MONROVIA – In an apparent bid to combat the growing scourge of drug abuse in Liberia, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has spearheaded a landmark initiative, unveiling the newly expanded Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, with a state-of-the-art annex named in honor of Senator Nyonblee Kanga-Lawrence and Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee. As THE ANALYST’S Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr. reports, this pioneering effort underscores Senator Dillon’s unwavering commitment to addressing the country’s pressing issue of substance abuse, providing a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, seeking recovery and reintegration into society.
As Liberia continues to intensify its national response to narcotic substances, Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has renewed the hopes of families who relatives have fallen prey to drug addiction with a commitment to continuously buttress government efforts at the dedication of a newly expanded facilities at the Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Dillon highlighted the collaborative partnership between the Center’s Board, the Gbowee Foundation, and Senator Nyonblee Kanga-Lawrence, which resulted in the construction of a new annex capable of accommodating additional clients seeking recovery.
The annex which is named “Leymah and Nyonblee Recovery Lodge” is in honor of two prominent Liberian women, Senate Pro-Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee.
A major feature of the expansion is a fully equipped computer center, complete with 12 new laptops and additional digital resources, a tailoring training with five sewing machines and a lodge for clients with 12 beds.
The facility will begin offering computer literacy training immediately, an initiative Senator Dillon said is essential for preparing recovering citizens for modern job markets.
“Our goal is not only to help our citizens break free from drug and substance abuse,” Dillon said at the occasion. “But to empower them with skills that will enable them to reintegrate into society with dignity, purpose, and opportunity.”
The senator praised the progress of clients currently in treatment, many of whom have spent four to five months in the program. He expressed pride in the transformation already visible and pledged continued support for their reintegration journey. “As they continue their recovery, we look forward to celebrating them fully when they graduate a month or two from now”.
Senator Dillon gave heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the realization of the expanded facilities and reiterated the spiritual foundation of the work being done.
“On behalf of this institution and everyone who has made this moment possible, I want to thank you. And above all, I want to say: To God be the glory.”
For her part, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee acknowledged the painful realities of substance abuse but emphasized that institutions like the rehabilitation center offer a critical lifeline.
“Coming to places like these is never a pleasure,” she said, “but I come with hope—hope that the work being done here will help bring our daughters and sisters back to a place where they can fully contribute to the development of Liberia.”
Gbowee revealed that over the past year she was entrusted with managing a $20 million grant from philanthropist, designated specifically to support women and girls worldwide.
Her team established the “Centauri Fund”—a name derived from a Kpelleh word meaning “the hand that gives” to identify and assist organizations providing meaningful support to women in crisis.
According to her, through that process, her team engaged with the board members of the Center for Rehabilitation and Reintegration and after a careful review of documents and interviews, her team approved a US$10,000 donation to support the Center’s work.
That contribution, she observed, has already helped the facility expand its space and resources, an outcome she described as encouraging “I wish it did not have to be more space, because more space means the crisis of substance abuse and other forms of abuse continues to grow in our country.” she added.
Turning her attention directly to the young women currently in the program, Gbowee delivered an impassioned plea for resilience and self-belief, acknowledging their struggles without judgement, emphasizing that hardship affects everyone differently.
“Some people can endure and stand tall. Others, in trying to survive, turn to substances as a means of escape,” she said. “But my hope for all of you is this: recognize the enormous investment being made in you… You can turn your life around. You can become someone extraordinary.”
She also stressed that recovery demands more than willpower. “I firmly believe that this is possible only when God is at the center of your journey.
“For those watching on the screens,” she urged, “there are other ways to face your problems. If I sat here and told you some of my own stories, many of you would not believe it… But we all have our burdens.” Gbowee said.
Also speaking at dedication, RiverGee County senator Jonathan B. Sogbie extended special thanks to Senator Abraham Darius Dillon, whose involvement in the Center’s programs he said has impacted several lives, noting that his previous visit during a past graduation ceremony revealed many success stories of young people being reintegrated into society.
Sogbie also offered words of gratitude to the Center’s staff, acknowledging the immense patience and dedication required for rehabilitation work. His appreciation extended to the media as well, urging journalists to report on the Center with empathy rather than sensationalism.
“Tell this story the way it should be told,” he said. “Tell it with emotion… Let your coverage reflect the efforts being made here to return our children to normalcy.”
Senator Sogbie reaffirmed his support and promised to deliver the additional five sewing machines.
Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine was another guest at the occasion who said her commitment and that of Senator Karnga-Lawrence remains unwavering.
“We woke up, we were in Bassa, recounting how she and others had begun the day participating in a cleanup campaign despite challenging conditions. “If you see my shoes, you will see the mud we’re coming from.”
Speaking with emotion, Cllr. Brumskine said she had long hoped to visit the Center after repeated invitations. “I’ve been waiting to come here, noting that the personal encouragement she had received made her visit especially meaningful.
Cllr. Brumskine expressed admiration for their strength and determination. “To my sisters, my daughters, thank you for your courage. Thank you for being brave. Thank you for trusting your future,” underscoring the importance of each woman’s decision to seek healing and transformation.
Brumskine also reflected on comments made earlier in the program by Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee about the necessity of faith in the recovery journey.
“I heard Madam Gbowee talk about how you cannot do anything unless you trust God, while acknowledging that Christ may not physically appear in such spaces”, she emphasized. ““He works through men and women that are here.”
Cllr. Brumskine at the same time praised the leaders and partners of the Center who have invested in the Center including Madam Gbowee and Senator Abraham Darius Dillon.
“Thank you for choosing Liberia and choosing this center, because you didn’t have to do it”.
Montserrado County Superintendent, Whroway Bryant emphasized the importance of empathy and human connection in addressing addiction.
Drawing from his personal experiences, he noted that sometimes support can be as simple as conversation and inclusion. “You can start leaving it just by talking,” he said.
The Superintendent also acknowledged the role of political and community leaders in supporting initiatives aimed at reducing social challenges, including addiction.
He praised Senator Dillon for his financial support that has helped the Center expand its programs, noting that even small contributions can have meaningful impacts.
“Thank you, honorable Senator, for helping us to reduce the rate of drug addiction in Montserrado”, referring to local efforts to address youth marginalization.
Bryant further recognized Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee for her work and presence, describing her personal connection to the programs as inspiring hope among the residents.
The dedication ceremony brought together several stakeholders including lawmakers, Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee, political figures like Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine and Martin Kollah of the Liberty Party and media practitioners among others.