31 October 2008
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Wednesday marked her 70th birth anniversary, with the formal launching of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Academic Challenge.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark the event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President expressed the hope that the exercise will reignite the quest for academic excellence among Liberian youths as they prepare for the future.
The Liberian leader, an Executive Mansion release says, thanked the youth groups for celebrating with her on her natal day and called on them to work harder as they prepare to take over the mantle of future state affairs.
The elaborate program, which was interspersed with songs and remarks of commendation for the Liberian leader, also featured an inaugural academic challenge between St. Teresa Convent and the William V.S. Tubman High Schools.
President Johnson Sirleaf was also presented gifts by the Mano River Youth Parliament, Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), the Development Advocates, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The program was organized by the Federation of Liberian Youth in collaboration with the Mano River Union Youth Parliament. Earlier, the Liberian leader participated in an intercessory service held at the edifice of the Faith Healing Temple of Jesus Christ on the Bushrod Island.
The President thanked the congregation for the prayer service and said she was honored to share the same birthday with the Bishop of the church, mother Mai Roberts, who turned 87 years old.
The Liberian leader paid homage to individuals like Mother Roberts and family members who helped instill in her the training which has enable her to appreciate the values of respectability, honesty, transparency and accountability, stressing renewed vigor and commitment towards serving the Liberian people.
The President also commended members of the National Legislature the cabinet, the Judiciary, the Christian and Muslim Communities as well Liberians from all walks of life for the outpouring of well-wishes to mark her birth anniversary.
During the worship service, the Bishop of the Faith Healing Temple of Jesus Christ, Mother Mai Roberts, offered special meditation and prayer for the Liberian leader. Mother Roberts urged the President to continue to promote reconciliation in the country the help heal the wounds.
The intercessory service was attended by several Churches, including the First United Methodist Church, the S. Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church and the Vision in Action Church located in Gardnersville respectively. Gifts were also presented to the President by leaders of the churches in attendance.
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