Sirleaf with Independence Day Orator Father Tikpor. (Photo Courtesy New Democrat)

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who returned to Monrovia Wednesday following the observance of the 163rd Independence of Liberia, has heaped praises on the county.

She lauded Nimba County and its officials noting that this year's celebration will go down in history as one of the best the country has held in recent years. A statement issued by the Executive Mansion yesterday quoted the Liberian leader as making the statement in Sanniquelle in a radio interview shortly before departing the city.

What he statement bespeaks, according to observers, is that it throws out a challenge to other counties that may host the national festivity to go beyond what was done in Nimba. Apart from saying Nimba will be remembered for the splendid show of preparedness, the Liberian president, the Executive Mansion statement said also used the time to thank officials of the county and the people of Nimba for successfully hosting the celebrations.

Not only that, the statement said President Sirleaf also thanked all individuals and institutions that contributed toward the success of the occasion. Before returning to Monrovia and besides previous projects, the president dedicated more development projects including the premises of the newly renovated African Bible College in Yekepa, a newly constructed prison compound and a newly constructed Gender and Development building in Sanniquelle and a local radio station in Ganta.

Accompanied by county officials, including Superintendent Edith Gongloe Weh and the County's Legislative Caucus, the President also visited Bahn in Zoe-Geh District where she was received by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and well-wishers. While in Bahn, the Liberian leader dedicated an administrative building and performed symbolic dedications of other development projects in Zoe-Geh district including Center for Concerned Women and a Youth Center.

The President expressed the hope that the facilities would contribute to the manpower development and growth of women and youth in the area. She thanked residents of the area for embracing government development agenda and assured them that government would continue to respond to their need.