By Lewis S. Teh
MONROVIA, August 25, 2026 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has urged Liberian youths to reject drugs and remain focused on building their future, warning that narcotics trafficking poses a serious threat to the country’s young population.
“Do not let anyone steal your future. Stay focused, disciplined, and determined to become the citizen that Liberia needs,” President Boakai said.
The President made the appeal during programs marking the 179th anniversary of Liberia’s National Flag Day at the Baptist Training Center in Monrovia.
His comments come amid heightened national concern over drug trafficking following major cocaine seizures and ongoing investigations into alleged transnational narcotics operations in Liberia.
President Boakai warned that attempts by drug traffickers to use Liberia as a transit point and operational base pose a particular danger to young people.
“Drug trafficking, to use our country as a transit and operational center, poses a serious threat, especially to our young people,” he said.
Speaking directly to students, Boakai urged them to learn the pledge to the Liberian flag and, more importantly, demonstrate its meaning through their conduct.
“Liberty to Liberia means respecting your fellow citizens, obeying the law of the republic, rejecting violence, protecting our national symbols, working hard, and preparing yourself to serve your country,” he said.
The President also challenged adults to lead by example, saying they cannot expect young people to demonstrate patriotism while adults undermine national institutions or disregard the law.
“We cannot ask our children to love Liberia while we undermine its institutions; to respect the law while we disregard it; or to be patriotic while we place personal, ethnic, religious, or partisan interests above the national good,” he said.
Boakai said the National Flag Day observance is closely connected to Liberia’s 179th Independence anniversary, describing the Lone Star as an enduring symbol of the country’s identity.
“If independence gave us the sovereignty to define ourselves as a nation, the flag gave us the identity, a visible, enduring symbol. It reminds us of who we are, where we come from, and the Liberia we must continue to build,” he stated.
The President recalled the role of seven women, led by Susanna Lewis, in producing Liberia’s first national flag in 1847, saying their contribution demonstrates that nation-building requires the participation of all citizens.
“We must remember that nation-building has never been the work of a few. It is the labor of all men and women, young and old, from every county, ethnicity, religion, and social background,” Boakai said.
The President also announced the reintroduction of civic education in primary schools and the official launch of standardized civic textbooks nationwide.
He described the initiative as an important step toward strengthening young Liberians’ understanding of the country’s history, Constitution, rights and civic responsibilities.
After receiving the salute from student contingents participating in the Flag Day program, Boakai praised their discipline and patriotism.
“This morning … I saw discipline, I saw precision, I saw confidence and patriotism in the eyes of our young people. I want to say I’m very proud of them,” he said.
He congratulated schools recognized for Best Salute, Most Disciplined and Best Dressed, while crediting parents, teachers, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Defense and National Bureau of Veterans Affairs for preparing the students.
President Boakai said celebrating the national flag should not be merely ceremonial, arguing that the values represented by the Lone Star require citizens to take action against practices that undermine national unity and development.
“Our flag calls on us to action. It demands that we reject division, hatred, corruption, violence, and every force threatening our national fabric,” he declared.
He said the flag should represent a Liberia where roads connect communities, electricity reaches more citizens, healthcare and education improve, economic opportunities expand and young people are protected from drugs.
“Our flag belongs to the farmer in Lofa, the fisherman on the coast of Maryland, the worker in Monrovia, and every Liberian at home and abroad. It belongs to all of us,” Boakai said.
Closing his Flag Day message, the President called on Liberians to honor the sacrifices of previous generations, live responsibly and build a better country for future generations.
“May our flag continue to fly proudly over land and sea … as a beacon of hope for nearly two centuries,” he said. “May it remind us always that we are one people, one nation, with one destiny.”
“As we always say, in all that we do, let us think Liberian, love Liberian, and together we are Liberian. God bless the Lone Star.”
