Nimba County, Liberia - Graduates of Nimba University have been urged to bridge the generational gaps by building generational wealth through educational skills and talents for a new Liberia.
The call was made by Dehpue Y. Zuo, the Deputy Finance Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development when he delivered a speech at the 8th graduation convocation of the Nimba University held on August 17, 2024, in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Liberia.
Hon. Zuo told the graduates: “We all have the responsibility to bridge the generational gaps and build generational wealth through the skills, talents, and education that will help to build a new Liberia.”
He informed the graduates amidst cheers that Liberia is currently preparing its national development plan that will take the country to the end of two important development goals, the National Vision 2030 and the Global Sustainable Development Goals 2030, and the aspiration of the African continent through the African Agenda 2063.
Accordingly, he said that the two important development goals are “ambitious goals” that will require ambitious generations to close the gaps in the country's development stages.
“This will depend on the cardinal role each of us will play in nurturing the call for reforms, and the actions we pursue in achieving our individual and collective goals. We are all responsible for playing our roles as graduates, students, faculty, and administration of NU. Modern development is associated with nurturing the call for excellence and partnership”, Hon. Zuo stressed.
The Deputy Finance Minister cautioned the graduates that nowadays, global development is driven by innovation and creativity.
He encouraged the graduates to become intentional in whatever they want to pursue, by planning for competition in their class, community, and national level; and making themselves competitive in whatever they do was important.
“Be positive in your thinking that you are in the best position to institute reforms beginning with yourself, your family, your friends, and your community. You will need to set yourself apart and distinguish yourself in whatever activities or programs you are associated with”, Hon. Zuo emphasized.
Hon. Zuo recalled that the earlier generations had people who stood their ground to make sure the social and political rights of the citizens were protected, adding that they were intentional about getting people involved in decision-making through activism, political participation, and working with the people to understand their roles and responsibilities.
He explained: “The earlier generations had people who stood their ground to make sure the social and political rights of the citizens were protected.
They were intentional about getting people involved in decision making through activism, political participation, and working with the people to understand their roles and responsibilities.”
Upon graduation, you have to engage in activities that will sharpen your intellectual horizons and come out with new thinking about your families, communities, and the country.
He referenced President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. by stating that: “President Boakai has told us that this is not business as usual, meaning we have to reform our minds and bring in more creativity and innovation to champion reforms and change our society. It is not time to cry baby in every situation but form a team to surmount the challenges in our communities, counties, and the nation.”
Furthermore, he challenged the graduates to build self-identity, seek role models in the society to measure their performances and to set their goals, adding that “When you are a government official, you have to set yourself apart to do what others are doing to improve lives.
You are a servant of the people and should work to improve the living standard of the people.”