MONROVIA, Feb 23 (LINA) - Out-going Resident Representative of the U.N. Development Program (UNDP), Aeneas Chapinga Chuma, has underscored the need for the Liberian government to prioritize job creation in the country.

Representative Chuma observed that unemployment in post-war countries creates instability and poses serious threat to growth and development.

The out-going UNDP official was speaking at the weekend at a farewell program held in his honor at the Monrovia City Hall.

During the program, Mr. Chuma was honored for his contributions to the development of post-war Liberia as head of UNDP.

He emphasized that youth employment and micro-economic growth should be given major attention to ensure that employment and growth reach the most vulnerable groups in the society.

He observed that there may be growth and employment, but that it might not be reaching the most vulnerable people to transform their lives.

Representative Chuma indicated that when there is economic growth, jobs should be created for the youths, noting that jobless growth is detrimental to the development of the country.

Meanwhile, Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has commended the out-going UNDP Resident Representative for championing the development of Liberia during his tenure in Liberia.

Vice President Boakai said the people of Liberia will remain grateful to Mr. Chuma and the UNDP for their development initiatives at both the community level and the nation at large, and hoped that he remembers Liberia in his new assignment in Ethiopia.

Mr. Chuma, who succeeded Dominic Sam as UNDP Country Representative in Liberia 14 months ago, is expected to depart Liberia to head the International Labor Organization (ILO) which is headquartered in Ethiopia.

The farewell ceremony was attended by a cross-section of the UN family, government official and other dignitaries.
LINA/CB/TSS/PTK