by Nurat Uthman
President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has again reflected on Nigeria’s sacrifice and big brother’s role in supporting the country during its civil war spanning from 1990 to early 2003.
This is just as Boakai asked for stronger bilateral relations between Liberia and Nigeria
Over 250,000 souls reportedly perished during the civil disturbance which plagued the country for about 13 years while over one million Liberians became refugees in other neighbouring African countries, particularly, Nigeria.
Boakai, according to a statement on Saturday, gave this commendation while hosting the Olu of Orile-Ilawo, Abeokuta, Oba Alexander MacGregor, and his wife, Omolara, among other chiefs who were in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, on the invitation of the President.
In the entourage of Oba MacGregor were AareTunde Debayo-Doherty, Chief Samuel Erigha Williams, Chief Olayinka Junaid, and Ambassador Tosin Sanusi.
Boakai, who was represented by Vice President Jeremiah Koung, expressed lots of admiration for Nigeria, praising its peace-building efforts and advancement of socio-economic development across the African continent.
He said, “Nigeria has been very supportive of Liberia for a very long time, we remember the big brother role Nigeria played for the citizens of Liberia during the civil war and the resulting economic crisis.
“We acknowledged Nigeria’s significant role in the restoration of peace in Liberia through a joint collaborative effort with the ECOMOG.”
He expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s role in fostering unity and economic growth and enhancing democratic stability within the continent.
Boakai said that Liberia will always be willing to partner with Nigeria in every effort geared toward economic growth and strengthening of the ties between the two countries.
Oba MacGregor appreciated the grand reception and underscored the importance of creating an economic hub between both countries to foster economic development via agriculture, commerce and industrialization.
The royal father’s delegation also visited the Yasmin Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation operated by the son of the Liberian president, Tan Tan Boakai.
The traditional ruler, after making his donation to the foundation, encouraged the children of the foundation to stay focused and be purposeful to turn out to be the best in life
He said the philanthropic gestures of both the president’s son and the first lady, Madam Katumu Boakai are quite commendable saying that his MacGregor Heritage Foundation back in Nigeria is also catering for the welfare and education of over 500 less privileged children, orphans and widows in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
Madam Boakai thanked Oba MacGregor for the visit.
Boakai reaffirmed her dedication to ensuring that the rights of children and women in Liberia are protected by advocating for better education, economic empowerment and gender inclusivity.
The royal delegation also visited the Foreign Affairs Minister, Sara Beysolow as well as the Ambassador of Culture, Queen Juli Endee who gave an illustrious history of the rich cultural heritage of Liberia.
