The Ruined Anticipated UNIMAK Memorial Lecture

By: Ibrahim Jalloh – (Jallomy

In loving memory of the late Bishop Augustus F. Azzolini and in recognition of his pioneering leadership in establishing the Catholic Church in the Northern region of Sierra Leone, the current generation of the Catholic Church leadership and membership through the University of Makeni conceptualized and established the late Bishop Augustus F. Azzolini memorial lecture. Among several, this is an initiative that captures the admiration and appreciation of not only the faithful and laity of the Catholic Church in northern Sierra Leone but the mass of direct and indirect beneficiaries of the Catholic Church.

This year's lecture series were scheduled and thematically focused on national cohesion. The theme is not only timely and appropriate but bears the hallmarks of putting into context a major national deficit: a cohesive state. The current polarized nature of the state along the narrow lines of tribe, region and political party has constituted the biggest and loudest threat to stability, peace and sustainable development.

What heightens the momentum and expected outcomes was the choice of guest speaker, the former President of the republic of Sierra Leone. Former President Koroma was going to be the protagonist and guest speaker on an issue that can be best articulated by him on account of his experience as former President and long standing political character in the republic. The unbridled exuberance and uncontrolled excitement drew strength from these realities.

The day never came and the public lecture never took place! November 23 was the first date but it elapsed. The reason was not given but was speculative. December 14 was the second date but it ruptured. No reason, no speculation but a mute outcome.

We must open optional corridors. The public lecture must hold and this is a popular and compelling call. Sierra Leone is never in deficit of national figures that will punctuate national issues when called upon.

Perhaps the failings emanate from over concentration of the moment in one person. Admittedly, this was how the lecture was ruined.

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