The standard bearer of the Unity Party, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has promised to build modern market structures throughout the country, if elected on October 10.
Dedicating the Yekepa Market Hall in Yekepa, Nimba County last Wednesday, Vice President Boakai said the modern markets will have schools and clinics as well as other facilities.
"Many of our marketers are women and breadwinners of families, so there is a need that we provide them with very good environments," the VP said at the dedication ceremony.
The UP standard bearer is in Nimba at the invitation of citizens of Nimba County. According to him, the market initiative is a result of the recent visit of U.S. Evangelist, Preacher Franklin Graham, who noticed that marketers were facing serious inconveniences selling their produce and expressed concern.
"I said over and again that this country is an African country. Today as we go around we see market places and we know where we came from and have passed through leadership. We continue to see ourselves still working with the Liberia Marketing Association. The government has elevated the LMA. I see the LMA as a social place, that is why we say these places must look presentable and if elected I will provide schools for children and women at various marketplaces," said VP Boakai.
He added, "That is why we are still working with you. This is just the beginning of a big future for the people. This is the time for all of us to work together for the benefit of the country. Lack of roads has put us apart a little bit."
Ma Sannie Suah, General Superintendent of the Nimba County Marketing Association lauded the Vice President for his efforts to empower women. She described the VP as the first child for Liberia, saying, "Marketers will continue to feed you for your endless contributions to the women of Liberia."
The LMA Nimba Chapter leader pledged the support of the association to the VP, indicating that they will work with him to the end. "We the marketers from our county will show the difference to ensure that you win this election."
The Vice President meanwhile expressed serious disappointment at the poor condition of citizens in the presence of iron ore giant ArcelorMittal.
He reminded the citizens that during the regime of LAMCO in the county, Liberian employees were paid 4 cents per hour. He expressed dissatisfaction about the country reaching 170 years of independence with little to show in terms of development adding that a majority of Liberians continue to live in poverty while companies are exploiting the country's resources and making more money.
"There is no reason why our people should live poor. Our country has been in existence for 170 years yet has nothing to show but we keep complaining about the 14 years of the civil crisis which ended ever since.
"The development of our nation should have been done 90 years ago. It's time for Liberians to take over their own country by building it to a better level because we are behind and lacked basic developments like roads, water and better living conditions for citizens, " VP Boakai said.
He lauded the efforts of Nimba citizens for the development initiatives undertaken but said his interest to become President is not for himself but for the transformation of the country. "I like to see where people are doing things and promote them. I believe in development, therefore, it's time we work together to transform our country and it is not about celebrating years but development," VP Boakai said.
Mr. Tomy Gonyon, giving an overview of the market renovation project, told citizens of Yemeh District that the market was renovated based on the Vice President's desire to empower citizens who earn their living by selling their produce.
"VP Boakai provided huge support for the renovation of the market which will contribute greatly to this district and we are grateful to him and will make sure he gets the seat during the election," he said.
