Saying goodbye to valued colleagues is never easy, and yesterday Friday 19th September, 2025, was no exception at the chancery of the Sierra Leone High Commission (SLHC) in London.
High Commissioner Dr. Morie Manyeh, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, and Acting Head of Chancery Mr. Christopher Bockarie joined the rest of the mission staff in a touching ceremony to bid farewell to four long-serving and outstanding team members.
Two of these amazing people, Mr. Joseph Lennox Maada Goakai and Mrs. Agnes Simeonette During, have just recently left, while Mrs. Elsa Blyden and Mr. David Moiforay are now preparing to move on.
The farewell event was filled with glowing tributes, heartfelt reflections, and sincere appreciation for the contributions each had made to the work of the High Commission.
High Commissioner Dr. Manyeh led the tributes, describing Joseph and Agnes as “two of the finest officers” he had worked with, adding, “Compliments I don’t pay easily.”
He spoke of Elsa as someone he had always regarded as a permanent feature of the SLHC, describing her as “a very good person,” whose kindness and professionalism left a lasting impact: “Wherever you go, progress will be your portion,” he prayed. “We will miss you dearly,” he affirmed warmly.
Reflecting on his long professional and personal history with Mr. David Moiforay, Dr. Manyeh recalled their shared past in Sierra Leone, highlighting Moiforay’s career as a science teacher at the Murray Town Army Secondary School, where he consistently achieved 100% pass rates for his students in WAEC examinations.
Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh also paid heartfelt tribute, noting the coincidence that the departure of two excellent officers, Agnes and Joe, had been followed by the arrival of two equally capable colleagues, Kapu and Hawah. She praised Joe as “efficient and truly hardworking”, and Agnes as “highly professional, dedicated both to her family and to the SLHC family”.
Mrs. King Odigboh described Elsa as “a Jack of all trades, always helping everyone in the office; a true blessing to the mission.” She recalled David’s readiness to step in as her driver on many occasions, noting his dedication and loyalty. “All four of you will be deeply missed. We appreciate you and pray the Lord continues to bless and guide you,” she concluded.
In their responses, the departing officers expressed deep gratitude and affection for the SLHC family.
“Serving the High Commission has been both an honor and a privilege,” said Mr. Moiforay. “I may no longer be behind the wheel, but I will always carry with me the spirit of service, loyalty, and dedication this role has instilled in me.”
Mrs. Blyden was equally heartfelt in her message: “This place has been more than a workplace, it has been like family. I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation, and I will carry with me the friendships and memories we built together.”
The farewell gathering ended on an emotional yet uplifting note, as colleagues shared fond memories, expressed gratitude, and wished the departing staff every success in their future endeavours.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché SLHC- London