By Contributing Writer: M. Abraham Sanyoh, Geneva, Switzerland
Paris, France: Liberian leader, Joseph Nyuma Boakai has challenged the Liberian diaspora in France to be more productive and law-abiding citizens in their host Country while simultaneously contributing actively to Liberia’s growth and development.
President Boakai was speaking at a roundtable organized by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia to Paris and UNESCO, Dr. Teeko Yorlay and staff, on the sidelines of his official week-long state visit to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.
The conversation aimed at providing an open platform for Liberians abroad to engage directly with the President on key national issues including governance, economic growth, youth empowerment, education, and diaspora engagement.
The Liberian chief executive’s pronouncement emphasizes that Liberians everywhere remain vital partners in the Country’s rebuilding efforts — a statement amplified by M. Abraham Sanyoh in a written communication from Geneva, Switzerland.
“The contributions of Liberians in the diaspora are indispensable to our nation’s progress,” President Boakai said, adding, “Your ideas, resources, and patriotism are crucial as we continue to rebuild institutions, create opportunities for our young people, and restore confidence in Liberia’s future.”
Mr. Boakai meanwhile underscored the critical need for all Liberians abroad to exhibit good citizenry by abiding by the laws of host Counties, lest to avoid what he called “they brought the bossman back”. Meaning, no one should be sent back against their will, but they should instead be the ones to move freely and willingly — whilst admonishing the latter to exert more effort in society building both abroad and back home in Liberia.
His conversation echoed efforts to create an enabling environment for diaspora participation, including reforms to promote ease of doing business, and the mobilization of technical expertise.
During the exchange, diaspora members took the opportunity to express appreciation for the President’s leadership and showed interest in various subjects related to development and investment processes in Liberia.
Since taking office in March this year as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia near Paris and UNESCO, “Dr. Yorlay has been instrumental in uniting Liberians in Europe in general, and in France in particular, to enable them contribute more productively to the well-being of their own Country, and also participate in society building in their various Countries of residence,” Sanyoh’s write-up explains.
Mr. Sanyoh furthered, based on this effort, Dr. Teeko Yorlay and staff arranged a meeting between President Boakai and Liberians in Europe, mainly from France, in which members of the diaspora community were opportune to extend thanks and appreciation to the President for his capable leadership thus far.
PRESIDENT BOAKAI RECEIVES BOUQUET UPON ARRIVAL:
Upon his arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai was accorded a warm welcome by French authorities, the Honorable Dr. Teeko Yorlay, Liberia’s Ambassador to Paris and UNESCO, embassy staff, and a welcoming delegation from the Liberian diaspora community, headed by Mr. Layee Bamba.
Miss Mamousou Bamba who presented a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the community, hailed the gesture as an honor to their “humble and yet, most respectable, and respectful” President.
President Boakai receives Bouquet: Photo Credit, EM-Liberia
This warm gesture of courtesy was remarked by Miss Bamba as an honor in the name of all Liberians in France to their “humble and yet, most respectable, and respectful” president. She further noted that President Boakai’s unassuming attitude seems to be the secret behind his success in governing Mama, Liberia.
“Mamousou could not hold herself back from shedding more observations on the attractive conduct of JNB towards fellow citizens, human kinds, and especially to women and girls. She lamented that while Mr. Boakai greets everyone with utmost respect, he greets females in an “extremely modest and chivalrous manner; he removes his hat and bows to greet women and girls”. Ms. Bamba observes.
Prominent community members in attendance during the President’s meeting with compatriots in the diaspora: were, Dr. Ahmed S. Sackor, who is based at the Islamic Development in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, but who was on a visit to France, Mr. William Broh, Acting President of the Federation of Liberian Associations in France, and Mr. Layee Bamba, Peace Ambassador of the Liberian Mandingo Federation in Europe, LIMAFE, and former president of the Liberian Association in France, LIMAF, to name but a few.
