Monrovia, Liberia – Students from Liberia Dujar High School have called on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to take stronger action against corruption and the increasing illegal drug trade in the country. The students made their appeal during a town hall meeting organized by NAYMOTE Partners for Democratic Change on March 19, 2025, at the school campus. The event, attended by over 100 students and school administrators, focused on President Boakai’s one-year performance report.
During the meeting, the students voiced their concerns about the country’s future, highlighting issues such as corruption and the growing prevalence of illegal drugs, which they see as a threat to their generation. NAYMOTE Executive Director Eddie Jarwolo urged the students to become change agents in their communities, stressing the importance of accountability and active participation in the democratic process. He also reviewed President Boakai’s 126 campaign promises made during the 2023 general elections, which NAYMOTE has grouped into six pillars, including a focus on governance, infrastructure, and social protection.
The NAYMOTE report indicated that only 4% of the President’s promises have been fulfilled within the first year of his administration. Of these, the promises on corruption, drug trafficking, and governance reform stood out as key concerns for the students. Among the students who spoke, Prince Zayzay, a passionate student leader, appealed directly to the President, saying, “We, the students, are urging President Boakai to combat corruption and illegal drugs in Liberia. Young people are the victims of drugs and corruption, and our future is being destroyed.”
The sentiment was echoed by P. Melvin Carey Jr., an 11th-grade student, who thanked NAYMOTE for organizing the forum, saying it helped him understand the importance of holding leaders accountable. His classmate, Ngozi B. Ogbonna, expressed similar gratitude, noting that she now understands her role in ensuring that leaders are held responsible for their actions.
Other students, such as Michael D. Nugba, also voiced concerns about the damage caused by the illegal drug trade and corruption, calling for more action from the government.
The town hall meeting was part of NAYMOTE’s Democracy Advancement Program, which promotes good governance and encourages young people to engage in political and social issues. Funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, the program provides a platform for students to interact with government officials and advocate for the pressing issues that affect their lives.
The event was well-received by the students, who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. The meeting emphasized the role of youth in the democratic process and their desire for a Liberia that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and a drug-free environment.
