Saturday 27 April 2024
by Godwin Ifedi, Editor
Over 200 Liberian nationals, friends and family were at a gala at the Blessed Sacrament Parish hall on Fourth Avenue, to witness the unveiling of the newly elected Executive Committee of the Liberian Association of Ottawa (LAO). Amid an eclectic mix of music, poetry, dancing, meritorious awards to past LAO leaders, and inspirational speeches, guests were grandly entertained with delicious Liberian cuisine, drinks and good companionship.
Keynote speaker Councillor Rawlson King set the tone for the evening with his narrative about his journey to City Hall as the first Black municipal councillor in Ottawa. He described the challenges of using “positive politics” to bring about change to the municipal government, culminating in the establishment of the the city’s anti-racism secretariat. He was followed by newly-elected LAO President, Nyanquoi Suah, who pledged that his administration would be inclusive of all Liberians residing in the national capital and announced plans to engage and empower all members in rebuilding the organization. African Canadian Association of Ottawa President John Adeyefa brought a message of encouragement to the new administration, marking the occasion with a gift of a laptop from his organization to the Liberian Association of Ottawa.
Other highlights of the evening were: a drum performance by Leo Johnson, innovative dance routine by Yemi Andrews, a powerfully vibrant song by Konah Rhynes Jr., an uplifting poetry recital by Ellen Johnson, a fund-raiser, and a special meritorious award to Elder Fred Sherman Snr. former Liberian Ambassador to Canada.
All in all, a totally entertaining evening!
Liberian Association of Ottawa Executive Committee members
President: Nyanquoi Suah Vice-President: Willametta Weekie Moulton Secretary; Dekote Woods Mosindi Treasurer: Sethelo Barclay Mulbah Advisor: Julietta Jablasone
It was a very entertaining and informative evening. Congratulations to the Liberian Association of Ottawa.