{"id":14325,"date":"2025-05-04T16:55:27","date_gmt":"2025-05-04T16:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/?p=14325"},"modified":"2025-05-04T16:55:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T16:55:27","slug":"croydon-council-celebrates-sierra-leones-independence-with-historic-flag-raising-ceremony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/?p=14325","title":{"rendered":"Croydon Council Celebrates Sierra Leone\u2019s Independence with Historic Flag-Raising Ceremony"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Monday, 28 April 2025, London\u2019s Croydon Council made history by flying the national flag of Sierra Leone outside its Town Hall for the very first time, marking the country\u2019s 64th Independence Anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The commemorative event was officiated by The Worshipful, The Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Kola Agboola. Also in attendance were key dignitaries from the council, including the Statutory Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Lynne Hale, along with a host of distinguished guests from the Sierra Leonean community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In his address, Mayor Agboola praised Sierra Leoneans for their perseverance and their contributions to Croydon\u2019s cultural and civic life. \u201cToday, as I raise this flag, I do so with humility and admiration\u2014not only to honour Sierra Leone\u2019s past, but to celebrate its ongoing journey toward peace and prosperity,\u201d he said. He described the occasion as \u201cmore than a tribute to the past\u2014it is a symbol of a shared journey towards peace, freedom, and a brighter future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Mayor also highlighted the longstanding contributions of Sierra Leoneans to the borough\u2019s development, calling the relationship between Croydon and the Sierra Leonean community \u201ca long, successful history of partnership.\u201d He noted that April 27th marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone\u2019s journey\u2014claiming the freedom to define its destiny\u2014and added, \u201cThough Sierra Leone has faced challenges, its incredible resilience continues to lift the country above adversity.\u201d He concluded his speech by affirming, \u201cIt is a privilege to honour a nation whose people have demonstrated such remarkable strength and spirit,\u201d and offered a prayer for Sierra Leone \u201cto continue to grow in peace and prosperity, with its flag flying high\u2014representing the hopes of all its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Philip Conteh, a member of Croydon Council\u2019s Equality, Strategy and Policy team and a former student of the guest of honour, introduced Sierra Leone\u2019s High Commissioner to the UK, H.E. Dr. Morie Manyeh. Describing him as \u201cthe personification of peace.\u201d Mr. Conteh urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace unity and national identity. He echoed the 2025 Independence theme: \u201cDeepening national consciousness and cohesion in a troubled world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In his keynote address, High Commissioner Dr. Morie Manyeh conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, the government, and the people of Sierra Leone. He thanked the Croydon Council for its warm gesture. \u201cCroydon is more than a host; it is a true partner in our diaspora story\u2014a space of inclusion, collaboration and community cohesion,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Manyeh reflected on the deep historical ties between the UK and Sierra Leone, recalling Freetown\u2019s former role as a regional hub of governance and innovation in West Africa. He went on to speak about Sierra Leone\u2019s journey to independence and praised Britain\u2019s critical support during the civil war, as well as the ongoing bilateral cooperation in education, diplomacy, security, and development. \u201cThis is not just shared history\u2014it is an enduring relationship built on mutual respect and democratic values,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Marking the 64th Independence Anniversary, the High Commissioner called on Sierra Leoneans to reflect on their shared future. \u201cIndependence Day reminds us of the power of unity,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is an occasion that calls on us to set aside our differences and come together as one people, with one purpose and one destiny.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that patriotism requires action: \u201cLoving our country is not passive\u2014it is active. It means contributing to peace, not conflict; to progress, not retrogression. It means celebrating each other\u2019s achievements, mentoring the next generation, and protecting the dignity of our homeland at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Manyeh reminded the diaspora of its vital role, insisting, \u201cWe are not just citizens\u2014we are ambassadors. Every professional success and every act of service reflects on the country we call home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concluding his speech, the High Commissioner invited attendees to honour \u201cthe brave men and women who sacrificed so much to win Sierra Leone its independence, and those who continue to work tirelessly to preserve our unity and sustain our sovereignty\u2014from our armed forces and civil servants, to our farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and other everyday heroes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the speeches, the Green, White, and Blue flag of Sierra Leone was majestically raised above the County Hall, accompanied by a rendition of the national anthem led by the newly formed Sierra United Brass Band. The occasion ended in jubilant celebration as the flag soared above Croydon Town Hall\u2014a proud symbol of heritage, partnership, and shared hope for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event was also graced by several distinguished guests, including Mrs. Marie Manyeh, Deputy High Commissioner Yvonne King Odigboh, Reverend Julian Emmanuel Khan (CEO of Mercy Media), Madam Julie Ngobeh of Children\u2019s Social Care, and Mr. Sallu Kanu of Croydon Council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This historic flag-raising marks a significant moment not only for Sierra Leone, but also for Croydon\u2014a borough known for its diversity and inclusion\u2014further solidifying the bonds between local governance and its vibrant global community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abdulai Braima<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information Attach\u00e9<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On Monday, 28 April 2025, London\u2019s Croydon Council made history by flying the national flag of Sierra Leone outside its Town Hall for the very first time, marking the country\u2019s 64th Independence Anniversary. The commemorative event was officiated by The Worshipful, The Civic Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Kola Agboola. Also in attendance were key dignitaries…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14325"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14343,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14325\/revisions\/14343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.slhc-uk.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}