The Hague, Netherlands. 08/06/2024.
At a unique gathering of young people, well-wishers, and members of the All People’s Congress party in the Diaspora’s Sixth Region, the former Youth Leader for the APC—UK & Ireland, Senior Comrade Adams Bangura, received double awards from the young people of his party in Holland.
The awards recognized his exceptional leadership and mentoring abilities, which paved the way for many young people in politics and social and community engagements at home and in the Diaspora.
The current Diaspora Young Congress Leader, comrade Mustapha Conteh, aka Port Loko Borbor, paid a special tribute to Leader Adams. The new young leader, one of Leader Adams’ mentees, recalled his first encounter with Leader Adams, who encouraged him to not only join the APC party in the UK, but also explore the wonderful opportunities his great party has for young people like him.
He said Leader Adams Bangura would, at every given opportunity, encourage him and other comrades to believe in themselves, as they aspire for greater heights, not just politically, but also academically, which will lead to nation-building.
Leader Adams’ leadership style and ability to speak truth to political leaders, including those in his party, has marginalised him several times from the party. He is known for being fierce in speaking out on issues of social justice, human rights, the rule of law, and, among other things, the excesses of the state. Standing up for these issues has led him to upset many, including those in his very party. However, it has also attracted many others, especially young people, to embrace his ideology on national issues.
Comrade Mohamed Egalo Kamara, Secretary-General of the Diaspora Young Congress, said if the current cohorts of young people are today benefiting from the APC party in the Diaspora and in Sierra Leone, it is as a result of the sacrifices of people like Leader Adams Bangura. He said Leader Adams Bangura is always full of ideas; he would always make time for his mentees, and has never misled people for personal gains. Comrade Egalo said more and more young people are now gaining prominence in the party because of people like Leader Adams Bangura.
At other times, even when the opportunities aren’t there, or the space is limited, Leader Adams would find a way out for young people, “because that is his nature. The brother is exceptionally brilliant, charming, and charismatic, and a wonderful speaker, who, at every gathering, knows how to speak life and words of encouragement to his audience.”
Upon receiving his awards, Leader Adams Bangura said he felt exceptionally privileged to be alive and be recognized by some of the most brilliant people in his party. He was even more pleased to see that many of those he mentored excelled in various capacities in the APC party and their professional lives.
He re-dedicated his awards to every young person, who feels s/he has so much in them, but lacks the opportunity to exhibit their talents. He sent out words of encouragement to the struggling youths, and urged them to keep their hopes alive. He further admonished the current young Congress leaders to continue to work together and be each other’s keepers and should not allow lazy politicians to drive a wedge between them.