By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The Africa Branding Agency (ABrA), in collaboration with the National Youth Commission, House of Parliament, and the West Africa Women and Girls Empowerment, officially launched the second edition of the Young Leadership Award of Excellence at Tees Shopping Mall, Wilkinson Road, Freetown.
Abdul Wahab Bangura, the Executive Director of Africa Branding Agency, explained that the event aims to recognize outstanding leadership and breakthroughs in all walks of life. The theme for this edition is “The Role of Young People in Achieving Good Governance and Sustainable Development in Sierra Leone.”
ABrA, a corporate institution specializing in event management and planning, focuses on promoting Africa to the wider world. Through institutional reform-based recognition, ABrA aims to develop programs that enhance cooperation between African countries in business, economic development, and political leadership.
This year’s award is supported by Nando Empire, with Mr Bangura emphasizing its purpose to acknowledge young individuals in the country who have excelled in various fields.
The Executive Director announced that the awards ceremony, coupled with a conference, will take place in Parliament on January 20, 2024. The conference aims to inspire young people in positions of trust and set an example for their colleagues.
While nominations are still open, Mr. Bangura revealed that they have received 128 nominations, and only 50 will be selected by a panel of trusted individuals they have assembled. To ensure credibility, the process excludes voting. Nominees are required to submit their credentials and curriculum vitae for assessment by the panel, considering various factors to choose the most deserving recipients.
Foday Ansumana, the Public Relations Officer of Africa Branding Agency, stated in a press statement, “ABrA is hosting its one-in-a-lifetime event, seen as a beacon of hope for effective and efficient youth representation in governance.” He emphasized that the award will recognize Sierra Leone’s top political youngsters, philanthropists, business owners, institutional leaders, and workers whose leadership contributions have positioned them in social positions of trust in the country.
The launch concluded with a session of questions and answers. MJB/19/12/2023
