Sea Coach Launches Conakry Route Terminal
By Mohamed Konneh
Ahead of its first ever trip to the city of Conakry in Guinea, Sea Coach Express Ferry Taxi on 24th November launched it new terminal at the Aberdeen water front in Freetown. The terminal launched is part of effort in aiding sea transportation from Freetown to Conakry and back.
In his opening remarks the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon expresses delighted to be part of terminal launching noting that the terminal been launched is a great achievement between the two sister countries.
The Minister said Conakry and Freetown are two of the closest cities in the world either by air, land or sea.
Mr. Kallon noted that the Ministry of Transport is happy about the development because they believe the project will bring development and help businesses to grow.
‘This development will enhance easy access to both cities and will also help reduce the hurdles passengers experience on the road, Mr. Kallon noted.
The Nigeria High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Henry John Omaku in his statement said the day brings joy not only to passengers but Sea Coach as a company.
‘The company has achieved a lot when it comes water transportation. This is a big achievement and that the CEO Olusegun Jaji is a realist who believe in adding value to what he does. This man continue to create job, gives hope to the hopeless, and bringing young people who think all is lost, he said.’
The Nigeria High Commissioner noted that the investment is good and called on government to have a policy framework that support this kind of business.
‘Please ensure that Sea Coach water Taxi Company is guided by policies put in place so as to enable the organization operate in a conducive atmosphere.
Mr. Amaku said Sea Coach has over 200 employees and that 95 percent of the workforce are Sierra Leoneans.
‘What the company is doing is part of the human capital development and that the company is contributing a whole lot to this development, he said.
The President of NIDO Abiodun Oyebola said water taxi service is non-existence within the west-Africa sub-region. This is the first and it’s a beginning of big things to come.
He said Sea Coach started with some difficulty and that before this time when passengers arrived somebody will have to move you physically from the boat. Today, this is no more. Passengers now travel in an air-condition boats that is comfortable and equip.
‘This development is a great achievement and we are proud of what the company and its CEO has done. Sea Coach also give back to the Aberdeen community where they operate by providing support to the hospital within the community, he said.
Sama Gamanga, from Sierra Leone Maritime Administration making his statement thank Sea Coach CEO Olusegun Jaji for what they have achieved in the country.
He said the boats are sea worthy and since the start of Sea Coach they've never experience any sea accident. We continue to support you as you continue to provide the best of services in the country.
Giving the keynote address the Chief Immigration Officer, Chief Jaiah Kaikai said the government is proud of the investment while assuring that they will continue to support such investment.
Chief Kaikai noted that Mr. Jaji’s relationship start way back in 2008 with the late former Vice President Mr. Solomon Berewa.
He said Government will continue to support the investment because this singular investment is going to open up the country.
‘This country is going to be transform and Sierra Leone is going to develop. With this you are doing start thinking of opening g other areas of sea transportation. Sea Coach is in good hands and we pray this continue.
The Chief Executive Officer, Sea Coach Express, Olusegun Jaji said ‘Sierra Leone is my home and have been here for last fifteen years’.
This success he said has been a struggle but Sea Coach Express continue to succeed.
‘We are planting a seed that will grow. If you go to Europe, countries are connected by sea, land and air. All the things we do here is by ourselves and I thank God for the strength, he said.
Mr. Jaji noted that company first service was with pelican in 2008 but this did not last long.
‘I use to come here under the bridge sat and watch how the sea moves. Let me thanked all those who helped Sea Coach to be where it is today and most especially my staff, he said.
He said Sea Coach Express Service started in July 2009 with a single boat.
‘People were scared of joining our boats but today we providing the best of services and more people now patronizing the service. Currently we 213 staff with our Sea Coach now in Lagos. Today we are here to launch a new route to Conakry, Jaji noted.’
