Sekou A. M. Dukuly, Managing Director of Liberia’s National Port Authority (NPA), delivered a powerful commencement address to the graduating class of Sekou Ibrahim Sheriff Junior and Senior High School, urging them to actively participate in Liberia’s progress. He emphasized their crucial role in shaping the nation’s future, challenging them to become agents of change and innovation, not mere observers. Dukuly stressed the need for Liberia’s youth to embrace disciplines like medicine, engineering, entrepreneurship, and policymaking, fields essential for national healing, economic revitalization, and future progress. He called upon the graduates to embody the values of service and integrity, recognizing that true greatness lies in giving back to the community and upholding ethical principles. Finally, Dukuly lauded the graduates for their resilience, sacrifice, and discipline, emphasizing that their graduation marked not just the end of high school, but the beginning of a journey filled with possibilities.
Dukuly’s address centered on the theme of active participation in nation-building. He implored the graduates to step forward and take ownership of their roles in Liberia’s development. This call to action was framed within the context of the nation’s need for skilled professionals across various sectors. By emphasizing the importance of doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators, Dukuly highlighted the diverse contributions young people can make to national progress. He challenged them to actively participate in healing the nation, rebuilding the economy, and reimagining the future. This emphasis on proactive engagement underscored the message that the future of Liberia rests in the hands of its youth.
Beyond specific professions, Dukuly emphasized the importance of cultivating essential character traits. He encouraged the graduates to embrace discipline, recognizing its power to maintain focus in the face of distractions. He underscored the value of service, emphasizing that true greatness lies not in personal gain, but in the positive impact one has on others. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of integrity, highlighting that success without ethical principles is hollow. These values, according to Dukuly, form the bedrock of impactful leadership and meaningful contributions to society.
Dukuly’s address also served as a celebration of the graduates’ achievements. He acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and resilience they demonstrated throughout their high school journey. Their graduation, he emphasized, was a testament to their commitment to education and personal growth. He framed their graduation not merely as an end, but as a beginning, a threshold to a future brimming with opportunities. Dukuly’s words sought to inspire the graduates to embrace the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead, equipped with the knowledge, courage, and faith to pursue their dreams.
The valedictorian, Mohammed Swaray, brought a critical issue to the forefront: the devastating impact of drug abuse on Liberia’s youth. He lamented the tragic reality of young people with promising futures succumbing to addiction, highlighting the urgency of addressing this national crisis. While acknowledging government efforts to combat drug abuse, Swaray called for intensified action and a more comprehensive approach. He specifically advocated for increased investment in rehabilitation centers, emphasizing the need to provide comprehensive support and resources to those struggling with addiction. Swaray argued that simply removing young people from the streets without providing adequate rehabilitation and reintegration services is insufficient.
Swaray’s impassioned plea underscored the need for a multifaceted approach to combatting drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of providing not just removal from the streets, but also counseling, rehabilitation, and empowerment programs that enable young people to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. His call for increased investment in rehabilitation centers highlighted the need for infrastructure and resources to effectively address the complex challenges of addiction. By connecting the issue of drug abuse to the nation’s future, Swaray emphasized the urgency of tackling this problem to ensure that Liberia’s youth can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. The graduation ceremony, therefore, served not only as a celebration of academic achievement, but also as a platform to advocate for crucial societal improvements. The combination of Dukuly’s inspirational message and Swaray’s poignant call to action created a powerful moment of reflection on both the promise and the challenges facing Liberia’s next generation. The ceremony underscored the importance of nurturing young talent while simultaneously addressing critical social issues to pave the way for a brighter future.
