Sanniquellie, Nimba County — For the first time in Liberia’s history, the National Public Service Day will be celebrated outside Monrovia when the Civil Service Agency (CSA), in partnership with Nimba County authorities, holds the event in Sanniquellie City, Nimba County on June 23.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
The announcement was made at a press briefing at the Superintendent’s Compound in Sanniquellie City where CSA officials and county leaders outlined plans for a day-long celebration honoring civil servants and all personnel who keep public services running.
Edwin K. Jallah, Director General for Administration at the CSA and George Sotbio Collins, Technical Assistant, joined Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeah Gono for the event.
“Public Service Day is a day set aside to honor those who make the government machinery turn and who work to better the conditions of the nation,” said Mr. Jallah.
He noted that the day has been observed across Africa since 1994 and was adopted by the United Nations in 2002 to celebrate public sector workers worldwide.
Supt. Gono welcomed the delegation and emphasized the significance of taking the national observance beyond the capital.
“This is the first time the program will be celebrated outside Monrovia, which shows that government institutions are heeding the President’s passion for decentralization,” Supt. Kou Gono said.
Supt. Gono described Nimba and its historic city of Sanniquellie as a fitting host and called the celebration an opportunity to honor public servants working in ministries, government hospitals, schools and other public institutions.
Supt. Gono stressed that hosting the ceremony in Nimba reflects confidence in the county’s capacity to manage large national events and recognizes its growing political and economic importance.
“Nimba is by far a key political and economic frontier in our country,” Supt. Gono stated.
Civil Service Agency (CSA), which is the organizer, called on local businesses and community members to support the celebration and to help welcome visiting public servants.
Hoteliers were urged to consider discounts for guests traveling to the county, while agricultural investors and traders were invited to showcase local products at market stalls and exhibition areas planned around the ceremony.
Residents will be encouraged to join cultural activities that highlight Nimba’s musical traditions, dance, and artisan crafts, said Supt. Gono.
A friendly football match between a Nimba County Team and a CSA All-Star Side is scheduled as part of the program to attract youth participation and create a festive atmosphere.
The sports event and cultural performances are intended to foster community engagement and showcase local talents.
At the press conference, officials stressed that Public Service Day is intended as a celebration and expression of gratitude, rather than a forum for policy debate.
“This is an anniversary like a birthday to say thank you for the service. We challenge all of us to continue serving with integrity,” Supt. Gono pointed out.
CSA representatives also expressed hope that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai would attend to personally honor civil servants.
They emphasized that moving national observances outside the capital is part of a broader decentralization effort designed to spur local economic activity as thousands of visitors are expected to travel to Nimba for the event.
The June 23 observance recognizes the contributions of civil servants across Africa and around the world, marking their role in sustaining government services and national development.
This year’s celebration in Nimba will be both a symbolic and practical milestone in Liberia’s decentralization drive, spotlighting Sanniquellie as an emerging hub for national events and inviting renewed attention to the county’s cultural and economic assets.
Logistics and safety details for visitors, including accommodation lists, transport routes into Sanniquellie and parking arrangements, will be released by the CSA and local authorities in the coming weeks.
The organizer asked that residents and businesses wishing to participate contact the Superintendent’s office or the CSA for guidance on vendor registration, cultural contributions and volunteer opportunities.
