Reporter Emmanuel A.B. Turay writes:
The newly appointed CEO of UNIMAK’s strongest contributing donor, the St. Lawrence Foundation in Italy, has been crowned as ceremonial Chief for the municipality of Makeni, Bombali Sebora Chiefdom in recognition of the Foundation’s support of the development of the city at a ceremony held at the Makeni City Hall.
In her crowning statement, the Mayor of the municipality of Makeni, Her Worship Sunkarie K. Kamara told the audience that the municipality is proud to crown the newly appointed CEO of the St. Lawrence Foundation, Chiara Zanchi, because of the numerous indirect supports the Foundation has offered to UNIMAK, which falls within her municipality, through education, scholarships, infrastructural development and entrepreneurship. The infrastructural support to UNIMAK can be seen situated at the approach to the city along Azzolini Highway, where several businesses, offices and supermarkets not only provide support to the university but also beautify the city entrance.
Her Worship the Mayor also reiterated the various community services extended to the municipality by UNIMAK including the present urban planning programme for which she visited Spain and was able to raise about two million pounds project for the city project.
“Taking into consideration all of your Foundation’s extensive support to our municipality in diverse ways, and in consultation with my Paramount Chief and traditional authorities, I hereby crown you to serve as goodwill Ambassador and ceremonial Chief for the municipality of Makeni, hereby called Ya Alimamy N’kolo I; the Mayor concluded.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of the CEO of St. Lawrence Foundation, Professor Angela Bassoli from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Milan, apologised for the absence of the CEO in the ceremony due to a sudden malaria attack but expressed appreciation for the honour and recognition accorded to the foundation and most especially the CEO Ya Alimamy N’kolo I. On behalf of the foundation Prof. Angela Bassoli pledged their continued support to the municipality in various programmes especially agro business.
The crowning ceremony was chaired by the Chief Administrator of Makeni City Council William Alpha, welcome address delivered by Pa Santigie Follah Turay and Vote of thanks by Mr. Emmanuel Turay.
Mayor, Traditional Chiefs and Prof. Bassoli
Also present at the crowning ceremony were traditional chiefs led by Pa Santigie Follah Turay, traditional society ‘sowes’, the Vice-Chancellor UNIMAK Rev. Prof. Joseph Turay ,and the Chief Administrator and Deputy of Makeni City council.
The ceremony was climaxed by traditional singing and dancing.