PHOTO: CIC President Weah addressing the AFL ceremony
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
Commander-In-Chief, President George Weah has ordered the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to develop the Engineering and Agricultural Companies in order to work in their respective areas of expertise so as to overcome the challenges by people on the roads and address the problem of food insecurity.
In his address marking the 64th anniversary of Armed Forces Day in the conference room of the military headquarters at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia on Thursday, February 11, 2021, President Weah said the Engineering Company will work in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works.
It will conduct assessment of roads for the implementation of quick impact strategy and intervention on roads throughout Liberia and ease the movement
The CIC also mandated the Liberian army to develop its Agricultural Company to in order to work with the Ministry of Agriculture in combating food insecurity in the country.
“The Minister of Finance is hereby instructed to provide the necessary support and ensure future budgetary allocations for the purchasing of earth moving equipment,’” he said.
“The AFL will maintain technical presence and provide relief on other parts of these roads,” he added.
“The threat of food insecurity continues to pose a challenge to our national security,” President Weah explained and “that is why we must leverage the potential of our military to undertake the supplemental production of rice and other basic vegetables to meet local demand and reduce reliance on expensive imports”
“You soldiers are an important pillar of our national security architecture.”
“Therefore, you must always demonstrate your professionalism and integrity as the People’s Army, thereby strengthening the respect and trust that you deserve from your fellow.”
“The welfare of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Liberia remains a top priority of my Government.”
“We will therefore continue to ensure that living conditions of our soldiers reflect the standard of services they deliver to this nation.”
In remarks, National Defense Minister, Daniel Ziankahn, disclosed that the Armed Forces of Liberia has a unique opportunity to plan for the future and now is the time to build a military that will cater to the future needs of the country .
Minister Ziahkahn
According to him, that is why government must ensure that budgetary allocations are made to begin the recruitment and training process to increase the strength of the military.
Minister Ziakahn also stressed need to invest in infrastructure improvements at various military barracks to meet the accommodation needs of military personnel and their growing families, and provide the basic needs that reflect sustenance of the men and women in arms.
“It is my distinct honor to report that the AFL is coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture to harness the potential of experts, and we believe with the appropriate funding and support from the government of Liberia and our partners, the AFL can begin the production of rice and vegetables, while at the same time beefing up the readiness of our Engineering Company to undertake interventions on road projects per your directive.”
He cautioned AFL soldiers to continue to demonstrate your resilience through loyalty and discipline in defending our territorial sovereignty, through your participation in regional and internationally peacekeeping operations, and through your heroic roles during this global pandemic.
“We are proud of the gains we have made together over the years,” he said; adding: “as we celebrate this day, let us remember that we have set the milestone towards the attainment of a better Armed Forces of Liberia.”
He maintained that every individual soldier must at all times embody the core Army values; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless Service, honor, integrity and personal courage.
“You have the responsibility as the people’s Army to do what is right at all times.”
The program held under the theme: “The Military in Sustaining Democracy,” was graced by selected officials of government, diplomats and military attaches of embassies accredited near Monrovia among others because of the corona virus.