Liberia Celebrates 164th Independence Anniversary
By: Augustine N. Myers – Liberia, Africa oldest Independent and Democratic Republic, has celebrated its 164th Independence Anniversary. The Republic of Liberia gained its Independence on July 26, 1847.
National Orator-July 26 Independence celebration, 2011
Speaking Tuesday Voinjama, Lofa County during the official celebration to mark the Anniversary, the National Orator for Liberia’s July 26 Independence Day celebration called on Liberians to consider the prime interest of the country as they cast their votes in the upcoming general and presidential elections.
Mrs. Estella Garmai Korboi Calvins urged Liberians to look beyond the pictures of candidates and instead focus on the Liberian nation.
According to her, Election is an opportunity for all Liberians to contribute to the decision regarding who will lead the country.
She said the process of election makes each citizen a decider on the fate of the Nation’s destiny.
Mrs. Korboi-Calvins urged all Liberians to look beyond the pictures of the candidates and instead focus on the red, white and blue Liberian flag.
She said Liberians should emerge stronger from the pending national elections in an effort of championing unity and development.
Mrs. Korboi-Calvins further said, Liberia and Liberians should progress as a result of the elections, and most importantly, Liberia and Liberians should smile at a result of the elections and not cry.
Participants at the 164th Independence celebration in Lofa
The local businesswomen admonished Liberians to “play by the rules and go through a violence-free election that will make Liberia a great Nation.
In a speech marking the 164th Independence Day Anniversary in Voinjama, Lofa County, the National Orator also expressed concern over the lack of skills by Liberian youths to contribute to the rebuilding of the country.
To address the inadequacy, Mrs. Korboi Calvins recommended the inclusion of apprenticeship as another component of formal education to improve the skills of the country’s youth.
The local businesswoman further observed that such will supplement adult education, thereby assisting girls as well as a huge number of the population that have reached adulthood without much formal education.
Mrs. Korboi-Calvins also indicated that the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Administration continues to attract big companies to Liberia, with huge job potential in mining, agriculture, and many more for Liberians, but observed that the country lacks adequately trained Liberians to take advantage of the potential job opportunities.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf celebrates with Liberian children in Lofa County, Republic of Liberia
Meanwhile, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has called for peace and national reconciliation as the country celebrates independence activities.
In a speech marking Liberia’s 164th Independence Day Anniversary Tuesday, the President underscored the need for that peace must first prevail in order to rally and unite a nation.
According to the Liberian leader, once peace and security prevail, Liberians will have the space to truly reconcile and minimize that which divides the nation.
She believes that once peace and stability and reconciliation exist, Liberia can develop to its full potential.
The Republic of Liberia, formerly the colony of the American Colonization Society (ACS), was the first African Country to declare its independence on July 26, 1847.
In 1848, Liberia elected its first President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts.
