By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Moscow, Russian Federation
His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo has called on 12 newly qualified Sierra Leonean medical doctors to return home and help strengthen the country’s healthcare sector.
The appeal was made during a farewell ceremony held at the Conference Hall of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow, where the graduates were recognized for their academic achievements and successful completion of their medical studies.
Addressing the graduates, Ambassador Yongawo extended warm congratulations and conveyed special messages of felicitation from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Ministers of Technical and Higher Education and Health, as well as the Government and people of Sierra Leone, in recognition of their outstanding academic performance and their qualification as medical doctors.
The Ambassador encouraged the graduates to return home and use their knowledge and expertise to support not only the healthcare sector but also the broader national development agenda.
“I am a very proud Ambassador and a father today, seeing you raise the Green, White and Blue flag of our beloved Mama Sierra Leone high on the international stage,” Ambassador Yongawo said.
He gave special recognition to Dr. Alfred Osman Kamara and Dr. Hawanatu B. Marrah, both of whom graduated with distinctions.
Of the 25 Sierra Leonean students who graduated this year from various institutions in Moscow, 12 qualified as medical doctors, with 10 graduating from RUDN University and 2 from another university in the Russian capital.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Chancery, Mr. Ibrahim Saspo Sankoh, congratulated the graduates on their hard work and perseverance. He also encouraged them to complete all necessary post-graduation formalities, including the verification and notarisation of their academic certificates.
Responding, the graduates expressed sincere appreciation to Ambassador Yongawo and the Embassy staff for their unwavering support and the Embassy’s open-door policy, which they said greatly contributed to their academic success during their stay in Russia.
The ceremony concluded with light refreshments in a warm and celebratory atmosphere as the graduates bid farewell to the Ambassador and Embassy staff.
