Monrovia – The political leader of the Liberian People Party (LPP), Cllr. Taiwan Gongloe, has called on Liberians to embrace what he described as “librarianization” — the deliberate promotion and use of locally made goods — as a pathway to national development.
Speaking in a special message on Sunday, Gongloe encouraged citizens and public officials to prioritize Liberian-made products, arguing that national self-respect and economic growth begin at home.
Quoting a local proverb, Gongloe said, “If the house does not sell you, the street will not buy you,” stressing that Liberia must value its own products before expecting international recognition.
He highlighted his own clothing and personal items as examples of locally sourced products, noting that they were made by Liberian producers. According to him, increased local purchasing would help strengthen domestic businesses and create jobs.
Gongloe also addressed public reactions to a Christmas gift he recently presented to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, which sparked debate on social media. Some critics questioned the appropriateness of the gift, but Gongloe rejected those criticisms, saying they misunderstood his intention.
“We elected President Joseph Nyuma Boakai,” Gongloe said, adding that he was the first political leader to publicly pledge support to the president. He emphasized that his party remains committed to ensuring the success of the current administration, arguing that no Liberian should wish failure on a government elected by the people.
Gongloe explained that his gift — which included a broom symbolizing the fight against corruption and a shirt made from locally sourced cotton — was meant to reflect the president’s stated commitment to integrity and national renewal. The shirt, he said, was designed by a Liberian artisan and bore the national colors and the initials “LIB,” representing the Liberian people.
He contrasted his gift with the president’s Christmas package to him, which included imported items such as wine, biscuits, and a foreign-printed card. While describing the president’s gesture as thoughtful, Gongloe said it underscored the need for greater use of local products, even in official government activities.
As an artist, Gongloe said he also designed and illustrated his own Christmas card to the president, describing it as a personal expression of goodwill and national pride. He claimed the president appreciated the gift and had reacted positively.
Gongloe concluded by urging government officials to patronize Liberian printers, artists, and designers, especially during national celebrations, arguing that such actions would circulate money within the local economy and reinforce national identity.
He said the principles of “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia,” frequently emphasized by President Boakai, should be reflected not only in words but in everyday actions.
