The event, which was held at the residence of Sierra Leone's envoy to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative (PR) to the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission, His Excellency Andrew Bangali attracted Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life in Ethiopia.
Some even attended the meeting with their families in order for their siblings not to miss this unique opportunity where the President presented his report card to his compatriots.
The President said he has made it a tradition to meet with the Sierra Leonean community living in Ethiopia each time he comes and to update them about developments taking place back home.
"I am very delighted to meet with all of you living here," he said.
President Koroma pointed out that in his Agenda for Change, which is the only way out for Sierra Leone; he has identified the country's development priorities ranging from energy to social services.
"I don't need to tell you what I have done in Sierra Leone within this short period. I have clearly laid out my plan and the story is an open book," he said
After energy, President Koroma noted, his next focus is now on agriculture because 60% of the country's population are farmers thus his vision for Sierra Leone is that in the next three years Sierra Leone will start exporting rice.
He recalled that when the All Peoples Congress (APC) administration came to power in 2007, there were only 29 tractors in the country but today the Government can now boast of over 400 tractors.
According to the President, embarking on agriculture is an integrated approach for the development of any country.
The President also encouraged Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora to go home and contribute to the rebuilding process that is taking place in the country.
Hon. Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the challenges the Government inherited were so huge, coupled with the 11 years armed insurgency and political instability that completely incapacitated the country as a whole.
She admonished Sierra Leoneans in the Diaspora to start practising citizen diplomacy in a bid to market the country.
"All of us should join President Koroma to build a better Sierra Leone. If you have any suggestions or anything please do not hesitate to submit it to us for consideration," she added.
Other speakers in the meeting included: Hon. Alpha Kanu, Minister of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs who gave a detailed report on the development of the mining sector in the county and Hon. Ibrahim Sorie of the APC, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Information and Communications who spoke about the functions of the Legislative Arm of Government.
The ceremony was chaired by Ambassador Bangali while Dr. Mustapha Kalokoh, a medical doctor working at the African Union Commission cum Acting Chairman of the Sierra Leonean Community in Ethiopia spoke on behalf of the Community.
The vote of thanks was given by Mr. Amadu Koroma, Sierra Leone's Deputy Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
