Sierra Leoneans in Ethiopia end jubilee celebrations in grand style
Sierra Leoneans living in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on Sunday 1st May 2011 wrapped up the activities that were lined up to mark Sierra Leone’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. (Photo: cross section of the congregation)
The celebrations kicked-off with a pictorial exhibition at the Chancery of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Addis Ababa and the photographic exhibition was unveiled by His Excellency Ambassador Andrew Gbebay Bangali. The event was witnessed by the Diplomatic Community and members of the International Non Governmental Organizations and United Nations Agencies.
Sierra Leone Embassy Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Amadu Koroma, welcoming guests
The photo exhibition was followed by a Symposium with the theme: ‘Sierra Leone @ 50: Food Self-Sufficiency’ where Prof. Monty Jones, a renowned Sierra Leonean Scientist, served as the Distinguished Guest Speaker among an array of high level panelists drawn from the African Union Commission, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
The following events were also marked by such outpouring of pomp and pageantry befitting the occasion:
Tennis and Golf Tournaments-Saturday 23rd April, 2011
The winner of the golf competition receiving his trophy
The tennis and golf tourneys took place at the African Union Commission and the Addis Ababa Golf Club on Saturday 23rd April 2011 in the morning and afternoon respectively.
The tourneys witnessed a show of great excitement as the players were battling for supremacy.
In the tennis tournament, Mr. Taye Tesfaye emerged as the winner in the Singles Champion and the winners for the Doubles Champions were Messrs Girma Haili and Sintayehu Wassinhun.
The Group A category of the golf showdown was clinched by General Samora Yonus and Mr. Yared Zenaye and the Group B was won by Mr. Abdul Ulsemed Takele and Mr. Bjiarne Luhr.
Football Match-Sunday 24th April, 2011
Ambassador presenting the trophy to the African Union team captain
The people from all walks of life in Addis Ababa abandoned their busy schedules and trooped to the famous Abebe Bikila Stadium to watch the spectacular football match between staff of the African Union Commission (AUC) and interested staff members of the African Embassies on one part and staff of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and European Embassies on the other.
The first half of the game saw the combined AUC and interested staff members of the African Embassies dominating the first half of the game with two goals.
During the second half of play the UNECA and European Embassies struggled to equalize and neutralize their opponents. However, they found it difficult and the match ended on post penalty kicks which saw the AUC and interested staff members of the African Embassies winning the competition.
Independence Day Reception–Wednesday 27th April, 2011
Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa was the scene of the Independence Day Anniversary Diplomatic Reception. The occasion was graced by various Diplomats and members of the International Non Governmental Organizations and United Nations Agencies.
In his address, Ambassador Bangali gave an in-depth insightful analysis of Sierra Leone’s Independence struggle from 1961 to the present under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma as per directives received from Headquarters.
After delivering his speech, Ambassador Bangali received a resounding standing ovation from the audience.
Muslim Prayers and Community Party-Friday 30th April, 2011
Zimbabwean Envoy during the Community Party
Friday 30th April saw two events being organized on the same day. In the afternoon there was the Muslim Prayers at the Abadier Mosque. After the normal Friday prayers, the Imam offered special prayers for the people of Sierra Leone for God’s protection and peace.
In the evening, there was a grand Community Party thrown for Sierra Leoneans and friends of Sierra Leone at the Ambassador’s residence.
A Sierra Leonean born disc jockey, Pious Abdul Koroma aka Dee Jay Pious based in Kenya was flown from Nairobi to Addis Ababa to wax up the never to be forgotten event. Dee Jay Pious moved the crowd with songs of yester years and today.
Church Service-Sunday 1st May 2011
The Pastor praying for HE President Ernest Bai Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone
The celebrations were climaxed with a church service at the International Evangelical Church. The service was themed: ‘Sierra Leone 50th Independence Day: Celebrating a new Sierra Leone and thanking Jesus for His wonderful deeds in the land.’
The sermon was taken from the Book Matthew chapter 5 verse 8 ‘Blessed Are…The Pure In Heart.’
The church’s Pastor, Rev. Gary Threatt said it was a wonderful experience to have people from Sierra Leone celebrate in his church.
Rev. Threatt prayed for abundant blessing, wisdom, understanding and God’s guidance for the leadership of Sierra Leone.
He also prayed for peace to continue to prevail in the country.
Abdul Karim Koroma, Information Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!
© 2011, https:. All rights reserved.
