MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has urged Liberians to reduce their dependence on remittances from relatives abroad and instead focus on building sustainable livelihoods at home.
By Webster J.H. Clayeh
Speaking at an intercessory service on Tuesday following his return from the United States, President Boakai said many Liberians fail to recognize the sacrifices their relatives endure to send money back home.
“A lot of you here are depending on small, small money that people send. Sometimes when they send you US$50, that person does not have money, but you can say, ‘that’s only US$50 you sent me,’” Boakai noted.
He emphasized that Liberia has vast resources and opportunities that, if properly managed, could provide citizens with better lives than reliance on support from abroad.
“I wish you would go there and see the condition in which that person earned the US$50. You have not gone there to see it. That is why it’s good to build your country. Liberia is a beautiful country where you have everything. The only thing is to manage it,” he stressed.
Boakai concluded by encouraging Liberians to stay in the country and help make it prosperous rather than seeking opportunities only through migration.
Return from UN Trip
The President returned from a high-profile trip where he attended the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Diaspora Investment Forum, and a Town Hall Meeting. He also held several bilateral engagements aimed at strengthening Liberia’s diplomatic and economic ties.
He was welcomed at Roberts International Airport (RIA) by a large crowd of supporters dressed in Unity Party-themed shirts, waving Liberian flags, and chanting slogans.
Controversy Over Airport Reception
Despite the jubilant atmosphere, the homecoming was clouded by speculation that government officials had paid individuals to attend the welcome event.
The allegations were dismissed by several supporters, including members of the group “Descendants of the Unity Party,” who insisted their attendance was voluntary.
“If people have been paid, I don’t know, but I spent my own money to come here,” said Lassana Kamara, a member of the group. “People will say these things because it’s a political scene. But we printed our own t-shirts and paid our own transport fare to come here.”
Kamara added that their motivation was patriotism and support for the President’s vision.
“We are not here because of money. We are here because of Liberia. What the President is doing, we are very happy,” he said.
Looking Ahead
President Boakai’s return caps an international mission where he called for greater global support to Liberia while showcasing the country’s priorities on the world stage. His supporters say his leadership is helping place Liberia on a renewed path of progress.
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