President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf says Liberia is in agreement with the principles of a union of Africa. She has however stressed the need for the continent to develop a road map which will lead to the formation of such a union.

	• President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

The President spoke today in Cotonou, Benin, at the end of the 10th Summit of Heads of States of the Community of Sahel-Sahara States (CENSAD).

During the summit, the Liberian leader and her counterparts signed three treaties aimed at promoting cooperation amongst member states.

These included ‘the common non-aggression treaty’, ‘the youth promotion treaty’ and ‘the governance, democracy and elections treaty’. She also emphasized that Liberia supports CENSAD in principle and further pledged her full support to Beninois President Thomas Yayi Boni who becomes the new Chairman of CENSAD.

At the end of the Summit, the Heads of States agreed to work towards the establishment of a Union Government in order to reach a United States of Africa.

They also declared their effective commitment to see to the realization of this goal after the African Union Summit in its upcoming session in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The CENSAD Heads of States finally called on all African countries to respond to this call, aimed at the realization of an African Government.

The Community of Sahel-Sahara States (CENSAD) also admitted three members during the summit, thus increasing its membership from 25 to 28 countries. Countries admitted included Mauritania, Kenya and Sao Tome and Principe.

In another development, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has stressed her government’s commitment towards creating opportunities for all Liberians. She says revamping the mining and forestry sectors is key in such a venture.

She spoke today in Cotonou, Benin, where she met with members of the Liberian community. The Liberian leader encouraged her citizens to return home, adding that at home, there exists a support factor.

She however stressed her support for voluntary repatriation, saying no one should be forced to return home. The President then called on members of the Liberian community in Benin to remain lawful.

President Johnson Sirleaf and entourage returned home this evening following the end of the 10th Heads of States Summit of CENSAD.

70% Of Budget Will Go To Girl’s Education
By J. Nathaniel Daybor

As the country strives to provide quality education to its citizens especially children, several organizations are also endeavoring to buttress the efforts of Government, by giving larger portion of the operation fund to upgrading the Liberian school system. 

One of such organizations is Plan International, an international NGO working to help Liberia out of its created nuances. Plan International’s Chief Executive Officer, Tom Miller said his organization would use 70 percent of its budget for girl’s education.

Speaking at the launch of “Because I Am Girl: State of the World’s Girls 2008”, in observance of the day of the African Child yesterday Wednesday at a local hotel in Monrovia, he said the importance of girl’s education is a global issue that requires everyone’s attention and effort.

According to him, Plan International is operating in a triumvirate form, providing education to the girl child: accelerated educational program; primary education as well as informal education, with emphasis in the health sector.

The Plan boss said the future of his organization centered on Africa, and added that most African children are vulnerable to denial of education, poor health care, and at most time, exposure to sexual assaults.

Also speaking at the program, the Country Director of Plan Liberia, Augustine Alliue said that Plan Liberia is operating in five counties, mainly in the northwestern parts of the country, and hope to spread its operation to other parts of the country as soon as possible.

He said the organization began operation in 1982 up to 1993, but had to quit due to the protracted civil war. He said they returned to the country less than 18 months ago, with the hope of staying for the longest.

Launching the program, Liberia’s Minister of Gender Development, Vabah  Gayflor said the children of Liberia, especially girls needed help. According to her, in the absence of education, the future of Liberia is at risk, and noted that if the present leaders are gone, there would be no one to replace them.

She therefore urged the children to embrace education, saying, “Look at our government, there are more women because they are educated”.

Madam Gayflor then expressed appreciations to Plan International and other organizations who have dedicated their resources to helping children and Liberia as a nation.