By Kabs Kanu
In her unending celebration, MRS. Isatu Timbo-Nwokedi says that the sky is now her limit as she continues to rejoice over what she describes as her greatest achievement so far—-Receiving the coveted Lifetime Award from United States President Joe Biden.
It was November 18 last year, as America was preparing to celebrate her Thanksgiving holiday that the President of the United States —-The most powerful man in the world, Joe Biden — honored Mrs. Timbo – Nwokedi ( Along with 7 other distinguished personalities from Sierra Leone ) with the Presidential Award for her lifetime achievements , humanitarian efforts and valuable service to humanity.
” Since that day, I have not stopped jubilating because a lifetime Award from the Ptesident of America means a lot to me , my family and my country . It crystallizes everything God has enabled me to do in my love for humanity and service to my country “, Mrs Timbo – Nwokedi told the media at the time.
She is Sierra Leone’s Goodwill Ambassador to the United States and Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone for California. She is regarded as a foremost humanitarian and philanthropist.
Mrs. Timbo-Nwokedi has done an incomparable humanitarian job for Sierra Leone, sending medical equipment and medicines to help equip hospitals and health centers in Sierra Leone. She has also been at the centre of philanthropist enterprises whenever the country was hit by disasters , especially the Ebola, mudslide and the Corona Virus pandemic . She has also built a health centre, the brand-new Robena Health Center and a public school at Royanka, her home town in Sierra Leone. She has donated food, clothing, schoolbooks and supplies to the needy and to students and scholarships to pilgrims heading for Mecca worth tens of thousands of dollars, all from her own resources. Her work is plainly apolitical as she does not belong to any political party .
She started her philanthropist crusade in the early 2000s during the reign of the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and has continued it through the tenures of Presidents Ernest Koroma and Julius Maada Bio. “ I love my Country and want to help her and that is why I have spread my philanthropic and humanitarian assistance throughout the different regions of the country “, she once told the media.
Last year, Mrs. Timbo- Nwokedi received a distinct recognition from the City of Los Angeles and the State of California with another award for her “tireless work “ in promoting the diplomatic relations between the United States and Sierra Leone. She is the first ever African to be accorded that honor by the State of California .
Asks what her latest award -The U.S. Presidential Lifetime Award– means for her, Mrs. youbo-Nwokedi, face always radiant with joy when her humanitarian endeavors are mentioned, said that it made her to be proud of herself, her family and her nation, Sierra Leone. To be recognized by the President of the United States is one of the greatest honors anybody would receive but I remain humble and thankful to God, who empowers me to do my work for humanity. I love my country , my people and humanity and I just want to serve them. ”
