They assured their audience that their political appointments would not in any way deter their dedication and services to the growth and development of AWOL.
Global President of AWOL, Ambassador Anthony Navo Jnr. whiles congratulating the two political figures on their presidential appointments said AWOL was happy to learn that they will separate politics from AWOL commitments and affairs. He thanked them for leaving their very busy schedules to grace the launch and called on them to continue giving their best to the growth and development of AWOL.
Toasting to the health and success of Dr. Samura and Hon. Bah, Ambassador, said Dr. Kamara is a fervent member of the noble development organisation, while Hon. Bah diligently served as Secretary General of AWOL and subsequently as Chairman (2010 & 2011).
He went on to say: “This is unprecedented in the history of AWOL for two of our members to be leading one of the two major political parties in our country to the March 2018 national elections, and the ruling party for that matter. We are all very proud of this.”
He said since it was founded in 2001, AWOL has maintained its apolitical stance and has been steadfast in complementing the efforts of successive governments in nation building, adding that its loyalty and commitment to the green, white and blue is unparalleled in the history of social development organisations in the country.
The ambassador noted that the organisation has never deprived its members from pursuing their individual political ambitions and that even though AWOL is not a political organisation, it feels extremely elated by the success of its members in reaching the pinnacle of their political desires.
Officially launching the Awards, Chairman, NAAC AWOL, Sholay Davies said this year’s event will feature categories such as: “(a). Academic institution of the year 2017- tertiary with relevant post-graduate courses, service delivery, system of enrolment – capacity to absorb, students admin relationship, discipline and outreach programme; (b). academic institution of the year 2017- secondary with service delivery, system of enrolment – capacity to absorb, students admin relationship, discipline, outreach programme and record of excellent performance in national examinations, BECE, WASSCE, (c). Sports personality of the year 2017- the person and his or her influence in a particular sport discipline; (d). Ministry of the year 2017 – Achievement made by the ministry, how far the ministry has gone to achieve set goals, initiatives and rating of the ministry by SPU (Strategic Policy Unit), (e). Parastatal of the year 2017 – Achievements made the parastatals, service delivery, how effective, how efficient is the parastatal in generating revenue for Government, is the parastatal fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility and parastatals include businesses that government has shares in, e.g. SL Ports Authority, SIERRATEL, LOTTO, SALPOST, NASSIT); (f). Media house of the year 2017 (print- newspapers) – accuracy, independence and objectivity, quality of programmes, diversification of programmes, ethics and professionalism, quality of news coverage, layout and design and circulation; (g). Media house of the year 2017 (electronics- radio) – Accuracy, independence and objectivity, quality of programmes, diversification of programmes, ethics and professionalism, quality of news coverage and quality of presentation, coverage/reach; (h). Media house of the year 2017 (electronics- TV) – Accuracy, independence and objectivity, quality of programmes, diversification of programmes, ethics and professionalism, quality of news, quality of presentation, coverage/reach and graphic & animation skills; (i). Artist of the year 2017 (performing art) – (Musician, actor/actress, poet, dancer, performer, etc), initiative, level of performance, creativity, self-less service and productivity; (j). Artist of the year 2017 (fine art) – (Painter, carver, weaver, sculpture, illustrator, instrumentalist, etc), initiative, level of professionalism, creativity, self-less service and productivity; (k). Communications company of the year 2017 – Innovativeness, corporate social responsibility, service delivery, subscribers base, employment of nationals and customer care; (l). Financial institution of the year 2017 – (Not just limited to banks, discount houses and firms like KPMG included), corporate Social Responsibility, service delivery, innovation, customer relations and national scope; (m). Petty trader of the year 2017 – Small scale petty trading success story, sole proprietorship, steadfastness and innovation; (n). Indigenous business of the year 2017 – sustainability, employment of nationals, initiative/innovation, service delivery and nature of business; (o). Medical practitioner of the year 2017 – innovation/inventiveness, professionalism, accessibility (cost, for example), commitment and community orientation (serving community); (p). Philanthropist of the year 2017 – Integrity, outstanding, credible and distinguished service and productivity; (q). Legal practitioner of the year 2017 – Integrity, outstanding, credible and distinguished service, productivity, growth within the profession, national service and outstanding achievement during 2017.
He said to nominate, one should send TEXT to Africell short code 3344 and that the person should type the title of the category, the name of the person/institution he/she is nominating and why.
Nominations close on 24th November, 2017.
The event was climaxed with an interactive session.
