By Zainab Jobarteh
Jokadu District in North Bank Division has recently called a District Assembly to award and recognise individuals, villages and institutions that have contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the district.
Alpha Marian Khan, the Chief of Jokadu affirmed that the event is first of its kind. He explained that the purpose of hosting the award ceremony was to express appreciation and gratitude to individuals, villages, staff of government institutions as well as members of the public and private sectors.
“This is to recognise their valuable contributions to the socio-economic development initiatives of the district through peace building, respect for rule of law, excellent service delivery and social cohesion,’’ he said.
The ceremony, which attracted ‘Alkalolu’ from all the villages within the district, regional governors, police commissioner and other delegates, consisted of citations and presentation of certificates to awardees of different categories.
Among the categories of awards included ‘the most peaceful village and the most tax compliant village. It also awarded organisations and distinguished personalities within the district for their contribution to the areas of health, education and security.
Underscoring the importance of the event, the Chief said it will impact the lives of the people in the district; that it will form a basis of evaluating and assessing performance. “And if all sectors expect to be evaluated annually, they will work towards the day’’. He believes that it is also a way of encouraging youths to work and take part in developmental projects.
There tends to be an unhealthy political climate in communities after elections. Aji Gas Lowe, Lady Councilor of the district said the District Assembly would make it easy for different political parties to put aside their differences and work together.