Sierra Leoneans converge in Saudi Arabia to pray for nation

The Sierra Leone Embassy in Riyadh under the distinguished leadership of His Excellency, Ambassador Wusu B. Munu last Friday offered special prayers for Sierra Leone in commemoration of the country’s 49th Independence Anniversary. (Photo: The Ambassador and his Wife before the prayers)

The recitation of the Holy Qur’an took place at the Chancery Building, Olaiya District, in the nation’s capital, Riyadh. The prayers attracted a good number of Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

In his opening remarks, the Minister Counsellor/Head of Chancery, Mr. Ibrahim S. Yilla, explained the importance of the prayers, saying, the day for the prayers is one of the holiest days of the week as the host nation is the citadel of the Islamic religion where most of the holy sites in Islam are located

“Our independence and survival as a nation is dependent on the work of providence and we must be grateful to the Almighty Allah for his guidance and sustenance,” he added.

Mr. Yilla further admonished that: “Let’s offer the prayers sincerely and diligently for our country. I am sure if our country forges ahead, it will be good for all of us.”

The Head of Chancery reminded the gathering that: “One of our sacred obligations as citizens of our nation is to be a unified people with a common purpose.”

Leading the prayers, the Chairman of the Daa’wa Committee, Sheik Mohammad Bailah Bah appealed to the congregation to recite the Qur’an with humbleness and piety.  He also appealed to the congregation to pray fervently for their leaders, for peace, unity, stability and development of Sierra Leone.

In his maiden speech after the prayers, the Ambassador, H.E. Wusu Munu said he was bringing greetings to all Sierra Leoneans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on behalf of the President, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.

The Ambassador also paid a glowing tribute to our national leaders who won political independence from the British colonial rule on 27th April 1961.

“Today, Sierra Leone stands on the shoulders of those patriots who fought for our freedom and sovereignty as a nation,” the Ambassador pointed out.

H.E. Munu also referred to the key message contained in the President’s Independence Anniversary speech that what brought us together was far greater than what divided us as Sierra Leoneans; that we all belonged to different political and ethnic groups, but the fact remained that we were Sierra Leoneans and we should respect and recognize each other.

The Ambassador, therefore, seized the opportunity to congratulate the Sierra Leonean community in the KSA for being very peaceful and law abiding.

“I am also glad that since I assumed office in 2008, I have not received any complaint from the Saudi authorities against any Sierra Leonean. I think we should congratulate ourselves and continue to be law abiding,” the Ambassador told his audience.

Explaining the giant strides of the government, the Ambassador reiterated that since President Ernest Bai Koroma took over the mantle of political leadership in Sierra Leone, he has adopted diverse strategies aimed at achieving rapid socio-economic developments and a higher level of well being for the people. He added that over the past two and half years, the President has embarked on ambitious programmes aimed at building a better Sierra Leone for the benefit of all its citizens.

The eloquent Ambassador informed his audience that, Government is currently paying particular attention to the development of the vital socio-economic sectors including agriculture, energy, human resource development, education, health, private sector, infrastructure and good governance.

He further explained that under the progressive leadership of President Koroma, Sierra Leoneans across the world are gratified to be receiving very good news about their country.

He made mention of the inauguration of free medical care in government hospitals and clinics for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under five years of age on the Independence Anniversary Day, April 27th 2010.

“This is indeed a milestone in providing access and quality health care to our vulnerable citizens, especially women and children,” he added.

He also informed them about the creation of jobs in the country, citing example of the re-activation of the Marampa Mines; and investment in the Tonkolili Iron Ore Projects by African Minerals Mining Company.

He urged all Sierra Leoneans to be supportive to development projects initiated by President Koroma, a move he says, “Will help to uplift our nation out of the cycle of poverty and improve the living standards of the people.”

In his vote of thanks, the President of the Sierra Leone Union, Ibrahim Koi Dowui thanked the Ambassador and team on behalf of his union for “their hard work” since they assumed office.

Mr. Koi Dowui also urged Sierra Leoneans in the Kingdom to pray for the leadership of the nation by shunning political, ethnic and regional differences. “National allegiance is a paramount characteristic to the development of Sierra Leone,” Koi Dowui reiterated.

Most of the attendees say they were very pleased that patriotic sentiment among Sierra Leoneans always thrives when it comes to the reflection and celebration of the country’s Independence Day celebration.

Alhaji Jalloh, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Saudi Arabia

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