(SLENA, 29th October, 2021). His Excellency Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Monday 25th October 2021 served as a guest of honour and keynote speaker at the opening session of Cohort 8 of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) seminar in Liberia, where he bagged an Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership and dedication to the cause of defending democracy and good governance in Africa from the Alumni and Convener of YPLS Africa.
The seminar brought exceptional speakers and personalities across Africa and the world including the Honorable Vice President of the Republic of Liberia – Dr Jewel Howard Taylor, former President of the Republic of Liberia – Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, and Ambassadors from the United States of America, Sweden, and The United Kingdom.
Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh used the platform to showcase the gains of the Government of Sierra Leone in Education, Youth and Gender empowerment, religious tolerance, radical inclusion, Agriculture and Good Governance.
Addressing the 100 young leaders from eight African countries on the topic: *The Elements of Good Governance*, Sierra Leone’s Vice President talked about his outstanding work-life at the United Nations including his contributions to the democratisation process across Africa. He cautioned Young leaders against violence and admonished them to promote tolerance, gender parity, unity and to respect the rule of law and human rights.
* »The future face of Africa is women. Young people, in whatever capacity you are, try to promote women empowerment and get them to the position where they should be, »* His Excellency Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasised.
His Excellency went on to entreat the young leaders to promote civic engagements through civil society organisations, « without that, » he went on, « there would be a progressive contraction of the civic space, thereby affecting good governance and accountability. »
While referring to the statement made by his colleague Vice President of Liberia, Dr Jewel Howard Taylor, Dr Jalloh expressed dissatisfaction in the political apathy expressed by young Africans, adding that they should engage and participate in electoral processes.
« Youth potentials can better be unleashed in a progressive and democratic state, » Sierra Leone’s Vice President affirmed.
The Honorable Vice President summed up his speech by advising his young audience to develop acceptable character traits, promote patriotic values and defend democracy.
