Sierra Leone: British born Sierra Leonean Prophet David Sannoh has partnered with Sierra Leone’s pride the National Petroleum (NP) to open the ‘Divine Petroleum’ gas station at Hamilton, along the Freetown peninsular.
Managing Director, Prophet David Sannoh said initially he wanted to build houses and stores at the plot of land but “God said no my servant I don’t want you to build shops and houses I want you to build a petrol station.”
He explained that the Hamilton community is in dire need of a standard gas station that is why he has brought a diesel and petrol facility that can stock 23,000 liters which would ensure that fuel is always available in the community.
“I have done all my research. What I decided to do is to have a big tank because Hamilton is a big community and deserves a standard gas station. I’m here to make a difference, I want to make sure that the gas station is always with stock. I came here to succeed, and by the grace of God this business will succeed…” he averred.
The National Petroleum Sales Manager, Vandi Bockarie assured MD Sannoh that “it was no mistake to partner with NP, the reason why NP started way back in 1954, as the West Africa Atlantic Ocean, which was later changed to British Petroleum; then the Sierra Leone National Petroleum and now National Petroleum. This shows that NP has withstood the test of time and continue to grow and has now even crossed borders.”
He added that a gas station is one of the most generous businesses in the country because the component that forms the price of a single litre has a high level of dependency in which “the whole nation is benefiting from because of taxes which helps the government in its development drive, as a result all of us must be supportive of this business.”
Adding that bringing this development to this community means viability. “Most of the successful people in the gas station business would disclose to you that the secret of their success is as a result of the steady partnership with NP.”
He stated that the reason businesses definitely succeed when partnering with NP is because “we are experts in the petroleum business; the product we are selling is of very good quality and the environment.”
Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA), Head of Compliance and Standards, Jayah K Muana explained that the mandate of the agency is to license and regulate all those in fuel business in Sierra Leone and also ensure that it is available to end users at reasonable and affordable price.
“We are pleased when new stations are open because it is fulfilling part of our mandate to ensure that fuel is available. From Lumley to Hamilton there are few fuel stations; we thank NP for its expansion,” adding that it would also provide job for the community.
OG/13/04/2021