Chairman of AWOL Global, Amb. Anthony Navo Jr. spoke at Annual Awards in London where he said AWOL will continue to complement the effort of the Government and people of Sierra Leone in nation building, as the Institution congratulates His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and members who participated in the 2023 elections.
At the event held at the Royal Regency Banqueting Suite, 501 High Street North, Manor Park, London this past weekend, Amb. Navo Jr. said: “Let me also take this opportunity on behalf of the AWOL family to congratulate His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio on his re-election and to wish him well in his second term. I also congratulate all those that have been announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) as winners, including the Freetown’s re-elected Mayor, Madam Yvonne Aki-Sawyer.
“Let me on behalf of the Global family of AWOL also congratulate our members who contested for various positions in the June 24 public elections in Sierra Leone, Hon. Chernor R. M. Bah, Mohamed Gento Kamara, Kweku M. S. Lisk Esq. and Majid Aminu. We are very proud of you. With all our differences, biases and prejudices, AWOL is our convergence hub where we see ourselves as one, and we work together in the interest of Sierra Leone.”
He said: “The biggest success story for us is the creation of AWOL Chapters in the Diaspora: In the UK here, in the US, in Europe, in Australia; and now Africa is also joining the global movement as The Gambia is on the verge of launching their own AWOL Chapter.
“The AWOL brand is unique. It provides a platform to not all bring Sierra Leoneans together in unity but it also, most importantly, give us an opportunity to give back to our beloved country, build the next generation of role models, and inspire positive mindset and development.”
Amb. Navo said since the Institution was officially launched in 2001 by the late revered President Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, AWOL is probably the only local and international development organisation in Sierra Leone that has stood the test of time and has survived this long and has the potential to not only exist forever but also bring about sustainable development in our country.
The Global President said: “Like we always say, we do not own AWOL; it is owned by us the people of Sierra Leone; we are just custodians at the moment. We will leave some day and other Sierra Leoneans will take the baton and continue with the good work and ideals of AWOL and even do and achieve greater things. We are proud that we are able to establish such an institution for the good of all Sierra Leoneans.
“Back home in Sierra Leone, the AWOL parent body has been going through some challenges since we last organized the prestigious and popular National Achievement Awards in 2019. However, challenges are meant to be surmounted and make you stronger. So, we are pleased to announce the return of the National Achievement Awards this year in December.
“We have also announced our comeback with the feeding of homeless children in the Northern District headquarter town of Makeni in commemoration of the Day of the African Child on June 16, 2023.
“Finally, this is a night of celebration and we are delighted to be part of this history. Congratulations to all the nominees and the eventual winners in advance. Let us celebrate excellence and inspire others to rise up and shine”.
