High Commissioner Macauley restores hope to Sierra Leoneans in Jos State, Nigeria

Sierra Leone High Commissioner Henry Macauley has restored a sense of belonging to a cross section of Sierra Leoneans living in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria and confirmed the completion of Bumbuna hydro Electric Project, construction of roads in different parts of Sierra Leone and clarifies the issue of oil discovery. (Photo:  HIgh Commissioner Macauley in a warm handshake with Dr. Wright, while Mr. Kargbo looks on)

High Commissioner Henry. O. Macauley who visited a cross section of members of the  Sierra Leonean Community in Jos, Plateau State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reassured them of the Ernest Bai Koroma led Government’s care and respect for its country men living outside the country.

The short planned visit was made Saturday October 26, immediately after the conclusion of a three day retreat of ECOWAS Permanent Representatives, Managers and ECOWAS Heads of Management, which took place in Plateau state, Jos.

The visit which saw the rejuvenating of the sense of belonging was characterized by joy, happiness, clarification of issues and confirmation of developmental news from Sierra Leone.

Welcoming High Commissioner Henry O Macauley, a Medical consultant Dr. E.A. Wright  thanked, the envoy for his “thought, time and care” to visit his countrymen, and expressed appreciation to President Ernest Bai Koroma for carefully selecting an envoy in the person of H.E. Henry O. Macauley, who cares.

“We are a small community in Jos, mainly educationists, technocrats and professionals “some of whom have been living here ever since 1929.

He paid homage to a late Sierra Leonean; by the name of Sister Theresa who died in the UK in the 90’s. He said her door was always open to Sierra Leoneans regardless of tribe or descent.

Dr. E. A .Wright who arrived in the plateau state of Jos, Nigeria in 1965, said the oldest surviving Sierra Leonean in Jos is Mr. Francis S.M. Johnson a Chartered Accountant.

He arrived in 1929. Due to ailment, he was unavoidably absent.

He said Sierra Leoneans in Jos have been law abiding and their contributions to the medical, Printing, Academic and other various fields in Nigeria throughout their stay is immeasurable and are not secret.

“Most of our Nigerian products range from that of a professorship to other fields in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said Dr. Wright.

“We thank God, our siblings are highly educated and are professionals working not only in different parts of Nigeria, but out of Africa also. Said Dr. Wright.

Dr. Wright introduced some of the elders including Educationists, Professor of Maths and Mrs. Liverpool, Professional Printer who set Jos State Printing Press James S. Kargbo, Educationist and author of several school books Mrs. Ethel Pam, Educationist Prince Valian Cole, A theologian Mr. Edward Kai Josiah, Valentina Amara, an architect Miss Kargbo  Abu Bakarr Bangura who is scheduled to be called to the Bar in April next year, and others; who sought clarifications in the present  state of Roads and other infrastructure development in Sierra Leone, including Bumbuna Electric project, Water and Education.

Also of paramount importance to Sierra Leoneans living in Jos was the acquisition of Sierra Leonean Passports.

James Kargbo described the cost of acquiring Sierra Leonean passports as expensive, because they will first need to buy an emergency travelling certificate at the cost of USD $100 in addition to other travel expenses to Sierra Leone, to go through the process for one.  

He pleaded on behalf of his compatriots to High Commissioner Macauley to facilitate a cheaper and easier way as an option to get Sierra Leonean Passports.

Responding, High Commissioner Henry Macauley, an Engineer by profession, recognised Professor Liverpool as his former Maths Lecturer at Fourah Bay College who now lectures at Jos University. And Mrs. Liverpool as his former teacher at the Prince of Wales Secondary School Kingtom in Freetown.

He reiterated the commitment of President Ernest Bai Koroma led All People’s Congress (APC)   government  commitment to development  of infrastructures – roads, bridges, jetties and dams – that will make visible difference to people’s lives

High Commissioner Macauley said the Government of President Ernest Bai Koroma has embarked on one of the most ambitious road-building programmes in our country’s history.

He said “The Masiaka-Bo highway, 122 kilometres out of 164 has been completed; the Bo-Kenema highway, 43 kilometres out of 69 has also been completed and the Makeni-Matotoka highway, 40 kilometres fully completed.

Quoting the president, High Commissioner Macauley said detailed engineering designs are being completed and funds are being secured for the construction of the Matotoka-Koidu Highway.

He said the Government has re-awarded the contract for the Lumley–Tokeh highway to a reputable company; work is starting, and the road will be completed in 2011.

High commissioner Macauley said “The construction of the Freetown–Conakry Highway is gathering pace. “Evaluation of bids for the construction of the Hillside Road in Freetown is in its final stage, and construction of the first segment should commence before the close of this year. We will also be reconstructing the Hill Station-Leicester to Berry Street Road, and the Lumley Beach Road. The paving of streets in Freetown and other cities is ongoing.

In terms of energy, High Commissioner Macauley said the government of President Ernest Bai Koroma has completed the Bumbuna Hydro Electric Project. And preparations are under way for its full commissioning later this month.

He said that education has challenges, and tackling these challenges requires a concerted partnership between government, teachers, parents and other stakeholders. Together, we must rebuild the schooling infrastructure, improve the quality of teaching and learning, and strengthen the links between education and employment.

To improve the quality of teaching and learning, the Government of President Koroma has established a commission of inquiry to examine and recommend actions to address the poor performance of our primary and secondary school children.

High Commissioner Macauley confirmed oil discovery, and said its economic viability is yet to be proven.  

In relation to issues with Sierra Leonean Passports, High Commissioner Macauley, said he is presently pursuing a way within the ambit of the Law, which he will disclose after achieving success.

High Commissioner Macauley promised to visit every state where Sierra Leoneans are presently residing in Nigeria.

The envoy also disclosed that the Sierra Leone High Commission is presently registering all Sierra Leoneans in Nigeria. 

“As from date, we are going to start organizing our monthly meetings here in Jos,” declared the executives.

Pasco Gerald Temple, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone High Commission, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

© 2009, https:. All rights reserved.