Samuel Kallon 
By Ragan M Conteh
A total of 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) on Ferry Junction, east of Freetown.
Delivering the Keynote address, Ramatulai Shaw said, the ceremony was not just a recognition of students’ achievements, but a testament to their potential drive to change innovation dream in Sierra Leone and beyond.
She spoke on behalf of her husband who’s Chief Innovator.
Madam Shaw informed audience that her husband often speaks about the power of innovation to transform societies and uplift communities, and that her husband believes that each of the graduands with their unique talents and perspectives, holds
the key to solving some of the most pressing issues of our times.
According to Madam Shaw, the journey to innovation does not end at graduation, but t is a continuous process that involves exploration and discovery.
She said her husband is encouraging all to stay curious, to seek out new
knowledge, and never to stop learning.
She pointed out that “there will be obstacles and setbacks faced by the graduates, but with resilience and adaptability, the challenges will enable them to navigate the setbacks and turn them into opportunities for growth.
She encouraged the graduates to seek out diverse perspectives, to build strong networks and work together to create impactful solutions.
She noted that the connections they make today will be valued in their future endeavours.
“Remember that your work has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of others,” she said.
“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 passion, knowledge, skills 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 addressed graduates.
The Guest Speaker, Prof. Mufti Ismail Sesay, told the graduands on the importance of Islamization of technology.
Prof. Sesay urged the 162 graduands to explore more opportunities using the modern technologies.
Director of Elevete African Innovation Mohamed Koroma, disclosed that from a humble beginning with three computers in office, now to a pool of computers, they are offering various computer programmes.
He admonished the graduating students that as they move into the corporate world, they should remember that there are endless challenges, setbacks, but with their efforts, resistance and strength, they will be successful in life.
Other speakers who made meaningful contributions during the graduation ceremony include a speaker, Mohamed C. Kamara. Emmanuel Kargbo gave the welcome address with Imam Razi thought the graduands on mutual respect for one another.
Earlier, the chairman of the programme, Madieu Samuka, gave encouraging statements to the graduands to make use of the certificates they have received and to further seek knowledge to be able to add value in their academic work.
Distribution of medals to the deserving students and the award of certificates climaxed the ceremony.
