APEX Newspaper SL is a newspaper owned and managed by one of Sierra Leone’s female journalists (Edwina Sia Janga) in the country. She is the third female journalist to own and manage a newspaper. The newspaper was established on 24th December 2020. APEX Newspaper is a non-political medium, whose primary role is to inform, educate and entertain. The newspaper maintains the highest standards of ethics of the profession and all it stories are well sourced and carefully scrutinized with the view to avoid maligning anyone. The newspaper focuses on providing accurate and relevant information for the development of communities and the country. Among its key principles is the dissemination of factual reports without bias or favour, and carries news on all aspects of life. Its Editorial team observes all professional ethics of journalism, and this has earned it respect and awards from notable prominent institutions in country.
In commemoration of the International Women’ Day, the West Africa Women’s Network has on Friday 8th March 2024, awarded Madam Sia Janga who is the Publisher and Managing Editor of the Focus 247 Newspaper for her meritorious role in the journalistic practice of the country.
A profession that is male dominated, Madam Sia Janga’s exceptional and invaluable contributions in the media profession cannot go unnoticed, as she was awarded by the West Africa Women’s Network as “Guru in Journalism’’.
Receiving the award, Madam Sia Janga thanked all those that nominated her for the prestigious award, adding that, she has been fired up again to do more. Recalling that, last year in December, she won similar award from the Diaspora Focus Award. She dedicated the award to the Almighty God and thanked her staff for their efforts in supporting her in actualizing her dream of championing issues that are affecting women and children in the country.
During the award ceremony, Apostle Mrs. Hawa Mambu who is part of the awardees encouraged women to work together and also inspired other women to take their rightful place in society. She added that women have a special place in the work of God, furthering that, whenever women pray God Almighty will answer their prayers. She spoke about the biblical obligations of women to be faithful to their husbands. She called on men to always love their wives and be faithful to them. She prays that whatever is being taught in the dialogue session will help to transform other women.
According to the Minister of Tourism, explained that to be inspired is to be encouraged and inclusion is to be included in decision making. She further stated that husband and wife relationship is a partnership. She encouraged all women present to support each other. She urged all women to respect themselves and say no to sexual harassment and intimidation. She added that, a woman should be accountable and be transparent. She called on women to support their husbands and be useful.
” Our girls have spoiled and are roaming in the street because mothers have failed to perform their roles well,” she said, stating further that, men should be taught on how to respect their wives.
Other women and organizations were also awarded for their exceptional contribution in the country like Dr. Sylvia Blyden, Apostle Hawa Mambu, Rainbow Initiative, Focus 1000, Rokel Commercial Bank, Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, UBA Bank, NP, BRAC and others.
