Monrovia, Liberia – On Liberia’s 178th Independence Day, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai delivered a heartfelt and hopeful message, calling on all Liberians to come together to build a better nation—one rooted in justice, healing, and shared progress.
Speaking at the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion, President Boakai described the moment as a turning point, urging citizens to embrace what he called “The Liberian Century”—a new era of unity, growth, and responsible leadership.
“We must rise as one people,” the President declared, “and turn our past struggles into a foundation for a brighter future.”
A Nation Rising on the Global Stage
Boakai highlighted Liberia’s growing international presence, pointing to its recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a sign of renewed global trust.
“It shows that Liberia is being counted among the countries that matter,” he said. “The world is watching—and Liberia is ready to lead.”
Honoring History and Healing Wounds
In a deeply reflective portion of his address, President Boakai referenced the recent state funerals of former Presidents William R. Tolbert Jr. and Samuel K. Doe Sr. as symbols of Liberia’s journey toward reconciliation. He announced plans to build a National Memorial honoring victims of Liberia’s civil war and fallen ECOMOG peacekeepers, reminding Liberians that peace was hard-won and must be protected.
“This sacred monument will serve as a call to conscience,” he said, “reminding us all that the peace we enjoy today came at a great cost.”
Boakai also paid special tribute to ECOWAS, thanking member states like Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Senegal for their sacrifices. In a moment that drew warm applause, he said in true Liberian fashion, “Your thank-you plenty, yah!”
Fighting for Economic Fairness
Acknowledging the high cost of living and persistent market injustices, Boakai addressed the economic struggles still burdening ordinary Liberians. He noted that while import prices have dropped, local market prices remain stubbornly high.
To address this issue, he announced the formation of a Presidential Ad Hoc Committee, led by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, to investigate the mismatch between import and market prices. The committee will report back within 45 days.
“This contradiction cannot stand,” Boakai said. “We must restore fairness and stability in our market system.”
A Day of Prayer and National Reflection
As a symbolic step toward healing and spiritual unity, President Boakai declared Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a National Day of Prayer, inviting Liberians of all faiths to come together in worship and reflection.
“Only through reconciliation can we truly move forward,” he emphasized.
Vision for the Future: “The Liberian Century”
Boakai ended his speech with a bold call to action, encouraging Liberians to reject division and outdated thinking. He urged the nation to focus on education, innovation, and inclusion—and to see themselves as builders of a new Liberia.
“Let us rise to build a society that values knowledge over ignorance, unity over discord, and progress over stagnation,” he said.
Promising to govern without fear or favoritism, Boakai invited all Liberians—regardless of political affiliation—to join hands in shaping the nation’s future.
Quoting former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, he closed with a message of love and hope:
“Let us look forward, Thinking Liberia, Loving Liberia, and Building Liberia.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The celebration saw attendance from several regional leaders, including:
- President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone
- President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana (ECOWAS Chair)
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal
- President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
- Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former ECOWAS President
The 2025 Independence Day theme was:
“One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future.”
