The University of Sierra Leone has conferred on Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Ghana's Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire, a doctoral degree in Civil Laws (Honoris Causa). Ambassador Blay-Amihere received his degree Saturday, December 22, 2007 at the University of Sierra Leone's congregation, presided over by the Chancellor of the University, Mr Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone. In a citation for the conferment of the degree, the University of Sierra Leone stated that it was conferring the doctoral degree on Ambassador Blay-Amihere in recognition of his invaluable contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Ghana and for his intellectual input to the mission of the University of Sierra Leone. Ambassador Blay-Amihere was Ghana's High Commissioner to Sierra Leone from 2001- 2005. According to the citation, Ambassador Blay-Amihere, in addition to his diplomatic duties, found time to teach three modules for free at the Mass Communication Department of the university and facilitated the establishment of the radio network of the department. The university acknowledged that Ambassador Blay-Amihere's fine example had encouraged other diplomats and international public servants to give free tuition at the University of Sierra Leone. Dr. Blay-Amihere, who gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduands of the year 2007, expressed his gratitude to the good people of Sierra Leone, who through their friendship encouraged him to serve to the best of his ability in the country. Dr. Blay-Amihere, before his appointment into the diplomatic service has worked for several years as a journalist. He is the owner of the company that publishes The Independent, Trans Afrika News. He once headed the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and was the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for two terms. Dr. Blay-Amihere also served as President of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA). Among some of his achievements include a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard and Executive Membership of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). Also awarded an honorary degree at the congregation was a Sierra Leonean philanthropist, Adonis Aboud. Source: Daily Graphic/myjoyonline