By Alhaji Haruna Sani
The International Committee Board of Diaspora Focus has informed the management of Concord Times in a formal letter, that members of the public have nominated the establishment among five newspapers for the National Development Awards 2023.
“Your exceptional contribution to nation building need not be over-emphasised, hence, members of the public nominated you alongside other print media institutions in category one, “Education and Media” section 1D: Print Media of The Year,” the letter reads.
According to the letter, the shortlisting process was painstakingly done by the Award Committee and only five (5) highly rated print media institutions made it to the final.
Voting has already been declared since Monday 8th October, 2023, and it will close on Friday 1st December 2023 at 12:00 PM.
“You can vote through our special voting slip or through our mobile money accounts. Your voting code is 1D1. For further direction please contact us through the above stated contacts,” the letter from Diaspora Focus reads.
Diaspora Focus is an organisation formed in the United Kingdom to advance the cause and welfare of Africans living abroad and returning home to better integrate and contribute meaningfully to their communities and societies as a whole.
The organization, which is registered in Sierra Leone, is geared towards holistic development. Over the years, they have organised and participated in various activities including award ceremonies (winners of the previous award ceremony in UK includes: The Right Hon. Harriett Hammond – emeritus Deputyy British Prime Minister, Ambassadors, Mayors and other bigwigs), the fight against cholera, Ebola and Corona, pageantries, symposiums and series of socio-educational interventions.
This years’ event marks the 12th edition of the National Development Awards (NaDA) Ceremony. Their first Award Ceremony was hosted by Madam Fatima Bio, current First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, at the KLM Center, London, United Kingdom on 16th June 2012).
This year’s event will be grace by the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh in the capacity as Distinguished Grand Chief Patron on the theme: “… Together We Can”.
This event will be in similitude to those organised in the diaspora and will be broadcast both nationally and internationally.
The National Development Awards (NaDA) ceremony and banquet will take place on Friday, 8th December, 2023 at 7:00PM, at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel, Aberdeen, Freetown, in the presence of a galaxy of dignitaries at home and from the diaspora, including diplomats, political heads and other stakeholders.
