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Monrovia – Amid a plea for help from Liberian president George Weah to his Nigerian counterpart, Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian leader has pledged that his country will assist Liberia with technical aid.
Upon coming to power in 2018, retired footballer now president, Weah, while on a visit to Nigeria in March of last year, stated that Liberia would need at least 6,000 teachers from Nigeria.
Addressing Nigerian State House correspondents at the end of a meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Weah said at the time that he was in Nigeria on a mission of gratitude and respect for the roles that Buhari and Nigerians had played in maintaining peace and stability in the West African sub-region and particularly in Liberia.
He also said Liberia still needed Nigeria’s support to jump-start its economy.
“The prices of our two basic export commodities, rubber and iron ore, continue to fall on the world diminished market. Our foreign exchange earnings from the export of these and other commodities are used mainly on the importation of food and other commodities, causing massive trade deficits,” Weah said at the time.
He continued: “Youth unemployment is at an all-time high, and prices of basic commodities continue to increase.”
“Our people have voted for change and for hope. And change is finally here. But mere political change is meaningless without development, prosperity and growth,” he stressed.
“We need Nigeria’s help to jump-start our economy. You played a major role in bringing peace to Liberia, you reformed our Army and today it is performing its duties to the highest professional standards,” Weah pleaded.
Howbeit, the Liberian president’s plea for help most like than not, seems to be yielding fruit, as his Nigerian counterpart has promised to send some 50 volunteers to Liberia, to aid the country’s with technical support.
President Buhari, who made the disclosure during a ceremony commemorating Liberia’s 72nd independence anniversary, was also conferred with Liberia’s highest national honor, “The Grand Cordon of the Knighthood of Venerable Order of the Pioneers.”
President Buhari was special guest of honor at the Liberia’s 172nd independence anniversary, and Liberia honored him for his outstanding and distinguished service in international affairs, government, religion, art, science and commerce, while millions of Nigerians including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan have repeatedly lamented the sorry state of Nigeria with increasing level of poverty and insecurity.
Liberia’s honor to Buhari is also for singular acts of philanthropy and deeds of heroism and valor.
Speaking at the ceremony Friday, President Buhari said this year, Nigeria will provide 50 volunteers in the areas of education and health to aid Liberia in addressing challenges the country is faced with.
The 50 volunteers to Liberia would be done through Nigeria’s Technical Assistance Program, said President Buhari, who assured Liberia that Nigeria is prepared to deploy additional volunteers in the other fields, aimed contributing to Liberia’s capacity building.
“Today represents yet another significant milestone in the life of the brotherly nation of Liberia. “Nigerians rejoice with all Liberians on this momentous occasion. It is a matter of pride that Liberia, the first country in Africa to gain its Independence, has successfully preserved its unity and cohesion, despite the tragic events that culminated in an unfortunate civil war. “I am here to celebrate with you this remarkable achievement while at the same time recalling the enormous contributions and sacrifices made by Nigeria in your recent history,” He said.
The Nigerian president assured Liberians of Nigeria’s continued support to Liberia’s development, stating, “As Liberia sustains its notable efforts towards economic recovery, I wish to assure you of Nigeria’s commitment to continue to partner with the country, for all possible assistance with a view to making our modest contributions that will positively impact on the security and economic well-being of the Liberian people.”
The Nigeria president who bagged Liberia’s highest award, the “Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of the Pioneers of the Republic of Liberia with Grade of the Knight Grand Cordon”, thanked the Government and people of Liberia for the honor, and said he accepted it on behalf of all Nigerians and as a tribute to all Nigerians who paid what he describes as “the supreme price” in aid of Liberia’s unity and stability.
“This gesture can only strengthen my resolve to rededicate myself to the service of my country, work for the prosperity of our people in the sub-region,” President Buhari stressed.
The President Buhari encouraged Liberian president Weah to take decisive actions aimed at stimulating Liberia’s economy of the country:
“Mr. President, Liberia under your leadership may wish to learn from our experience by taking courageous steps to diversify its economic base by developing the productive sector that would complement earnings from rubber, iron ore and the increasingly dwindling funds from Development Partners,” said Buhari, who likened Liberia’s current economic situation to what he said obtained in Nigeria when he assumed office in 2015
In regards to Liberia learning from Nigeria in taking steps to diversify the country’s economic base, President Buhari stressed the need for proper management of human resources and investment in agriculture, solid minerals and other sectors such as tourism where he noted that Liberia has comparative advantage.
