Monrovia, Liberia – In a recent town hall meeting organized by NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Change, students from Liberia Dujar High School called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to intensify efforts to combat corruption and the growing illegal drug trade in the country.
By G. Watson Richards, contributing writer
Held on March 19, 2025, at the Liberia Dujar High School campus, the meeting brought together over 100 students and school administrators to discuss the President’s one-year performance report.
The students expressed their concerns and hopes for a brighter future.
NAYMOTE Executive Director Eddie Jarwolo urged the students to become change agents in their classrooms, homes, and communities.
He also guided the students through President Boakai’s 126 campaign promises made during the 2023 general and presidential elections.
NAYMOTE consolidated these promises into six pillars, referred to as the “President’s Meter.”
According to NAYMOTE, only 4% of the 126 promises have been completed within the first year of President Boakai’s six-year term.
The President’s promises span various sectors: 72 promises on macroeconomic stability and infrastructure development, 15 on compliance and the rule of law, 11 on health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Environment and Climate Change, 13 on human capacity development, 10 on gender, youth, children, and social protection, and 5 on the fight against corruption.
Among these, students showed a particular interest in the fight against corruption and the illicit drug trade. Prince Zayzay, a student at Liberia Dujar High School, made an impassioned appeal to the President. “We, the students, are urging President Boakai to combat corruption and illegal drugs in Liberia. Young people are the victims of drugs and corruption, and our future is being destroyed,” Zayzay said.
His words resonated with his peers, many of whom expressed concerns about the long-term impact of these issues on their generation and the nation’s future.
P. Melvin Carey, Jr., an 11th-grade student, expressed gratitude to NAYMOTE for organizing the forum. “The Town Hall meeting was an eye-opener for me,” he said, noting that it taught him about democracy, the rule of law, and how to hold leaders accountable.
Ngozi B. Ogbonna, also in 11th grade, shared her sentiment, highlighting that she now understands how to hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Michael D. Nugba, another student, echoed similar concerns and called on President Boakai to make greater efforts to combat the illicit drug trade and corruption.
The student body was excited about the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful forum, encouraging NAYMOTE to continue engaging with students across the country to enlighten young minds.
This town hall meeting was part of the ongoing Democracy Advancement Program, which aims to promote good governance, strengthen the social contract, and encourage inclusive development across Liberia.
Funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, the program has provided a platform for students and young people to engage directly with government officials and advocate for critical issues affecting their lives.
The event allowed students to assess President Boakai’s progress in fulfilling his campaign promises and to provide constructive feedback on areas that need urgent attention.
The gathering underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and action in addressing the pressing challenges of corruption and illegal drug trafficking that continue to affect Liberia’s youth.
The meeting was met with strong appreciation from the students, who expressed gratitude for having a platform to voice their concerns about the country’s governance and future direction.
The discussions highlighted the crucial role that young people play in the democratic process and their desire to see real change that prioritizes their welfare.
As Liberia continues to face challenges related to governance and social issues, the call from young people like Prince Zayzay, Michael Nugba, Dureen George, and Ngozi Ogbonna for a more transparent, accountable, and drug-free society serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues head-on for the benefit of future generations.
The Embassy of Sweden’s support for the Democracy Advancement Program underscores its commitment to fostering democracy and good governance in Liberia, ensuring that the voices of young Liberians are heard and respected in shaping the nation’s future.
