When former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf speaks about leadership and public service, her words carry considerable weight. As Africa’s first democratically elected female president, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a respected global stateswoman, she has encountered accomplished leaders and professionals around the world. Her recent praise of Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo therefore deserves national attention.
“He could hold a high position anywhere in the world, but he chose to serve Liberia,” former President Sirleaf said.
After reviewing Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo’s biography, the former President expressed admiration for both his accomplishments and the values guiding his public service.
“What he has accomplished, as I look through his bio, is so exceptional,” Sirleaf said. “What struck me the most was his belief in ‘leadership with integrity,’ which he demonstrates.”
These remarks are more than personal compliments. They highlight Liberia’s need to recognize, retain and support qualified citizens who willingly use their education, experience and international exposure to serve their country.
There is also a meaningful educational connection between the two leaders. Decades before Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo pursued graduate studies in Wisconsin, former President Sirleaf studied accounting at Madison Business College in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the world’s highly respected public research universities. At its Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, he earned both a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in Environment and Resources.
His academic journey is especially remarkable because he began formal education at age 14. Despite that late start and the hardships surrounding his childhood, he eventually earned a bachelor’s degree, two master’s degrees and a doctorate. His life demonstrates what can happen when opportunity meets discipline, courage and persistence.
Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo was also deeply involved in the advocacy and technical work that contributed to the passage of Liberia’s Land Rights Act of 2018. His research, together with other important bodies of work, helped inform the formulation of the national land rights policy that provided the foundation for the law. His contribution was particularly important in advancing the recognition and protection of customary land rights for rural communities.
This involvement shows that his service to Liberia did not begin with his appointment to public office. It grew from years of research, advocacy and engagement with communities whose livelihoods, identity and future are closely connected to the land.
With his qualifications and professional experience, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo could have pursued a comfortable career abroad. Like many highly educated Liberians, he could have remained in an environment offering greater financial security, stronger institutions and broader professional opportunities. Instead, he returned home and devoted his knowledge and energy to education, environmental protection, community development and public service.
Before assuming leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo served in academia and rose to become president of a university. His record also includes environmental research, institutional leadership and international engagement. He has represented Liberia in important discussions on climate change, carbon markets, environmental governance and sustainable development.
His leadership at the EPA has come at a critical time. Liberia possesses vast forests, mineral deposits, wetlands, coastal ecosystems and significant biodiversity. Yet these resources face increasing pressure from illegal mining, pollution, poor waste disposal, coastal erosion, deforestation and climate change.
Under his leadership, the EPA has strengthened environmental monitoring and compliance enforcement, expanded its activities beyond Monrovia, improved institutional capacity and increased Liberia’s participation in international environmental processes. The Agency has also advanced work on climate policy, carbon-market governance, laboratory development, renewable energy, waste management and community protection.
Perhaps the most important part of former President Sirleaf’s observation is her reference to “leadership with integrity.” Integrity must be more than an attractive phrase in a biography. It must be demonstrated through decisions, conduct, accountability and the responsible exercise of public authority.
Former President Sirleaf’s praise follows a similar public assessment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who described Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo as “a gift to Liberia.” Coming from two national leaders, these remarks represent significant recognition of his ability, integrity and service.
Such praise must not become a source of complacency. It should inspire Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo to remain humble, work harder and continue producing measurable results. Leadership is ultimately judged not by titles or compliments, but by institutions strengthened, lives improved and lasting benefits delivered.
By choosing to serve Liberia, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo chose the more difficult road. Former President Sirleaf’s words remind Liberian professionals everywhere that success abroad may provide personal comfort, but helping to transform one’s own country can leave a far greater legacy.
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