The Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Josiah F. Joekai Jr., says Liberia needs visionaries and changemakers in order for the country to rise above poverty, illiteracy and underdevelopment.
“Liberia will not rise on job seekers alone. It will rise on job creators, visionaries, and change-makers like you,” Joekai told scores of graduates of GONET-Africa Academy when he served as guest speaker at the event over the weekend.
Joekai shared his personal story, describing his rise from being a refugee to earning a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, to now serving his country at the CSA. His journey, he told graduates, serves as an example of what is possible through resilience, education, and purpose.
“This country needs people with skills who can help carry out developmental initiatives. You are placing yourselves in a better position to move this country ahead,” he told the graduates.
He praised GONET’s CEO, Mohamed Kekula, for his bold and inspiring vision.
“Mr. Kekula, you are not only shaping professionals, but you are also shaping the future of our beloved country through education, innovation, and empowerment,” the CSA boss said.
“As Liberia shifts focus to creating jobs and stimulating the private sector, GONET is producing professionals ready to step into those roles,” said Dr. Joekai.
GONET Africa Academy marked a major milestone with the graduation of over 750 students from diverse academic and professional disciplines during its 11th graduation ceremony. The event celebrated not just academic achievement, but a larger vision of transformation, empowerment, and national development.
Mr. Mohamed Kekula, GONET CEO, traced the journey of the institution, which began in February 2021 as a youth-led initiative with a dream to raise ethical, creative, and transformative leaders across Africa.
From small beginnings, hosting events and training at local campuses and even facing financial struggles, GONET grew steadily. Through resilience and innovation, including a pivot to online learning, the Academy has now trained over 2,000 professionals across 10 cohorts, with this 11th cohort alone comprising 750+ graduates from over 300 institutions across government, NGOs, and private sectors.
“We started with fewer than 10 people. Today, we are impacting thousands across Liberia and beyond,” Kekula said.
He acknowledged key supporters, including Dr. Adam M. Kyne Sr., early partner Luther Jake of iCampus, and other leaders who helped shape GONET’s growth.
GONET’s impact spans both public and private sectors, including institutions such as GT Bank, Foundation for Community Initiative, and Mary’s Meals, as well as numerous government ministries and agencies.
Special appreciation was extended to the Agricultural and Industrial Training Bureau, which enrolled over 20 staff in capacity-building programs sponsored by the government under President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, a plan focused on infrastructure, agriculture, governance reform, and job creation.
Board Chair Mr. Abraham Billy urged graduates to carry the torch of transformation. “This is not just a graduation; it is a declaration. You are ready,” he said. “Let your GONET credentials be a gateway. The entire country recognizes the value of what you’ve achieved.”
He emphasized continued learning, humility, and networking as keys to career growth. “Instead of struggling for years, reach out. Ask for help. Collaborate. Seek solutions. It will make a difference.”
As GONET prepares for future cohorts, it continues to evolve. The new GONET Learning Management System offers digital access across Liberia and the diaspora. Plans are also underway to expand programs in technology, entrepreneurship, logistics, communication, and project design.
To the graduates, the message was clear: the future of Liberia and Africa lies in your hands.
“Go out and create. Go out and inspire change. Go out and lead with integrity,” said Mohamed Kekula. “This is your moment. Liberia is watching. Africa is waiting.
