NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has issued a strong warning to Liberian youthsagainst drug use, saying renewed efforts by drug traffickers to use Liberia as a transit and operational center pose a serious threat to the country’s young population and national future.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon199seokin@gmail.com
Speaking Monday at the Executive Pavilion in Monrovia during Liberia’s 179th National Flag Day celebration, President Boakai urged students across the country to reject drugs, remain disciplined and focused, and resist influences that could destroy their future.
“In particular, I urge you to say NO to drugs,” President Boakai declared.“The renewed efforts by drug traffickers to use our country as a transit and operational center pose a serious threat, especially to our young people. Do not let anyone steal your future.”
The President said Liberia’s national pledge should not merely be memorized by students but should be translated into responsible conduct.
He urged young Liberians to respect fellow citizens, obey the laws, reject violence, protect national symbols, work hard and prepare themselves to serve the country.
Boakai also challenged Liberian adults to practice the same patriotism they demand from the younger generation, warning that citizens cannot teach children to love Liberia while simultaneously undermining its institutions and disregarding the law.
“We cannot ask our children to love Liberia while we undermine its institutions; to respect the law while we disregard it; or to be patriotic while we place personal, ethnic, religious, or partisan interests above the national good,” he said.
The President made the remarks as his administration marked Flag Day with the reintroduction of civics education in primary schools and the official launch of standardized civics textbooks nationwide.
He said the initiative is intended to strengthen young Liberians’ understanding of the country’s history, Constitution, national symbols, rights, responsibilities and principles of citizenship.
Boakai further called on Liberians to treat the national flag as a call to action rather than merely an object of annual celebration.
The Liberian leader said the Lone Star should inspire citizens to reject division, hatred, corruption and violence while working toward a Liberia where roads connect communities, electricity reaches more people, healthcare improves, education is transformed and opportunities expand.
The President said the national flag belongs equally to every Liberian, whether a child in Grand Kru, a farmer in Lofa, a fisherman in Maryland, a worker in Monrovia or a Liberian living abroad.
He called for renewed commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous country, saying the Lone Star should remain a symbol of unity and a reminder that “we are one people, one nation, with one destiny.”
