Monrovia, Liberia - Enveloped by a crowd of hysterical personnel and officials of the National Port Authority on his first visit to that “Gateway of the Liberian Economy,” on Wednesday, October 31, President George Manneh Weah asserted: “My passionate love for women and working with women has always been there and it is very strong; and I want women to wake up. You know why: because I live with my Grandmother, who was my best friend; we were very good and best friends.”

The Liberian leader told scores of jubilant NPA employees that women must rise up and prepare themselves so that they are capable of securing their position in leadership because “they have a lot more to contribute to Liberia’s progress.”

He said working with Liberian women to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Liberia remains high on his agenda as President of Liberia.

He said Liberian women should leave ‘back seat’, thrust themselves to the front in competition with their male counterparts in every sphere of life. He said this will make their presence felt in national development under the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).

“Women, don’t just sit there. Come out and make yourselves what you want to be in society,” the President said, leafing through his experience with grandmother whom he considers his best friend that fueled his love and passion for women.

President Weah also used the occasion to call on Port workers to keep their focus and ensure that the entity achieves its objectives as major contributor to Liberia’s development.

He emphasized that the management and employees of the Port were under obligation to make maximum contributions and to uphold values that will keep their operations on track.

“It is your responsibilities to serve Liberia and the world,” the President stressed further. “This is the purpose for which you need to make the Free Port of Monrovia more operational and efficient to meet the growing demands of those whom who provide services.”

He added: “The best thing that workers at the NPA can do to remain in line with the PAPD is for employees to first recognize the importance of unity among them. My desire is that you make this Port the best amongst the rest by following the examples of those who served here before and left good performance records on the books. And you can do this working together in peace and unity.”

Earlier, the leadership of NPA’s Women Association thanked the Liberian leader for appointing more women in government. They however called on the President to include more women in other vocations NPA operations.

President Weah’s visit to the Free Port, fondly nicknamed “the Gateway to the Liberian Economy,” is in fulfillment of promise he made during the Special Cabinet Meeting held in Gbarnga, Bong County that he would make unannounced visits to government’s ministries and agencies.