President George M. Weah, on the nation’s 175th Independence anniversary commemoration, recognized some leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) who attended the occasion, and promised to maintain peace and security within the region; writes Ojuku Silver-tongue Kangar, Jr.
“Liberia and Liberians will always be grateful for the friendship, high esteem and regard that you have shown us today,” President Weah said. “For my part, I pledge to continue to work closely with you as we strive to maintain peace and security within our region, and promote policies and programs that will bring development and prosperity to the citizens of ECOWAS. Once again, let me say a big welcome.”
Liberia’s 175th Independence celebration, which was observed in several ways, was climaxed at the Centennial Pavilion, and brought together the president, ministers, directors, foreign dignitaries and presidents.
In a standing ovation, President Weah recognized the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo; President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; President of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe; President of The Gambia, Adams Barrow, among others, and promised the maintenance of peace in West Africa, Africa and the world at large.
President Weah, a peace icon, said he does not want the recurrence of civil war and instability in any part of the subregion, as it is in Ukraine’s case, and vowed cordial relationship with the regional body that is maintaining peace in the region.
The 175th Independence, which was held on the theme, “Fostering Unity, Protecting our Peace for Development and Prosperity,” was addressed by Commerce Minister, Mawine G. Diggs.
Minister Diggs mesmerized the audience, saying, “Without peace, development, quality education, fair justice dispensation, unity and patriotism will be hindered.”
She called on every Librarian to put love for country first and forget the past. The orator’s message, which was a national call for unification still rings in the ears of those who heard her speaks.
“I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to our National Orator, the Honorable Mawine Diggs, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Liberia, for her inspiring and thoughtful Address, which has given us new insights into the importance of peace and unity in our Nation, and renewed our hopes for a better Liberia,” the President said. “I am personally very proud of you, Hon. Diggs, for your excellent Oration, because you brilliantly represented two of the most important demographics in our country: women and youth. You have justified my confidence in the ability and unlimited possibilities of women and young people to make meaningful and significant contributions to the national discourse, and to fully participate in the leadership and management of our governance structures.
“I am sure that all of us who were under the sound of your voice today will agree that you did justice to the official theme of this year’s Independence celebration, as you articulated on the subject of ‘Fostering Unity, and Protecting Our Peace for Development and Prosperity’.
“Your message today was simple, understanding and relevant, and will resonate well not only with the women and youth, but with all Liberians. You used your personal story to demonstrate the importance of hard work and determination, as well as the importance of education in pursuit of one’s goals, and by so doing you have given us much food for thought. I say to you, congratulations.”
In a related development, President Weah has been invited by the United States of America’s President, Joseph Biden, to attend a pending African Summit in December this year. Meanwhile, the United States, through its Ambassador in Monrovia, renewed its relationship with Liberia on the 175th Independence by presenting a gift.