By Amin Kef Sesay
In a recent social development, the Chairman of the Hill Station Club, Ambassador Kobi Walker on Friday 29th October, 2021 officially opened the Hon. J. B. Dauda Sport Bar and handed over the Dr. James Sampha Koroma Theater of Excellence.
Speaking during the well attended social event, the recently conferred Goodwill Ambassador, Chairman Kobi Walker explained that his Executive and General Membership of the Hill Station Tennis Club, with sponsorship from the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited, decided to transform the snooker room of their club into a Sport Bar in honour of one of their dedicated members, Hon. Joseph Bandabla Dauda (Late) who passed away in June, 2017.
Hon. J.B Dauda, Uncle J.B or Jam Body for Development as he was commonly called was Sierra Leone former Member of Parliament, Minister of State, Minister of Finance, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, to name but a few.
“Personally, my motivation to do the J.B Dauda Sport Bar manifested because I believed that I am one of the mentees who benefited immensely from his counseling and wisdom. Being at the club was like a Mentorship Session wherein Uncle J.B Dauda will talk about politics, business, trends and life. He was always available to provide his support and assistance,” he stated.
On the Official Handing Over of the Dr. James Sampha Koroma Theater of Excellence, the Chairman of the Hill Station Club who doubles as the iconic CEO of NP SL Limited disclosed that it is time for Sierra Leoneans to start honouring people whilst they are still alive.
“My next purpose is to move and create a new space and narrative where I will deliberately urge members of the Hill Station Club and Sierra Leoneans in general to move from the ‘Pulling Down Syndrome to that of the Pulling Up Syndrome’ where we must not only respect, emulate, aspire, motivate and get inspiration from great people, but we must also honor them whilst they are still alive,” explained Kobi Walker.
Dr. James Sampha Koroma who is a senior member of the Hill Station Club has served in various capacities, ranging from the first Secretary-General of African descendant during a white dominated regime to the position of the Club’s Chairman at some point.
Professionally, Dr. Koroma is the Founder of the only indigenous bank in Sierra Leone (Union Trust Bank) and a Chancellor of one of Sierra Leone most prestigious Universities.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. James Sampha Koroma gave a historical synopsis of the Hill Station Club and called on members of the public to join.
“The Hill Station Club was established for people of class and status such as Public and Civil servants. Lately, we have accepted people of substance from all walks of life in order to promote and maintain social diversity. The opportunity to join us is available. Nowadays, there are not many clubs where you can find decent people to hobnob with in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Koroma disclosed.
He added that the Hill Station Club has dignitaries like those at the top echelons of various MDAs and private institutions in the county and called on members of the public to visit the club at anytime to interact and to obtain their membership in order to enjoy the benefits of mature social interactions.
Other speakers include Kofi Adai, Ambassador Joe B. Stevens, Ambassador Andrew Bangalie, Madam Josephine Dauda, etc…
