Liberian journalist Simeon S. Wiakanty, a staff reporter at the Daily Observer Newspaper, has embarked on an academic journey to the People’s Republic of China, where he will pursue a master’s degree in Rural and Urban Planning at the Suzhou University of Science and Technology.
Wiakanty, who graduated from the University of Liberia (UL) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Media Studies, also earned a minor in Chinese Language through the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia (CIUL). His strong academic background, combined with professional experience in the Liberian media landscape, places him in a unique position to bridge communication, governance, and development issues with practical solutions in urban and rural planning.
In remarks before his departure, Wiakanty expressed deep gratitude to those who supported his journey. He reserved special recognition for his uncle, Cllr. T. Negbalee Warner, whose encouragement and assistance, he said, proved pivotal. “Despite challenges, my uncle’s support has been consistent and impactful over the years. This opportunity would not have been possible without his guidance and generosity, and for that, I am profoundly grateful,” he noted.
Wiakanty also extended appreciation to Mr. Jerimiah Swen, Associate Director, Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Liberia Annual Conference the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC), “Swen played a pivotal role in this process, and I am honored to mention him in this public minor. Swen is a great guy, and I think every young man must emulate him.”
The Management of the Liberian Observer Corporation (LOC), publishers of the Daily Observer. “The Daily Observer doesn’t just operate as a newspaper, it is an incredible institution that promotes the dreams and aspirations of young people that work in its employ, it helps to build the capacity of its staff, and this cannot go unnoticed. I am a living testimony to their benevolence.” While they did not bear the entire responsibility, their contribution has been significant in helping me reach this stage. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the institution, especially Mr. Bai Best, Managing Director of the LOC, for the mentorship and opportunities that shaped me as a professional journalist,” he emphasized.
He further acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia office for its role in supporting his academic ambitions. According to him, such partnerships reinforce the need for investing in human capital to drive national transformation.
As Wiakanty begins this new chapter, he underscored his commitment to returning home with knowledge and skills that can directly benefit Liberia. “Rural and urban planning is critical to Liberia’s development. Our towns and cities face challenges ranging from unregulated expansion and inadequate infrastructure to limited housing and poor waste management systems. My studies in China will equip me with the technical expertise and global perspectives needed to help design sustainable, people-centered solutions for our country,” he said.
Experts have long argued that Liberia’s future economic growth hinges on effective spatial planning and infrastructure development. With the country’s population increasingly urbanizing, issues such as overcrowding in Monrovia, lack of public utilities in peri-urban areas, and underdeveloped rural communities remain pressing. Wiakanty’s pursuit of advanced studies in this field is therefore seen as timely, with potential to contribute to policy formulation, sustainable housing development, and modernized urban management systems upon his return.
Colleagues within the media community also highlighted the significance of his academic move. Beyond his journalism career, which has been marked by critical reporting on environment, governance, human rights, and development issues, Wiakanty is now positioning himself to add value to Liberia in a more technical and policy-oriented field. His dual expertise in communications and urban planning could play a vital role in ensuring public awareness and citizen engagement around development projects—an area where planning often falls short in Liberia.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Wiakanty reaffirmed his personal mission: “This opportunity is not just about me; it is about Liberia. I want to use what I will learn in China to help shape communities, improve city planning, and create development models that work for both rural and urban areas. My ultimate goal is to return and serve my country with impact.”
His departure represents more than an individual milestone—it symbolizes the broader role of education in national development. If successful, Wiakanty’s training could make him part of a new generation of Liberians equipped to confront the structural challenges hindering sustainable growth.
As Liberia seeks to address its developmental gaps, particularly in infrastructure and spatial planning, the skills and knowledge Simeon Wiakanty will acquire in China could prove invaluable in helping to design and implement strategies that ensure more organized, livable, and economically viable communities across the country.
