The Imo State government on Thursday conferred on Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf, president of Liberia the chieftain title of ‘Adadioranma’ during her visit to the state
Johnson who arrived Imo state via the Owerri International Cargo Airport was taken to the palace of the Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers HRM, Samuel Ohiri where the chieftain ceremony took place.
Ohiri said that President Ellen has done Africa proud, especially the women folks, hence the deserved the title conferred on her-which actually means “The Daughter that is good for all”.
Johnson in her statement, said she was happy to be in Imo State and noted that Africa and the nations that constitute the region have not done badly at all considering the challenges facing the continent.
She added that with better education, hardwork and unity of purpose, Africa would soon get to the Promised Land.
President Sirleaf is expected to meet with the Students of Rochas Foundation College of Africa for interaction and would also parley with Liberian Students in the College whose parents died of the Ebola disease.
The Liberian President will also be involved in discussions around the vision 2030 of the Rochas Foundation College of Africa which has been programmed to ensure that more than one million children of Africa are taken off the streets and given quality education.
Sirleaf will also deliver a lecture in Owerri on “Women in Politics” and would receive the Imo Merit Award A road in the state capital is expected to be named after her, among other honours.
Rochas Okorocha, the host governor, said Sirleaf is a pride to Africa and an inspiration to all the women in Africa and beyond, adding that her coming to the State was a thing of joy and excitement.
Sirleafs visit is coming on the heels of the recent unveiling of the statue of President Jacob Zuma of South Africa in Owerri and the conferment on him of ‘ochiagha’ chieftancy title.
The erection of the statue and the chieftancy title, which means- warlord,has been criticised by members of the public and civil servants in the state who alleged non-payment of their salaries.
