NATIONAL NEWS
CONGO TOWN – The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has donated US$500,000 to support youth development and football initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to empowering young people through strategic social investment.
The donation, presented Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at LiMA headquarters in Congo Town, was shared equally between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Liberia Football Association (LFA), with each institution receiving US$250,000.
Speaking during the ceremony, LiMA Commissioner/CEO Neto Zarzar Lighe said the joint presentation reflects the complementary roles both institutions play in youth empowerment.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
He noted that the support is intended to benefit at-risk youth across the country.
“We believe that football can play a major role in addressing some of the challenges faced by at-risk youth,” Lighe said, emphasizing that Liberia’s large youthful population requires expanded opportunities to help young people become productive members of society.
He warned that idle youth could pose potential national security risks and added that the contribution forms part of LiMA’s corporate social responsibility program—an initiative encouraged by Joseph Nyuma Boakai to ensure maritime sector benefits reach all citizens.
Providing an overview, LiMA Deputy Chief Financial Officer Desire Satia described the donation as a milestone for the maritime sector, marking a shift from traditional treasury contributions toward direct investment in youth-focused programs.
Receiving the funds, Acting Minister of Youth and Sports Henry B. Yonton said the support comes at a critical time as government intensifies nationwide youth development efforts, aligning with the ministry’s decentralization agenda.
For his part, LFA President Mustapha I. Raji described the contribution as historic—the first major financial support from a government institution to the country’s football body.
He commended President Boakai for endorsing the initiative and praised LiMA’s leadership for addressing youth challenges.
Raji highlighted football’s role in socio-economic development and pointed to growth in Liberia’s talent exports, noting transfer revenues increased from US$181,000 in 2024 to more than US$480,000 in 2025, according to the FIFA transfer market report.
“Our vision is to give every child in Liberia an opportunity, regardless of where they live,” Raji said, adding that the LFA has established its first-ever football academy to nurture young talent and prepare them for professional careers.
