President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has selected Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey, a distinguished Liberian academic, anti-corruption activist, and author, to deliver the keynote address as the Orator for Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebration on July 26th.
The theme of her address, “A Radical Agenda for Re-imagining Liberia,” aims to inspire and incite significant change in the nation.
Dr. Pailey expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “I’m honored to serve as National Orator for Liberia’s 177th Independence Day Celebration this 26 July. Entitled ‘A Radical Agenda for Re-imagining Liberia,’ my Oration is intended to inspire and incite change”.
The Government of Liberia’s announcement has been met with widespread acclaim, reflecting Dr. Pailey’s esteemed status and her unwavering commitment to Liberia’s development and governance.
Dr. Pailey, who has gained international recognition for her work on anti-corruption and governance, is expected to bring a powerful and transformative message to the official ceremony in Monrovia.
Background and Accomplishments
Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey is an award-winning academic, activist, and author with over 20 years of combined personal and professional experience across Africa, Europe, and North America. Her extensive background includes supporting universities, governments, media institutions, and various organizations, giving her a broad proficiency in qualitative research, capacity development, policy design, program management, journalism, and strategic communications.
Among her many roles, Dr. Pailey has worked on diaspora policy formulation and bilateral scholarships at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
She Served as assistant editor of The Washington Informer Newspaper in Washington, DC, taught and developed curricula at the University of Oxford, SOAS, University of London, the University of Liberia, and Stella Maris Polytechnic.
Liberia’s 177th Independence Orator provided editorial guidance for the Sea Breeze Journal of Contemporary Liberian Writings.
Her consultancy work has included engagements with ActionAid, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAid), the Ford Foundation, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), among others.
Recognitions and Awards
Dr. Pailey’s remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
The 2020 Grassroots Alternative Movement Outstanding Public Service Award, the 2019 Mary Chirwa Award for Courageous Leadership finalist, the 2016 Women4Africa International African Woman of the Year finalist.
She was recognized as one of the ‘25 Africans to Watch’ by the Financial Times in 2015.
The Academic also became the 2014 Bellagio/PopTech Fellowship from the Rockefeller Foundation, 2013 ‘99 under 33’ influential foreign policy leader by Diplomatic Courier.
According to reports, Dr. Parley also became the 2010 Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship by the African Leadership Institute, as well as the 2004 USA Today All-USA College Academic Second Team finalist.
Academic Credentials
Dr. Pailey completed her BA degrees in African Studies and English Literature at Howard University, an MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford, and a doctorate in Development Studies at SOAS, University of London, as a Mo Ibrahim Foundation PhD Scholar. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in International Social and Public Policy at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
The Significance of the 177th Independence Day
The July 26th Independence Day celebration is a significant event in Liberia, marking the country’s declaration of independence in 1847.
This year’s celebration, with Dr. Pailey as the orator, is anticipated to be particularly impactful given the pressing need for systemic change in Liberia.
Her oration, “A Radical Agenda for Re-imagining Liberia,” is expected to address critical issues and propose innovative solutions to inspire the nation towards a brighter future.
As Liberia reflects on its history and looks towards the future, Dr. Pailey’s address is set to be a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing journey towards development, transparency, and good governance.
