By Musa Paul Feika
Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL) have awarded scholarships worth NLe390, 160 to 59 students from the Seaside and MOA communities in Freetown, supporting their pursuit of higher education in various universities.
The official award ceremony was held at the Freetown Terminal headquarters at Savage Square, bringing together beneficiaries, community leaders, and company representatives to celebrate AGL and FTL’s continued investment in education and community development.
Currently, Africa Global Logistics (AGL) operates at the Freetown Terminal, its subsidiary in Sierra Leone that manages the country’s main container terminal. AGL officially launched its brand in Sierra Leone in January 2024. Freetown Terminal Limited FTL is now the official name for the AGL subsidiary that runs the port.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Director of AGL, Mr. Fabjan Kohan, underscored the company’s commitment to education as a powerful tool for transformation.
“Through education, you can change not only your communities but also the world. As business people, we believe investing in education is a key priority. This scholarship comes with no expectation of anything in return; it’s just about giving back,” Mr. Kohan said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain focused and resilient, noting that success requires patience and purpose.
“Progress does not come overnight. It requires purpose and focus. Sometimes we fail, but make sure when you fail, you fail forward. The only person who never makes mistake is one who does nothing. Mistake is a great teacher. When you’re growing up a crocodile, don’t be afraid of losing your leg success demands courage,” he emphasized.
Representing the Seaside Community, Mr. Annas Sesay, Secretary General, expressed profound gratitude to AGL and FTL for their longstanding support not only in education but also in health and other community initiatives.
“AGL and FTL have been supportive partners over the years. Their interventions have made real differences in our communities, and we hope they continue doing more,” Mr. Sesay said.
Similarly, Mr. Abubakar Barrie from the MOA Community commended the companies for their consistent engagement and urged the students to honor the scholarship through discipline and hard work.
“You are the ambassadors of your communities. Study hard and use this opportunity to bring change back home,” Barrie told the beneficiaries.
Several scholarship recipients also expressed appreciation.
Alhassan Momoh Bangura, a student from the MOA Community, thanked AGL for their investment in education, while Hassan K. Fofanah described the initiative as “life-changing,” noting that before AGL’s intervention, both Seaside and MOA were among the most deprived communities in Freetown.
“Today, AGL and FTL have brought hope and opportunity to young people in our communities,” Fofanah said, offering prayers of blessings for the companies.
In her remarks, Mrs. Yvonne Elliott, Human Resources Manager of AGL, reaffirmed the company’s belief in youth empowerment through education.
“When you empower young people, you empower the future. AGL and FTL are proud to contribute meaningfully to these communities. We encourage all beneficiaries to stay focused, become change-makers, and serve as ambassadors for Seaside and MOA Communities,” Mrs. Elliott stated.
The scholarship initiative forms part of AGL and FTL’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which continue to support education, health, and community development projects across Freetown.