IPNEWS: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., yesterday, paid a courtesy visit to former Lonestar Player and Coach Josiah Nils Johnson, stating that his visit is in recognition of the contributions of the former player towards sports, particularly soccer development in Liberia.
“I admire the people who have contributed to the development of sports in Liberia. That is why I am here today to recognize and give back to those who have made contributions to the Liberian sporting community,” he remarked.
President Boakai averred that despite the fact that he has never been a sport athlete himself, his visit was also prompted by his interest in developing Liberia’s next generation of athletes.
“I never lived a childhood life devoted to sports owing to the fact that all my life has been saddled with my work and other responsibilities imposed on me by circumstances,” the Liberian Leader explained.
As a result he said, as much as he loved sports greatly, he did not have the opportunity to play. That, he pointed out, did not mean that he was disinterested in sports. President Boakai employed the adage that, “If you don’t remember the past, there is no way you can get prepared for the future.”
The President, on behalf of the Government and every Liberian, lauded the invaluable contributions made by the veteran footballer.
“We have not forgotten you. The Country has not forgotten. We remember your invaluable contributions to this country that you gave without adequate compensation. We appreciate you,” he noted.
As part of the President’s visit, he made personal contribution to the well-being of Mr. Josiah N. Johnson and promised to serve as an immediate solution to some of the pressing challenges faced by the legendary sports leader.
For his part, the former National Team Midfielder, who played between 1958 – 1971, and later served as Head Coach of the Lonestar between 1971 – 1979, winning the Six Nations Tournament over the Black Star of Ghana, Mr. Josiah N. Johnson lauded President Boakai for the visit and the exemplary leadership in steering the affairs of the nation.
Acknowledging the President, Coach JNJ said, “Here your flower is given you. My entire family is appreciative of your visit and your leadership. We are grateful for this visit and it’s going to be remembered through out my family history.”
Mr. Josiah Nils Johnson further appreciated the President for the development initiatives ongoing in South-Eastern Liberia, stating that “I am also happy because of the road connections ongoing in my home and other parts of the South-East.
People can now leave from Maryland and pass through Sinoe and then to Grand Bassa, onward to Monrovia in about a day. We are grateful.”
Meanwhile, President Boakai’s Administration through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, during the tenure of then Minister Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu, initiated a token sponsorship program for all former Lonestar players under the canopy “Former Lonestar Players Association.”
The Association under the chairmanship of former Lonestar defender Washington Blay, who made the disclosure, is receiving subsidiaries from government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Budget. He expressed the prayerful hope that there will come increments in the amount, considering the multitudes of personal life challenges facing retired national football team players.
