TARABA State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, have been conferred with the prestigious Golden Image Award in Liberia in recognition of his outstanding service to humanity, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a better future for present and succeeding generations.
The award was presented in Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, during activities marking the country’s 179th Independence Anniversary, at the 16th Edition of the Golden Image Award ceremony.
The event was hosted under the distinguished leadership of Liberian President, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and was attended by top government functionaries.
The Golden Image Award, the brainchild of Amb. Juli Endee, a social worker dedicated to promoting excellence, celebrates outstanding individuals, organisations and institutions from across the globe whose selfless service has advanced global peace, security, human dignity, leadership, investment, and sustainable development, particularly among vulnerable and less privileged communities.
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Kefas said Africa’s unity could foster development on the continent, even as Liberia is breaking new frontiers in growth.
He dedicated his award to the great people of Taraba State, stressing that he would continue to work for the advancement of humanity.
According to the organisers, Dr. Agbu Kefas emerged as one of the distinguished international recipients following a rigorous evaluation of his outstanding service to humanity, visionary leadership, and continuous commitment to creating a better future for present and succeeding generations.
In her opening remarks, Amb. Juli Endee said Liberia is gradually pulling out of its past image stained by civil strife and the Ebola crisis.
She noted that President Boakai gave the first seed money 16 years ago when the idea of the Golden Image Award was first mooted.
Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, applauded the organisers, noting that the award has uplifted the lot of Liberian women and also celebrates 20 years of unbroken peace in the country.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Vice President of Liberia, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, said the award means a great deal to the country, especially as it prepares to celebrate 179 years of independence.
He noted that President Boakai would have loved to be present but was held up at a security meeting.
He hailed the organisers for celebrating excellence and inspiring hope, noting that their consistency has turned the award into a veritable platform for inspiring hope.
“Liberian history highlights the sacrifices of those who came before us. One government alone cannot build the Liberia we seek,” he said, urging all Liberians to see themselves as stakeholders in the Liberian project.
The Ambassador of China to Liberia, Yin Chengwu, noted that the award is a platform to recognise global excellence, adding that China is proud to support the agenda of the Boakai administration from agriculture to the health sector.
The Taraba State Government has dedicated this prestigious recognition to the resilient people of the state, whose support and shared aspiration for progress continue to inspire the administration’s resolve to deliver purposeful leadership and transformational governance.
The recognition further reinforces Taraba State’s emergence as a model of progressive leadership, demonstrating that commitment to the welfare of the people, promotion of peace, and investment in human capital continue to attract global acknowledgement.
Others who received awards included the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.
