By Moses J. Dawoe
-Maryland
Former Representative candidate Thomas Nimely of Pleebo Sodoken District has pledged his unwavering support to Liberia’s agriculture sector despite his defeat in the 2023 general elections.
In an exclusive interview on February 13, 2024, Mr. Nimely revealed his decision to join a local agricultural cooperative as part of his commitment to addressing food insecurity.
According to him, this move aligns with the vision of President Joseph Boakai to revitalize farming and promote agricultural productivity.
Reflecting on his childhood, Mr. Nimely recounted how farming sustained families in his community by funding education and providing food. “Farming was our lifeline, and I am now following the same path to support my family and my community,” he said.
Mr. Nimely emphasized that his passion for farming has been further reinforced by President Boakai’s call for Liberians to “go back to the soil,” a rallying cry he believes is critical to ending hunger across the nation.
However, he expressed concerns about the lack of government support for local farmers.
He disclosed that his cooperative, which boasts over 200 members, has yet to receive assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The absence of tools and seeds, he said, has significantly hindered their productivity.
As the head of Block C Pleebo Lowland Farming Group, Nimely is appealing to the government to provide much-needed resources to enhance agricultural activities in Maryland County. “Farmers in the field need tools and seeds to bring about meaningful change,” he stated.
While reflecting on his political journey, Nimely urged Liberians to look beyond political differences and prioritize nation-building. “Politics comes and goes, but we must unite for the common good of Liberia,” he asserted.
Nimely explained that agriculture serves as a reminder of the transformative power of farming in combating hunger and fostering sustainable development.