropolitan Police in 2013;
57. Augusta Sheku Boima- First Female KONSU President since established in 1964;
58. Dr. Samuel Bonzu- Kono’s Youngest Academic Doctor ( PhD in Economics from Royal Holloway University in London, UK;
59. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina-GCOR Sierra Leone’s Youngest Mayor and Youngest Opposition Leader and consummate politician.

To this end, a Nomination and Citation Committee has been established for a comprehensive compilation of these and many more legendary names across every facet of Kono District and across all tribes and nationalities.
Flyers and jingles are being prepared for subsequent publication and broadcast to inform the general populace about this auspicious event.

Credit:
Tamba Senessie
Chairman: Nomination and Citation Committee
The Kono Heritage Foundation
Koidu City.

Cc:
CEO- The Kono Heritage,
Chairman, Kono Council of Paramount Chiefs,
Board Members of Kono Embassy,
Chairman- Kono Conference,
The Press,
File.

*Kono Heritage Media Hub*
*Koidu City.*
*Friday 23rd. August, 2024.*

17/07/2024

Hon. Emerson Lamina Makes Case For Proposed Kono University of Science and Technology Project At ECOWAS Parliament

Standing on Rules of Procedure of the ECOWAS Parliament 116 - paragraph 1and 5 in a recent plenary sitting, the Kono District law maker requested for a "Comprehensive Status Report" on the "Implementation of the ECOWAS Funded EBIM Bank Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST) in Kono, Sierra Loene with specific reference to the Delayed Funding, Procurement Process, Asset Management, Perssonnel and Timeline for Completion of the Project" in question.

Click play for details on what Hon. Lamina has to say:

17/07/2024

In this special report, Liberty Online TV takes you on a quick tour of Banana Island to know how the recently ratified Concession Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gento Group of Companies to build a seaport at Ricketts and Dublin communities can be of importance to the development to the people of that part of the country.
What do you think of the idea behind the proposed seaport project by the Gento Gruop of Companies as far as development is concerned?

12/07/2024

Members of the Sierra Leone Parliament have on Thursday July 11th passed the Concession Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Gento Group of Companies for the Designing, Financing, Construction and Operationalization of a Seaport within the Dublin and Rickett Communities of Banana Island and Logistics Hub (Harbour Terminal) at Kent in Sierra Leone.

Click the video below for more on this story:

11/07/2024

As the Sierra Leone Parliament is set to pass today the Concession Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Gento Group of Companies for construction a Seaport at Dublin and Ricketts Communities within Banana Island, Liberty TV Online sounds the views of people in these communities about the proposed development.
Click the video below for details:

11/07/2024

09/07/2024

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation Rex Bhonapha has on Tuesday July 9th 2024 tabled the Concession Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Gento Group of Companies for the Designing, Financing, Construction and Operationalization of a Seaport withing the Dublin and Rickett Communities of Banana Island and Logistics Hub (Harbour Terminal) at Kent in Sierra Leone.
Click the video below for more on this story:

24/06/2024

The Leader of Government Business II HOP and MP Kono District Block, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina has recently made a candid statement to bloggers and journalist about the responsible use of social media to enhance peace and development in Kono District.
This happened during a training session on the ‘Gains and Pains’ of the use of social media and how bloggers, journalists and political enthusiasts should utilise the new media space and its paraphernalia to increase the peace and advocate for development in Kono District.
The video below gives a gist of Hon. Emerson’s statement.

24/06/2024

True Hope Foundation International Donates Food and Non-food Items To World Hope International

24/06/2024

BBC Correspondent Umaru Fofana has recently made a clarion call on bloggers and journalist be responsible on their use of social media to enhance peace and development in Kono District.

This happened during a training session supported by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina on the ‘Gains and Pains’ of the use of social media and how bloggers, journalists and political enthusiasts should utilise the new media space and its paraphernalia to increase the peace and advocate for development in Kono District.

12/06/2024

31/05/2024

SLPP MP Accused of 'Land grabbing' at Gloucester Village...But who are the original owners of this land?

This is what Gbla TV Online has gathered in our first phase of investigation.

27/05/2024

The IRN Sierra Leone Independent Radio Network (IRN), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists SLAJ iverify & BBC Media Action Sierra Leone have concluded a one day FOCUS Group Discussion on the topic: Understanding Information Consumption Combating Disinformation in Moyamba District, Thursday 23rd May, 2024.

24/05/2024

SIERRA LEONE'S HON. SAA EMERSON LAMINA CALLS FOR SYSTEMATIC EFFORTS TO BRING BACK DESERTED ECOWAS MEMBER STATES
The Right Honourable Member of the Sierra Leone Delegation made this solemn call during a plenary session of the draft strategic plan of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Kano, Nigeria aimed at bringing back into the ECOWAS fold those member states that had deserted the West Africa subregional body.

Yombo
Dundukor Meimewa.

14/05/2024

Hon. Emerson Motivates Over One Thousand WASSCE Pupils As They Set To Sit Exams

10/01/2024

Precisely what we do since we started some four years ago!

08/01/2024

The Rise of Female MPs - Episode 3

Meet Hon. Aminata Sesay, Member of Parliament for Sierra Leone's Port District Block 64, in Loko Masama Chiefdom. In this video, she talks about her journey into politics in Sierra Leone from being a housewife and medical practitioner in the UK.

DISCLAIMER: This is the third in a series of videos highlighting the experiences of women in politics in Sierra Leone, produced independently by Gbla TV Online, with support from Internews (US).

06/01/2024

06/01/2024

ALLEGED ROGUE SACKING AND VOUCHER GATE: Clerk of Parliament To Face Twin Investigation Committees By Parliamentary Leaders, Will He Survive?

And why is the Clerk of Parliament part of the committees set up by the Parliamentary Service Commission to investigate him (the Clerk) at the same time?

What will be the outcome of the twin investigation of the Clerk of Parliament as hw will be probed while holding on to his powerful office in the Sierra Leone Parliament?

View this analysis below by parliamentary reporter Abdulai Gbla.

04/01/2024

AS PARLIAMENRY MASS SACKING SAGA CONTINUES: Hon. Tawa Challenges Speaker of Parliament…

Hon. Tawa is saying that Mr. Speaker is well aware of the sacking decision although the Speaker has recently dissociated himself from the action and has summoned the Clerk to an emmergency pending meeting of the Parliamentary Service Commission, slated for the 4th January 2024.

Now, who should the public believe as the one saying the truth on the matter and who should take responsibility for such a sensitive action of laying off over one hundred staff in the Sierra Leone Parliament?
Will the Parliamentary Service Commission reverse the sacking that has been executed by the Clerk of Parliament or not?

More on this with Parliamentary Reporter Abdulai Gbla:

03/01/2024

PARLIAMENT MASS SACKING: Opposition Leader Condemns Clerk’s Action, Anticipates Reversal of Decision by the Parliamentary Service Commission

The Leader of Opposition in the Sierra Leone Parliament Hon. Abdul Kargbo has condemned the recent mass sacking in Parliament orchestrated by the Clerk of Parliament Paran Tarawally who unilaterally laid-off over one hundred staff of the Parliament recently.
Hon. Kargbo noted that he had no prior knowledge of the sacking, even as a member of the Parliamentary Service Commission, which has the power to take suck a crucial action.

The Leader of Opposition anticipates for a reversal of the Clerk’s action during a meeting of the Parliament Service Commission that has been summoned by the Speaker of Parliament slated for January 4th 2024.

02/01/2024

ALLEGED ROGUE HIRING AND FIRING AT THE SIERRA LEONE PARLIAMENT, CLERK EXPOSED!

Clerk of Parliament, Paran Tarawally Allegedly Employs Wife and Cronies with High Grades; Some Never Showed Up For Work...
This is what Gbla TV Online found out recently following an investigation on the recent firing and hiring of staff in the Sierra Leone by the Clerk of Parliament Paran Tarawally.

Click play for the comprehensive report by Parliamentary Reporter Abdulai Gbla.

30/12/2023

IRN Special iverify Post Election Live National Broadcast

29/12/2023

Hon. Emerson Lamina Takes Sensitisation of Government Work to Thousands at The Deeper Life Church In Kono...
The Deputy Leader of Government Business II talks to a congregation of over 2,000 worshipers on Chrismas day in Kono about the expiration of the Old Leone which will take effect on the 31st of December 2023.
Listen to what Hon. Lamina has to say while doing his work of community engagement at community level in his district of representation.

27/12/2023

See flyer below for more details, take action and see the results!

27/12/2023

Hon. Emerson Lamina, Deputy Majority Leader of Government Business II Sensitizes Kono People About Expiration Of The Old Leone To Take Effect On January 1st 2024