Founder of Oum El Nour Lebanon Visits Liberia -Graces Fund Raising Ceremony Aimed At Fighting Drug Addiction

MONROVIA: The Founder of Oum El Nour Lebanon and the Mother of Light, Bishop Guy Paul Noujaim, on Saturday, May 25, 2024 expressed thanks and appreciation to the Government of Liberia for affording his organization the opportunity to carry out its programs in the country.

The 89-year-old Lebanese national and philanthropist, who is visiting the country, recounted that the Oum El Nour Lebanon “came to Liberia from Lebanon eight years ago, motivated by the love of God and the love of Mary, the mother of Light, the mother of Jesus, and the mother of Issa, in whose name our organization was founded.”

Explaining further to the fundraising gathering attended by Liberian government officials, members of the World Lebanese Culture Union, and the United Nations Country Representative to Liberia, Bishop Noujaim noted how they were in Liberia to thank God and the government and people of Liberia because “We have been able to continue serving our brothers suffering from drug addiction for twenty-five years free of charge.”

Speaking eloquently in English, French and the Arabic at the fundraiser program, he said further: “We have overcome various difficulties at all levels, and the results of our work are satisfactory. Many consider them to be very good.”

“We want to express our gratitude to Him because, without His blessing, we would not have persevered,” he said. “And what better gift could we offer Him than to share our expertise with those willing to benefit from it? Our decision proved wise, evident by the warm welcome we received from the president, authorities, and the Liberian people here, as well as the embracement of our compatriots.”

Bishop Noujaim said the best proof of the validity of their choice was the “gathering tonight and your presence with us, supporting our new phase of activity in confronting addiction”.

“We have established a center for the rehabilitation of addicts, while also raising awareness of its dangers and promoting prevention. Just as in Lebanon, we commit to work free of charge as a trust for our universal human brotherhood.”

Liberia, he said, has allowed his organization to experience a new human beauty, urgently needed in the world today, including solidarity among all the peoples of the earth in the face of common threats.

For his part, the General Manager of The Mother of Light Liberia “Oum El Nour”, Abdallah Chahni, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop for the credible opportunity given him to manage the Liberia organization.

“Your trust and support have been invaluable,” he added, also thanking the Liberian Government for what he called its unwavering cooperation, stating further, “your partnership has been crucial to our success.”

“Additionally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for prioritizing the issue of drug addiction in his agenda, and for his relentless efforts in combating drug smuggling and distribution.”

He used the occasion to also pay special tribute to executives and members of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) for their partnership and sponsorship, which he noted have been very instrumental in the establishment of OEN office in Liberia.

Mr. Chahni acknowledged Liberians who have been victims of drug addiction, and those who have graduated from the program, including those who are still in the rehabilitation center.

Those who graced the program included proxies of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, the Minister of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, and dozens of other dignitaries.

The Mother of Light “Oum El Nour” is committed to preventing and treating substance abuse, in addition to serving as individuals empowering the victims to make healthy choices and live a full happy life devoid of drugs.

This program also helps victims to reintegrate into society, and become a positive asset to their communities well surrounded by family and circle of friends.

At the program, two beneficiaries – a boy and a girl – testified to how they were drug addicted for years, but are now released from their nightmare by trained professionals of The Mother of Light “Oum El Nour” Liberia.

Their stories drew huge attention from the audience including visiting Bishop Guy Paul Noujeim.

In continuation of his visit to Liberia, Bishop Guy Paul Noujeim will lead officials and members of the World Lebanese Cultural Union to German Camp, Buchanan Highway, Grand Bassa County on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 to officially cut the ribbon of the operational Mother of Light Oum El Nour Drug Rehabilitation Center renovated and furnished by the WLCU.