Monrovia, Liberia – The Federation of Liberian Youth President Banica Elliott encouraged the country’s youth to understand that their strength is not just in their numbers but also in their solidarity, adding that they must have the values and resolve to demand nothing less than what Liberia deserved.
Speaking at the start of a one-day Pan African Youth Town Hall event, President Elliott emphasized that the future of a resilient country relies on the cooperation of its youth.
She claims that despite the difficulties they experienced, the young people of this era remain cheerful and hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.
President Elliott informed her colleagues that she passionately supports the brilliance of the youth’s ability while also acknowledging their potential and contribution.
“I speak for the student in Harper who wants to become a doctor, the business owner in Ganta who is starting a new company, the climate justice activist in Buchanan, and the young mother in Paynesville who is raising the next generation of leaders. I emphasize that young people are not the issue, but rather the promise for a better Liberia and the continent as a whole.”
Young people, she noted, are actively influencing the future rather than passively waiting for it. The president of FLY told participants that the town hall approach is more than just a get-together; rather, it is a call to action for the youth to put aside their differences and focus on unity in order to be ready for the world.
In an effort to further empower the youth, Madam Elliott additionally reiterated the need of creating employment that are in line with their ideas and passion. She made use of the occasion to inspire the youth to develop and view justice and peace as essential tools for growth, and to lead with honesty, empathy, and vision.
“You are important, your ideas are vital, your time is now, so let’s dream big and build bigger. Let’s rise, build, and lead for Liberia and Africa in general,” she said.
Speaking of the theme; “Empowering youth for Inclusive Development and gender equality in Liberia,” Deputy Minister for Youth development Bryant Mcgill said Africa needs to take advantage of its youngest demographic and be deliberate in crafting policies and programs that will empower both male and female youths in addressing persistent inequality that have hindered progress over the years.
He noted that empowerment is more than mere slogan; it is about taking concrete steps to improve education, financial access, skill development, political inclusion, digital transformation, and above all the removal of gender-based barriers that still marginalize young women and girls.
Recognizing that development must be people-centered, he explained to the youth that inclusive development entails leaving no one behind. Young people are today’s change agents as well as tomorrow’s leaders, Mr. McGill stressed.
He pointed out that they are leading community action, fostering peace, developing new technologies, and creating jobs. Deputy Minister McGill pledged the government’s support for fair and inclusive policies that include genuine investment, representation, and respect. “Together, young men and women, let’s rise to create the prosperous, inclusive, and just Africa we desire.”
The interactive workshop, which lasted all day, focused on identifying the main problem young people face and coming up with ways to solve them for their benefit.
Reported by: Prince Saah
