Dallas mayoral candidate congrats Nanette Thomas
I am not a Sierra Leonean nor did I grow up with Ms Nanette Thomas. However, by sheer confluence of nature and God’s design, Ms Thomas was introduced to me in her early days in Dallas/Texas. For the life of me, I don’t remember who made the introduction but we met and she relayed her story which was more like an ordeal. But sensing her zeal and commitment to make good a situation that appeared insurmountable, I offered some suggestions. Ms Thomas took them and ran with it. It was never always easy because both of us possess strong will and set in our ways. We will fight over whose ideas will work but at the end; she will settle for what makes most sense and is attainable. We became friends by design and default, and when her children later joined her, I was one of the first persons she brought them to visit – all three. I am proud of how she raised them have all turned out to be good children in the Dallas Metroplex Community, and worthy of emulation. One of them Ambrose Thomas, is an example of success having attended renowned Texas A & M University where he obtained both his bachelors and masters; within a remarkable time. In high school, Ambrose was the best student in his graduating class and as a result, received invitation to visit the White House. When the soldier son who is currently stationed in Japan sent her a car, Ms Thomas came to show me and was overwhelmed by such gesture. The beautiful soft spoken daughter always smiling graduated with honors with a degree in Banking and Finance. At the graduation ceremony she said and I quote “I owe my success to God and my mom, someone who has always been there for me and my siblings”. This is leadership because it starts from the home. She is blessed but never resting because she says; Sierra Leone needs me and I want to go back home. Home is she now and I am happy President Koroma saw something in her to warrant such an ‘August’ appointment.
That Ms Thomas is where she is now, is partly due to ideas and guidance provided by others but above all, her own determined and focused drive to overcome situations and in turn prevail. That I met Ambassador Bockarie Stevens was due to Ms Thomas and finally met President Koroma, was also due to her. I am excited about her new role in a country she loves and is determined to see become a beacon of success and pride. Ms Thomas often surprises herself. She is never discouraged nor deterred by feeble distractions; mark and trait of effective leadership. I believe with the support from President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone wanting to turn the corner, Ms Thomas will become a symbol of changing minds and improving attitudes for positive outcome.
It is not an easy task given the history and cultural nuisances that often make Africans stuck in what is unproductive. But anchoring on a person of vast talent who is determined to make positive change, what may appear as impossible becomes highly probable. Leaders succeed in their role when the led understands that what they are charged to do and support them for the benefit of all.
I encourage Sierra Leone to rally for Ms Thomas in her new role because in no distant time, there will be a breath of fresh air which by its very nature is new oxygen for a new beginning and long haul. Ms Thomas may the day ahead be rewarding, satisfying and fulfilling for the greater good. The fact you left whatever comfort US America may offer you and returned to where your heart is, is a mark of a formidable person who is destined for greater height in the call to nation building.
Stay focused, approachable, but above all attentive as you shape the attitude of a new Sierra Leone. Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown and the tumble and rough terrain of politics in Africa, such crown maybe filled with thorns. Never mind the roughness because out of such comes peace and joy, and a resurgence of attitude for Sierra Leone to reclaim its lost years and become a country west Africa once looked up to.
Since attitude is everything, President Koroma, has invested in you and he along with millions of Sierra Leoneans, are waiting for their positive return. The country and world will have ‘You’ to Thank for it. You can do it! Best of luck and God guidance in this role: It is just the end of nothing but the beginning of everything. You Go Girl!
Long Live Sierra Leone; better things lies ahead and you have your hands on the plough, don’t look back.
Ejike e Okpa II, Nigerian-American, Dallas, Texas
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