By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has renewed call for national unity and reconciliation hours after returning to the country from the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, urging Liberians to put the interest of the country above political differences and work together to create a better future for Liberia.
Speaking Tuesday during a Thanksgiving Service in his honor, the President stressed that Liberia must remain the priority of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or personal differences.
“I have always said that whatever we do, we must put Liberia first. It is not about one person. It is not about political parties. It is about our country and what we can do together to make Liberia better,” he said.
The Thanksgiving Service is a religious platform used to thank God for the safe return and wellbeing of leaders from foreign trips. Tuesday gathering was graced by government officials, religious leaders, young people and other citizens to give thanks for the President’s safe return and pray for the country.
President Boakai thanked God for bringing him safely back to Liberia and expressed appreciation to religious leaders and citizens for organizing the service while he acknowledged that Liberia continues to face challenges but said the country also has opportunities that citizens must work together to pursue.
“There is a lot that we need to do for this country. There are challenges, but there are also opportunities. We must continue to believe in ourselves and believe in Liberia,” he said.
The President placed particular emphasis on young people, describing them as the future of Liberia and calling for greater opportunities for their education and development.
“Our young people are the future of this country. We have a tomorrow, but the question is: what kind of tomorrow do we want?” President Boakai asked.
He said Liberia must provide young people with quality education and prepare them to assume leadership responsibilities in the future.
“We must give them good and quality education, and we must prepare them to take over the leadership of this country,” he said.
President Boakai also encouraged young Liberians to respect their country and its leaders, while protecting national property and resources.
“We must also respect what belongs to Liberia. We cannot continue to destroy what we have. We must protect and build what belongs to us,” he said.
Reflecting on Liberia’s past, President Boakai said the country has experienced difficult periods, particularly during years of conflict and instability.
He said Liberia now has an opportunity to build an environment in which children can have better lives, access quality education and pursue opportunities for success.
“Liberia has gone through difficult times. We know what happened when our country was not at peace. But today, we have an opportunity to create an environment where our children can live better lives, receive quality education and have opportunities to succeed,” he said.
The President also thanked Liberians who continue to pray for the country and his administration, while recognizing individuals who contribute to Liberia’s development.
“Sometimes, God can bless a nation through one person. When we see people making contributions to our country, we must recognize and honor those contributions,” President Boakai said.
He expressed particular appreciation to religious leaders for organizing the Thanksgiving Service and for continuing to pray for the country.
“To our religious leaders, thank you for your prayers. Thank you for standing with the country. This is what is required of all of us,” he said.
President Boakai assured the religious community that his administration would continue to work with them to improve the country. “I want to assure you that we will continue to work with you. We will work together to make Liberia better than we met it,” he said.
He further called on Liberians to put aside divisions and concentrate on issues that can unite the country. “The opportunity is here for all of us to work together. Let us put aside the things that divide us and focus on the things that unite us,” President Boakai said.
Meanwhile, the President’s return from the United States has generated discussion over the large crowd that gathered at Roberts International Airport to welcome him.
Information circulating around the President’s arrival alleges that some citizens were mobilized from various marketplaces and schools to form part of the welcoming crowd.
The information further alleges that about 20 people were targeted from individual marketplaces, while students from various schools were also brought to the airport.
The reports have raised questions about whether the size of the crowd represented a spontaneous public turnout or whether part of the gathering was organized ahead of the President’s arrival.
However, the allegations have not been independently verified. Confirmation would require responses from the organizers, representatives of the marketplaces, school authorities and relevant government officials.
The issue comes as President Boakai continues to emphasize unity, patriotism and collective responsibility in his message to Liberians.
Concluding his Thanksgiving remarks, the President expressed gratitude for his safe return and urged Liberians to continue believing in their country and working together for its future.
“Let us continue to work together. Let us continue to believe in Liberia. Let us continue to give our young people the opportunity to build a better future,” he said.
President Boakai ended by asking God to continue blessing Liberia and its people.
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