Monrovia, Liberia – President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has called on graduates of the United Methodist University to change their mindset for a better society.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 30, 2023, at the United Methodist University’s 19th commencement convocation, he noted that since behavior change is mostly dependent on one’s perspective, it is critical that people start having talks that would result in a good mindset shift right away.
“It should be about changing society for the greater good, not about destructive individualism that breeds greed and corruption. Unfortunately, Liberians overlook opportunities to better themselves and instead spend more time demeaning each other.”
“While it is true that years of conflict and bloodshed have had an impact on society, we equally need to recognize that we have had many years of peace, stability, and opportunity to remake society in ways that should enable us to reject actions that gnaw at the foundation of society.”
President Boakai stated that unless moral standards are addressed, generations will continue to accept norms that are detrimental to society. He noted that the loss of moral standards is a serious worry and is increasing.
“The way we think, speak, and utilize media, especially the radio, to destroy each other for avarice and self-interest is only one example of the many ways society’s daily lack of regard and love for one another. The fact that few individuals nowadays uphold morals and ideals is depressing. These vices are spreading across society, feeding the next generation as the new normal.”
The Liberian Leader noted that the citizens have to begin questioning these prevailing conventions that have taken over the country’s culture and are having a detrimental effect on conduct. To overcome the persistent obstacles of underdevelopment in the nation, Amb. Boakai said Liberians must adopt a new perspective, treat people with respect, and see service through a more compassionate lens rather than one fueled by individualism and greed, which feeds the corruption epidemic that is so rampant in the nation.
Speaking to the graduates, President Boakai explained that a shift in perspective is necessary for transformation because it creates equality for all people and lays the groundwork for a society that values equality and compassion.
However, the President advises graduates to use their education to question conventional wisdom and mindsets that run counter to values of love, compassion, integrity, honesty, and peaceful cooperation.
“Your degrees should not just be about the knowledge you have acquired, but how well you are going to use it to impact the conversation and bring about collective change.”
Reported by: Jenneh Borbor
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