‘I Am a Peaceful Man’…Weah Asserts; As He, Others Receive Golden Image Awards
By: Rancy S. Teewia
President George Manneh Weah has received the International Peace and leadership award at the Bicentennial Edition of 2022, Golden Image Awards held in Monrovia on Thursday.
Pres. Weah’s 2022 Golden Image award is in recognition of his hard work and contribution and efforts in helping to keep the peace and overseeing the growth and development of the country.
The award is also in recognition of his efforts in serving as a beacon of hope for the thousands of At-Risk Youth of Liberia, as well as his instrumentality and effectiveness while working as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador during Liberia’s civil crisis.
Receiving the award on Thursday at the Monrovia City Hall, the Liberian leader noted that the award will strengthen him to continue working for the ultimate betterment of the people and the country.
“I am a man of peace, I repeat, I am a man of peace, and I believe in the principles of Peace because without Peace our world will not be a better place. The absence of a sustainable peace will make our dreams and aspirations unachievable,” Pres. Weah stated.
The Golden Image Awards is a national Liberian meritorious award founded in 2011, by Liberia Crusade for peace, bestowed upon individuals, organizations and countries that have made selfless contributions to human development initiatives nationally or internationally.
Meanwhile, as Liberia gears up to commemorate the Bicentennial Edition of the 175th Independence Day, the Liberian leader has also expressed appreciation to the People and Government of the United States of America for their tremendous role and contributions to Liberia over the years.
He added that Liberia’s history will be incomplete without the mention and role of the historical ties and bonds of friendship that the two countries share.
“I am delighted to be a part of this year’s Golden Image Awards, as a GOLDEN IMAGE AWARDEE myself, and as the Convener of this Award, I am even more excited that this evening we are not only commemorating Liberia’s Bicentennial but also beginning the celebration of our Country’s 175th Independence Anniversary, which, as you are all aware, will be observed on the 26th of July, just a few days from now,” President Weah indicated.
“You will recall that in February this year, we launched the commemoration of 200 years of the founding of our beloved Nation, Mama Liberia, in recognition and appreciation of our unique and enviable history,” Pres. Weah recalled.
In a related development, Several individuals, including Liberians at home, abroad and foreigners have been awarded the prestigious Golden Image Awards in different categories.
The awards were given to individuals who have made a significant impact in society, dating from 2020 to 2022.
According to ELBC Reporter, the categories include Education, Empowerment and Arts and Culture.
The late Mother Annie Nushann of Totota, Bong County, was awarded an Icon of Peace Award, while Protocol Officer Paywala Janyan was given the Leadership/Achievers Award.
Public Works Minister Ruth Coker-Collins and the Director of the National Fisheries Authority, Emma Glasco, were also awarded for their outstanding work in Government.
The Golden Image Award also recognized famous Businessman Jeety, Gospel Musician Ablaco Gaye, Commerce Minister Marwein Diggs and FrontPage Africa Newspaper among others.
At the same time, the Chief Organizer and Head of Secretariat of the Annual Golden Image Award have termed as unpatriotic those criticizing the event.
Ambassador Julie Endee said:” They are doing so out of hate for the country.”
Ambassador Endee also dispelled rumor and the notion that the Government of Liberia is the Chief financier of the event as portrayed by those spreading lies about her.
Speaking at the 2022 Bicentennial Edition of the award Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Monrovia City Hall, she urged Liberians to cultivate a sense of portraying a positive image of the country.
The Liberia Crusaders for Peace Head commended President Weah for his support towards the process.
According to Ambassador Endee, President Weah is a reliable and dependable leader through whose support this year’s award program was possible, despite the challenges.
