By Mabinty M. Kamara
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has been recognized for his good leadership style with an award by the United States (US) National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
According to the office of the former president, in a notice dated 1st October, Koroma was bestowed with the award on 30th September during the 5th US-Africa Investment Forum and Policy Dialogue which was held virtually. The conference was held on the theme: ‘US-Africa Relations: A necessary Realignment.’
The citation by the US National Black Caucus of State Legislators reads:
“For his outstanding leadership, for his efficient, dedicated and selfless public service to the Republic of Sierra Leone, the former president, His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, is hereby honored by the United States National Black Caucus of State Legislators.”
The award came a day after Koroma delivered a keynote address to the audience at the conference. In his speech, he noted how critical the realignment in Africa - US relations was, adding that the realignment should be inclusive of African stakeholders for mutual benefit.
"A realignment of US/Africa relations must include meaningful engagement with African stakeholders, in ways that advance the objectives for both Africa and the United States," Koroma said.
Hosted by the African Leadership Magazine, the forum drew participants from across Africa, the United States and Europe, with several distinguished speakers including Retired. Ambrose Dlamini, Prime Minister of Eswatini; General William 'Kip' Ward, Former Commander, US Africa Military Command (AFRICOM); and Mr. Aaron Manalga, President of Global Political Solutions LLC.
Receiving the award, President Koroma expressed gratitude to the African Leadership Magazine and to the people of Sierra Leone for giving him the privilege to serve for two consecutive terms as president. He expressed further gratitude to Sierra Leoneans for their steadfastness and for their support to his government, particularly in defeating the Ebola outbreak, as well as in dealing with the challenges associated with the 2017 mudslide and the economy.
"I am deeply gratified for such remarkable recognition and honour by no less an organization than the prestigious US National Black Caucus of State Legislators,” he said.
He went on: "It brings considerable satisfaction that even as far away as in the United States of America, those who truly understand the difference between public service leadership and today's hostile politics, do acknowledge the great efforts my government put in, in not only building and consolidating peace and national cohesion but also, in deepening democracy, improving the economy and in rebuilding a broken infrastructure."
In his statement, Billy Mitchel, Member & National President, National Black Caucus of State Legislators, noted that the former head of state’s achievement of a selfless, dedicated and efficient leader of Sierra Leone will be recorded in the US History Books.
Koroma dedicated the award to the people of Sierra Leone, members of his government and his family.
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