Ex Nigerian president Obasanjo visits Ebola-hit countries, seeks support for victims

Ex Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has paid a courtesy visit to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in solidarity with the West African nations worst hit by the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

Obasanjo who arrived in Conakry, Guinea on Thursday February 19, and was received by President Alpha Conde at the Presidential Palace.

While speaking during a meeting with the Guinean President, Obasanjo stated that he was in Conakry to commiserate with the people over the loss of lives suffered due to the Ebola outbreak and to congratulate the nation’s leadership for its unending efforts to stem the disease.

“True friendship is really tested in times of trials,” the former President mentioned.

“I came here because this is a trying time for my brother and the citizens of Guinea.

“I commiserate with all of you and also congratulate you for the way and manner you have handled this crisis.”

Mr. Obasanjo affirmed his commitment to seeking international assistance for countries affected by the Ebola virus crisis.

“Let me assure you that I am personally involved in soliciting support for the affected countries,” he stated.

“I have been working very closely with the African Union chairperson to raise capital from the private sector in Africa to support efforts to eradicate Ebola.”

The former Nigerian President said that although Guinea and the other affected nations have reasonably contained the disease, it is necessary for global partners to provide assistance to victims and find ways to ensure such outbreaks are prevented in the future.

“Obasanjo affirm his continuous sensitization of the international community on the need to support victims of the disease and to assist the affected countries to recover from this epidemic.

“The orphaned children by the virus will require support to make it through childhood.”

While responding, President Conde said Mr. Obasanjo’s visit came as no surprise to him even though other global leaders are very reluctant to visit the Ebola-hit countries.

“You have always been a Pan-Africanist who takes any issue of Africa very seriously,” Mr. Conde mentioned.

“Your visit here, therefore, comes as no surprise to me and it re-affirms the friendship we have shared over the years.”