City of Dallas welcomes new Sierra Leone Honorary Consul Patrick R. Jackson

The Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the United States His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens formally inaugurated the Honorable Patrick R. Jackson as the Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone to Texas. The event which was hosted by the City of Dallas in collaboration with the World Affairs Council attracted an impressive audience comprised of Sierra Leone Nationals, top city council members, diplomats, business executives among others.

Honorary Consul Patrick R. Jackson and Wife.
Honorary Consul Patrick R. Jackson and Wife.

The event also featured the formal presentation of the National Flag of Sierra Leone to the City of Dallas by H.E Kortu Stevens, while the Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Honorable Erik Wilson received the Flag on behalf of the City of Dallas. The flag will join several other National flags in the historic flag room in the City Hall.

Amb. Kortu Stevens and Dep. Mayor Pro Tem Erik Wilson during the Flag presentation
Amb. Kortu Stevens and Dep. Mayor Pro Tem Erik Wilson during the Flag presentation

The ceremony commenced with opening prayers by Pastor Chris Adetoro of the Redeemed Christian Church of God just as Reginal Hill Onyeibe; the African Liaison to the City of Dallas presented an outstanding rendition of the United States National Anthem. The Sierra Leone National Anthem was presented by Ms. Victoria Porter; a granddaughter of Honorable Consul Patrick R. Jackson.

The Deputy Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Dallas Honorable Erik Wilson formally welcomed guests to the occasion just as he re-emphasized the rich ethnic diversity of Dallas. Ms. Florence Coker representing the Sierra Leone Community then introduced Ambassador Stevens who gave an extensive address emphasizing the economic and rich business potentials of Sierra Leone.

Honorary Consuls in Texas
Honorary Consuls in Texas

As Honorary Consul for Sierra Leone to Texas and surrounding States, Patrick R. Jackson’s major focus in his new post will be enhancing bilateral relations in trade, economy, culture and science. Mr. Jackson became the first African to be elected as a council member in the city of Rowlett where he also rose to a position as Deputy Mayor. He is an entrepreneur and is CFO of several companies and holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He enjoys fishing, golf and tennis and is married with five children and four grandchildren.

Amb. Stevens receives a gift from Regina Onyeibe on behalf of the City of Dallas
Amb. Stevens receives a gift from Regina Onyeibe on behalf of the City of Dallas

The President, West Africa Texas Chamber-WATCH, Dr. Remigus Ihkewaba, congratulated Honorable Patrick Jackson on behalf of the West African Community while Ms. Elsa Juko-McDowell, the newly elected Chairman of the East African Chamber expressed her congratulations on behalf of her community. Mr. Andrew Jones of MoneyGram also congratulated the Honorary Consul on behalf of the Dallas Business Community.

In his closing remarks and on behalf of other Honorary Consul’s present, the Honorable James N. Falk, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Morocco and President, World Affairs Council congratulated Hon. Jackson while promising the support of other honorary consuls and the City of Dallas.

Tosan Aduayi is the founder of Trendy Africa Magazine and has been an active journalist since 1994




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