Sierra Leone 49th Independence
Anniversary
Celebrations
in Columbus, Ohio
The day started with a meeting at the office of the Governor of Ohio
Ted Strickland. Ambassador
Bockari Stevens was accompanied by Abass Bangura, Thomas Sennessie
and Samuel Tambi. The
ambassador was received by the governor's advisor on Global Affairs,
Mathew Colopy. This was followed by the hoisting of Sierra Leone's
flag at the State House Lawn. In attendance were more
than 200 Sierra Leoneans, and several spectators from the public who
were observing the event. The flag hoisting was done by
ambassador Bockari Stevens and Matthew Colopy. Other
members in the audience took turns at hoisting the flag including
the youngest in attendance, Nadia Lamin, who is the daughter of
Sylvester and Mamusu Lamin.
Ambasador Stevens receiving a proclamation from governor Ted
Striclad, being read by Matthew Colopy prior to the Sierra Leone
flag being hoisted.
Looking on is the president of the SierraLeone Club of Columbus
Ohio, Abass Bangura
After the brief flag-raising ceremony, ambassador Stevens led a
procession to the Ohio State House Rotunda where the invited guests
were seated to capacity for the remainder of the Friday program.
Overlooking the podium is a giant statue of Abraham Lincoln.
The symbolisms of the statue of the leader who fought for the
emancipation of slavery, and that of the day we were celebrating was
not lost in the minds of all in attendance. This fact was interwoven
in the speech made by the Guest Speaker the honorable senator, Ray
Miller, Ohio State Senate Minority Whip.
At 2:00 p.m., Muslim
Prayers were offered for Sierra Leone during the regular Friday
Jumuat prayers at
the Days Inn
Hall located at 1212
E. Dublin Granville Road in
Columbus, Ohio. In the
evening, a cosmopolitan of all Sierra Leonean Christian clergy held
a prayer vigil for Sierra Leone
and its leaders at
the St. Cyprian of Carthage Episcopal Church from 10:00
p.m. to 1:00
a.m.
On Saturday April 24, the celebrations continued with a football match between the Sierra Rangers Football Club and the Guinean Soccer Club of Columbus. The match ended with a 3-1 victory for Sierra Rangers. The prime of the celebrations was in the evening at the Columbus Club Chi, where the community commemorated with cultural shows, speeches and dancing to African and Sierra Leonean music. The key speaker for the evening was H. E. Ambassador Stevens. In his speech, he emphasized on the theme ‘change of attitude’, referring to the indiscipline Sierra Leoneans associated with inappropriate activities that tarnish the image of Sierra Leone in America. However, he clarified that Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora are far better in all aspects of good citizenry compared to other African nationalities in the United States. Further, the Ambassador emphasized his pride over progressive Sierra Leoneans in Columbus and other cities in America
Members of the Sierra Leone Community in Columbus Ohio observing the
flag hoisting at the Ohio State House
At 2:00 p.m., Muslim
Prayers were offered for Sierra Leone during the regular Friday
Jumuat prayers at
the Days Inn
Hall located at 1212
E. Dublin Granville Road in
Columbus. In the
evening, a cosmopolitan of all Sierra Leonean Christian clergy held
a prayer vigil for Sierra Leone
and its leaders at
the St. Cyprian of Carthage Episcopal Church from 10:00
p.m. to 1:00
a.m.
On
Saturday April 24, the celebrations continued with a football match
between the Sierra Rangers Football Club and the
Guinean Soccer Club of
Columbus. The match ended with a 3-1 victory for Sierra
Rangers. The prime of
the celebrations was in the evening at
the Columbus Club
Chi, where the
community commemorated
with cultural shows, speeches and dancing to African and Sierra
Leonean music. The key
speaker for the evening was H. E. Ambassador Stevens.
In his speech, he emphasized on the
theme ‘change of
attitude’, referring to the
indiscipline Sierra Leoneans
associated with
inappropriate activities that tarnish the image of Sierra
Leone in America. However, he clarified that Sierra Leoneans in the
Diaspora are far better in all aspects of good citizenry compared to
other African nationalities in the United States.
Further, the Ambassador
emphasized his pride over progressive Sierra Leoneans in Columbus
and other cities in America
The President of the Sierra Leone Club of Columbus, Ohio Inc. Mr.
Abass Bangura
presented Certificates of
Appreciation to a
few dedicated members of the community
who were
selected by their peers for
given their relentless service to the
Sierra Leone
community through the Club.
His Excellency
Ambassador Stevens presented a trophy to the Captain of
Sierra Rangers Football Club for their victory over the
Guinean Soccer Club of
Columbus. As well,
various organizations within
the Sierra Leone
community were given the opportunity to make short speeches.
The dance continued
until 4:00 a.m. the
next day.
On Sunday April 25, at 6:00 p.m., a Thanksgiving Service was held at
the St. Cyprian of Carthage Episcopal Church.
The service was
hosted and officiated by the Vicar of the Church Rev. Admire Cleeve.
Sierra Leoneans in
attendance included other members of the clergy
from different
denominations, Christians, Muslims and American well wishers
in Columbus, Ohio.
Pastor Emmanuel Yakawa preached on the topic
‘After Independence, What’s
Next’. Mr.
Sylvester Lamin gave a synopsis of
the current
developments in Sierra Leone from 2007 to
present. He
pointed out developments in
education, health, transportation, mining and energy.
Sierra Leoneans in Columbus expressed and demonstrated
appreciation
for the presence of
their Ambassador at the
celebrations of Sierra Leone 49th Independence
anniversary.
Long live the Sierra Leone Club of Columbus, Ohio Inc.!
Long live
Long Live the United States of America!
Long live H.E. President Ernest B. Koroma!
Emmanuel S. Leigh