By Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News Monrovia
Ashmun Street, Monrovia: On March 15, 2025, the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church joined the government of the Republic of Liberia and the family of the late Joseph Jenkins Roberts in celebrating the 216th birth anniversary of Liberia’s first and seventh president. The special event, which was held at the First United Methodist Church on Ashmun Street, Monrovia, focused on commemorating President Roberts’ humanitarian legacy and his deep contributions to the growth of Liberia. Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire, Jr., the Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, delivered an official statement urging the government to create more opportunities for Liberian youth, stressing the importance of fostering quality education and human capital development for the nation’s future.
In his statement, Bishop Quire acknowledged the significance of the day, not just as a time to remember the life of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, but also as a moment for reflection on Liberia’s progress and challenges. The celebration’s theme, “Fostering Greater Partnerships for the Development and Enhancement of Quality Education for Liberian Children,” resonated with the bishop, who saw it as both timely and critical in addressing the many struggles faced by Liberia’s youth today.
A Growing Youth Population and the Need for Immediate Action
Bishop Quire, in his remarks, highlighted that Liberia is at a pivotal moment in its history, with a growing youthful population. Approximately one-third of the nation’s population is made up of young people, many of whom face significant challenges that hinder their personal development and societal contribution. Among these challenges, the bishop pointed to the alarming rise of “at-risk youth,” often referred to as “zoogos”—young individuals who are engaged in dangerous behaviors such as substance abuse and gambling. These actions, he explained, not only pose a threat to the individuals involved but also to the nation as a whole, as they fuel violence and instability.
With Liberia undergoing a leadership transition following the inauguration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Kuong, the bishop expressed his hope that the new government would take concrete steps to address these challenges. “We as a nation must rise up now, especially our government, against these unlawful acts which have the propensity to derail our existing peace,” Bishop Quire emphasized.
He called for immediate government intervention in providing young people with the tools they need to succeed—opportunities for quality education, vocational training, and job creation. By doing so, he believes the government could help to transform Liberia’s youth into positive agents of change, following the example of other African nations where young people are increasingly recognized as key drivers of social and economic development.
A Call for Education as a Solution to Youth Challenges
Education, Bishop Quire argued, holds the key to transforming Liberia’s youth and unlocking the nation’s full potential. Reflecting on the life and legacy of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the bishop reminded the audience of President Roberts’ deep commitment to education and his vision for the development of Liberia. President Roberts, who was not only Liberia’s first president but also a benefactor of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Educational Foundation (J.J.R.E.F.), saw education as a critical tool for uplifting the country. His dedication to educational advancement for all Liberians, especially the youth, is a part of the enduring legacy the nation continues to celebrate.
Bishop Quire urged that the spirit of Roberts’ legacy be kept alive through continued investment in the educational sector. He emphasized that quality education is the most powerful means of addressing the issues facing Liberia’s youth, giving them the necessary knowledge and skills to compete in a rapidly changing world. The bishop also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, civil society, and religious organizations in fostering a learning environment that empowers the youth and sets them on a path to success.
The current government, he suggested, should work to create a framework that not only improves access to education but also enhances its quality. He called for more robust partnerships between the government and private institutions, as well as international organizations, to ensure that every child in Liberia has the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background. By addressing the root causes of youth disenfranchisement—such as inadequate educational infrastructure and poverty—the government can pave the way for Liberia’s young people to achieve their full potential.
The Role of the Church and the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Educational Foundation
Bishop Quire also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Joseph Jenkins Roberts Educational Foundation and the First United Methodist Church for their dedication to preserving the educational legacy of Liberia’s first president. Through these organizations, the spirit of Joseph Jenkins Roberts continues to burn brightly, as they provide vital support for educational initiatives that benefit Liberia’s youth.
The bishop expressed his gratitude to these institutions for their ongoing efforts to promote education and called on all Liberians to join hands in supporting the nation’s youth. He praised their collective efforts, acknowledging that the work of these organizations is crucial in keeping the torch of education alive and illuminating the path to a brighter future for the young people of Liberia.
A Vision for Liberia’s Future
Bishop Quire reminded the gathering that Liberia will celebrate its 178th independence anniversary in July 2025, marking another milestone in the nation’s journey. He praised God for the blessings Liberia has received over the years but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. The bishop called on the government to focus on creating opportunities for Liberia’s youth, stressing that human capital development is key to accelerating the nation’s economic growth and achieving true inclusive progress.
As Liberia reflects on the legacy of Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the nation is urged to look forward to the future with optimism and determination. The youth of Liberia, if given the right opportunities, can become the catalysts for the nation’s continued growth and prosperity. By investing in education, creating jobs, and fostering partnerships for the development of human capital, Liberia can ensure that the next generation will not only meet the challenges of the future but will also lead the nation to new heights.
Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire’s statement on the occasion of the 216th birth anniversary of President Joseph Jenkins Roberts is a powerful call to action. As Liberia stands at a crossroads, with a youthful population at its heart, the bishop’s message is clear: the time to act is now. The government, along with civil society and religious organizations, must come together to invest in the education and well-being of Liberia’s youth. By doing so, they will not only honor the legacy of Joseph Jenkins Roberts but also secure a brighter and more prosperous future for Liberia.
