Monrovia – In a bid to scout and harness the talents and leadership skills of young and aspiring leaders, the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has launched the ‘Next President Reality TV Show and “Fifty Most Influential Young Liberians Initiative.”
Report by Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The President of FLY, Amos Williams told reporters at a news conference that two programs kick off simultaneously this September and climax in December 2019.
For the “Next President Reality TV Show,” Mr. Williams explained that the competition will be opened for Liberian youth between the ages of 15 and 25 years to identify and showcase their leadership skills.
“The intent of this show is to do a talent hunt to identify Liberians who will demonstrate the skills and talents and virtues that leadership comes with. He or she will inform us about what it is to be a President. What skills he carries in terms of new dynamism. What the presidency should carry and how he or she demonstrates that presidency,” Mr. Williams explained.
The screening exercise for qualified participants has commenced, and it will be anchored by top Liberian public figures as judges, moderators, ambassadors and partners.
Desiring contestants for this reality TV show can do at least a one minute video recording about why they want to be President of Liberia and upload it on “The Next President Reality TV Show” Facebook page or website at www.nextpresident.com or visit the Federation’s head office at Center Street and UN Drive Intersection in Monrovia.
According to organizers, candidates will be selected after a vetting process and will be followed by an audition. Selected contestants will be housed for the events which will be broadcast on social media and television. Winner of the grand finale in December will be offered a community development package.
The Fifty Most Influential Young Liberians Initiative
Meanwhile, for the Fifty Most Influential Young Liberians Initiative, FLY is accepting nomination of influential Liberians between 15 and 40 years who are making meaning contributions to the society.
Speaking at the news conference, FLY’s Secretary General and the head of the event, James Koryor, stated the mission of this initiative is to among other things, rank and honor the most influential young Liberian annually, unveil their inspiring stories, works and impacts of young Liberians across the world.
Mr. Koryor noted the event is also geared toward changing the negative perceptions of the potentials of young people, fuel patriotism among young Liberians and create values of the work of young Liberians globally.
The nomination process, he added, starts September 15 and the final 50 persons will be selected and certificated in December following a thorough vetting process by judges and votes by the public.
According to Mr. Koryor, people will be nominated from the various professional and humanitarian backgrounds including business, entertainment, law & governance, leadership and civil society, lifestyle, media, personal development and academia, social enterprises, philanthropy, sports and Science & Technology.
Nominees must be a Liberian between the ages of 15 and 40 years, with two years of active service in each of the categories mentioned above.