By: Jerromie S. Walters
It was an astonishing period at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex late Tuesday, March 14, 2023, as scores of citizens of Lofa County congregated to venerate the accomplishments of their county and bestowed upon the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Jefferson T. Koijee, the honor of ‘Hero of Lofa”, in recognition of his immense contribution to the county over the last few years.
Mayor Koijee was presented with the honor by Liberia’s former Vice President, Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai, on behalf of the people of Lofa County, with an intrinsic call for unity and togetherness.
As disclosed by the organizers, the Monrovia City Mayor was honored for the level of patriotism he displayed toward the people of Lofa and the county in general.
They believe he’s a distinct example of a youthful leader who holds huge prestige and regard for his country.
Prior to the mayor’s honor, Amb. Joseph Baokai was also awarded.
In his acceptance statement, the Lofa County political godfather applauded the organizing committee for recognizing the commitment and efforts of individuals who have made strides for the people of the county.
According to him, Lofa County was among the first five additional counties that were added to the previous four.
He said the county has, over the years, contributed immensely to the growth and development of Liberia.
“We’re grateful to the organizers for their thoughts on honoring us for our sacrifices and the many other things we have done for Lofa and the country at large. This, we think, is welcoming, and we highly appreciate the award,” he said.
For decades, he alluded that he has made his lifetime commitment to serving the county and the country because he believes that, despite their differences, they all have an obligation to contribute to the growth of the county and the growth of Liberia.
“We want to assure you that the work has just begun, and we will work with our young people to promote the peace of the country,” Amb. Boakai noted.
While presenting the “Hero of Lofa Award” to Monrovia City Mayor, Amb. Boakai thanked Mayor Koijee for his dedicated services rendered to the people of Lofa County over the years.
“This event isn’t only meant to honor people, but to appreciate people for their active role in the development of Lofa County,” he said.
At the same time, Mayor Koijee, while receiving the award from the former Vice President, said it was a stunning honor to have been recognized by his fellow [kinsmen]. He noted that the accolade bestowed on him manifested that Lofaians were grateful people.
He vowed to continue to join ranks with Lofaians in and around Liberia to incessantly project Lofa while pursuing a one-Lofa agenda, an assertive agenda that projects Lofa unity.
Furthermore, the mayor said he holds Lofa sacred to his heart. Mr. Koijee said being honored and sashed by former Vice President Boakai, an elder of the county, was remarkable. He added that it also speaks volumes about the uniqueness of Lofa’s heritage.
Koijee made a clarion call to Lofaians to always rationally see safeguarding the county’s fundamental norms and values, as well as integrity, as an utmost priority.
Unarguably, Mayor Jefferson T. Koijee has done significantly well in Liberia County over the last few years, specifically through sports and other cardinal means.
