By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
Liberian development expert Elias Shoniyin has called on citizens to embrace unity, accountability and collective responsibility as the country celebrates its 179th Independence Day, urging Liberians to put aside divisions and work together to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
In an Independence Day statement issued ahead of the July 26 celebration and published on his official Facebook page, Shoniyin said Liberia’s Independence Day should be regarded as more than a celebration of freedom.
“This day is not merely a celebration of our freedom; it is a moment of profound national reflection, a time to honor our past, confront our present challenges, and renew our collective commitment to building a better future for generations yet unborn,” he stated.
Shoniyin paid tribute to Liberia’s founding fathers, particularly the country’s first President, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, whom he credited with securing international recognition for the young republic despite global racial discrimination and colonial resistance.
“Our independence was won through courage, sacrifice, diplomacy, and unwavering faith. It is a legacy that must never be taken for granted,” he said.
While recognizing Liberia’s achievements in leadership, diplomacy and education, Shoniyin acknowledged the nation’s difficult past, marked by political exclusion, corruption, economic hardship, civil conflict and institutional decline.
He described the recent reburial of former President William R. Tolbert Jr., the 13 government officials killed during the 1980 coup and former President Samuel Kanyon Doe as an important milestone toward national reconciliation.
“The reburial of our former leaders reminds us that lasting peace can only be achieved when we confront our history with honesty, acknowledge past injustices, and commit ourselves to genuine reconciliation,” he emphasized.
Shoniyin also highlighted the hardships confronting many Liberians, including widespread poverty, unemployment, the rising cost of living, inadequate healthcare services and limited opportunities for young people.
Despite those challenges, he pointed to encouraging signs of progress through efforts to strengthen governance, restore confidence in public institutions, improve accountability, rehabilitate infrastructure, revitalize the economy and empower young people.
According to him, national transformation cannot be achieved by the government alone.”The responsibility for building Liberia rests with all of us, government, the private sector, civil society, religious institutions, women, youth, the diaspora, and every patriotic citizen. Nation-building is a shared responsibility,” Shoniyin declared.
Describing Liberia’s 179th Independence Day as a defining moment in the country’s history, he urged citizens to choose unity over division, integrity over corruption, service over selfishness and nation-building over personal interests.
“Let us move beyond rhetoric and embrace decisive action. Let us choose unity over division, integrity over corruption, service over selfishness, and nation-building over narrow personal interests.
“Shoniyin concluded his message with optimism about Liberia’s future, expressing confidence that the nation can overcome its challenges if its citizens remain united.
“Liberia’s best years are still ahead of us if we remain united under our enduring national motto: ‘One People. One Destiny.’ Together, we can build the Liberia we all deserve,” he said.
