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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