Rev. Dr. Agorom Dike of Jamaica reacts to US President’s award

As international coordinator for the White House Prayer of Our Nation, Inc. Dr. Dike organizes the Caribbean and African International Faith Leaders Conference and Awards, domestic and inter-governmental dialogues, interventions, diaspora briefings and mission partnerships with the United States Government faith-based cabinet office.

Before demitting the White House, then President Donald Trump formally recognised the work of many unsung heroes in their different fields – among them Reverend Dike, who holds relationships on religious affairs with the White House and the US Department of State offices.

Last week the international faith-based thought leader received by mail, because of the coronavirus pandemic, The President’s Volunteer Service Award, a civil honour bestowed by the President of the United States to volunteers that give yeoman service each year helping others through the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Elated for being recognised by the US Government, he said: “I really want to thank President Donald Trump and his administration, the AmeriCorps,” before adding “the current Biden administration for facilitating me receiving the President’s voluntary award for outstanding service to the United States of America.”

Excerpts of the citation sent to Dr Dike read: “Over this past year, you have served as a model of the American spirit. Your many hours of service have strengthened the bonds of coorporation and trust that bring people together, while helping to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.”

It added: “With your continued efforts to build on our nation’s culture of service, America will proudly remain a land of freedom and opportunity for all.”

Dr Dike who is of both Jamaican and Nigerian parentage, started preaching at age 15 at the Zion Hill Baptist Church, Manchester, Jamaica.

He is an ordained minister of the American Baptist Churches USA, a motivational speaker, advocate, consultant and chaplain.