Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has used the event of Liberia’s 178th Independence Day to name for nationwide therapeutic, financial equity, and renewed regional solidarity. Delivering his keynote tackle on the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion, President Boakai struck a tone of reflection and resolve, urging Liberians to “rise as one folks” and embrace what he referred to as “The Liberian Century.”
In a speech attended by high-level dignitaries together with ECOWAS leaders and former heads of state, Boakai emphasised Liberia’s transformation from a nation as soon as marred by conflict to 1 now acknowledged as a “voice of cause” on the worldwide stage. He cited Liberia’s current election to the United Nations Safety Council as a sign of worldwide confidence and a problem to maintain accountable management at residence.
“It reveals that Liberia is being counted among the many nations that matter,” the President mentioned. “The world is watching, and, extra importantly, Liberia is able to lead.”
Honoring the Previous, Therapeutic the Nation
In a poignant second, Boakai highlighted the current state funerals for former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel Okay. Doe Sr. as milestones in Liberia’s reconciliation efforts. He described the ceremonies as a strategy to appropriate historic wrongs and unify the nation.
The President additionally introduced a Nationwide Memorial to honor victims of the Liberian civil conflict and the fallen peacekeepers of ECOWAS’ ECOMOG power.
“This sacred monument won’t solely commemorate the fallen but additionally function a name to conscience for generations to come back… a strong reminder that the peace we take pleasure in at this time was by no means free,” Boakai declared.
In his tribute to ECOWAS, Boakai expressed “everlasting gratitude” for the regional bloc’s position in restoring peace, acknowledging nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Senegal for his or her sacrifices.
“Your thank-you lots, yah!” he mentioned to loud applause, mixing reverence with a contact of Liberian colloquialism.
A Daring Name for Financial Justice
Whereas highlighting enhancements in infrastructure and agriculture — together with higher roads reaching southeastern counties and decrease costs of native produce — President Boakai acknowledged the continued financial hardship confronted by odd Liberians.
“Transportation prices are too excessive. The costs of flour, sugar, and different important items proceed to be a burden,” he famous.
In response, Boakai introduced the formation of a Excessive-Stage Presidential Advert Hoc Committee to analyze persistent value disparities between declining import prices and excessive market costs. The committee shall be chaired by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and is anticipated to submit suggestions inside 45 days.
“This contradiction… requires pressing consideration,” he acknowledged. “We should restore equity and stability in our market system.”
A Nationwide Day of Prayer
In a symbolic gesture of nationwide unity, Boakai declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a Nationwide Day of Prayer, urging all Liberians to collect in locations of worship to hunt divine steerage and reaffirm the nation’s dedication to peace.
“It is just by way of reconciliation that we will totally heal and transfer ahead as one folks,” he mentioned.
Wanting Forward: “The Liberian Century”
Framing the present period as a turning level, Boakai referred to as on Liberians to reject the “outdated methods” and embrace a forward-looking imaginative and prescient grounded in unity, innovation, and accountability.
“We should rise to construct a society that values information over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation,” he mentioned.
The President reaffirmed his dedication to working with all Liberians, no matter political affiliation, and promised to guide with boldness, free from concern or bias.
Quoting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s go to to Liberia, Boakai concluded with a reminder of the Liberian folks’s enduring spirit:
“Allow us to look ahead, Pondering Liberia, Loving Liberia, and Constructing Liberia.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
Among the many distinguished friends current have been President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and present Chairperson of ECOWAS, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former ECOWAS President and a key regional peace advocate additionally graced the event.
The celebration befell underneath the theme: “One Individuals, One Future: Therapeutic the Previous and Constructing the Future.”
