IPNews-Monrovia-In recognition of their valuable services rendered humanity and the Liberian nation, President George Manneh Weah Wednesday, 24 July 2019 lauded and honored several prominent citizens at the Ceiceil Dennis Hall in Monrovia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
“Fellow Liberians, heads of diplomatic missions here, members of the cabinet, members of the fourth estate, we’ve gathered here today to perform a singular function. We are here today to honor several individuals within our society who have made tremendous contributions to nation building and sacrifices made to humanity. This event is usually held to accompany our Independence celebration, and I am happy that we’ve gathered here again to carry on this task,” President George Weah said in his opening comments at Tuesday’s celebratory investiture.
The honoring of individuals with distinction is a traditional event which usually forms part of the country’s Independence Commemoration every year, an extravagant and gleeful event which is held every July 26.
Several persons in different disciplines received awards from the President. They include Dazoe Folley, Senior Citizen, Centenarian (117 years), Grand Band Star of Africa (GBSA); Martha Kono-Kpawo Kolleh Rambo, Senior Centenarian (110 years), GBSA; Gerald F.B. Cooper, International Expert of Shipping Industry/Commerce, Liberia Maritime Authority, GBSA; Joseph B. Keller, Dedicated Public Servant, Liberia Maritime Authority, GBSA, and Professor Charles Steiner, Swiss Taxidermist and Wildlife Enthusiast, Grand Commander Star of Africa (GCSA). Others are Imam Sheikh Ishmael Sesay, Chief Imam of Black Jinnah Mosque, GCSA, Grace Ann Dickson, Officer Commander, GCSA, Sedekee.
Kromah, Dedicated Public Servant, Muslim Congress High School, Officer, Star of Africa (OSA), and Derrick Dunbar, Sports Activist/Dedicated Public Servant, Liberia Volleyball Federation, Knight Official, Humane Order of African Redemption (KO-HOAR).
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, GBSA honoree Joseph P. Keller said: “I know most of the honorees in here today did not expect this today. But, it is a great thing for one to be recognized amongst millions of fellow compatriots for making contributions to their nation. On behalf of the honorees, we want to say that this is a great honor, and we are very happy to be recognized today for our contributions to society.”
Meanwhile, this year’s July 26 commemoration is expected to be accompanied by the dedication of several key projects by H.E. George M. Weah, including the newly built modern RIA terminal and the Chinese government sponsored Ministerial complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia. Six regional leaders and an array of foreign diplomats are also expected in country beginning today. (Courtesy of guest writer, Journalist Varney Kamara)
