![\"Chairman](\"http:\/\/sem.lamtech.sl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Chairman_making_his_opening_remarks.jpg\")
<\/a>Chairman making his opening remarks<\/p><\/div>\n
In his welcome address, the Ambassador, Wusu B. Munu said he was bringing greetings to all Sierra Leoneans in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on behalf of the President, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.<\/p>\n
He congratulated his nationals in advance on the country\u2019s 52nd Independence anniversary. The Ambassador also paid a glowing tribute to the national leaders, who won political independence from the British colonial rule on 27th April, 1961.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Sierra Leoneans praying for their country<\/p><\/div>\n
He described the event as worth celebrating as according to him, Sierra Leone has moved beyond several hurdles especially the 10- year rebel war that officially ended in 2001, adding that, Sierra Leoneans should be proud to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
He informed his audience that after a successful transformation in both governance and institutional sectors, remarkable achievements have been made so far since independence, adding that, all leaders since that time, deserve commendation.<\/p>\n
The envoy also seized the opportunity to explain the giant strides of the incumbent government under the “Agenda for Change” and also informed them about the President\u2019s \u201cAgenda for Prosperity\u201d, which he says, is a blue print development policy that would build on the successes of the \u201cAgenda for Change\u201d.<\/p>\n
<\/a>A cross section of men at the ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
<\/a>A cross section of women at the ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
In his remarks, President of the SLNU, Uthman Kargbo described the attendance as a \u201ctrue spirit of patriotism.\u201d He said he was very pleased with the patriotic sentiments always expressed by Sierra Leoneans in the Kingdom when it comes to the reflection and celebration of the country\u2019s Independence Day.<\/p>\n
Leading the prayers, one of the elders in the community, Sheik Mohammad Bailah Bah appealed to the congregation to recite the Qur\u2019an with humbleness and piety. He also appealed to them to pray fervently for their leaders, peace, unity, stability and development in Sierra Leone.<\/p>\n
The colourful gathering was chaired by the proactively calm diplomat and First Secretary of the Embassy, Salamu Koroma. Earlier, he gave a brief history of Sierra Leone before it gained Independence. Koroma added that Sierra Leone stands on the shoulders of those patriots who fought for \u201cour freedom and sovereignty as a nation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Most of the attendees say they were very proud as a nation to celebrate 52 years of existence as a cohesive nation with religious and political tolerance.<\/p>\n
The vote of thanks was given by one of the community elders, Hamid Tunkara.<\/p>\n