The planning committee of Liberia 175th Independence Day celebration has unveiled Liberia Commerce Minister, Amb. Mawine G. Diggs as the National Orator for the July 26, 2022, National Independence Day celebrations. Amb. Diggs who is the second female orator under the Weah lead government is an academician, educator, public policy specialist, and a revered public servant currently serving as Minister of Commerce & Industry.
Amb. Diggs is a Candidate for a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at the National American University, a Master’s Degree in Education with specialization in Counselor Education from Clemson University, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Policy from the Roanoke College, Salem, Va.
As Chairperson on the Council of Ministers of the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Chair of the G7+ WTO Ascension Group, Amb. Diggs continues to advise the Government of Liberia on policies regarding our support for candidates vying for United Nations Trade Entities, World Trade Organization, World Intellectual Property Organization, Regional Trade Organizations, and Continental Trade Organizations. She also serves on the Board of Directors of several Public Corporations and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and has on two occasions chaired the President’s Cabinet in consultation with the Vice President while President Weah was out of the country.
Before ascending to her current role, Amb. Diggs served as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she headed the administration Division, ensuring adherence to organizational structures, compliance with the Civil Service and other HR policies, and, planning and executing the annual budget in line with the PFM law amongst others. Still, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she acted as Minister on several occasions, while at one time as Special Presidential Envoy on behalf of President George M. Weah to the Republic of Nigeria to present a Special Message to President Mohammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Prior to her role at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Diggs served as Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) where she was primarily responsible for the accreditation of universities, colleges, and other higher learning institutions, ensuring compliance with appropriate standards and regulations.
The 2022 July 26 orator has worn many awards including; the global community of nations, Amb. Diggs has received several awards including the 40 Under 40 Award of the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC); the Wayne County Community College District Outstanding Service Award; the Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award and The White House Communication Agency Certificate of Appreciation.
The theme for this year’s independence celebration is; FOSTERING UNITY, PROTECTING OUR PEACE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY. The July 26 celebrations start today with the Bicentennial Edition of the Golden Image Awards and Dinner which is to be held at the Ballroom of the Monrovia City Hall on Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor. According to the planning committee, on July 22, there will be Thanksgiving and Intercessory prayer at the Bilal Mosque at the New Georgia Junction. Sports Day with events marking the dedication of the newly refurbished Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on July 23.
The celebration continues on July 24 with Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer at the First Assembly of God Church. On July 26, there will be hosting of the National Flag at the Barclay Training Center, followed by an honor of the National Colors, a parade involving the military, and the official ceremony marking the celebration at the Centennial Memorial Pavillion on Ashmun Street, in Monrovia.
The independence day celebration is to climax from the 29 to 30 July with children’s socialization day, organized by the office of the First Lady Amb. Clar Marie Weah and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
