Your Excellency, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic and First Girl Kartumu Boakai,
The Honorable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia and Mrs. Koung,
Distinguished Heads of Authorities
Honorable Richard Koon, Speaker of the Home of Representatives, and Members of the Home of Representatives
Honorable Nyonblee Karnga- Lawrence, President Professional Tempore of the Liberian Senate and members of the Senate
Her Honor Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, Chief Justice Designate of the Supreme Courtroom of Liberia and Affiliate Justices of the Honorable Supreme Courtroom
Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Overseas Affairs and Dean of the Cupboard, and Members of the Cupboard,
Doyen and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Members of the Forth Property
Fellow Liberians at dwelling and within the Diaspora,
Distinguished friends,
Girls and Gents:
Good morning and Glad Independence Day!
Acknowledgement:
With a coronary heart stuffed with gratitude and humility, I stand earlier than you immediately to precise my sincerest because of you, Mr. President, for the respect of serving because the Nationwide Orator for our nation’s 178th Independence Day celebration.
This invitation is just not solely an excellent private privilege however a sacred second for my household. Like nearly all of my fellow Liberians, I come to this platform not as one born into status or prominence, however as a son of humble beginnings. I used to be raised by a brave single mom, who by sheer willpower and religion, formed the course of my life. I bear in mind promoting my mom’s bread within the Joe Bar Market on the Outdated Street, these early mornings, dusty ft, and lengthy days taught me dignity, perseverance, and repair. It was there, in Joe Bar market, amongst on a regular basis Liberians, that I realized the values of laborious work, compassion, and group, values that proceed to information my private {and professional} life to this present day.
For me to be known as from these beginnings to now stand on this place, on this sacred day in our nationwide journey, is a testomony to the grace of God, the energy of household, and the enduring risk of Liberia.
Thanks, Mr. President, for entrusting me with this nice duty. I pray that my phrases immediately could honor our ancestors, encourage our folks, and serve the reason for unity and nationwide renewal.
INTRODUCTION:
In the present day, as we mark the 178th anniversary of our beloved Republic, we do extra than simply bear in mind a date in historical past. We mirror upon a journey of resilience, a narrative of battle and triumph, of brokenness and therapeutic, of goals deferred and goals nonetheless alive. We collect beneath the highly effective theme: One Folks, One Future: Therapeutic the Previous, Constructing the Future. This isn’t only a slogan, it’s a summons. A name to unity. A problem to confront our previous with honesty, and the braveness to form our future with function.
In the present day, we stand on sacred floor. Floor paid for with the hopes, tears, and blood of generations. Floor that has absorbed each the cries of the oppressed and the songs of the free. We mark 178 years since a bunch of our ancestors, dreamers of a daring form, declared to the world that on this nook of Africa’s western shore, liberty would dwell. That right here, black folks might govern themselves. That right here, dignity would not be borrowed however owned. That right here, the Lone Star will rise without end!
But when we have to be trustworthy, Liberia’s historical past, though a proud one, can be a painful one. Liberia was based on excessive beliefs: liberty, self-governance, self-determination. However from the very starting, these beliefs had been challenged by human nature, by the deep divides between settlers and the indigenous individuals who had lived right here for hundreds of years.
For many years, lots of our fellow residents had been marginalized, not due to laziness, not due to ignorance, however as a result of energy was concentrated within the arms of some. Whilst we proudly flew our flag and sang our anthem, many felt like strangers in their very own land.
Then got here the army coup of 1980. A second many thought would deliver change, however which opened the door to years of instability. Then got here civil conflict. The dying of over 250,000 of our brothers and sisters. The displacement of practically 1,000,000. The lack of colleges, hospitals, and establishments. Belief shattered. communities divided. youngsters became troopers. Total villages wiped off the map.
And but, right here we’re, nonetheless standing. Nonetheless believing. Nonetheless hoping and nonetheless declaring that this superb land of liberty shall lengthy be ours, not as a result of we’re excellent, not as a result of we communicate good lovely English, however as a result of we’re decided and resilient. Our journey has not been a simple one. We’ve got confronted grave trials: financial collapses, civil conflicts, dictatorship, and illness. Our folks have identified the ache of conflict and the toll of poverty. We’ve got buried too many goals too early. However let or not it’s mentioned, Liberia has by no means surrendered. Time and time once more, our nation has bent however by no means damaged.
Our resilience is the heartbeat of this nation. It’s seen within the farmer in Foya utilizing primary instruments to farm , the trainer in Ganta who teaches in a dimly lit leaking classroom, the nurse in Pleebo, the market lady in Paynesville who has to chase a shifting truck and throw her lappa on it, with the hope that it doesn’t fall off in order to have items to promote, and the younger man in Buchanan promoting gasoline out of a mayonnaise jar. Every day, peculiar Liberians struggle towards extraordinary odds, to not tear down this nation, however to construct it up.
And so, my fellow residents, this Independence Day is just not merely a celebration, it’s a summons. A name to motion. A solemn reminder that historical past is just not solely one thing we inherit, it’s one thing we’re known as to form. It’s about dedication, braveness, and duty. It’s about answering the decision of future and taking our rightful place in constructing a nation that displays the dignity, goals, and potential of all its folks.
In the present day, I invite every of you to hitch arms within the sacred job of nation constructing, brick by brick, coronary heart by coronary heart, era by era. As a result of as we are saying in Liberia” one hand cannot decide lice.
However earlier than we proceed, permit me to pause and supply heartfelt congratulations to you, Mr. President, on Liberia’s historic election to the United Nations Safety Council. It is a profound testomony to your regular management and your unwavering dedication to positioning Liberia as a accountable and revered voice on the worldwide stage.
Thanks, Mr. President, for restoring Liberia’s place among the many group of countries.
Allow me additionally to commend you on the strides made in fulfilling the guarantees outlined in your ARREST Agenda for Nationwide Improvement. From agriculture to roads, rule of regulation, schooling, sanitation, and tourism, your authorities has begun to put a basis for nationwide transformation. Whereas a lot stays to be completed, progress is being made, and for that, we’re grateful.
In only a few quick months, your authorities has proven that integrity and public service will not be relics of the previous, however important instruments for nationwide transformation. Let me spotlight only a few areas:
* On Anti-Corruption and Governance:
The strengthening of the Liberia Anti-Corruption Fee (LACC) and simply yesterday the signing of a MOU between the Monetary Intelligence Company and the LACC that serves as a conduit towards unified oversight is certainly a step in the proper course.
* On Infrastructure Improvement:
Driving from Monrovia to Zwedru, I’ve witnessed firsthand a renewed momentum in highway rehabilitation, reminding us that inclusion should start with entry. As well as the efficiency of the Liberian Electrical energy Company inside the previous couple of months signifies that with correct management change is feasible.
* On Schooling:
Elevated price range allocations, trainer coaching packages, the distribution of studying supplies to underserved communities, and new investments in early childhood schooling all communicate to a authorities reclaiming schooling as a nationwide precedence.
* On Well being and Social Providers:
Within the well being sector, we see rising entry to rural clinics, partnerships with worldwide donors, and stronger assist for healthcare employees. The emphasis on maternal well being is very commendable, and life-saving.
* On Agricultural Revitalization:
By elevating meals safety and empowering native farmers, your administration is reigniting a long-overdue nationwide dialogue: Liberia should feed itself. If we develop what we eat, we’ll develop the financial system from the bottom up.
The procurement of fireplace vans, the acquisition of buses for our Nationwide Transportation System, these will not be simply guarantees; they’re actions, and we acknowledge and have fun them.
However allow us to additionally communicate truthfully: challenges stay. The highway forward is lengthy and generally unsure. But that is the work of our era. And this era should not develop weary.
Now let me communicate to the Ongoing Challenges We Should Face Collectively.
* Corruption continues to be deeply embedded in our establishments, and it’ll take greater than coverage to uproot it. It should take ethical braveness and political will from the best places of work to the bottom. To the honorable Speaker ,the honorable President Professional Temp and Her Honor, the Chief Justice, the struggle towards corruption is yours in addition to the President’s.
* Unemployment stays dangerously excessive. We can’t afford to let our folks drift into despair, or worse, into the arms of those that would exploit their frustration.
* Financial inequality is widening. Too lots of our folks go to mattress hungry whereas just a few develop richer with every passing day. We should reimagine a Liberia the place alternative is just not reserved for the linked, however out there to the dedicated.
* Gender inequality continues to rob our nation of its full potential. Ladies nonetheless face systemic limitations, from unequal pay to unsafe public areas. We should do extra to guard them, empower them, and embody them.
* Our schooling system, whereas enhancing, continues to be fragile. Too many youngsters nonetheless sit on flooring. Too many faculties nonetheless lack educated academics. We should not accept enchancment, we should push for transformation.
* Drug abuse is silently destroying the way forward for Liberia’s youth, fuelling crime, unemployment, and hopelessness. We should act earlier than it’s too late. The difficulty is each a well being epidemic and a nationwide safety danger.
However these will not be causes to despair, they’re causes to behave. Liberia can’t fulfill its promise till each citizen, from West Level to Zwedru, from Voinjama to Fortsville, has a good probability to thrive. The work of constructing Liberia should contain all of us.
However earlier than we race in direction of nation constructing, let’s discuss the place we now have been.
Our theme, One Folks One Future, Therapeutic the Previous, Constructing the Future, invitations us to take inventory of the pathway we now have traveled.
As we mirror on the previous we should acknowledge that for too lengthy, wounds have been left untreated: the injuries of tribalism, exclusion, financial injustice, and political and gender violence. We should dare to imagine that tomorrow could be higher, creating the area for reconciliation, dialogue, restorative justice, and for constructing bridges throughout our divides.
The current reburial of former President Samuel Okay. Doe and the Memorial Service for Former President William R. Tolbert, Jr. had been daring actions that signaled the President’s dedication to start a course of that was so lengthy overdue. Then once more, on July fifth, 2025, you confirmed exemplary management if you, Mr. President, provided an apology to the Liberian folks for the atrocities and injustice of years previous. Mr. President, on behalf of the Folks of Liberia, we settle for your apology.
As a result of reconciliation is an ongoing course of, and in an effort to construct on what you might have began, I suggest the institution of a standing Nationwide Fee on Reconciliation. This physique, nonpartisan and inclusive, could be tasked with persevering with the work of nationwide therapeutic from county to county, village to village and city to city by historic truth-telling, civic schooling, and packages that promote social cohesion. The Fee would function an ethical compass, reminding us that reconciliation is a basic component to nation constructing.
However the work of therapeutic nevertheless, is just not the duty of presidency alone. It’s the duty of every Liberian, to put down hatred, to uproot prejudice, to decide on the laborious work of peace over the benefit of bitterness. It’s time for us to confront the painful chapters of our historical past, not with anger, however with resolve, resolve to construct a Liberia the place such chapters won’t ever be written once more.
Now let’s flip our consideration to Nation Constructing
Nation constructing is “the method of establishing or structuring a nationwide id utilizing the facility and affect of the state. It includes efforts by governments or different entities to unite numerous teams inside a rustic, foster a way of nationwide id, and construct establishments that assist a functioning, secure, and cohesive society.”
Now let me let you know what nation constructing is just not.
It isn’t a one-day occasion. It isn’t simply the duty of presidency. It isn’t a one-man present. It isn’t the property of anyone political occasion, ethnic group, gender, or era. It’s a collective enterprise, the duty of each Liberian, in the private and non-private sector, within the diaspora, within the classroom and within the dwelling.
The long run we hope for, a Liberia that’s peaceable, affluent, and simply, calls for the total participation of all Liberians. My folks I’m not asking for the inconceivable. Others have gone by worse than us they usually have overcome. We will do the identical.
In our effort to contribute to nation constructing, our younger folks should rise, not simply to hunt jobs, however to create them. Our leaders should rise, not simply to hunt energy, however to serve with integrity. Our communities should rise, not with violence or division, however with unity and shared function.
Allow us to transfer away from the politics of blame and embrace the politics of constructing. Allow us to not solely demand change however be the change that we demand. The Liberian dream have to be constructed by Liberian arms.
Sure, we now have survived wars. Sure, we now have endured financial hardship and political instability. However survival is just not sufficient. It’s time to maneuver previous the scars of conflict. Cease utilizing the conflict as crutches or an excuse to assist our lack of actions. For by doing so will rob us of giving start to new potentialities. Our responsibility now’s transformation.
My fellow Liberians, the long run is just not a present we’re given, it’s a duty we should earn. Constructing that future means embracing a brand new nationwide covenant.
To perform this job of Nation Constructing I herewith supply 5 pillars to your consideration:
Pillar one: Reimagine our Nationwide Id
Liberia stands at a second the place we should reimagine our future, and that future should start with a basis that acknowledges all Liberians. Allow us to collectively write a brand new chapter in our nationwide narrative, one which binds us, not by the divisions of our previous, however by the shared hope of our collective future.
Mr. President, with deep respect and a honest love for our nation, I enchantment to your management to take a historic and unifying step, to nominate a nationwide fee tasked with proposing a brand new motto for the Republic of Liberia. This request is just not made frivolously, neither is it new. It’s a name that has echoed for many years amongst Liberians who yearn for a nationwide id that’s inclusive, consultant, and reflective of the values and aspirations of all our folks.
The present nationwide motto, “The Love of Liberty Introduced Us Right here,” speaks to the legacy of the freed settlers who arrived on our shores within the nineteenth century. Whereas this historical past is an inseparable a part of our nationwide story, the motto fails to acknowledge or communicate to the lived expertise, id, and heritage of the overwhelming majority of Liberians, the indigenous populations whose ancestors had been already right here, who endured the results of exclusion, and who’ve contributed immeasurably to the constructing of our nation.
A nationwide motto needs to be greater than a relic of historical past; it needs to be a supply of shared delight, unity, and imaginative and prescient. Liberia immediately is a various republic made up of many ethnic teams, religions, and backgrounds, all of whom need to see themselves mirrored within the phrases that outline our nationwide function and spirit.
Mr. President, you might be uniquely positioned to steer this long-overdue change. Your life story, your public service, and your presidency symbolize reconciliation, inclusion, and the therapeutic of historic divides. Appointing a fee, inclusive of historians, cultural leaders, linguists, youth representatives, and civil society, to interact the general public and develop a brand new motto could be a robust gesture of unity and progress.
Pillar Two: We should Confront Financial Disparity
In a rustic as wealthy in pure assets as ours, why are so many Liberians nonetheless poor?
This isn’t simply an financial situation, it’s a ethical one. We should concentrate on financial justice, as a result of peace with out prosperity is fragile.
A hungry little one can’t watch for macroeconomic coverage. A farmer with out instruments can’t watch for committee studies and a mom who can’t afford healthcare for her little one doesn’t want guarantees, she wants options.
My fellow residents, we can’t discuss true independence with out speaking about financial independence.
It’s time to confront a painful reality: an excessive amount of of our financial system is owned and managed by overseas pursuits. Whereas overseas funding is welcome, it should not be on the expense of our dignity. The soul of our financial system have to be Liberian. Liberians have to be actively concerned in proudly owning companies. Liberians have to be positioned to create wealth, not simply devour it.
To try this, we should nurture and develop a vibrant center class, one constructed on entrepreneurship, expert labor, skilled excellence, and innovation. A robust center class is the spine of each secure society. It generates jobs, drives demand, pays taxes, and anchors our democracy.
We should assist small and medium enterprises. We should make entry to credit score simpler. We should put money into technical and vocational coaching. We should modernize agriculture in order that farming turns into worthwhile once more. We should embrace know-how so our youth can compete on a world stage.
To my fellow Liberian companies when authorities has completed all this, as I do know this authorities would, we should endeavour to show that we’re reliable by honouring our contracts and commitments.
I subsequently supply the next to your consideration and motion:
A. Implement the Liberianization Coverage:
Absolutely implement the prevailing Liberianization Coverage, guaranteeing that the sectors reserved completely for Liberians stay protected and accessible solely to Liberian residents, as initially supposed.
The persistent violation and weak enforcement of this coverage have resulted in overseas encroachment, marginalizing Liberian entrepreneurs and undermining native financial progress.
The spirit and letter of the Liberianization Coverage had been designed to empower Liberians to play a central position within the nationwide financial system by safeguarding key areas of commerce from overseas domination. Authorities ought to be certain that the unique rights of Liberians in designated sectors are revered. No overseas nationwide or entity needs to be permitted to function in these protected areas, both instantly or by proxies. Enforcement mechanisms should embody monitoring, licensing controls, and punitive measures for each foreigners and Liberians discovered violating this coverage.
B. Necessary Fairness Participation in Overseas Funding Concessions:
I suggest that every one future overseas funding concessions in Liberia be required to allocate a minimal share of fairness for Liberian buyers, whether or not people, teams, or establishments. This ensures that Liberians share within the possession, income, and long-term advantages of our pure and financial assets. Such inclusive participation will construct indigenous wealth and deepen nationwide financial sovereignty.
C. Reform of Work Allow Issuance
Work permits for overseas nationals ought to solely be granted when it’s clearly demonstrated that no certified Liberian is obtainable to carry out the job. A clear, merit-based overview course of needs to be instituted to make sure this requirement is met, selling truthful labor practices and prioritizing Liberian employment.
These measures will yield quite a few nationwide advantages, together with:
* Job creation for Liberians, lowering unemployment and dependency.
* Capability constructing and abilities switch as Liberians are given extra alternatives to steer and handle companies.
* Elevated native possession, resulting in better wealth retention inside the nation.
* Enhanced tax income by elevated native participation and clear enterprise practices.
* Strengthened nationwide id and financial independence, fostering delight and resilience within the Liberian folks.
Liberia should not be a passive observer of our personal financial system. We should assert our rightful place on the heart of nationwide growth. By implementing the Liberalization Coverage and guaranteeing significant Liberian participation in all financial actions, we pave the way in which for a stronger, extra inclusive, and self-sustaining financial system.
If we should Assume Liberia, Love Liberia, and Construct Liberia, then we should prioritize Liberians. The time for motion is now.
Pillar Three: Reclaim Schooling as a Public Good
Schooling is the cornerstone of any society that seeks to maneuver ahead. No nation has ever risen above the standard of its schooling system. We should put money into each degree of studying.
Meaning:
* Constructing secure and accessible colleges.
* Paying and coaching academics with dignity.
* Modernizing our curriculum to incorporate agriculture, know-how, and entrepreneurship.
* Prioritizing vocational and technical schooling so that each younger individual leaves college with employable abilities.
Our instructional system needs to be structured to not solely move exams however to constructing character, sharpening minds, and getting ready residents to serve with integrity.
We can’t construct the long run with damaged chalk and unpaid academics.
For a lot too lengthy, we now have watched our public colleges deteriorate whereas personal establishments change into the one hope for high quality studying. This should change.
Each Liberian little one deserves:
* A classroom that’s secure.
* A trainer who’s educated.
* A curriculum that prepares them for a world world.
An informed citizenry is Liberia’s strongest protection towards poverty, division, and corruption.
Pillar 4: Finish Prejudice and Division
Too typically, we communicate of unity, however act on tribal traces.
We should cease asking “the place are you from?” and begin asking “what can we construct collectively?”
We should break down the limitations of tribalism, regionalism, and non secular suspicion. Allow us to reject the lie that one group is superior to a different. Within the Liberia we’re constructing, your final identify shouldn’t decide your alternative. Your pores and skin tone shouldn’t decide your therapy. Your gender shouldn’t decide your worth. The occasion you voted for should not affect your employability. We should uproot prejudice in all its types. We aren’t Gio, Kpelle, Bassa, Vai, or Americo-Liberian first, we’re Liberians first. Our range have to be our energy, not our downfall.
My fellow Liberians: We could have completely different names, however we share one id. We could come from completely different counties, however we share one nation. We could communicate completely different languages, however we share one future.
Future is just not destiny, it’s a alternative. It’s the results of intentional motion. We share a typical future, and whether or not that future results in division or to unity, to poverty or to prosperity, will depend upon the alternatives we make immediately.
Our future is not going to be decided by what occurred 178 years in the past, and even 20 years in the past, however by what we select to do now. Proper now.
Allow us to select peace over provocation.
Allow us to select justice over favoritism.
Allow us to select patriotism over partisanship.
Allow us to select one another, time and again.
Pillar 5: Selling Gender Equality:
Liberia has already proven the world that ladies can lead, and lead properly. However past symbolism, we should be certain that girls have equal entry to alternative, schooling, healthcare, and security. Selling gender equality is just not a favor to girls, however a basic human proper.
The struggle towards gender-based violence have to be relentless. We should defend our daughters from abuse, our moms and sisters from exclusion, and create areas the place their voices will not be solely heard however heeded.
The rearing of kids is simply not the duty of moms alone. Fathers should take equal duty for caring and supporting the youngsters they start. Our authorized system should assist moms who’re struggling due to fathers who will not be current within the lives of their youngsters.
Too many ladies left with the burden of elevating youngsters alone. Authorities should be a part of the struggle by guaranteeing that the Home Relations Regulation on Assist for dependents have to be enforced.
A rustic that empowers its girls is a rustic that doubles its potential.
Now we flip our consideration to the individuals in Nation Constructing:
1. The Function of Political Opposition
Democracy is just not a spectator sport. Neither is it a crowning of any ruling occasion. It’s the fixed trade of concepts, the conflict of visions for the frequent good. Our opposition events have to be revered, not demonized. They don’t seem to be the enemy of the state; they’re a part of the equipment of accountability.
A nation the place opposition voices are silenced is a nation strolling into darkness. Allow us to not worry disagreement, allow us to worry apathy. Allow us to debate passionately however respect each other deeply. Liberia wants robust authorities, however it additionally wants robust opposition. Collectively, they kind the engines that assist the ship of democracy go crusing nonetheless.
Not-with-standing, We name on the political opposition in Liberia to reveal management, integrity, and a deep dedication to the democratic ideas that unite our nation. As vital stakeholders in our political system, the opposition performs an important position in guaranteeing accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness. Nonetheless, with this position comes a profound duty to behave in ways in which protect nationwide unity, peace, and public belief.
On this pivotal time for our nation, it’s important that every one political actors interact in dialogue, uphold the rule of regulation, and reject any type of violence, misinformation, or incitement. Constructive criticism and peaceable advocacy are pillars of democracy, however they have to be guided by reality, respect for establishments, and a shared imaginative and prescient for a secure and affluent Liberia
Our expensive leaders in opposition I urge you to prioritize the long-term curiosity of the Liberian folks over short-term political achieve. The eyes of the nation, and the world, are watching. Allow us to all rise to the event and present that Liberia’s democracy is just not solely vibrant, however mature and accountable.
Let peace lead, let dialogue prevail, and let Liberia win.
2. The Function of the Church:
To the Christian Church in Liberia, It’s time for a deeper awakening, a revival not simply of prayer and worship, however of function and duty. For too lengthy, poverty has been spiritualized, normalized, and even romanticized inside the church. However let or not it’s made clear: there isn’t a honor in poverty, and there’s nothing righteous about financial struggling when options are inside attain.
The gospel is just not solely about salvation for the soul, additionally it is about transformation of lives and communities. Scripture declares, “Religion with out works is lifeless” (James 2:26). But too typically, our pulpits echo with calls to prayer the ultimate calls to motion. We can’t hold telling folks to quick and pray for breakthroughs whereas doing nothing sensible to equip them economically. We should cease anticipating miracles whereas ignoring the work of our arms.
Liberia is a nation wealthy in potential, however burdened by the shortage of alternative, infrastructure, schooling, and imaginative and prescient. The Church is likely one of the strongest and trusted establishments on this nation. Think about the impression if that energy had been leveraged for financial growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, and abilities coaching. Think about if church buildings grew to become facilities not simply of non secular revival, however of innovation and productiveness. What if ministries helped construct cooperatives, credit score unions, vocational facilities, and sustainable companies?
The Church should cleared the path in breaking the cycle of poverty, not by blaming the poor for his or her situation or preaching them into passivity, however by empowering them to create change. Jesus fed the hungry and challenged programs of injustice. He didn’t educate folks to attend indefinitely for a blessing or their breakthrough. He taught them to behave, to construct and to rework.
I urge you:
* Put money into group growth by colleges, hospitals as a part of your mission.
* Begin or assist packages that educate sensible abilities and monetary literacy.
* Encourage entrepreneurship and native enterprise initiatives.
* Preach not simply religion for miracles, however religion for work, self-discipline, and financial impression.
Prayer is highly effective, however it should lead us to motion. Let the Church come up as a power not solely of hope, however of tangible transformation. Allow us to cease spiritualizing poverty and begin dismantling it.
There is no such thing as a honor in being poor, however there’s nice honor in lifting others out of poverty. That’s the gospel in motion.
3. A Name to the Diaspora
The Liberian diaspora, estimated at over 500,000 robust, has performed an important position in Liberia’s financial resilience, progress, and nationwide growth. By constant remittances to households, associates, and establishments, diaspora Liberians have created a vital security web, notably throughout occasions of disaster. These monetary contributions proceed to assist schooling, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social providers throughout the nation.
So to you within the diaspora: we want you. Not simply your cash, however your concepts, your experience, your networks. Return when you can. Make investments when you’re in a position. Communicate up. Keep engaged. Your love for Liberia is just not much less since you dwell overseas. Let or not it’s a bridge, not a boundary. Your journey overseas doesn’t erase your Liberian id, it expands it. We should proceed to embrace the precept that no Liberian is extra Liberian than one other, a sentiment captured by the phrase “As soon as A Liberian, At all times A Liberian.”
Authorities should subsequently create daring, intentional frameworks for diaspora funding, guaranteeing that their inclusion is just not symbolic however strategic. They need to not be seen as outsiders, however as companions in nationwide transformation. Mr. President, you might have taken eager curiosity in creating tangible relationship along with your diaspora residents to the extant that you’ll convene the primary ever Presidential international diaspora convention in Washington D. C. In September 2025.
Mr. President and members of the Nationwide Legislature, the group of Liberian Diaspora extends our profound appreciation to you for amending the 1974 Aliens and Nationality Regulation granting twin citizenship to pure born Liberians. Although restricted in its scope. It’s a step in the proper course, and we’re grateful. We additionally lengthen particular appreciation to Mr. Emmanuel Wettee and others, to incorporate the Union of Liberian Affiliation in America for main this effort.
Whereas this achievement is historic, we imagine twin citizenship for natural-born Liberians and people of Liberian parentage can and should go additional. If we actually imagine in equality amongst Liberians, then we should remove all restrictions related to twin citizenship. Each Liberian, no matter the place they dwell, have to be afforded the identical rights and alternatives to contribute to the nation’s growth.
4. Our Youth – Liberia’s Most Beneficial Funding:
Liberia is a younger nation, not simply in years of independence, however in demographics. Liberia’s best useful resource is just not buried within the floor; it walks on our streets. Over 70% of our inhabitants is beneath the age of 35. That’s not a disaster. That is a chance.
However alternative with out funding is wasted potential.
We should cease seeing our younger folks as an issue to be solved and begin treating them as companions in nationwide renewal.
* They don’t seem to be too younger to steer.
* They don’t seem to be too younger to innovate.
* They don’t seem to be too younger to dream and construct what they dream.
Allow us to open doorways, not only for jobs, however for entrepreneurship. Allow us to fund youth-led enterprises, create innovation hubs, and combine younger voices into policymaking. If we give our younger folks area to rise, they’ll elevate Liberia with them.
They don’t seem to be leaders of tomorrow they’re leaders of immediately. However management have to be cultivated, not merely declared.
We should:
* Put money into entrepreneurship and abilities coaching so our youth could be job creators, not simply job seekers.
* Increase entry to digital schooling and know-how, so our college students are geared up for a Twenty first-century financial system.
* Create nationwide service packages that harness the power of younger Liberians for agriculture, infrastructure, and well being outreach.
Allow us to not lose this era to cynicism or despair. Allow us to empower them with function.
To our younger folks: you aren’t the long run, you’re the current. You’re the conscience of immediately.
You might be greater than your struggles. You might be greater than what society has labeled you. Don’t lose hope. Don’t quit. Rise. Study. Create. Set up. Lead.
We’re relying on you to construct a Liberia that displays your power, your creativity, and your imaginative and prescient. We imagine in you!
5. The Function of All Liberians in Nationwide Renewal
To civil servants and regulation enforcement:
Serve with honor. You’re the face of the nation to the peculiar citizen. Let your integrity be your legacy. Cease treating public workplace as a non-public enterprise. Public service is a sacred belief meant to serve the various, not enrich the few.
To the enterprise group:
You’re the engine of innovation. Allow us to construct a non-public sector that creates jobs, not simply revenue. That grows communities, not simply financial institution accounts.
To our spiritual leaders:
Proceed to evangelise peace but in addition preach justice. Communicate reality to energy, not simply in church or the mosque however within the corridor of the powers that be. You’re the conscience of the nation.
To You Mr. President: My 26 is on YOU! (What Do I Need? I’m glad you requested)
Your management, marked by humility, character, and dedication, has provided a brand new tone to our politics. So, I encourage you: Lead boldly, transparently, and justly. Problem the previous order. Empower the following era. Fireplace and never droop. Implement the legal guidelines. And encompass your self with folks of competence and conscience. Who is aware of, that like Esther within the Biblical narrative, “that you’ve got come to this royal place for such a time as this?” Now’s your time. Tomorrow is just not promised. A second time period is just not assured. Act now, clear up this mess now.
You can not do that alone. However with God, and with the Liberian folks behind you, you are able to do greater than historical past expects.
Conclusion:
As we commemorate 178 years of independence, let this present day not move as a ritual of speeches and parades. Let or not it’s a day of recommitment. Allow us to renew our pledge, not solely to have fun our previous, however to form our future.
Allow us to be one folks, certain not by comfort however by covenant. Allow us to stroll towards one future, not a future handed to us, however one we forge collectively; with religion, with braveness, and with love for our beloved Liberia.
We’ve got seen what disunity can do. Now, we should select what unity can construct.
The Name to Put Liberia First
Fellow residents, Liberia can’t transfer ahead if our loyalties lie in self-interest, tribalism, or occasion politics. We should put nation first, above personalities, above politics, above revenue.
Placing Liberia first means telling the reality, even when it’s uncomfortable. It means rejecting corruption, irrespective of who advantages. It means demanding outcomes, not simply rhetoric. And it means recognizing that the future of this nation lies not within the arms of some however in all of us.
My fellow Liberians, the previous 178 years have taught us that the soul of this nation doesn’t lie within the workplace of the president or the chambers of the senate or crimson dust roads. It lies within the enduring hope of its folks, the hope that tomorrow could be higher than immediately.
Sure, there shall be setbacks. However we’re a resilient folks. If we are able to survive years of civil conflicts, we are able to overcome unemployment. If we are able to rebuild after Ebola and COVID-19, we are able to rebuild belief in our programs. If we are able to have fun 178 years of sovereignty, then certainly, we are able to declare the following 100 years for progress and greatness.
Let this Independence Day mark a turning level. Some extent the place we select to construct, not break. To incorporate, not exclude. To rise, not retreat. To serve, not steal.
So allow us to honor the previous, not simply with speeches and fanfare, however with function and progress. Allow us to make our independence not only a historic reality, however a dwelling promise.
A promise that Liberia shall be ruled justly.
A promise that prosperity is not going to be the privilege of some, however the inheritance of all.
A promise that Liberia’s subsequent 178 years shall be outlined not by survival, however by success.
Allow us to stroll ahead, collectively, with braveness, with character, and with a single, unshakable conviction:
Liberia should come first. At all times. And for all.
Glad Independence Day. Might God bless you all. And should God bless the Republic of Liberia.
Thanks.
