(Monrovia, Ministerial Complex, April 26, 2021): - Agriculture Minister Jeanine Cooper and Defense Minister Daniel Ziankahn Jr. (Rtd. Maj. Gen.) on Friday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a basis of collaboration between the Bureau of Veteran Affairs -under the Ministry of Defense – to engage in agricultural projects around the country.

His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia President George Manneh Weah, during the 2020-Armed Forces Day celebrations, mandated the Ministries of Agriculture and Defense to work collaboratively for the revitalization of agriculture activities around the country.

The MOU’s signing climaxed months of engagements between the two ministries on how to accelerate the Government of Liberia’s action plan for food production as captured in the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, a national development agenda that came into effect in September 2018.

For over three months now, the two ministries undertook nationwide site inspection visits to assess and reactivate dormant public lands meant for agricultural production.

At first start as enshrined in the MOA, there will be creation of agricultural skills training activities through vocational training programs for present and future veterans of Liberia, enabling them with the knowledge and skills to enhance food production.

Excited Minister Cooper, after signing the MoU with her Cabinet colleague at the Ministry of Defense, declared, “I look forward to working with the MoD and the Bureau of Veteran Affairs to develop their capacities in Agriculture to improve the lives of Liberian veterans and the agriculture sector”.

The National Bureau of Veteran Affairs was established by Act of the Legislature in July 2008 to cater for the needs of veterans that will provide an avenue for their reintegration into civilian life, create job opportunities, and provide social services and benefits programs for veterans and Government of the Republic of Liberia

Moving the momentum high from the MOU, Defense Minister Ziankahn, indicated, “Knowing the capabilities of our men and the veterans, we will serve as the supporting arm, and we have some plots of lands that have already been identified for farming activities and you can count on us”.

Hon. Edwin J. Goodrich, Director-General of the Bureau; Hon. Sam Collins, Assistant Minister of Defense for Public Affairs and other dignitaries from both ministries witnessed Friday’s signing ceremony.