Liberian Vice President, Mr. Joseph Boakai, on Wednesday described unity among African leaders as the only way to fight the menace of corruption currently ravaging the African continent.
Boakai, who spoke during his courtesy visit to former president Olusegun Obasanjo at his hilltop residence in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, disclosed that such gesture among African leaders would enhance sustainable economic development in the continent.
The Liberian vice president also cautioned African leaders against stashing funds in foreign countries, saying they should rather use such money to generate employment for African youths.
Boakai, who was in Nigeria for an international conference organized by the Save Democracy Group Africa, admonished African leaders to see their youths as investment haven for the development of Africa.
He wondered why there was so much capital flight from the continent as many African countries remained underdeveloped and couldn’t generate employment for their youth.
According to him” we should begin to invest in our youths, we should begin to do away with corruption and stop taking money out of our countries and sending it elsewhere when our youth need employment.
“I think if we begin to invest more in our country and demonstrate that they are entitled to the resources, then they will feel a sense of belonging and Africa will be opened to all.”
Boakai, who also paid a visit to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, praised Nigeria for her role in stopping the Liberia civil war, describing Nigeria as a sister country, who made the sacrifices to make her a free again.
“I think Nigeria is not just a sister country but a country that has been showing true love, making the ultimate sacrifice to make Liberia a free country where people can move freely again,” he said.
He also commended Obasanjo for strengthening the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Liberia, saying he’s a true ally of his country.
The former president, however, pledge his support for Liberia, saying that the development of Liberia depended on Nigeria.
“You can count on us that we would continue to support your country because the development of Liberia is paramount to us.
“If any country in West/Africa is lagging behind, then West/Africa is disturbed,” he said.
