City of Columbus, Ohio, USA – President Joseph N. Boakai has urged Lofa County citizens to unify in order to return the county to its former prestigious position as Liberia’s breadbasket. The President’s call was contained in his keynote address delivered on his behalf by his designee, Anthony V. Kesselly, Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the Federation of Lofa Associations in the Americas (FLAA) had its inaugural ball and fundraising dinner in the American city of Columbus, Ohio. Speaking, Deputy Minister Kesselly reminded his fellow Lofaians that the Grand Uncle of the County, the Liberian Leader, is an experienced elder who is deeply committed to promoting harmony, peace, healing, and reconciliation.
According to him, President Boakai believes that the main requirement for a sustainable development of the country’s social and economic development in order to achieve prosperity is the presence of an atmosphere of peace and unity. The President’s envoy provided numerous examples from different events when the President expounded on his views regarding the necessity of national reconciliation and a shared purpose.
The President’s clear explanation of his vision at the recently concluded Liberia Diaspora Conference in Washington, DC, and the 60th commemoration of the creation of the four counties of Bong, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba in 1964, which was held in Voinjama, Lofa County, last December, were cited by the Deputy Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of States.
Also, the Minister told the citizens of Lofa that the President looks up to them to rise up to the role of bridge builders, pushing the cause of rapprochement, striving to erase lines of antagonistic demarcation and nudging perceived enemies to pull toward each other.
He did, however, express the President’s strong commitment to provide significant backing to any diasporic endeavor aimed at improving the circumstances in the County.
The newly elected FLAA officials, led by Mr. James Saywala Kennedy of the state of Texas, were formally inducted into office during the ceremony. Other officials inducted were Vice President Lucia Dunor of Ohio, Secretary Aaron Kpehe of Kentucky, Treasurer Dedeh Wiaka of Ohio, Financial Secretary Dwanah S. Dwanah of New Jersey, and Chaplain Reverend Dr. Joe B.M. Biaty of Boston.
Another highlight of the occasion was the honoring by FLAA of the two children of the late former FLAA President, Mr. Jusu Hena, along with his sister, Madam Cecily Hena Nah.
Minister Kesselly, on behalf of President Boakai, presented the plaque to the family. The immeasurable sacrifices made by their deceased father and brother were acknowledged and the family was highly commended. Famed Liberian Musical Artist Ophelia Dawolo was on hand to give a rendition of her widely famous “Come Home” (Kapa Kapa Liberia).
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
