Nigerian President who was honored during the celebration of Liberia’s 172nd Independence Day on July 26, 2019 disclosed that his country will this year; provide 50 volunteers in the field of education and health to support Liberia.
President Muhammadu Buhari who the Liberia’s highest honor, the Grand Cordon of the Knighthood of Venerable Order of the Pioneers, also said that his administration has realised the futility in continuing to subject the Nigerian economy to the vagaries of mono-product dependence, and has instituted policies aimed at the diversifying the national economy which are yielding positive results.
Speaking in his goodwill message at the 172nd Independence Anniversary, the Nigerian leader said that the Economic and Recovery Growth Plan launched by his administration in 2017 was creating the enabling environment for growth, security and economic revival.
He explained that the 50 Volunteers to Liberia would be done through its Technical Assistance Programme. President Buhari assured that the continent’s largest nation was prepared to deploy additional volunteers in the other fields, in order to contribute to the capacity building in Liberia.
According to him, “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 assured Liberians of continued support of Nigeria to its development: He said, “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.
Speaking on Nigerian experience, the president explained that having realised the futility in continuing to subject the Nigerian economy to the vagaries of its mono-product dependence, his administration has instituted policies aimed at the diversifying the national economy which are yielding positive results. He added that the Economic and Recovery Growth Plan launched by his administration in 2017 is creating the enabling environment for growth, security and economic revival. Buhari.
Noting, “Our government had to adopt appropriate measures including diversification and reforms to address such underlying causes exemplified by our continued dependence on a single-commodity, crude oil, lack of fiscal buffers, leakages, corruption and high governance costs. “Furthermore, in our efforts to stimulate the economy, our government initiated bold policy interventions that are beginning to yield positive results.”
President Buhari, who 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”, said he accepted it ” on behalf of all Nigerians and 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. Buhari added that, “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.” 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.
He told President George Weah that, “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 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 Nigerian 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. “In this regard, 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 advantage, cannot be overstated.”
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Liberia, Mr. James Dimka told newsmen that the award was deserving 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 strengthened 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 relation between Nigeria and Liberia.”
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
Comments are closed.