Asiwaju Tinubu, You've Demonstrated Great Leadership Quality ––President Koroma

President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone says his country and himself are happy to be associated with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu because of the kind of leadership the latter has provided and continues to provide.

The President made this assertion at a brief reception on Friday, February 14th, for Tinubu, who was visiting Sierra Leone to accept a doctorate of Civil Laws from the Njala University, Freetown.

Receiving former Governor Tinubu in his office in Freetown, President Koroma harped on good leadership using Tinubu as a reference. "We should honour people like you," President Koroma said. "Tinubu, you have what it takes for such leadership. Some of us are fortunate to be associated with you. We will deepen our relationship with Nigeria. Before the United Nations came, Nigeria stood by us, with soldiers whose blood and sweat watered our tree of liberation.

"For somebody like you, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has demonstrated great leadership quality we are happy to be associated with you.

"If we are making any progress here, it is because of the efforts and contributions people like you have made. Everything that happens in Nigeria affects us here. Good leadership in Nigeria affects us. We are watching events in Nigeria as it unfolds and at the end we hope democracy and the will of the people will prevail. Africa only needs leadership. We need to be on the path of transformative leadership and that is what we should have."

The President assured that Sierra Leone will bounce back. "Sierra Leone is on the rebound," he declared. 

"There is a lot we can share from Nigeria's experience. We will try to implement our agenda for posterity. We have come a long way. There is still a long way to emancipate our people. We are rebuilding our country and the lives of our people. Efforts to stabilize our country and people are on. We are opening up Sierra Leone. Soon, Sierra Leone will become very attractive for investment. Sierra Leone just needs time. We put in place proper structures to get the country working again."

The President explained that oil exploration is growing as is mining while there are good potentials for iron ore and agriculture. He said 60 per cent of the people of Sierra Leone are engaged in agriculture even as the country moves to commercialize agriculture. He believes there is a lot Sierra Leone can share from Nigeria's experience.

Asiwaju Tinubu, in his remarks, said if Africa must regain its stride and be attractive for Foreign Direct Investment, it must look inwards for renaissance and build institutions that will support good governance and democracy. Priority, he added, must be given to education, helping the common man, fighting poverty, and giving affordable healthcare.

"Sierra Leone has come a long way," Tinubu said. "Mr. President, you are a major actor. Your two elections reflect commitment to democracy. I congratulate you for providing the kind of leadership Africa requires. We will support all efforts to strengthen economy, good governance and bring about 21st century development. We can be our brother's keepers and promoters of good governance and prosperity. Nigeria will stand by you. Mr. President, I appreciate your friendship."