Independence Day Statement by B. Elias Shoniyin
Dean, School of Global Affairs and Policy, Cuttington University / Managing Director, Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), Republic of Liberia
July 25, 2024
Fellow Liberians,
On this 177th Independence Day, we should remember that in the face of daunting challenges, our founding fathers exhibited courage, determination, and fortitude, pressing on with their lofty aspirations for self-determination and nationhood.
Today our nationhood may be taken for granted, but history reminds us of the struggles of our forbearers in the quest for legitimacy as a nation, causing President Joseph Jenkins Roberts to spend nine months of his first two-year term as president, touring Europe to seek recognition and support for the young Liberian state. The founding fathers deployed all in their reach to sustain the inviolability of our independence.
Today, we inherit this great endeavor, which behooves us to dutifully pursue our national aspirations with caution and care, bearing in mind the devastating implications of failing. Lest we betray the sacrifices and struggles of our forbears, we should keep the torch of national unity and peaceful existence alive and carry the responsibility to preserve our common patrimony. It is now our sacred duty to keep the flame of our independence and sovereignty burning and lifted.
We are truly happy and blessed to count 177 years of existence as Africa’s oldest independent and sovereign republic, but this is not enough. We should meditate and reflect on the difficult questions. “What have been our achievements as a people in 177 years of existence? Are we satisfied with what we are and where we are headed as a nation? I hope this year’s independence will strike us as a time for deep and honest reflection and introspection, and not just merriment. After 177 years our population still sinks in acute illiteracy, hunger, death of preventable diseases, unemployment, endemic corruption, and injustice. The voices of the over 80 percent marginalized and weakest in our society echo hopelessly not sure of a tomorrow. For them, what matters now is the opportunity to pass today.
Despite these perennial odds, this year’s Independence Day commemoration comes with hope. The arrival of a new dispensation heralds a new day for Liberia and inspires hope. We now have an opportunity to take a new direction that promotes meritocracy and investment in the people as the ultimate goal for national renewal and progress.
Now I urge all of us Liberians, irrespective of our political persuasion, religion, tribe, or creed, to abandon our differences and join in, let’s build and construct, let’s move our country forward, and let’s together recover the lost years. Let no one lie to you that we cannot do this. There is still time to do so. Let us exhibit the highest sincerity to ourselves, our nation, and to our God, if we are to propel the engine of prosperity in our land, the land of freedom and liberty.
The picture of our country today at 177 is not one that evokes pride, notwithstanding, it is a picture that reveals our wounds and struggles, and one that should inspire us to action as a proud people. If out of nothing we can preserve our independence for 177 unbroken years, then we as a people are obligated to build on it – we can develop and modernize it. This is a challenge I throw to all of us as the progenies of brave and resilient forebears. Let us respond to the callings beyond our narrow personal aspirations, to loosen the shackles of deprivation and abject poverty that have held us back.
The future is bright, but we must seize it. We must be intentional as we approach the future. If we can not find a way, let us make a way!
May God continue to bless and protect our beloved country Liberia.
Happy Independence Day to all!
Amb. B. Elias Shoniyin
Dean, School of Global Affairs and Policy
Cuttington University /Managing Director, Africa Development
Management Associates (ADMA)
