Former Vice President of Liberia, Joseph Boakai has expressed a longing to see Africans come together to build a united and prosperous Africa.

He made this known in an exclusive interview with CEOAfrica recently in Liberia following the launching of Sehwah Liberia/Sixth Region Diaspora Caucus office.

On his involvement in the project Boakai said, " I am very glad to be part of it and want to say that the way I see the need for such organization is just the beginning of the story because it is what I have always desired to see Africans help rebuild Africa with all the potentials that we have, so this is very important to me."

"The trip I just made to the United States of America, it just happens that everyone I have been talking to, Liberians that I know that are outside the country, my message to them has been that they should not wait for someone else to help build their country while they are away, but come home and help develop their nation.

"I have decided in my life time to continue to build this country, every good thing I see elsewhere I want it in Africa, the good roads, better quality of life and so on. We need to look inwards and provide better leadership for our people."

Boakai also revealed his passion for helping the less privileged in the society and providing them with opportunities for a better life.

The elder statesman expressed believe that the effects of the various societal ills can be cushioned if we all contribute some measure of kindness to people around us especially the less privilege in the society.

Boakai said, "I don't consider myself a politician, my life has always been about helping to build lives, to provide opportunities for people and I have been doing this for years. I have provided medical services, medical reliefs, books and the likes. Every time that I see something that is wrong with our society that I know I can help out, that has been my desire.

"People believe that when you leave government that is the end, but I am doing what I have always wanted to do. In agriculture which is also one of my passions, I have gone round and seen women struggling to support their families, they produce but are limited in capacity, and I say to myself, it is possible for these people to make a decent livelihood. We have very talented youths, but do they have the opportunities to showcase their talents to the world?"

He added that he has given his life to pursue these passions, to work with people under the umbrella of his foundation to cater to the needs of the less privileged.

"When you talk about health, water, sanitation, education, these are huge areas that require a lot of funding. I don’t have the resources but I have the passion and my passion goes to the extent that I believe those people contributing want to see the resources applied and effectively too. I went to the United States and launched ‘Operation Bare-foot’ because I saw young people without shoes; I brought 9000 pair of shoes and shared to these students. These areas need resources, and so I needed support and wanted people to know this is an organization with a difference," he said.