TheCable

Allie Kabba, Sierra Leone’s minister of foreign affairs, has requested Nigeria’s assistance in energy, education and health sectors.

Kabba made the call on Wednesday in Abuja when he visited his Nigerian counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama.

He said the new government in Sierra Leone was voted on the basis of its manifesto and is committed to providing disciplined leadership.

Kabba said the provision of quality education is the flagship of the government’s programme.

“We will instil discipline in the leadership and make sure that every child in our country has access to quality education. So, that is why education is the centrepiece,” he said.

“In fact, it is the flagship programme of our new government and we are working on that. I hope that we can count on the support of Nigeria not just in the area of providing classrooms but also providing the teachers.

“Our joint commission over the years stipulates that trained teachers from Nigeria should be sent to help us.”

According to him, the technical assistance will make a big difference as the government moves forward in translating its manifesto into reality.

He said the administration also takes the health sector very central, noting that the country has been trying to rebuild its health infrastructure after its civil war.

“The diagnostic tools are really challenging to us and that is why those who have the means have to come to Nigeria or Ghana,” he said.

“And, of course they require foreign exchange that is straining on us too and we want to make sure that those diagnostic tools are available locally.”

He expressed gratitude to Nigeria for sending doctors and nurses to assist in the health sector.

“We are very grateful for that because that is the area we need more help. So that those who served their two years are replaced quickly so we don’t create a gap in the health delivery system,” he said.

“We also need the help of Nigeria in the energy sector.”

Onyeama pledged Nigeria’s support to the new government, adding that the present administration had been supportive to the country.

The minister said: “We have a joint cooperation of bi-national commission that has been moribund to certain extent and we will certainly cooperate to reinvigorate it.

“So we will get started on that on time and other areas that we have to cooperate.”