Youth Ministry Expands Empowerment Programs-Bangalu Unveils Jobs, Skills, and Sports Reforms; Depends Fair play

MONROVIA – With more than two-thirds of Liberia’s population under the age of 35, youth empowerment has increasingly become both a policy imperative and a political test for successive governments. Employment creation, skills development, education access, and sports are now viewed not merely as social interventions, but as stabilizing tools critical to national cohesion and economic growth. Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has sought to align its programming with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, placing young people at the center of development planning. As the 2025–2026 National County Sports Meet enters a decisive phase amid heightened public interest, the ministry is also navigating concerns around fairness, discipline, and integrity in sports. Addressing these twin challenges of youth empowerment and fair competition, Jeror Cole Bangalu, Minister of Youth and Sports, has outlined an array of nationwide initiatives while defending due process and transparency within Liberia’s flagship sporting event. The Analyst’s George C Flomo reports.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, has outlined a comprehensive package of youth development, education, vocational training, and sports initiatives aimed at strengthening youth empowerment, economic participation, and fair play, consistent with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.

Appearing as a guest at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, Minister Bangalu observed that a significant portion of journalists present were below the age of 35, placing them within Liberia’s youthful population.

He described young people as central to the country’s development trajectory and emphasized that government interventions must reflect their demographic significance.

Among the flagship initiatives highlighted was the recruitment and deployment of 230 youth cadets across five counties—Montserrado, Bomi, Gbarpolu, and River Gee—as part of efforts to promote discipline, security awareness, and livelihood opportunities.

According to Bangalu, the program provides structured engagement for young people while addressing vulnerability and fostering inclusive economic participation.

In further support of youth entrepreneurship, the minister announced the rollout of small skills grants targeted at needy Liberians, particularly youths, to enable them to start or expand micro-businesses.

The initiative, he said, is expected to benefit 350 Liberians across Bong, Lofa, Margibi, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, and Montserrado counties, contributing to household income generation and self-employment.

On education, Bangalu disclosed that the ministry has entered into advanced discussions with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to establish targeted tutorial programs for students preparing for public examinations.

Once finalized, the program is projected to benefit approximately 20,000 students in Lofa, River Cess, Grand Kru, Sinoe, River Gee, and Margibi counties.

The minister also highlighted ongoing literacy and numeracy programs for out-of-school and at-risk youths in Gbarpolu, Bong, and Nimba counties.

About 4,000 young people are currently enrolled, he said, with the aim of strengthening foundational learning and improving employability among vulnerable youth populations.

In the area of technical and vocational education and training, Bangalu announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Terra Agri for the assembly of tractors at the Tumutu Vocational Training Center in Salala, Bong County.

He described the initiative as a practical step toward equipping young people with mechanical and agricultural engineering skills relevant to Liberia’s development needs.

He further disclosed that the ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture to cultivate 500 acres of farmland at the Youth Agriculture Training Center in Bensonville and the Tumutu Agricultural Vocational Training Center. The project will focus on large-scale cassava production to enhance food security and support agro-processing.

Minister Bangalu also announced that, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the ministry has received modern cosmetology equipment now being commissioned at the Skills Development and Occupational Training Center at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex.

The facility currently hosts vocational training in hospitality management and cosmetology and will soon include a modern beauty salon, expanding job creation opportunities in the beauty and wellness industry.

Turning to sports, the minister thanked the media and the public for their support to the National County Sports Meet and disclosed that, for the first time, the same four counties have qualified for the semi-finals in both kickball and football.

He announced that the semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex. In kickball, Margibi County will face Grand Kru, while Grand Cape Mount will play Nimba County. In football, Margibi County will take on Nimba County, while Grand Cape Mount will clash with Grand Kru.

Third-place matches and grand finals in both categories are scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Minister Bangalu further disclosed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued a message to the tournament emphasizing fair play as its hallmark and cautioning young people against drug and substance abuse.

Addressing governance concerns, Bangalu defended the enforcement of protest mechanisms under the tournament rules, describing them as evidence of respect for due process. He explained that grievances are reviewed by the Grievance and Ethics Committee, with dissatisfied parties entitled to appeal to the Board of Appeal, whose decisions are final.

He cited a protest filed by River Gee County against Grand Cape Mount, which was reviewed and ruled upon in favor of Grand Cape Mount by both adjudicatory bodies. He also confirmed receipt of a complaint from Grand Bassa County alleging match manipulation in a game involving Grand Kru and Margibi counties.

Describing match manipulation as a serious global offense, Bangalu said the ministry has instructed the Liberia Football Association to investigate the allegation. He stressed that the investigation would not affect the semi-finals or finals but warned that any culpable coach, player, or official would face sanctions under the law.

He concluded by thanking the public and the media for their continued support and invited Liberians to attend the remaining matches at the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex.