By Emmanuel Awari – Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has bagged the Golden Image Award in Liberia in his outstanding service to humanity, visionary leadership, continuous commitment to creating a better future for present and succeeding generations.
In his remark, Dr. Kefas said that Africa’s unity can foster development on the continent, even as Liberia is breaking new frontiers in growth.
He dedicated his award to the great people of Taraba state, stressing he will continue to work for the advancement of humanity.
The prestigious international award was presented in Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, during activities marking the 179th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia, at the 16th Edition of the Golden Image Award ceremony hosted under the distinguished leadership of the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and was attended by the Liberian top government functionaries. The award, Golden Image Award, is the brain child of Amb. Juli Endee, a social worker dedicated to promoting excellence.
In her opening remarks, Endee said Liberia is gradually pulling out of its past image stained by the civil strife and the Ebola crisis. She noted that the current president of Liberia, His Excellency, Joseph Baokai, gave the first seed money sixteen years ago when the idea of the Golden Image award was first mooted.
Earlier, speakers at the award event noted the contributions of Liberia to the continent’s tourism push.
In her own remarks, former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, applauded organisers of the award, noting that it has uplifted the lot of the Liberian women. She said the award also celebrates the 20 years of unbroken peace in the country.
In a goodwill message, the Keynote Speaker, the Vice President of Liberia Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung said the award means a lot to the country, especially as it gets ready to celebrate its 179 years of independence. He said the President would have loved to be present but was held up at a security meeting. He hailed the organisers for celebrating excellence and inspiring hope. He noted that their consistency has turned the award into a veritable platform for inspiring hope.
Consequently, he noted that Liberian history highlights the sacrifices of those who came before us. He noted that one government alone can not build the Liberian they seek. He urged all Liberians to see themselves as stakeholders in the Liberian project.
Relatedly, the ambassador of China to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, noted that the award is a platform to recognise global excellence. He said China is proud to support the agenda of the Boakai administration from agriculture to the health sector.
The Golden Image Award, organized by the National Secretariat of the Golden Image Award in collaboration with the Liberia Crusaders for Peace and in association with the Government of Liberia, celebrates outstanding individuals, organizations and institutions from across the world whose selfless service has advanced global peace, security, human dignity, leadership, investment, and sustainable development, particularly among vulnerable and less privileged communities.
According to the organizers, Dr Agbu Kefas emerged as one of the distinguished international recipients following a rigorous evaluation of his outstanding service to humanity, visionary leadership, continuous commitment to creating a better future for present and succeeding generations.
The award is a significant international recognition of Governor Kefas’ steadfast commitment to fostering peace, strengthening security, expanding access to quality education, empowering young people, promoting social inclusion, and advancing sustainable development in Taraba State.
The Taraba State Government dedicates this prestigious recognition to the resilient people of Taraba State, whose support and shared aspiration for progress continue to inspire the administration’s resolve to deliver purposeful leadership and transformational governance.
The recognition also reinforces Taraba State’s emergence as a model of progressive leadership, demonstrating that commitment to the welfare of the people, promotion of peace, and investment in human capital continue to attract global acknowledgement.
Others who were awarded include the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai (snr), Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and His Royal Highness Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo)