As part of events commemorating Liberiaโs 178th Independence Day, His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Friday, July 25, 2025, engaged hundreds of young Liberians in a Youth Town Hall held at the Monrovia City Hall.
Organized by the National Youth Advisory Council, the event brought together young people from diverse backgrounds and sectors to dialogue directly with the President and senior officials about the nationโs priorities for youth development, education, employment, and social reform.
In his address, President Boakai emphasized that his administration is fully committed to empowering young people, improving education, fighting the drug epidemic, and ensuring Liberiaโs future is built on integrity and opportunity.
โWe are not ignoring you,โ the President told the gathering. โWe are investing in youโthrough improved education, teacher training, digital skills, job creation, and strong institutions. Our attention is on you because your future is Liberiaโs future.โ He added.
He expressed concern about the erosion of academic standards and called on young people to uphold values of honesty and responsibility:
โMore than 7,000 students enrolled at our university never took an entrance exam. That should concern us all. Cheating, shortcutsโthese donโt build a nation. We must hold each other to higher standards.โ
The Town Hall featured a panel discussion with key national leaders, including:
โข Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, Minister of Education
โข Cllr. Cooper Kruah, Minister of Labor
โข Hon. Laramand Nyonton, Deputy Minister for TVET, Ministry of Youth and Sports
โข Mr. James Kiawein, Chairperson of the National Youth Advisory Council
Each panelist shared insights into ongoing initiatives in their sectors aimed at expanding opportunities for youth and improving the systems that shape their lives.
In a display of national pride and talent, the Liberian Youth Orchestra also performed stirring renditions of national songs, reminding the audience of the rich cultural and artistic potential of Liberiaโs young people.
President Boakai closed the forum with a message of unity and hope:
โThis country has always welcomed others. Now is the time for us to ensure that our young people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Letโs work together to build a future based on love, honesty, and shared responsibility.โ
The Youth Town Hall was a key highlight of the 178th Independence Day celebrations and reinforces the Boakai administrationโs commitment to youth inclusion in national decision-making.
