5 PILLARS TO GET LIBERIA ON TRACK -2025 Independence Day Orator Leaves Nothing Unsaid

MONROIA – In the vicious cycle of incessant political failure, masses’ neglect, deepened poverty and general hopelessness faced by the impoverished majority of Liberians, here comes what seems to be a novel intervention for progress. Emmett L. Dunn, a fellow Liberian of clerical extraction, serving as the country’s 178^th Anniversary orator hardly left anything unsaid. After weaving a mosaic of Liberia’s checkered history, pointing out strives, struggles and some breakthroughs, the 2025 Independence Anniversary keynote speaker was not short of practical remedies which he expertly clustered under his clearly laid out five pillars for Liberia’s future that he said “is not a gift we are given but a responsibility we must earn”. The Analyst reports.

Liberia’s development experts – ruling and opposition, as well as independent actors – and the generality of the populace, have got fresh ideas as to how to overcome the country’s stubborn nemeses with which it is plagued.

The orator at celebrations of the country’s 178^th independence anniversary held Saturday in Monrovia at the Centennial Pavilion was as thorough as he was eloquent about whence comes the country in the last nearly 18 decades – through the conundrum of social, economic and political malaises.

Though he acknowledged earnest efforts made by successive ruling administrations, particularly the incumbent Unity Party government headed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Ambassador Emmett Lafayette Dunn who is Presidential Envoy for Partnership and Philanthropy in the administration had a solid proposal for Liberia’s progress.

His concept to leapfrog the country’s development centers on five pillars: Pillar one: Reimagine our National Identity; Pillar Two: We must Confront Economic Disparit; Pillar Three: Reclaim Education as a Public Good; Pillar Four: End Prejudice and Division; Pillar Five: Promoting Gender Equality:

Reimagine our National Identity  

Under this pillar, Amb. Dunn appeal to President Boakai to take a historic and unifying step, to appoint a national commission tasked with proposing a new motto for the Republic of Liberia.

“This request is not made lightly, nor is it new,” he stressed. “It is a call that has echoed for decades among Liberians who yearn for a national identity that is inclusive, representative, and reflective of the values and aspirations of all our people.” 

According to him, Liberia stands at a moment where citizens must reimagine their common future, and that future must begin with a foundation that recognizes all Liberians, so that together they can write a new chapter in their national narrative, “one that binds us, not by the divisions of our past, but by the shared hope of our collective destiny”. 

He reverted to the the current national motto, “The Love of Liberty Brought Us Here,” which speaks to the legacy of the freed settlers who arrived on our shores in the 19th century.

He noted that while this history is an inseparable part of our national story, the motto fails to recognize or speak to the lived experience, identity, and heritage of the vast majority of Liberians, the indigenous populations whose ancestors were already here, who endured the consequences of exclusion, and who have contributed immeasurably to the building of our nation. 

“A national motto should be more than a relic of history; it should be a source of shared pride, unity, and vision,” the Liberian cleric hinted. “Liberia today is a diverse republic made up of many ethnic groups, religions, and backgrounds, all of whom deserve to see themselves reflected in the words that define our national purpose and spirit.” 

He told President Boakai: “You are uniquely positioned to lead this long-overdue change. Your life story, your public service, and your presidency symbolize reconciliation, inclusion, and the healing of historical divides. Appointing a commission, inclusive of historians, cultural leaders, linguists, youth representatives, and civil society, to engage the public and develop a new motto would be a powerful gesture of unity and progress.” 

Under Pillar Two, We must Confront Economic Disparity,” the Liberian envoy on philanthropy said “this is not just an economic issue, it is a moral one. We must focus on economic justice, because peace without prosperity is fragile”. 

A hungry child cannot wait for macroeconomic policy, he said, noting further that a farmer without tools cannot wait for committee reports and a mother who cannot afford healthcare for her child does not need promises, she needs solutions. 

“My fellow citizens, we cannot talk about true independence without talking about economic independence,” he declared. “It is time to confront a painful truth: too much of our economy is owned and controlled by foreign interests. While foreign investment is welcome, it must not be at the expense of our dignity. The soul of our economy must be Liberian.  Liberians must be actively involved in owning businesses. Liberians must be positioned to create wealth, not just consume it.” 

To do that, Amb. Dunn said, “We must nurture and grow a vibrant middle class, one built on entrepreneurship, skilled labor, professional excellence, and innovation. A strong middle class is the backbone of every stable society. It generates jobs, drives demand, pays taxes, and anchors our democracy.” 

He called for support to small and medium enterprises, and make access to credit easier. “We must invest in technical and vocational training. We must modernize agriculture so that farming becomes profitable again. We must embrace technology so our youth can compete on a global stage.” 

He also called on Liberian businesses to endeavor to prove that they are trustworthy by honoring our contracts and commitments if government has done all this that is required for their good.

The Liberian diplomat urged government to enforce the Liberianization Policy by ensuring that that the sectors reserved exclusively for Liberians remain protected and accessible only to Liberian citizens, as originally intended. 

The persistent violation and weak enforcement of this policy have resulted in foreign encroachment, marginalizing Liberian entrepreneurs and undermining local economic growth, he reasoned, adding: “The spirit and letter of the Liberianization Policy were designed to empower Liberians to play a central role in the national economy by safeguarding key areas of commerce from foreign domination.”

According to him, Government should ensure that the exclusive rights of Liberians in designated sectors are respected and that no foreign national or entity should be permitted to operate in these protected areas, either directly or through proxies.

“Enforcement mechanisms must include monitoring, licensing controls, and punitive measures for both foreigners and Liberians found violating this policy,” he further stressed.

Under the same pillar, the 2025 National Day Orator also indicated that there be what he called “a Mandatory Equity Participation in Foreign Investment Concessions. 

He emphasized: “I propose that all future foreign investment concessions in Liberia be required to allocate a minimum percentage of equity for Liberian investors, whether individuals, groups, or institutions. This ensures that Liberians share in the ownership, profits, and long-term benefits of our natural and economic resources. Such inclusive participation will build indigenous wealth and deepen national economic sovereignty.”

Reform of Work Permit Issuance 

“Work permits for foreign nationals should only be granted when it is clearly demonstrated that no qualified Liberian is available to perform the job,” Ambassador Dunn insisted, calling for a transparent, merit-based review process that should be instituted to ensure this requirement is met, promoting fair labor practices and prioritizing Liberian employment. 

He said if those proposals are enforced, there job creation for Liberians, reducing unemployment and dependency, there will be capacity building and skills transfer as Liberians are given more opportunities to lead and manage businesses, and an increased local ownership, leading to greater wealth retention within the country. 

He also believes there will be enhanced tax revenue through increased local participation and transparent business practices, and ensure strengthened national identity and economic independence, fostering pride and resilience in the Liberian people. 

The presidential envoy asserted that Liberia must no longer be a passive observer of their own economy, but must assert their rightful place at the center of national development.

“By enforcing the Liberalization Policy and ensuring meaningful Liberian participation in all economic activities, we pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive, and self-sustaining economy,” he noted. 

On the third pillar, “Reclaim Education as a Public Good”, the Liberian cleric maintained that education is the cornerstone of any society that seeks to move forward. No nation has ever risen above the quality of its education system.

“We must invest in every level of learning,” he said. “That means building safe and accessible schools; paying and training teachers with dignity; modernizing our curriculum to include agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, and prioritizing vocational and technical education so that every young person leaves school with employable skills.” 

He observed that Liberia’s educational system should be structured to not only pass exams but to building character, sharpening minds, and preparing citizens to serve with integrity. 

“We cannot build the future with broken chalk and unpaid teachers,” he said. “For far too long, we have watched our public schools deteriorate while private institutions become the only hope for quality learning.”

This must change, he said, indicating that every Liberian child deserves a classroom that is safe, a teacher who is trained, a curriculum that prepares them for a global world, and an educated citizenry is Liberia’s most powerful defense against poverty, division, and corruption. 

Ambassador Emmett Lafayette Dunn’s fourth pillar “End Prejudice and Division,” under which he insists that “we must break down the barriers of tribalism, regionalism, and religious suspicion”.

“Let us reject the lie that one group is superior to another,” he continued. “In the Liberia we are building, your last name should not determine your opportunity. Your skin tone should not determine your treatment. Your gender should not determine your value. The party you voted for must not influence your employability.  We must uproot prejudice in all its forms. We are not Gio, Kpelle, Bassa, Vai, or Americo-Liberian first, we are Liberians first. Our diversity must be our strength, not our downfall.” 

He said while Liberians may have different names, they share one identity; while they may come from different counties, they share one country, and why they may speak different languages, they share one destiny. 

“Destiny is not fate, it is a choice.   It is the result of intentional action. We share a common destiny, and whether that destiny leads to division or to unity, to poverty or to prosperity, will depend on the choices we make today,” he cautioned. “Our destiny will not be determined by what happened 178 years ago, or even 20 years ago, but by what we choose to do now. Right now.” 

He proposed: “Let us choose peace over provocation. Let us choose justice over favoritism. 
Let us choose patriotism over partisanship. Let us choose each other, again and again.” 

His fifth pillar is “Promoting Gender Equality,” recalling that Liberia has already shown the world that women can lead, and lead well.

“But beyond symbolism, we must ensure that women have equal access to opportunity, education, healthcare, and safety,” he said, adding, “Promoting genderequality is not a favor to women, but a fundamental human right.” 

He said for the fight against gender-based violence must be relentless, adding: “We must protect our daughters from abuse, our mothers and sisters from exclusion, and create spaces where their voices are not only heard but heeded. 

“The rearing of children is just not the responsibility of mothers alone. Fathers must take equal responsibility for caring and supporting the children they birth. Our legal system must support mothers who are struggling because of fathers who are not present in the lives of their children. Too many women left with the burden of raising children alone. Government must join the fight by ensuring that the Domestic Relations Law on Support for dependents must be enforced.”

A country that empowers its women is a country that doubles its potential, he stressed.

Defining Roles of Actors

In order to ensure that ideas proposed come out well to be successful, Ambassador Dunn believes all actors of the country have a role to play.

 The Role of Political Opposition 

“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” he noted. “Nor is it a crowning of any ruling party. It is the constant exchange of ideas, the clash of visions for the common good. Our opposition parties must be respected, not demonized. They are not the enemy of the state; they are part of the machinery of accountability.” 

He reasoned that a nation where opposition voices are silenced is a nation walking into darkness, encouraging ruling establishing and their supporters not to fear disagreement, but “let us fear apathy”, calling on citizens to debate passionately but respect one another deeply.

“Liberia needs strong government, but it also needs strong opposition. Together, they form the engines that help the ship of democracy go sailing still,” he said, calling on the political opposition in Liberia to demonstrate leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the democratic principles that unite our nation.

As critical stakeholders in our political system, the opposition plays a vital role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness,” the presidential envoy further said. “However, with this role comes a profound responsibility to act in ways that preserve national unity, peace, and public trust.” 

He added: “In this pivotal time for our country, it is essential that all political actors engage in dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and reject any form of violence, misinformation, or incitement. Constructive criticism and peaceful advocacy are pillars of democracy, but they must be guided by truth, respect for institutions, and a shared vision for a stable and prosperous Liberia

“Our dear leaders in opposition I urge you to prioritize the long-term interest of the Liberian people over short-term political gain. The eyes of the nation, and the world, are watching. Let us all rise to the occasion and show that Liberia’s democracy is not only vibrant, but mature and responsible.” 

The Role of the Church:

He told the Christian Church in Liberia that it is time for a deeper awakening, for a revival not just of prayer and worship, but of purpose and responsibility.

For too long, poverty has been spiritualized, normalized, and even romanticized within the church, he observed. “But let it be made clear: there is no honor in poverty, and there is nothing righteous about economic suffering when solutions are within reach.” 

He call on the Church to lead the way in breaking the cycle of poverty, not by blaming the poor for their condition or preaching them into passivity, but by empowering them to create change.

“Jesus fed the hungry and challenged systems of injustice. He did not teach people to wait indefinitely for a blessing or their breakthrough. He taught them to act, to build and to transform,” he said urging the Church to invest in community development through schools, hospitals as part of your mission, to start or support programs that teach practical skills and financial literacy, to encourage entrepreneurship and local business initiatives, and to preach not just faith for miracles, but faith for work, discipline, and economic impact. 

A Call to the Diaspora 

The Independence Day orator also reminded the over 500,000 strong diaspora citizens that they do have a vital role to pay in Liberia’s economic resilience, growth, and national development.

Through consistent remittances to families, friends, and institutions, diaspora Liberians have created a crucial safety net, particularly during times of crisis, he said, indicating these financial contributions continue to support education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and social services across the country. 

He urged them: “So to you in the diaspora: we need you. Not just your money, but your ideas, your expertise, your networks. Return if you can. Invest if you’re able. Speak up. Stay engaged. Your love for Liberia is not less because you live abroad. Let it be a bridge, not a boundary. Your journey abroad does not erase your Liberian identity, it expands it. We must continue to embrace the principle that no Liberian is more Liberian than another, a sentiment captured by the phrase ‘Once a Liberian, Always A Liberian’” 

He however called on Government to create bold, intentional frameworks for diaspora investment, ensuring that their inclusion is not symbolic but strategic.

They must not be seen as outsiders, but as partners in national transformation, Dunn said further, calling on President Boakai to develop a tangible relationship with diaspora. He acknowledged the president’s convening of the first ever Presidential global diaspora conference in Washington D. C. In September 2025.

He continued: “Mr. President and members of the National Legislature, the community of Liberian Diaspora extends our profound appreciation to you for amending the 1974 Aliens and Nationality Law granting dual citizenship to natural born Liberians. Though limited in its scope. It is a step in the right direction, and we are grateful. We also extend special appreciation to Mr. Emmanuel Wettee and others, to include the Union of Liberian Association in America for leading this effort.  

“While this achievement is historic, we believe dual citizenship for natural-born Liberians and those of Liberian parentage can and must go further. If we truly believe in equality among Liberians, then we must eliminate all restrictions associated with dual citizenship. Every Liberian, regardless of where they live, must be afforded the same rights and opportunities to contribute to the country’s development.”

Our Youth – Liberia’s Most Valuable Investment 

According to him, Liberia is a young country, not just in years of independence, but in demographics. Liberia’s greatest resource is not buried in the ground; it walks on our streets. Over 70% of our population is under the age of 35. That is not a crisis. That is an opportunity. 

But opportunity without investment is wasted potential, he observed. “We must stop seeing our young people as a problem to be solved and start treating them as partners in national renewal”.

He said of the youthful population: “They are not too young to lead. They are not too young to innovate. They are not too young to dream and build what they dream. Let us open doors, not just for jobs, but for entrepreneurship. Let us fund youth-led enterprises, create innovation hubs, and integrate young voices into policymaking. If we give our young people space to rise, they will lift Liberia with them.” 

He said youth are not leaders of tomorrow they are leaders of today.

“But leadership must be cultivated, not merely declared,” urging national leaders to invest in entrepreneurship and skills training so our youth can be job creators, not just job seekers; expand access to digital education and technology, so our students are equipped for a 21st-century economy; create national service programs that harness the energy of young Liberians for agriculture, infrastructure, and health outreach, and not lose this generation to cynicism or despair. Let us empower them with purpose.”

The Role of All Liberians in National Renewal 

To civil servants and law enforcement, he said: “Serve with honor. You are the face of the nation to the ordinary citizen. Let your integrity be your legacy. Stop treating public office as a private enterprise. Public service is a sacred trust meant to serve the many, not enrich the few.” 

To the business community, he indicated: You are the engine of innovation. Let us build a private sector that creates jobs, not just profit. That grows communities, not just bank accounts. 

To our religious leaders: Continue to preach peace but also preach justice. Speak truth to power, not just in church or the mosque but in the hall of the powers that be. You are the conscience of the nation.