Monrovia, Liberia – Former Deputy Foreign Minister B. Elias Shoniyin has been appointed President of the Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in Liberia. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in a nearby hotel in Monrovia, Mr. Shoniyin and five other individuals were formally appointed to lead the Liberia chapter’s operations for the ensuing two years.
Other members of the leadership include Bro. J. Alben Greaves as Vice President, Bro. Adolphus Scott as Secretary, Bro. Prince W. Kieh, Sr. as Treasurer, Bro. Eric Clarke as Financial Secretary, and Bro. William K. Morris as Acting Chaplain.
Serving as the Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), Shoniyin gave a moving acceptance speech that emphasized humility, love, and service. “I have come to serve you with humility,” he said.
He indicated that when the people you serve are not doing well, you are a failure, highlighting the need for leadership to reflect their well-being. “On my behalf and on behalf of the whole leadership, he called on members to keep their leaders accountable,” saying, “When we err, call us and acknowledge it.”
He expressed delight in the love, compassion, and dignity with which the chapter was previously conducted and commended the past president’s humility and devotion.
Shoniyin declared that a fully operational Alpha Secretariat will be built in 30 days. He emphasized the necessity of a physical location an office and conference room to act as a center for planning and mentoring.
Additionally, he stated that the Alpha House project will be moving from Marshall to Monrovia, citing the tremendous desire and support of several members to see the project through to completion.
“I want to thank each and every one of you, brothers. I believe that I have been given a fantastic opportunity to lead, and I will always remember this honor,” he stated. He urged solidarity and a renewed dedication to Alpha Phi Alpha’s principles.
T. Nelson Williams, Executive Director of the International Alumni Affairs Committee (IAAC), a global organization created to encourage and involve alumni brothers, conducted the induction. Mr. Williams conveyed confidence in the new team’s capacity to lead with pride and dignity and commended Shoniyin’s commitment.
The founding of the Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Monrovia on October 6, 1958, marked the beginning of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s substantial presence in Liberia. David N. Howell, a former CEO of the Liberia YMCA, and 17 other Alpha brothers created this historic charter, which was the first of its kind on the African continent.
The Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter has played a significant role in advancing community service, education, and leadership across Liberia since its inception. Mr. Shoniyin pledged to carry on this tradition, which includes important public health campaigns, peace and security projects, and scholarship programs.
Notably, the chapter actively participated in the national response during the Ebola outbreak and received a presidential medal from former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for its exceptional efforts.
The Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter exemplifies a worldwide fraternity dedicated to service and achievement by being a member of the International Association of Alpha Chapters (IAAC), which also includes Alpha Phi Alpha chapters in Bermuda, Germany, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
