Liberians resident in Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria, celebrated their country’s 172ndIndependence Day by identifying with some needy patients of the National Hospital in Abuja, the Liberian Embassy in Abuja says.
The Liberians, under the Abuja Chapter of the Organization of Liberian Communities in Nigeria (OLICON), celebrated July 26th at the National Hospital, providing care packages to mothers and babies throughout five of the hospital’s wings, a release from the Liberian Embassy in Abuja says.
OLICON is the umbrella group under which all various state-chapters of the Liberian Communities throughout Nigeria’s 36 states and its Federal Capital function.
According to Mrs. Wede Wallace-Edherue, President of the OLICON-Abuja, the group’s humanitarian initiative was part of its annual work plan and the chapter’s goals.
During the donation exercise which took place on Friday, July 26, 2019, members and hospital staff were all excited as the Liberian group went through the five different wings to deliver diapers, baby wipes, towels, powder, soap and baby oil to the mothers and babies.
According to the release, approximately 75 mothers benefited from the Liberians’ humanitarian initiative.
“What an awesome way to celebrate our country’s Independence. Giving is the highest expression of strength. You don’t need a big wallet to have a big heart. Life is a gift and it offers us the opportunity to give something back. Happy Independence to all of our brothers and sisters from the Abuja Chapter!”, Mrs. Wallace-Edherue, stated in her remarks to Dr. Adetayo Hasstrap, the hospital’s Director for Administration and Publicity.
In response, Dr. Hasstrap appreciated the Liberians for their gesture towards the hospital and Nigerians in general. He then hoped that the Liberians would continue such initiative.
Mrs. Wallace-Edherue responded that it is the hope of the Abuja Chapter of the Liberian Community to continue and even extend same annually to other hospitals in the future.
“On behalf of our chapter, we would like to thank Mr. Garrison Thomas, Mr. Archie Delaney, Mrs. Beatrice Sherman, Ms. Anita Johnson and all others that made this occasion a grand success”, an excited President Wallace-Edherue added.
Officials of the Abuja-OLICON Chapter that represented the group included Wede Wallace Edherue-President; Evelyn Afa-Vice President; Charlesetta Clora Taylor-Smith- Secretary, Jerrilyn Mulbah Paul- Treasurer; Mrs. Beatrice Sherman- Advisor. Members that also made representation included Mrs. Angie Ehimika, Mr. Sylvester Kamara, Mr. Nyema Wallace, Henry Kpehe, and Veronica Koffa, the release concludes.
Nigeria Pres. Buhari receives Liberia’s ‘Highest Honor’
Earlier on July 26 in Monrovia, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari received one of Liberia’s highest honours, when he celebrated with the Liberian leader, Dr. George Manneh Weah.
It was on the occasion of Liberia’s 172nd Independence Day Anniversary on Friday, July 26, 2019.
The Nigerian leader, who was one of the six ECOWAS Presidents who graced Liberia’s milestone Independence celebrations, also received the Nation’s highest honor.
President Weah bestowed on his Nigerian counterpart “The Grand Order of the Most Venerable Order of the Knighthood of the Pioneers of the Republic of Liberia, with the Grade of Knight Grand Cordon, with the Colar of State.”
The colourful ceremony took place at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Paynesville, near Monrovia.
The honor is presented for outstanding and distinguished service in international affairs, government, religion, art, science or commerce, and also for singular acts of philanthropy and deeds of heroism and valor.
Other ECOWAS leaders who also graced the occasion were Presidents Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, Alpha Conde of Guinea, Macky Sall of Senegal, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso.
According to the release, President Weah applauded his esteemed guests as ‘colleagues and big brothers’ from ECOWAS.
Delivering his Special Independence Day Message, the President said:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m pleased to now ask you to rise as a gesture of respect, and give a whole-hearted welcome to each of our guests, my colleagues and big brothers from our Economic Community of West African States.”
President Weah said Liberians were greatly honored, and pleased, to welcome the six Heads of State, who had taken the time out of their busy schedules to join the People of Liberia in celebrating the Independence Anniversary.
“Excellencies, on behalf of my fellow citizens, and in my own name, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely, for this gesture of solidarity, goodwill and support for Liberia”, the Liberian Leader continued.
Since his inauguration in January of 2018, President Weah has paid three official visits to his Nigerian counterpart.
His first state visit was in March 2018. Subsequently, President Weah honored a special invitation from President Buhari to attend the festivities marking the latter’s inauguration for his second term on Nigeria’s ‘Democracy Day’ on June 12, 2019 in Abuja.
President Weah again had a tête-à-tête with President Buhari at State House in Abuja in the margins of the 55th Ordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on June 29, 2019 in Abuja, the release concludes.