By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a strong affirmation of the power of corporate support in nation-building, Pee Cee & Sons was officially recognized by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) for its longstanding contributions to the growth and sustainability of the media sector in Sierra Leone. The recognition, presented as a Certificate of Appreciation, was awarded during SLAJ’s official transition ceremony on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The event marked the ceremonial handover from SLAJ’s outgoing executive team to its newly elected national leadership, and served as a moment to celebrate partners who have consistently supported the association’s mission of safeguarding press freedom, promoting media professionalism, and fostering public access to credible information.
Pee Cee & Sons, a trusted and iconic name in Sierra Leone’s food distribution and retail sector, was among the select few honored for their tangible contributions to the development of journalism and the promotion of democratic ideals.
Receiving the certificate on behalf of the company, Rajesh Hemnani, General Manager of Pee Cee & Sons, expressed his profound appreciation for the honor and reiterated the company’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from SLAJ,” Hemnani said. “At Pee Cee & Sons, we believe that a vibrant and independent media landscape is essential not just for information-sharing, but for democracy, good governance, and sustainable national development.”
Hemnani noted that their support for the media is deeply rooted in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) philosophy, which places value on giving back to the communities and institutions that have supported their operations for decades.
“Supporting the media is our way of contributing to transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. The press is a pillar of democracy, and its ability to operate independently must be protected,” he added.
The recognition by SLAJ comes at a time when journalism in Sierra Leone continues to face challenges ranging from financial instability to threats against media freedom. In such a landscape, the role of private sector players like Pee Cee & Sons becomes increasingly critical—not just in funding initiatives, but in defending the principles of free speech and access to information.
SLAJ, under the leadership of both its outgoing and incoming executives, has emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships with stakeholders who understand the value of media in democratic societies. The award to Pee Cee & Sons is therefore not only a gesture of gratitude but also a call for more companies to play active roles in media development.
For over 50 years, Pee Cee & Sons has operated across Sierra Leone and neighboring countries like Liberia and Guinea, delivering quality goods and reliable services in the food and non-food sectors. With a vertically integrated business model that includes procurement, logistics, warehousing, and retail, the company serves as a major employer and economic driver in the region.
In Sierra Leone, Pee Cee & Sons maintains wholesale and retail operations in eight major cities, while its footprint in Liberia includes a growing network of mini-supermarkets. In Guinea, the company operates a fully functional office and distribution hub, signaling its strong regional presence.
While known primarily for its commercial success, the company’s low-profile but impactful social interventions have helped promote education, media development, and public awareness. Its support to SLAJ is one of many ongoing partnerships aimed at reinforcing the foundations of civic engagement and responsible governance.
As the event drew to a close, Hemnani reaffirmed Pee Cee & Sons’ dedication to supporting platforms that encourage transparency, fact-based reporting, and informed discourse.
“We are proud to be a part of this journey, and we remain committed to standing with institutions like SLAJ that promote truth, accountability, and nation-building,” he concluded.
The recognition served as a timely reminder that the private sector, when aligned with civic institutions, can help shape a more informed, inclusive, and democratic society.
