Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has congratulated opposition leader, Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh who turned ‘75’ yesterday and praised him for his consistency, courage and commitment as he was never deterred by people’s perception about him in doing the right thing.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the remarks on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at a symposium held in his honor at University of Liberia auditorium to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of the veteran Liberian politician.
She described Dr. Tipoteh as someone who stepped forward to set the record straight when key points highlighted in her 1972 commencement address were misconstrued by some Liberians.
Also speaking at the symposium was Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, a longtime comrade of Dr. Tipoteh who said although Dr. Tipoteh is not a man of celebration but they, as friends and comrades suggested to him that amid the Motto of the celebration the: “Diamond In Dr. Tipoteh,” should be observed in public based on Dr. Tipoteh’s willingness.
This prompted the choice of the main campus of the University of Liberia to enable young people, mainly students to engage into intellectual discussion that will help the Liberian people to learn from his wealth of experience.
For his part, Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh said if you keep your faith in Jehovah God the Almighty through everything, he will always help you.
He said prevention is better than cure, as it has always been his philosophy during the course of his life, something which has been able to bring him so safe and successfully thus far.
Recalling his 1973 commencement addressed, Dr. Tipoteh said his philosophy in life is to always look at the subsistence of issues, instead of looking at the periphery to draw conclusions. The Ceremony brought together an array of government officials, students, academic institutions, friends of Dr. Tipoteh and educators among others.
Meanwhile, President has lauded the outgoing Country Manager, Chevron Liberia Limited Mr. Karl Cottrell for his services rendered the Liberian people during seven years of good work in Liberia including assistance to the John F. Kennedy Hospital adding: “I like to applaud you for all you have done for Liberia and Liberians” President Sirleaf said.
She said more needs to be done for JFK because according to her that’s one of the areas her government is prioritizing now.
President Sirleaf made the commendation when outgoing Country Manager of Chevron Liberia Ltd. Mr. Karel Cottrell paid a courtesy call on her.
She said she was pleased with his decision to take leave and assured Mr. Cottrell of her government’s fullest cooperation with the team. The Liberian leader said she was delighted him for leaving a Liberian in charge something she said is clear manifestation of team work.
In brief remarks, Mr. Cottrell thanked President Sirleaf for the cordial working relationship and the opportunity to invest in Liberia. He pledged his institution’s support to Liberia.
Mr. Cottrell is expected to depart Liberia next week for another assignment. Mr. Cottrell was accompanied by Messrs Iain Case, Commercial Manager, Kollie G. Gizzie (a Liberian), David B. Smith, and Cllr. Althea Sherman of NOCAL.
