By: Audrey Raymonda John
A total of one hundred and sixty (162) graduands have graduated from the Elevete African Innovation Institute.
The ceremony was held on Saturday 16th June 2024 at the Government Technical Institute (GTI) Ferry junction, in Freetown.
Delivering the Keynote address on behalf of Chief Innovator, his wife Ramatulai Shaw said, the ceremony is not just a recognition of students’ achievements, but a testament to their potential to drive change and innovation in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Madam Shaw informed that her husband often speaks about the power of innovation to transform societies and uplift communities, and that he believes that each of the grandaunts with their unique talents and perspectives, hold
Key to solving some of the most pressing issues of our time.
According to Madam Shaw, for her husband, the journey of innovation does not end with graduation, but it is a continuous process of exploration and discovery.
She said her husband is encouraging all to Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and never stop learning, as according to her the path of an innovator is actually straightforward.
She pointed out that “there will be obstacles and setbacks, but that resilience and adaptability will enable you to navigate these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth”. She admonished
She encouraged the grandaunts to seek out diverse perspectives, build strong networks and work together to create impactful solutions.
She noted that the connections they make today will be valued in their future endeavors.
“Remember that your work has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of others. Use your skills and knowledge to address the needs of your community and contribute to sustainable development”. She informed
“As you move forward, remember that you are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and Passion to make a difference. You are the future leaders, innovators, and change makers. The world is waiting for your contributions, and we have every confidence that you will rise to the occasion”. She asserted.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Mufti Ismail Sesay, schooled the grandaunts on the importance of Islamization of technology.
Prof. Sesay urged 162 grandaunts to explore more opportunities using the modern technology.
Director of Elevete African Innovation Mohamed Koroma, disclosed that from a humble beginnings of 3 computers, now to a pool of computers, offering various computer programmes.
He admonished graduating students that as they move into the cooperate world, they should remember that there are endless challenges and setbacks, but their efforts, resistance and strength will make them successful in life.
Other speakers who made meaningful contribution during the graduation ceremony include Class day speaker, Mohamed C. Kamara, Emmanuel Kargbo gave the welcome address, Imam Razi who thought the grandaunts on mutual respect for one another.
Earlier, the chairman of the programme, Madieu Samuka gave encouraging statement to the grandaunts that they should make use of the certificates they have received and to further seek knowledge so as to be able to add value in their academic work.
Distribution of medal to deserving students and the award of certificates to grandaunts climaxed the ceremony.
