In pursuant of it short term agenda of constructively engaging all key players in the political and security sectors of Sierra Leone in achieving peace and realising National cohesion and a violence-free Sierra Leone for it’s Youths, the leadership of the West African Youths Council (also known as the ECOWAS Youths Council Sierra Leone Chapter) on the 12th September 2020 paid a courtesy call or visit to His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma Former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone who doubles as the Chairman and Leader of the main opposition party All Peoples Congress (APC).
The extraordinary meeting which took place in his Makeni residence at the early hours of today witnessed the energetic exchange of professional experiences and unreserved expertise by both parties.
In his declaration of the purpose of their visit, the erstwhile President of the Council Ambassador Sheku Foryoh wasted no time in acknowledging the invaluable contributions the former Commander In Chief has been making in ensuring a peaceful and violence-free Sierra Leone.
In doing extreme Justice to the primary purpose of the August gathering, Mr. Foryoh highlighted the numerous Peace and Security challenges the Nation has been encountering recently, making precise citations of the recent occurrences of violence and mutual confrontations between the Youths and Security Personnel, which has always resulted to the senseless loss of innocent lives and properties.
He further lamented that as a responsible Youths led organization which is charged with the sacred responsibilities of promoting Peace and Development amongst Youths in the West African Sub-Region, the Council is set to organize the First-ever International Peace Youth Dialogue and Security Dialogue as well on the 21st of September this year at the UNIMAK Auditorium Makeni and elsewhere in the other Sixteen Districts of Sierra Leone.
Breaking his silence which has been characterised by the frequent nodding of his grey but breathtakingly beautiful head, the Former President with his infamous sparkling smiles welcomed the delegation to his humble abode whiles using the opportunity to applaud the magnanimous invitation of the youngsters. He confessed that the road to attaining lasting Peace is but long and mostly rough. Citing the fact that “Peace is never valued until there is chaos” He encouraged the enthusiastic young leaders to keep the torch of Peace burning and be the change they hope to see in Sierra Leone.
Closing his statement with a promise of his commitments to working with all key players in the Security Sectors, He assured the delegation of his continued Moral and Professional Guidance and Support all through their Laborious Journey.
In giving the vote of thanks, the ever proactive and vibrant Director of Finance of the Council, Ambassador Rugiatu Kamara expressed how elated the Council is to have met with the Former President and their profound thanks and appreciation for the hospitality they received.
After a brief moment of exchanging pleasantries and photo shooting, the ever-exciting talks was called to a close.
Thanks and May God Almighty continue to strengthen our collective engagement.
Credit: West Africa Youth Council ECOWAS MEDIA +23230418391
