Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has commended Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, Julie Endee for inspiring many young people like little Semah G. Weifur for being at their best.
She called on the young people to see themselves as part of the body politics of Liberia and such should engage in positive activities that will enable them to contribute meaningfully and significantly to the development efforts of the country.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the statement at the honoring ceremony of the7th Annual Celebration of the Golden Image Award Ceremony organized by Liberia’s Crusaders for Peace on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at the Monrovia City Hall under the theme: “Let’s Maintain the Peace.”
The Liberian leader also applauded the Liberian Cultural Ambassador and the Crusaders for Peace for what she called:
“You are always doing surprising things that continue to make the nation and its people proud.”
She, however challenged the Crusaders for Peace to continue to follow and preach peace and always endeavor to articulate the positives that radiate our diversity. She noted that our culture reflects the nation’s diverse backgrounds and long history.
President Sirleaf, who was thrilled by a newly released song, which was sung by a visually impaired young Liberian lad, Semah G. Weifur along with Nigerian Star, Flavor, informed the gathering that while she shared the life of little Semah, she was glad to inform him and his parents that by Tuesday, July 25th, 2017, a high power delegation of professional Indian doctors are expected to arrive in the country for the purpose of the dedication of a major Eye Center at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center in Sinkor.
She impressed on little Semah Weifur’s parents to take him at the facility, in order for doctors to check the condition of his eyes.
She expressed appreciation to the Crusaders for Peace and all who continue to be of service to the Liberian people in maintaining the peace.
“We like to say to them how much we owe it to them for keeping and continuing to stay on the path of peace,” she noted.
President Sirleaf was honored and gowned by Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai along with several personalities, including ECOWAS Ambassador to Liberia, Babatunde Olanrewaju Ajisomo, Bishop Jensen Seyenkulo, former CBL Governor – Dr. J. Mills Jones, for Foreign Minister, Augustine K. Ngafuan, UNMIL SRSG, Farid Zarif, U.S. Ambassador Christine Elder, among others.
Also speaking, Vice President Boakai praised the Crusader for Peace for the honor bestowed on President Sirleaf. He noted that President Sirleaf deserves the award because she has done well for Liberia, the sub-region and beyond.
Delivering the keynote address, Prince Adetokundo Kayode, former Minister of National Defense of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Deputy President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce acknowledged the role of Liberia’s Cultural Ambassador, Julie Endee and expressed gratitude to the Crusaders for Peace for dedicating this year’s Award to President Sirleaf for the level of work she has done in the country over the last 11 years which contributed to the transformation of Liberia from the ashes of war to prosperity.
“She established the Liberia Crusaders for Peace for the enhancement of peace,” the former Nigerian Defense Minister, told the gathering, amid applause.
Prince Kayode noted that “peace is a precious phenomenon that is not cheap.” He therefore, called on Liberians to nurture, sustain and maintain the peace.
Earlier, Ambassador Julie Endee welcomed participants from far and near for coming to grace the occasion in honor of President Sirleaf for “Sustaining of the Peace” in the last 11 years under her leadership.
She noted President Sirleaf is a Legendary Leader whose leadership role resonated across the Mano River Union (MRU). ECOWAS, among others and was worth honoring and celebrating.
The Liberian leader also received gifts of honor from Traditional Chiefs and the Crusaders for Peace for her exemplary leadership in Liberia cum the sub-region and by lifting Liberia’s profile in the international community and for defeating the spread of Ebola in Liberia.
The Golden Image Award was founded in September 2010 and maiden award was held July 2011.
The GIA serves as a unique platform for Liberia to recognize and appreciate individuals, organizations and countries who put in their time and resources to contribute to humanity, sustainable peace, development and social justice for all.
