Tag: Desmond Elliot

In a recent post on his Instagram account, actor turned politician Desmond Elliot, who recently paid a courtesy visit to Liberia to be part of a program organised by the women journalists of Liberia, shared his experience saying everyone needs to contribute their quota to make a country great.

“A DAY WITH THE LIBERIAN PRESIDENT GEORGE WEAH,” began Elliot, a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, sharing the video of the event.

“Empathy, altruism, humane, humility, ultra sacrifice- all this embody this man I have come to know first as a friend turned brother and of course, the President of the very historic nation of Liberia- one of Africa’s oldest nations.

“I have come across men and women alike who have totally cut away from their history, denying their roots in the process having achieved hitherto impossible success. Rather than serve as an inspiration to the upcoming generation, they’d rather stay away; totally obliterating any chance they ever had in etching their names in the sands of time- But NOT George Opong Weah.

“Having identified himself with everything his dear nation was going through notably through those years of tumult, he made up his mind in believing that Liberia could and would fulfill her utmost potential in spite and despite the odds and he would be part of the process whilst playing an active role.

“I witnessed this firsthand few weeks ago when President Weah invited me to a program organized by the women journalist of Liberia. It was a fundraising event for their permanent building site; and as these kind of events really go- the moneys where coming in, everyone giving their widows mite. Through all these, he was cheering on the women in full support.

“Then came the MOMENT OF HISTORY. When it was his turn, he presented a small box- in it contained a one (1) dollar coin and of course, you would be wondering, “is this what Mr President is donating?”, but wait till you hear the full story. In the bus, was a key to a brand new bus he donated to the women journalists.

“But that was not the end. In that box was the title deeds to the already purchased land that everyone present there were donating for; you can only imagine the joy that filled the room. Now to the mind blowing part, a DVD was played through a projector. What we were watching on the big screen was nerve wracking. First the bare land appeared with grasses being cleared, then the foundation laid, first story built with Mr. President hands on- going in to inspect the progress of the work done. At this point, you could hear the drop of a pin because of the dead silence in the room owing to the sheer shock we were experiencing. What is this? How could this be possible? Where is this going? I believe these and many more were the numerous questions going through the minds of everyone in the room. And then the final part of the video showed an architectural edifice fully completed to honor the women journalists of Liberia by this HISTORY MAKER.

“Tears filled the room including that of yours truly and all I could do was look at President Weah, totally gobsmacked. And this is where I learnt a great lesson in leadership- he wanted to create a sense of unity and togetherness and teamwork, that’s why he allowed everyone, donate what they could, no matter how little. He wanted everyone to be part of something bigger than themselves. My hope and absolute belief in Africa and African leadership was reinforced that day because of this moment of history I was privileged to witness.”

“All I can say is continue in these things President George Opong Weah. You’re an inspiration to this generation.”