Young people from Fissebu and Zelemai towns in Zorzor Administrative District, Lofa County, have honored Mr. James Papy Kwabo for what they described as his support to education, youth development, community service, and humanitarian work.
The program was held on May 14, 2026, in Fissebu Town. It brought together elders, chiefs, youth leaders, students, first-time voters, community members, and guests from Zelemai.
The young people presented a certificate of appreciation to Mr. Kwabo during the ceremony.
Mulbah Flomo read the position statement on behalf of the group. According to the statement, the honor was intended to recognize Mr. Kwaboโs years of support to students, families, and communities across Zorzor, Salayea, Fissebu, Zelemai, and other parts of Lofa County.
โThis honor is our way of saying thank you to Mr. James Papy Kwabo for supporting students, standing with young people, helping communities, and using his experience to create opportunities for others,โ the statement noted.
According to the statement, some members of the group had benefited from scholarships, tuition aid, mentorship, and other youth-related support. Others had seen friends, relatives, classmates, and community members receive help from him at important moments in their education and personal development.
The group stated that his educational support over the years has included scholarships, tuition aid, WAEC assistance, uniforms, mentorship, and other help for secondary and university students.
The statement also recalled his student leadership role at Zorzor Central High School, where he advocated for the University of Liberia entrance examination to be administered in Zorzor. The group stated that the effort helped more than 150 high school graduates from across Lofa County sit the exam without traveling outside the county.
The young people also recognized his work through Alternative Youth Radio, describing the station as a place where young people have learned journalism, broadcasting, leadership, and community service.
They further cited the AYR media complex and the ongoing School of Journalism and Vocational Education in Zorzor as projects intended to help rural youth gain practical skills.
The statement also mentioned his community development work with the International Rescue Committee in Zorzor and Salayea, his volunteer service at Radio Life in Zorzor, his work as a volunteer teacher at Zorzor Central High School, his role as a co-founder of Youth Talk-Liberia, and his service during the Ebola and COVID-19 responses.
The group added that his support has extended to youth sports, cultural activities, medical assistance, and people living with disabilities.
It also acknowledged his work as a lecturer at Lofa County University, where he teaches and mentors students in communications, public policy, local government administration, and public service.
The young people further cited his participation in the Liberia-Colombia Youth Exchange Program in Bogota, Colombia, the Youth Assembly in New York, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship. The statement also mentioned his recognition as winner of the 2024 MTN Hero of Change Award.
In response, Mr. Kwabo thanked the young people of Fissebu and Zelemai, the elders, chiefs, students, first-time voters, and community members for the recognition.
โI receive this honor with a grateful heart. I do not take it for granted. When young people decide to appreciate someone, it means a lot,โ he remarked.
He described the recognition as an encouragement and a reminder to continue serving.
Mr. Kwabo told the gathering that leadership should not be measured only by titles, offices, noise, or promises, but by service and the impact people can see in their communities.
He urged students and young people not to be ashamed of where they come from or discouraged by their present condition. In his view, young people from rural communities can still become useful to their families, communities, and country if they take education, discipline, and character seriously.
โYour present condition is not your final story. Where you come from should not make you ashamed,โ he added.
The honoree called on young people to respect their parents, teachers, and elders, take their lessons seriously, learn skills, and stay away from drugs, violence, stealing, and bad groups.
He also advised first-time voters to use their voices and choices wisely, avoid being misled or divided, and remain peaceful and respectful in community matters.
According to him, disagreement and politics should not destroy friendship, family ties, or community unity.
He encouraged those who have benefited from scholarships, tuition aid, mentorship, training, or other support to use those opportunities well and help others in the future.
โThe best way to say thank you is not only by clapping for me today. The best way to say thank you is to succeed, remain humble, and help someone else tomorrow,โ he noted.
Mr. Kwabo described the honor as a reminder to continue serving students, young people, families, and communities.
The program also included a friendly football match between Fissebu and Zelemai at the Fissebu football pitch. The match, played after the honoring ceremony, ended in a 1-1 draw.
He described the match as a way to promote unity, teamwork, and peaceful competition, and called on Fissebu and Zelemai to continue seeing each other as partners.
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