MONROVIA – Monrovia City Corporation celebrated its 44th Monrovia Day on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in compliance with the city ordinance law. Monrovia Day was established following its enactment into law by the national legislature in 1976, during the late Williams VS Tubman era. Since then, February 16 has been celebrated annually as a national holiday and working day throughout the city of Monrovia.
Report by J. H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
The 44th Monrovia Day celebration, held under the theme “Peace in Diversity: A Monrovia for All,” took place at the historical Providence Island and brought together government officials, student groups, civil society actors, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.
During the program, the Mayor of the City of Monrovia, Jefferson Koijee, called on Liberians to maintain peace as the country approaches the October presidential and legislative elections. Mayor Koijee emphasized the importance of preserving the 20 years of lasting peace that Liberia has enjoyed, as it is greater than any political party or individual.
Koijee also delivered his state of the city address to the city council, stressing the significance of upholding peace, as no country can experience development without it.
In his remarks, the head of the national chiefs and elders, Zanzan Kawah, praised Mayor Koijee and the MCC family for their efforts in giving Monrovia a decent facelift, especially as the city prepares for the upcoming elections. He also urged all Liberians, particularly the youth, to join in the effort to clean up the city, as the cleanliness of any country requires the collective efforts of its citizens.
Overall, the celebration was seen as an important occasion to inform citizens about the issues facing Monrovia and to emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and unity.