—- As Past President Ahmad S. Wazni Lauds Government for attending to the Drugs abused Youth Center Inauguration
IPNEWS: The World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) in Liberia funded the establishment of the Mother of Light (OEN) in Liberia, a drugs rehabilitation and prevention Center as its social responsibility towards the magnanimous people of Liberia and to assist in addressing the issue of At-Risk youths. The rehabilitation Center is on thirty acres of land provided by the government of Liberia, located at the former German Camp, District No. 2 of Grand Bassa County.
The ceremony was graced by several dignitaries including the Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu who proxied for the President of Liberia, H. E. Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni, Honorable Thomas A. Gosuah, the Deputy Minister of Health, the Lebanese Ambassador, officials of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) and well-wishers.
Speaking on behalf of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), the immediate Past President, Ahmad S. Wazni, expressed gratitude to the Mother of Light founder, Bishop Guy Paul Nojeim, the Lebanese Community who sponsored the project, board members, staff and the government of Liberia for the tremendous support provided to make the dream a reality.
Mr. Wazni recounting the Union’s journey to establish the Center as far back in March 2018, when the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), through its youthful leadership took this bold decision.
Mr. Wazni stated: “With less than six months of our term as leaders of the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), we consummated the agreement with the Mother of Light and we immediately resumed the process of establishment. “
“With overwhelming support of the Lebanese Community, we have been able to finance the Mother of Light establishment, following solicitation from the members of the Community by WLCU leadership. Again, with the intervention of the dynamic leadership of the WLCU, and its records in development, the government of Liberia was able to contribute the thirty acres of land we are standing on today. This happened exactly five years ago.”
“Now after five years, your excellencies, as you inaugurate this rehabilitation center, we hope with your government support, it becomes the leading and most efficient center.”
Mr. Wazni used the occasion to appreciate the contribution of his colleagues and members of the WLCU, including Mr. Najib Tannous, Mr. Issam El-Jundi, Mr. Hassan Narch, Mr. Ali Mortada, and Mr. Dani Fayad, Mr. Ali H. Fouani, Mr. Roni R. Gharib, Mr. Khaled K. Ismail, Mr. Robert Khoureiry, Mr. Ali K. Kobeisi, Mr. Firas Merchad, and Rabih Charif.
Giving an overview of the program earlier, the General Manager Abdallah Chahni of OENL expressed thanks and appreciation to the Liberian Government for providing the organization 30 acres of land, thereby giving OENL the opportunity to construct the rehabilitation and vocational center in Grand Bassa County, to cater to residents as they are to be called, both men and women affected by substance use.
Minister Bangalu used the occasion to praise the vision bearer of Oum El Nour
or Mother of Light, Bishop Guy Paul Noujaim for his numerous humanitarian interventions, and for visiting Liberia to cut the ribbon for the newly renovated drug rehabilitation center aimed helping persons affected by substance use. He also extended the President’s heartfelt sentiments and appreciation for the initiative. Minister Bangalu encouraged the residents to continue their journey and promised to assist in creating opportunities for them when they are prepared for integration. Additionally, he pledged and gave assurance of the Liberian Government’s support toward the sustainability of the organization.
Several invitees at the program in making their respective remarks also praised the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU), and the Center vision bearer for contributing to the restoration of image of those impacted by substance abuse.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Christine Umutoni praised the level of “Oum El Nour” Liberia or Mother of Light achievements thus far and noted that UN is prepared to work with the organization in bringing relief to the country’s youthful population, many of whom are drowning in drug addiction.
Two of the beneficiaries, male and female of “OENL’s rehabilitation center, gave testimonies describing how they were drawn in drug addiction over the years and how they became outcasts in their respective communities and amongst their family and friends. They spoke of being rescued by the organization and expressed thanks and appreciation to the organization and the WLCU.
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