Partial view of members of MLF at the training forum
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
LIBERIA – A non-partisan political movement under the banner of Moving Liberia Forward (MLF) has called on eligible Liberian voters to seek the interest of their country above all else by making a wise decision at the poll.
Founded in January of this year, MLF, mostly a youth conglomerate, comprises members of diverse political backgrounds.
Speaking to this paper at a leadership training forum held at the First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, the Chairman of the Group, Mr. Michael Deah, explained that the movement seeks to educate Liberians to vote for responsible leadership that will bring positive change to the country’s come 2023.
Deah pointed out that it is now time for Liberians to make the right decision for the growth and forward match of the country by voting wisely.
“This is time to use our time to make the right decision for the growth and forward match of our country. The year 2023 is the time to vote for our future instead of voting for our bellies. We can’t afford to run behind temporary things and forget the future of our country,” Deah stated.
“Moving Liberia Forward is an establishment that got in full swing in January this year and it is an independent non-partisan organization/movement. You can be part of any political party and be a part of as much as your vision is to seek the betterment of Liberia irrespective of your political background. We have three paramount missions, namely; impactful service, training, and leadership. We believe that when we induct the right leadership into office we will be able to move this country forward,” he furthered.
Speaking of the one-day leadership seminar, Deah indicated that such training is of great significance to the group and its members seek to help in the building of a new Liberia hinged on integrity.
“Leadership training is very important because it’s the only way we can build our country. We are speaking of leadership and youth decision-making at this forum, which is key because we have a Liberia that has the vast majority of its population be young people – the main decision-makers. So the key message at this training is we need to work as a unit to make good decisions. We will do our best to stick to our principles ad we are going to do our best to remain neutral,” added Deah.
In some inspirational teachings to the youth group, Rev. Kenneth C. Jackson of the United Methodist Church stated that the nation’s rebuilding process must begin with the youth.
And in an effort to achieve that feat, he said they (youth) must have a clear vision that sets tangible priorities and standards.
“You must have a clear vision, which sets priorities of the tangible things that you want to see Liberia achieves. You must set standards that lie within your vision. Vision inspires expectations. With a clear vision for nation-building, you must be able to think outside the box. As we speak Liberia is vulnerable in terms of development and as such, it is time to rethink and change our minds and attitude. This is what Moving Liberia Forward aims to achieve. Let us remember that Liberia will change when we begin to restore our own lives for the better,” Rev. Jackson told the gathering of young leaders.
Like Rev. Jackson, Madam Weade Power of the split Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), urged members of MLF and the youth of Liberia to make a decision that will determine their future.
In so doing, the Strimex Oil and Gas Executive called on them (youth) to be gender sensitive in their decision-making processes as the country heads into the much-publicized 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
“You must seek the betterment of your future and by this, you must seek the tangibles. Look at education and healthcare, women empowerment. Think about how your decisions impact our future and not our stomachs. You hold the power to your future, so if you determine your future to be great it will be by the decision that you make. Stop electing people without the capacity to lead,” Madam Power stated.
Also in remarks, Madam Lorpu Kandakai of the former ruling Unity Party (UP), called on members of MLF to stand tall and ready for the challenges ahead as the country would definitely depend on such a group for direction.
“This group of generations will take us somewhere. We depend on you to make the right decision. Don’t make the money carry you. You all have a love for country and so I want to encourage you to be issue-based and don’t try to be notoriously famous,” Madam Kandakai among other things cautioned the youthful group.
