The governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has opened up on why he erects statues of African leaders in Owerri, shortly
after unveiling the statue of President of Liberia.
While speaking shortly after unveiling the statue of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, on Friday in Owerri, the Imo capital, Governor Rochas Okorocha, said he erects statues of African leaders to preserve history which is “dying in Africa”.
The influnetial chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described the first female president in Africa as a pride to the continent.
He said; “I erect statue to immortalise people so that children yet unborn can know about them. History is dying in Africa, we must keep it alive.
“In the next 100 years, most of us would not be alive but this will stand for children to see. If leaders are not immortalised, there will be no history for children.”
Sirleaf who spoke shorly after, said the honour meant so much to her. She thanked Okorocha, saying the gesture would go a long way to inspire women and girls.
She said; “I am simply so filled with joy. I don’t know what to say. This is an honour that I have not received elsewhere. I have received so many things but this is quite exceptional.
“My alma mater, Harvard University, honoured me with a statue but it was not like this. There weren’t people like this and it was just a little one in a corner.” The Liberian leader was also conferred with a chieftaincy title. See screenshots below:
