The Conference/Award received over 150 participants from fourteen (14) West African countries including highly recognized individuals, youths and leaders in various sectors of industry, government, business to deliberate the theme “NOT TOO YOUNG TO LEAD” and to provide a holistic and multidimensional approach to sustainable development in West Africa and Africa in general.
The West African Youth Forum/Award is an annual event conceived to identify and give proper recognition through conferment of Award of Excellence and distinction to individuals and organization who have distinguished themselves as brilliant exemplars and who have contributed towards the development of youths in West Africa.
Mr. Tarawally was also one of the panelists for the much contested panel discussion debating and representing Sierra Leone on the theme: “Not Too Young To Lead.”
The Keynote Speaker of the Forum was Her Excellency, Jewel Howard Taylor Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, and Ms. Ediola Pashollari, Secretary General World Assembly of Youth as the Guest Speaker.
According to Laj-K it is a great honour for Sierra Leone to be recognized on a positive footnote by the West African Community, and for him to bag such an award for his developmental work despite missing out on the parliamentary seat he contested during the last general elections.
“Everybody knows that I was one of the most popular candidates during the election but it is rather unfortunate that the people were not ready for change,” Laj-K asserted.
He added that his contribution to the development of broadcast media, community services and in entertainment in the country through his company and his role in the sporting industry are all geared towards his success, noting that the former Chief of Staff in The Guinea-Bissau was the winner of the West Africa Young Leadership and Community Development Award last year.
Commitment, perseverance and hard work according to Tarawally are the secret of his achievement, adding that one should have a focus and positive mindset instead of focusing on criticism coming from people.