Distinguished guests, esteemed partners, members of the business community, dedicated staff, valued clients, members of the fourth estate, ladies and gentlemen
This is not just another moment to come and showcase our journey as institutions or entrepreneurs, but instead, it is about the journey, lessons, the people and the responsibility that come with having walked a path filled with challenges, struggles, hard work and meaningful successes.
I was not born into wealth or privilege.
My beginning was modest but I was rich in something far more important- values.
My parents gave me discipline, integrity, appreciation for the little we have, respect for others regardless of their background, compassion and a deep belief in investing in people.
Those principles became my compass.
They have guided my decisions in business and in life, especially when the path became difficult.
My journey as an entrepreneur and a public servant in Liberia has never been easy.
We have faced resistance, opposition, and moments where my commitment to uncompromising transformational leadership was misunderstood or challenged.
We have experienced discomfort that often comes with change, yet we have chosen perseverance over bitterness and integrity over convenience.
Through it all, we have remained focused on our obligation and on the larger purpose of service.
Yes, we success- driven but not success obsessed.
Our definitions of success have never been limited to profit and personal gains and to the detriment of others.
It has always been about impact, creating opportunities, building institutions, empowering people and contributing meaningfully to the future of Liberia.
We believe true successes are measured by the lives we touched and the doors we helped open for others.
In all that we do, our God Yahweh has always been first.
Perhaps this is why we have overcome every challenge, obstacle and failure.
We say failure because we have had our share but we value our failure as much as we value our success.
We fervently believe that they have made us stronger, humbler, more disciplined, and more focused on our goals.
As we reflect, our hearts are filled with gratitude to both members of the fourth estate and our darling customers.
I am extremely grateful to my parents, my darling mother, whose sacrifices and teachings shape the man I have become.
I am grateful to my friends and supporters, who continue to believe in me and have stood by me through triumphs and trials and above all, I am grateful to my incredible wife, Tata Fanta Johns, my partner, my friend, my anger and my greatest blessings.
Her unwavering support has made every challenge bearable and every success meaningful.
To my children and to the young people of Liberia who dare to dream, believe in the power of your dreams but understand that dreams require discipline, patience and character to become reality.
Do not allow your background, circumstances or opinion of others to define your limits.
I am a living proof that where you start does not determine where you can go or who you become.
You will definitely face setbacks.
You will encounter betrayal and doubts- sometimes from others, sometimes from within.
When that happens, hold fast to your values.
Choose integrity even when it is difficult. Work hard even when no one is watching.
Invest in people, not just ambition and never allow fear or failure to silence your potential.
Liberia needs your ideas, your energy, your courage and your honesty.
Your generation carries the promise of transformation.
Dream boldly, prepare diligently and when given opportunity, lead with compassion and guided by your instincts and conscience.
Success is not about titles or applause, it is about service, impact and leaving things better than you found them.
The future calls for deeper service, wiser leadership and renewed commitment to monitoring the next generation.
There is still much work to be done in strengthening institutions, expanding economic opportunities, defending integrity in public life and helping Liberia realize its full potential.
I have moved forward with hope rooted in experience, hope driven by the belief that principled leadership still matters.
Before I conclude, I sincerely thank you all for being part of this memorable 18th anniversary of our noble institution.
May we all carry forward the lessons that Liberians can do better in their own economy.
Let’s continue to inspire and create a world filled with courage, hope determination.
I am extremely grateful to God and grateful to the press for their continued support in promoting Liberian businesses, and the organizers of this year’s event.
We look forward to more of such moments in the future.
Thank you
