Aliaume Damala Badara Akon and President Bio
The African American musician, song writer, businessman and philanthropist, Aliaume Damala Badara Akon has, in a meeting with President Bio, pledged his commitment to provide 5,000 solar street lights and 2,500 traffic lights to support President Bio’s New Direction agenda in Sierra Leone.
Akon has, in a one-on-one meeting with the President Bio, praised the President of Sierra Leone for what he described as his dynamic leadership, adding that “He is a smart guy that understands where the country needs to be.”
The African American superstar noted that he has been very impressed with the leadership that the new President has provided so far. He expressed optimism that he will definitely do well to advance the development aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.
Akon disclosed that whenever Sierra Leone is mentioned diamonds come to mind. He assured the President that he will, in few years, light up Sierra Leone so that it will shine like a diamond.
In response, President Bio thanked the superstar while extending an invitation to him to visit the country. He appealed to him to help in the rebranding and marketing of the potentials of the country with a view to boost its tourism sector and lead to the attraction of more investors.
The gesture by Akon is part of his Lighting Africa initiative, which he launched in February 2014.The intention is to develop an innovative solar powered solution that will provide access to a clean and affordable source of electricity in Africa.