Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday received Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Executive Governor of Imo State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Imo State Governor is also the Founder and President of Rochas Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization incorporated on February 24, 1998, with a firm commitment to serve humanity.
The Rochas Foundation seeks as an organization to build a credible future for Africa by ensuring every less-privileged child has access to qualitative and comprehensive education.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf described Governor Okorocha’s visit to Liberia as good news for Liberia and its Children.
The Rochas Foundation runs colleges that grant free enrollment to less-privileged, poorest of the poor children from across the African continent from secondary to University level.
School materials including books, notebooks, computers, etc. are provided free of charge in addition to clothing, accommodation, shelter, feeding, overseas vacation among others.
President Sirleaf thanked Governor Okorocha for his humanitarian assistance to children across Africa that now includes Liberia, which is sending its first five children to one of the Foundation’s Colleges in Nigeria to be educated from secondary to college levels.
Each year, five additional children from Liberia will join those previously selected as beneficiaries.
The Liberian leader also acknowledged the many contributions made by the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly during the over two decades of civil conflict that witnessed the destruction of lives and properties.
For his part, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked President Sirleaf for receiving his delegation and provided some vital information about himself and the Rochas Foundation.
“Madam President, I am the current Governor of Imo State as well as the Founder and President of Rochas Foundation.”
“I have run twice for the Nigerian Presidency and have been a successful businessman as well.”
“I am giving back to Africa by building and operating the many colleges that provide free secondary and university education for the less-privileged children of Africa,” he informed President Sirleaf.
He assured President Sirleaf that the Foundation will make available 5 sponsorship to Liberian children every year mainly targeted at the poorest of the poor.
Governor Okorocha who is in Liberia for the first time in his life thanked the President for her leadership, adding that the peace being enjoyed alone means a lot for Liberians.
Governor Okorocha also informed President Sirleaf that on the occasion marking his 55th birthday on September 29, the National Assembly of Imo State has approved to have President Sirleaf honored with the State’s highest honor (Grand Chancellor of the State of Imo).
Important events of the 55th Birthday celebration of the Imo State Governor will include a Book presentation, commissioning of the Rochas Foundation Africa College and the First Imo Merit Awards.
Monday’s meeting was also attended by Education Minister George Werner, Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Henrique Flomo Tokpa, Minister of State Without Portfolio, Dr. Clarence Moniba and Acting Gender, Children and Social Protection, Minister Sieane Adul-Baki.