By Emmanuel M. Kangar, Jr.
MONROVIA, Liberia-Exiled Liberian activist Martin K. N. Kollie has been honored with the Lead Empowerment Award by the District 9 Youth Summit (D9YS) in recognition of his contributions to youth empowerment and education across Liberia.
The award was presented on Saturday, May 16, 2026, during the District 9 Youth Summit held in Montserrado County. Organizers said the recognition was based on Kollie’s continued efforts to support and empower young people through educational sponsorships, financial assistance, humanitarian gestures, and advocacy.
According to the organizers, Kollie’s empowerment initiatives have impacted more than 500 young people in 2025 alone, with his activities extending across several parts of Montserrado County and into other regions, including Margibi County.
Reports indicate that the activist currently sponsors over 70 students in vocational and higher education programs in Margibi County.
District 9, one of the communities that has benefited from Kollie’s support through scholarships, donations, cash assistance, and activism, described the award as a deserving honor for what many consider years of dedicated service to young Liberians.
Kollie, widely known for his outspoken activism and criticism of corruption and poor governance, has remained a prominent voice in Liberia’s civic and political space despite being in exile. Supporters say his advocacy and humanitarian initiatives have positively impacted thousands of lives across the country.
In a statement issued during the summit, the organizers highlighted the significance of the gathering and Kollie’s recognition.
“Today, history was written in Montserrado County. We gathered youth leaders from every corner of Electoral District 9 and beyond-young people united by one belief: that our generation has the power to lead, innovate, and transform Liberia,” the statement read.
The group described the summit as “more than a gathering” and “a launchpad” for youth-driven transformation, noting that meaningful panel discussions were held during the event.
The statement further noted that under the leadership of Lead Campaigner and Vision Bearer Lawrence Y. Mulbah, Jr., the initiative honored Kollie for what it termed his “relentless commitment to empowering and shaping the next generation of Liberian leaders.”
“This is what happens when youth rise with discipline, vision, and service. The future isn’t coming. The future is here-and it’s being built by us,” the statement concluded.
Activist Kollie has received several accolades for his impacts in society with the latest coming from a civil society group in Margibi, Voices Liberia. He was awarded as ‘Best Male Activist of the Year.’
