President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday assured Liberians of Nigeria’s continued support as the country struggled to overcome development, and pledged to send 50 volunteers, this year, under the Nigeria’s Technical Assistance Programme.
Buhari stated this while making his goodwill message on Friday in Monrovia, on the occasion of that country’s 172nd Independence Anniversary.
“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.
“In this regard, Nigeria through its Technical Assistance Programme, will this year provide 50 volunteers in the field of education and health to support Liberia. We are also prepared to deploy additional volunteers in the other fields, in order to contribute to the capacity building in Liberia.”
President Buhari was honoured at the occasion with 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.”
He commended Liberia for honouring Nigerians who contributed immensely to liberating that country from its security challenges, describing the honour as “a tribute to all our country men who paid the supreme price in aid of Liberia’s unity and stability.”
He also thanked the Government and people of Liberia and expressed his resolve to continue to strengthen cooperation within the sub region.
“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,” he said.
The President likened the Liberian economic situation to what obtained in Nigeria when he assumed office in 2015 and praised the administration of President George Weah for its social intervention programme.
“I am fully aware that on assumption of office, your country was experiencing severe economic challenges occasioned by the fall in commodity prices, the main source of revenue for Liberia. This situation is akin to what I inherited on my election in 2015. That was a difficult period for the Nigerian economy which later lapsed into recession.”
He also commended Weah’s leadership and vision for initiating since coming to office, people-oriented projects and programmes including the “Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development” (PAPD) launched in 2018.
“I am convinced that this well-articulated programme which is quite similar to our Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017-2020, if well implemented, could bring the desired transformation and sustainable development to Liberia.”
The President encouraged his Liberian counterpart to take decisive actions to further stimulate the 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,” the Nigerian leader said.
He advised the country on the need for proper management of human resources and investment in agriculture, solid minerals and other sectors such as tourism where the country has comparative advantages.
President Buhari also conveyed the felicitations of Nigerians to their brothers in Liberia:
“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.”
Nigeria’s Ambassadors to Liberia, James Dimka, said the honour was deserved because, “We have done what no other African President has done to the country. We have had close relations (Nigeria and Liberia) and this has only strengthen our relations. Liberia was in war for 14 years and the major country that stood by them was Nigeria. Our military just left this country about a month ago. At some point the United Nations, ECOWAS were but Nigeria stayed till the end.
“And so you will recognize that there is a strong relationship between Nigeria and Liberia.”
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
