Dr. Tipoteh’s Consistency, Courage Hailed

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has congratulated opposition leader Togba-Nah Tipoteh, who turned ‘75’ on Wednesday. The President praised Dr. Tipoteh for his consistency, courage and commitment as he was never deterred by people’s perception about him in doing the right thing. According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf made the remarks on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at a symposium held in his honor at University of Liberia auditorium to celebrate the 75th birth anniversary of the veteran Liberian politician.

She described Dr. Tipoteh as someone who stepped forward to set the record straight when key points highlighted in her 1972 commencement address were misconstrued by some Liberians.
Also speaking at the symposium was Dr. Amos C. Sawyer – a longtime comrade of Dr. Tipoteh, who said although Dr. Tipoteh was not a man of celebration, but they, as friends and comrades, suggested to him that amid the Motto of the celebration the: “DIAMOND IN DR. TIPOTEH,” should be observed in public based on Dr. Tipoteh’s willingness. This prompted the choice of the main campus of the University of Liberia to enable young people, mainly students to engage into intellectual discussion that will help the Liberian people to learn from his wealth of experience.

The celebrant – Dr. Togba Nah Tipoteh, said “if you keep your faith in Jehovah God, the Almighty, through everything, He will always help you,” noting that prevention is better than cure, as it has always been his philosophy during the course of his life – something that has been able to bring him so safe and successfully thus far. Recalling his 1973 commencement addressed, Dr. Tipoteh said his philosophy in life is to always look at the subsistence of issues, instead of looking at the periphery to draw conclusions. The Ceremony brought together an array of government officials, students, academic institutions, friends of Dr. Tipoteh and educators. Meanwhile, President has lauded the out-going Country Manager of Chevron Liberia Limited, Mr. Karl Cottrell for his services rendered the Liberian people during seven years of good work in Liberia, including assistance to the John F. Kennedy Hospital.

“I like to applaud you for all you have done for Liberia and Liberians,” President Sirleaf said. She said more needed to be done for JFK because, according to her, that’s one of the areas her government was prioritizing now.

President Sirleaf made the commendation when outgoing Country Manager of Chevron Liberia Ltd., Mr. Karel Cottrell, paid a courtesy call on her.  She said she was pleased with his decision to take leave and assured Mr. Cottrell of her government’s fullest cooperation with the team. The Liberian leader said she was delighted him for leaving a Liberian in charge – something, she noted, was a clear manifestation of team work. In brief remarks, Mr. Cottrell thanked President Sirleaf for the cordial working relationship and the opportunity to invest in Liberia, pledging his institution’s support to Liberia.

Mr. Cottrell is expected to depart Liberia next week for another assignment. He was accompanied by Messrs Iain Case, Commercial Manager, Kollie G. Gizzie (a Liberian), David B. Smith and Cllr. Althea Sherman of NOCAL.