By: Stephen G. Fellajuah
Email fellajuahstepheng@gmail.com
A prominent infectious diseases expert, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, M.D., has been awarded with Emma Shannon Walser Medal for Rule of Law, Good Governance & Patriotism by the Liberian Institute for Growing Patriotism
The honoring program took place Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at the Bella Casa Hotel in Monrovia. While introducing the program, the Board Chair of ABIC & Executive Director of the Liberian Institute of Growing Patriotism, Olubanke King-Akerele said the ceremony followed on the wake of the institution eight anniversary.
She said in January the Liberian Institute of Growing Patriotism launched the first group of beneficiaries and added that the institution in March also focused on women, recognising their efforts to the development of Liberia.
According to Executive Director King-akerele this is the fourth award program which she said her institution took seizure of the opportunity to honor Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan with Emma Shannon Walser Medal for Rule of Law, Good Governance & Patriotism for his enormous patriotic contribution to the Republic of Liberia.
Outlining the background of who Judge Emma Shannon Walser was, Senator Conmany Wesseh said the Late Judge Walser who died last year at the age of 91, was the daughter of an ex. Chief Justice, adding that she was the first female Judge of the Circuit Court.
Senator Wesseh narrated that she was among the first group of people to join the Movement for Africa Justice (MOJA) and described her as a progressive woman who had an opened mind of the Liberian Judiciary system and made significant judgement by holding firm to the Liberian laws.
However, he indicated that the government in power then was not happy with Judge Walser on the role she played, saying, “Progressive mean you are going for the change for the better and you have to stand up for something, and Emma was the woman, progressive change for a better country.”
Giving the rationale for Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan receiving the Medal, Cllr. Yvette Chesson- Wureh expressed extreme pleasure to honor Dr. Nyan, who she described as an outstanding Liberian.
She further that Emma Shannon Walser was an opene minded genius who believed in the laws of Liberia.
“This award goes to a patriotic front runner Dr. Nyan”, she stated and clarified that “you don’t have to be in government, just any patriotic Liberian can get this award.” She further recognized Dr. Nyan second patent for his invention of a rapid diagnostic test that detects multiple infections.
Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan expressed excitement to be chosen among several Liberians to receive the award, adding that he had not thought of receiving such that his little work is observed and appreciated.
in his response, Dr. Nyan paid homage to several past social justice and academic fighters and said that he was motivated to do more when the late President Tolbert referred to him and many as pressure jury.
“This award is dedicated and given to my high school Biology instructor at the Monrovia Collage to the memory of the late Rev. Dr. Caterial Cooper. She was the major driven force behind my dream after I was expelled for advocating for the justice and future of my fellows’ students” he said.
The infectious diseases expert indicated that his destiny was also shift by Senator Conmany Wesseh who helped him to get quality education outside the country when he was taken to exile due to fear of death.
” My parents, family and Children’s we want to say thank you for this award. However, I want to use this occasion to call on all Liberia to be courageous, steadfast and focus on what they want to achieve. The society is watching and with focus they can achieve” he urged.
The program was also attended by several prominent Liberians including Ambassador Williymai Tolbert King, Liberian Advisor to the Republic of Cote d’ voire and the African Development Bank.
