-Receives Leadership Excellence Award
By Jerromie S. Walters
On Friday, October 4, 2024, Jewel Howard Taylor, Liberia’s immediate former vice president, was honored with a prestigious Award of Leadership Excellence in Nation Building and inducted as MATRON of the United Nations International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC) AFRICA, a U.S.-based international non-governmental organization.
The former vice president has earned herself the title of “Icon of Peace” and received the Distinguished Fellow Award from the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG). The ceremony took place at the Jewel Starfish Foundation office in Congo Town.
The Presentation of the award was done by Amb. Dr. Dipo Olagbemiro, UNIPGC Country Chief, Sierra Leone, while the Induction /Oath of Office as MATRON of UNIPGC AFRICA was administered by H. E Amb. Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, UNIPGC Global President.
In a Goodwill Message at the occasion, Amb. Dr. Dipo Olagbemiro – UNIPGC Country Chief, Sierra Leone Olagbemiro, detailed the role of a matron, a title that Taylor embodies with grace. “For clarity of doubts, who is a matron? Why does the cap of a matron fit her? A matron is a married woman, usually marked by dignified maturity or social distinction in society. This speaks volumes of her character and why the cap fits her.”
He further accentuated Madam Taylor’s impressive achievements, noting, “Fortunately, before 2017, she had so many accomplishments. The period from 1997 to 2006 was also highly remarkable in the history of Liberia. In late 2017, Her Excellency became the first female vice president of Liberia.”
He emphasized the significance of the occasion. “We are very grateful to the Almighty God for today, who has allowed us to be alive,” Olagbemiro began, emphasizing the importance of the event. “Today remains iconic. Iconic in the sense that it marks another milestone in history. Interestingly, we bring greetings to you, Madam Taylor, from all top management of UNIPGCA.”
Delivering her Manifesto for UNIPGC AFRICA and comment of gratitude, Madam Jewel Howard Taylor admitted her fervent appreciation for the recognition. She stated, “I’m honored this afternoon [that] amongst the millions of women across Africa, to be given such recognition at this time in my political career. God has his timing, but the fact is that your work never ends. For me, this is a life journey, and it is not tied to the fact that I’m in a political office; it’s tied to the fact that I know that I’m one of those God is using in the end-time ministry to do those things that are right for our nation, for our people, and to inspire the next generation so that it goes beyond an office. It is about using the space that God has provided to continue to show that, indeed, it can be done the right way.”
The former vice president also reflected on the challenges of leadership, saying, “The journey of life takes us through many bad ways and high ways, but what I like about the UNIPEC vision is its commitment to promoting peace, good governance, and transparency—doing all of the things that we should do as leaders to build a better society. For me, my assignment is just being extended. As a voice, as a mentor, as a role model, we should be showing not just by speaking, but by our lifestyles that what we say is what we believe.”
Still, In her remarks, Madam Taylor expressed gratitude to the organizations that have recognized the significance of her existence and commitment to society. She vowed to remain consistent in giving society the best of herself. “I’m so grateful to all of the different organizations that waited a year to come and honor me in this special way. As I made my pledge, I will do the best that I can to the best of my ability—so help me God.”
As the event coincided with the approach of October 11, the International Day of the Girl Child, Taylor emphasized the importance of addressing critical issues affecting young girls.
Her words: “This event must transcend beyond this room. We must begin to talk about the issues that matter and lay the standards to teach our young daughters that living a good life comes with challenges. The Bible says a good name is better than riches. I heard that from my mother many years ago; I might have been five or six, and I didn’t quite understand what it meant.”
She further noted, “Today, after more than forty years in the political and public space, I’m grateful that I represent the ideals of my parents. Doing what is right for your community and your society is the best testament to who you are as a person. So let me thank UNIPGCA as the umbrella organization and all those who have taken the time to travel here at their own expense.”
Profiling the UNIPGC earlier, Amb. Fanta Ceesay – UNIPGC Special Envoy, Liberia, said the United International Peace and Governance Council’s (UNIPGC) principal means of achieving our goals are through enlightenment, seminars, conferences, interventions, conflict resolutions, mediations, publications, lectures, and deployment of peace emissaries as the need arises.
According to her, UNIPGC has established Educational capacity-building Institutions such as the Chartered Institute of Peace and Governance (CIPG) and the American University of Peace and Governance (AUPG), serving as veritable platforms for training diplomats, leaders, and peace ambassadors worldwide. Its educational program seeks to develop the capacities of global leaders with a focus on promoting the principles that foster Good Governance and peaceful co-existence of societies.
The body aims to collaborate with various world Governments, United Nations Agencies, and other Diplomatic Missions to support the mandates of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It works closely with United Nations Associations that exist in various countries to lubricate and oil the wheels of relationships between the United Nations and the people of member states and also create public awareness of the various activities of the UN.
The Objectives of UNIGPC include the Promotion of Sustainable Peace and Good Governance Advocacy, Election Monitoring, Alleviation and Eradication of Poverty through Charitable Programs, Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals, Encouraging Security and Disarmament, Promotion of Human Rights, Assisting in the provision of Humanitarian needs, and Training and Orientation of Community Peace Ambassadors.
ORGANOGRAM
UNIPGC is Governed by the Supreme Council, which constitutes the highest order of the organogram and is headed by the Global President, who doubles as the Chairman of the Supreme Council to oversee the affairs of all activities and programs of UNIPGC worldwide.
The Supreme Council consists of ranking personalities and professionals who are experts in various fields, informing the general public of the activities, importance, and values of the United Nations. Our highest decision-making body, The Supreme Council, is currently headed by His Excellency Ambassador (Dr) Jonathan Ojadah.
The Global President is assisted and deputized by Continental Vice Presidents and Secretary Generals who are prominent diplomats, university dons, seasoned technocrats, senior public servants, senior security officials, and recognizable individuals who have made their marks and join him at the table of the Supreme Council to oversee the affairs of each continent and give reports to the Global President and Chairman Of the Supreme Council.
UNIPGC functions in various continents through the Secretary-General, who assists and reports to the Continental Vice President. The Secretary-General is the continental administrator who appoints and controls the affairs of the Regional Directors, Country Directors, Country Chiefs, Special Envoys, and Advisory Boards who discharge their responsibilities as charted by the General Assembly after taking into consideration the pressing challenges that need attention in our list of goals and objectives.
