In an impressive ceremony held at the exquisite King’s Fund, 11-13 Cavendish Square, London, Ms Olayinka Williams of the Sierra Leone High Commission (SLHC- London) was honoured with the Diplomats’ Long Service Officer of the Year Award for Africa.
Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs Yvonne King Odigboh, along with a cross-section of the SLHC staff, attended this prestigious event held to celebrate the remarkable achievements of one of their own.
Ms. Olayinka Williams has served the Sierra Leone High Commission for 29 years, as a Confidential Secretary. Her steadfast dedication, admirable professionalism and unfailing commitment have strongly endeared her to both staff and visitors alike.
As diplomatic staff come and go, Ms. Olayinka Williams remains a solid institutional knowledge and memory bank of the Sierra Leone High Commission in the U.K. Her deep knowledge and extensive experience make her an invaluable asset to the mission, always ready to provide answers to intractable challenges.
Ms. Williams has built a vast network of professional contacts that have often proven to be key assets on critical occasions. She is highly supportive, willingly assists other staff members, and readily takes on additional responsibilities with unfailing smiles. Ms William’s knowledge and patience are particularly reassuring to incoming staff, making induction processes smooth and efficient.
Her familiarity with various agencies enables her to gather and prepare the necessary documentation for staff, ensuring that forms submitted to the FCDO, Home Office and other relevant institutions are complete, correct and timely.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Williams has received several awards, including Employee of the Year and another Long Service Award in April this year. Her dedication was also recognized by the Government of Sierra Leone in 2022 when she was awarded a national accolade (Member of the Order of the Rokel- MOR) by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone.
As she approaches retirement, Ms. Olayinka Williams is most deserving of the Embassy Long Service Officer Award, reflecting her remarkable contributions and unwavering service to the SLHC, and to the people and government of Sierra Leone.
