By Lewis S. Teh
Liberian former Vice President Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai and some prominent citizens of Lofa County have bestowed the county’s top-notch accolade upon Monrovia Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee.
Amb. Boakai, Grand Master and political godfather of Lofa County, and the prominent citizens of Lofa, honored Mr. Koije for his level of heroism both at the county and national levels during a ceremony Tuesday evening, 14 March 2023 in Congo Town.
At the colorful ceremony, Mayor Koijee, a son of Lofa County, was awarded as the “Hero of Lofa” for his unmatched and dedicated contributions to the growth and development of Lofa County.
The organizers said Koijee epitomizes the spirit of a true Lofaian and his county-centric ideals continue to inspire many Lofaians who now see developing the county as a collective responsibility.
They stated that their son Koijee is an ideal example of a youthful leader who is worthy of simulation.
Former Vice President Joseph Boakai who is also a prominent son of Lofa County presented the award to Mayor Koijee on behalf of Lofa citizens with a call for Lofa unity.
Ambassador Boakai has been regarded as the grand master and the political godfather of Lofa county over the years.
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Some of Mr. Boakai’s kinsmen have criticized him for allegedly doing nothing tangible for the people of Lofa County after decades of public service.
Making brief remarks after receiving his award, Amb. Boakai extolled the organizing committee for their farsightedness to appreciate individuals who have made strides for the people of the county.
According to him, Lofa County was among the first five additional counties that added to the previous four.
He said the county over the years has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Liberia.
“We’re grateful to the organizers for their thoughts to honoring us for sacrifices and the many other things we have done for Lofa and the country at large,” said Mr. Boakai. “This, we think, is welcoming and we highly appreciate the award,” he added.
Over the years, he said he has made his lifetime commitment to serving the county and the country because he believes that despite their differences, they all are under obligation to contribute to the growth of the county, and the growth of Liberia.
“We want to assure you that the work has just begun and we will work with our young people to promote the peace of the country,” said Mr. Boakai.
While presenting the “Hero of Lofa Award” to Monrovia City Mayor, Amb. Boakai thanked Mayor Koijee for his dedicated services rendered to the people of Lofa County over the years.
“This event isn’t only meant to honor people, but to appreciate people for their active role played in the development of Lofa County,” he said.
Receiving the award from Amb. Boakai, Mr. Koijee said it was a stunning honor to have been recognized by his fellow [kinsmen]. He noted that the accolade bestowed on him manifested that Lofaians were grateful people.
According to Mayor Koijee, he will continue to join ranks with Lofaians in and around Liberia to incessantly project Lofa while pursuing a one Lofa agenda, an assertive agenda that projects Lofa unity.
The youthful Mayor said he holds Lofa sacred to his heart. Mr. Koijee said being honored and sashed by former Vice President Boakai, an elder of the county, was remarkable. He added that it also speaks volumes of the uniqueness of Lofa’s heritage.
Koijee made a clarion call to Lofaians to always rationally see safeguarding the county’s fundamental norms and values as well as integrity as an utmost priority.
Mayor Koijee, an influential stalwart of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) dedicated his award to President George Manneh Weah. He said President Weah unearthed his full potential which is today being used to impact Lofa and Liberia at large.
Giving the overview of the occasion, defeated Lofa Senatorial candidate Momo Cyrus said the objective of the program was to bestow honor and recognize the efforts of sons and daughters of Lofa who have contributed immensely to the county in the just-ended national county sports meet.
According to him, from 2021-2023, the Lofa County Team has brought pride to the county, thereby winning the trophy of 2021/2022 national county sports meet football category.
He detailed that the female team won the kickball category in a row in 2022/2023, and the basketball team won the third-place prize in the just-ended tournament.
