To improve access to fuel, particularly in remote areas, NP SL Limited officially inaugurated a new petrol station, Abyei Gas Station, along the Jendema Highway in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District.
The facility, owned and financed by Lahai Sandy Koroma, a development-driven native of Sorogbema, adds to his existing petrol stations in Bo City and Zimmi.
The grand opening, held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, was attended by key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, security personnel, representatives from the Drivers Union, the Bike Riders Union (BRU), youth groups, the media, and other community members.
Welcoming the gathering, Chiefdom Speaker Augustin Jah Zoker expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasizing the significance of the station in addressing long-standing fuel shortages in the region. He called on NP to maintain its reputation for quality service, assuring that the community would make good use of the facility.
Representing the CEO, The Sales Manager Ing. Vandy Bockarie praised the people of Sorogbema for their support and acknowledged the Gone community for providing land for the project.
He announced that Gone and Jendema would now be recognized as a city and assured residents that the 45,000-liter capacity station would significantly ease fuel challenges. He further noted that the station would operate daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM with standard pricing and professional service.
On behalf of the Mano River Union Division Police, ASP Michael A. Vanboy, the Support Officer, welcomed the development, pledging to provide security for the facility and ensure its protection from criminal activities.
The Town Chief of Gone, Chief Mohamed Keiwei, extended appreciation to Lahai Sandy Koroma and the landholding family for their role in making the project a reality. He assured that the community would safeguard the facility for the benefit of all.
From the transport sector, Drivers Union Chairman William Peal highlighted the previous difficulties in accessing petrol, stating that the new station would greatly ease their burden. Similarly, Bike Riders Union Chairman Lahai Zoker urged the station’s staff to uphold high service standards to maintain NP’s reputation.
The Mamie Queen of Sorogbema Chiefdom, Madam Tata Koroma, expressed gratitude for the investment, noting that women in the chiefdom welcomed such progress. However, she called on Mr. Lahai Sandy Koroma to extend support toward women’s empowerment, as many women in the area continue to face economic hardships.
Youth leader Jonney Rogers also commended the initiative, acknowledging that it has already created job opportunities for young people. He urged that more employment opportunities be provided for the youth in Sorogbema.
The opening of Abyei Gas Station marks a significant step in NP’s continued expansion, ensuring that fuel accessibility will no longer remain a challenge in Sorogbema Chiefdom.