Former Liberty Party Secretary General Smith Encourage Graduates
PHOTO: Jacob J. Smith, Deputy LPRC Managing Director
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia–In a powerful graduation address delivered at the Martin Kollah Foundation Institute on September 29, 2024, the Deputy Director for Administration at the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), Jacob J. Smith has called on graduates to navigate the uncertainties of their future while tackling the pressing issue of drug abuse plaguing the nation’s youth.
Speaking at the 14th graduation exercises, Mr. Smith emphasized the challenge of confronting a society where drug abuse has reached alarming levels, particularly among the youth.
Mr. Smith highlighted that while some privileged families thrive, countless young Liberians are ensnared by the destructive grip of illegal substances, urging everyone to recognize their role in the fight against this crisis.
“While some of you may have the support of your families to steer clear of drugs, many of your peers are not so fortunate. They are drawn into this world by peer pressure and environments that lack guidance, with a staggering 20% of youth using drugs as revealed by recent statistics from the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA),” he said.
With Liberia’s population predominantly consisting of youth, 63% under the age of 25, what emerges is a daunting reality: approximately 705,600 young people are caught in the vicious cycle of drug dependency, according to Liberty Party former Secretary General.
The LPRC Deputy Managing Director maintained that the situation not only threatens their futures but also undermines the safety and integrity of society as a whole.
Citing the correlation between drug use and rising violence rates in Liberia, the former Liberty Party secretary-general highlighted the urgency of implementing effective solutions.
He urged government action, emphasizing that leadership in the fight against drugs must come from individuals with integrity who are well-respected in their communities.
In an optimistic tone, the LPRC Deputy Director for Administration encouraged the graduates to leverage the skills and education they have acquired, transforming themselves into agents of positive change.
“Education for service to humanity is crucial,” he stated. “You must be the architects of your destiny and contribute to the broader well-being of your communities.”
The Deputy Director concluded with a poignant call to action, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the generation’s future.
As Liberia grapples with the dual challenges of societal drug abuse and a youth population striving for a better future, the message delivered at the Kollah Foundation resonates deeply, compelling both graduates and the community at large to take proactive steps toward change.
In remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kollah Foundation Institute, Martin Saye Kollah, urged graduates to take advantage of the Global University that is owned and operated by the Kollah Foundation.
The Foundation, through its CEO, Martin Saye Kollah, continues to assist people, especially children and You, through the provision of Scholarships.
The Foundation currently runs two High Schools, one Technical School called Kollah Foundation Technical School K- TEC and a University College called Kollah Foundation Global University College in Paynesville.
According to Kollah, Education, Community Development, Youth and Women Empowerment and Peace Building are the four strategic areas of operations.
Mr. Kollah maintained that Scholarships and Financial aid are currently available for students who enroll at any other School, noting that it is his way of giving back to society.
He said the KF Global University College offers degrees in the following disciplines: Banking & Finance, Human Resources Management, Project Management, Public Administration, Procurement & Supply Chain, Public Health, and Nursing, among others.
The Kollah Foundation Technical Institute offers courses in Event Management, Computer Education, Nurse/ First-aid, General Plumbing, Catering Management, Cosmetology, Soap Science, General Electricity, and others.