Awards and honours keep piling for a retired, Tanzania-born Ismaili journalist.
Sultan Jessa has scored a hat trick to mark Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the British throne.
He will be presented with the diamond jubilee medal by Canada’s Governor-General David Johnston at a special ceremony in Ottawa Sept. 10.
The medal, specially created to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II, is being presented to Canadians for their significant achievement and remarkable service.
The award-winning journalist was presented with Queen’s silver jubilee medal in 1977 and the golden jubilee medal in 2002.
“It is quite an honour to receive all three medals,” said Jessa, who received the Order of Canada, the country’s most prestigious and highest civilian order for 35 years of community service. “It encourages you to continue to help others. You don’t seek recognition, but it’s heartwarming when the work you do is appreciated.”
In 2010, Jessa was selected as Canada’s top 25 immigrants. This award is given to people who have not only succeeded in Canada, but have made a difference in their adopted country.
Born in Moshi, the former editor and publisher of Northern News in Arusha, at one time worked for the Nationalist and Standard in Dar es Salaam before moving to Nairobi to work for the Daily and Sunday Nation.
He moved to Canada in 1973 and started working for Standard-Freeholder, a newspaper owned by the Thomson chain.
Six years after arriving in Canada, Jessa was made Citizen of the Year of Cornwall, Ontario.
Jessa has received numerals honours from municipal, provincial and federal government.
The journalist has also been honoured by Rotary, Kinsmen and the Ontario Medical Association.
He also has a rare distinction of being honoured by the Catholic, Jewish and Sikh communities.
Jessa has won Ontario’s medal for volunteerism, good citizenship has been recognized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Canadian Legion as well as Red Cross.
Jessa, who lives in Quebec, is married to Rosila and the couple has two daughters, Anaar and Yasmin.
Ismailimail 
Hi Sultan,
Am very proud to hear about your recent award. Myself an Ex-Moshi and also and ex-Agakhan School student feel great about your work and award.
All the Best
Salaams
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