The Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) is set to hold a historic graduation ceremony on Saturday, December 7, 2024, for 500 men and women who have recently completed their training. These new graduates will replace 300 immigration officers who were previously laid off by the Civil Service Agency (CSA).
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Acting Commissioner of LIS, Elijah Rufus, announced that the ceremony will take place at the Joseph Boakai Training Center in Foya, Lofa County. He revealed that the training program, which lasted six weeks, included 350 female and 150 male trainees.
“This will be the first graduation since the establishment of the Joseph Boakai Training Center, marking a significant milestone for our institution,” Rufus said. He also emphasized that the training was fully funded by the Government of Liberia through LIS, an important departure from the traditional reliance on international donor support.
Rufus expressed his gratitude to President Joseph Boakai for his unwavering support for the LIS, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the administration’s dedication to improving national security.
The Acting Commissioner further noted that the graduates would be deployed to key border points across Liberia, including Maryland County, Grand Gedeh County, Bong County, Nimba County, and Grand Cape Mount County. Their assignments will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational capacity of the Liberia Immigration Service.
“This training program, fully sponsored by the Boakai-led administration, is unprecedented and marks an important step toward strengthening our border security,” Rufus remarked.
The graduation ceremony will feature Justice Minister Oswald Tweh as the keynote speaker, representing President Boakai. Several other government officials and dignitaries are also expected to attend the event.
By: Sampat Kpakimah
