George Weah Here’s what Liberian president told Buhari at the Villa

Newly-elected Liberian President on Monday, March 5, 2018, visited President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa.

This is the first time President Weah would be visiting Nigeria since his election.

Weah met with President Buhari behind closed doors.

Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, President Weah said the visit was to solicit Nigeria’s assistance in the areas of education, agriculture, mining and health sectors.

Over 6,000 Nigerians teachers needed in Libaria

President Weah said Liberia would require 0ver 6,000 Nigerian teachers in his country.

“Your sustained technical assistance for capacity building in these sectors is most welcome. For example, Nigerian teachers and medical volunteers to Liberia, under the Technical Assistance Corps (TAC) Agreement with Liberia, have been very crucial in boosting capacity development in Liberia, and it is my hope that this assistance can be considerably increased to address with urgency our most pressing socio-economic needs at this time.

“More specifically, under the Bilateral Teacher Exchange programme, we are seeking 6,000 plus teachers to make up for the shortage of good teachers in our educational system,” Weah said.

Commendations for the Nigerian government

“Our people have voted for change, and for hope. And change is finally here. But mere political change is meaningless without development, prosperity and growth” the Liberian President said.

“Your Excellency, we need Nigeria’s help to jump-start our economy. You played a major role in bringing peace to Liberia, you reformed our Army and today it is performing its duties to the highest professional standards. As we speak, they are serving in a peace-keeping mission in Mali.

“You have also built and expanded the capacities of Liberians in so many ways. For example, during our recent observance of Armed Forces Day in Liberia, we were informed that two of our military personnel will soon be graduating as pilots from one of your esteemed institutions.

“We would like to see a continuation and expansion of that programme, for both men and women,” he added.

ALSO READ: Following criticisms, Buhari to visit Benue, Yobe, Rivers, Taraba

Liberia is open for business

“The Liberian banking sector is dominated by Nigerian banks, and I am made to understand that their Head offices in Nigeria may be considering reducing their support or even shutting them down because of the recent downturn in our economy.

“If this is true, I urge them not to do so, as l am optimistic that trade and commerce will increase in the near future.

“There are also major shortcomings in the electricity and power sectors, in road construction, in housing, in mining, and in fisheries, to name a few, that could be of serious interest to Nigerian investors, either as individuals or companies, or through joint-ventures or public-private partnerships.

“We invite all of you to come to Liberia and explore the many new opportunities for investment that abound to increase under this new political dispensation. I promise you that you will find a government that is not only business friendly, but ready to do business.

“On a personal note, President Buhari, it is my intention, with all due respect and affection, to frequently seek your wise counsel and advice as we embark upon this arduous task of nation-building, reconstruction, and transformation of my country.

“Nigeria’s historical benevolence towards Liberia cannot be quantified. And once again, we seek your urgent and critical assistance,” he said.

How Nigeria can win the world cup

Advising Nigerian government on how the country can win the World Cup, President Weah said: “Everything that the players need must be put in place as they prepare for the World Cup.

“We just go into camp and everything is provided, we don’t do nothing other than to relax and play the game, we are not allowed to worry over other things.

“A situation where the players lose concentration because “one Minister took money away” should not be allowed to happen,” he added.