By Kruah Thompson
MONROVIA, August 12, 2026 — The Government of Liberia has pledged to strengthen financial support to the Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) through the 2027 national budget as part of efforts to expand youth engagement and national dialogue.
Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah made the commitment Tuesday, August 11, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing in Monrovia.
His statement followed a presentation by FLY President Ernest Duku Jallah on the federation’s planned initiative to engage young people and government officials in dialogue on issues confronting the country.
Piah commended the FLY leadership for developing the initiative, describing it as an effort that could help bridge the communication gap between the government and Liberia’s youthful population.
He said the government would work with the federation to strengthen communication with young people while engaging the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to increase whatever subsidy is currently allocated to FLY.
The Information Minister said the initiative comes at a critical time, particularly as the government prepares the Fiscal Year 2027 national budget.
According to him, the Ministry of Information will engage the Ministry of Finance and other relevant government institutions to ensure that financial support to the federation is strengthened during the budget process.
Piah said greater engagement with young people is particularly important amid ongoing national debates and controversies, stressing the need for platforms that allow citizens and government officials to discuss issues directly.
The Minister also linked FLY’s proposed initiative to the government’s broader efforts to expand citizen engagement through its nationwide “Kapa Kulono” (Come, Let’s Talk It) town-hall program.
The government initiative is designed to bring officials closer to citizens through direct engagements in communities across the country.
According to Piah, the program provides a platform for government officials to explain policies, programs and development initiatives while giving citizens an opportunity to raise concerns about issues affecting their communities and seek information on how they can benefit from government programs.
He said FLY’s proposed youth dialogue initiative complements the government’s efforts to strengthen communication and engagement with citizens, particularly young people.
The Federation of Liberian Youth serves as an umbrella organization representing youth groups and interests across Liberia.
