Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter in Liberia has installed former Deputy Foreign Minister, B. Elias Shoniyin, as President.
Shoniyin and five others were officially installed on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at a local hotel in Monrovia to steer the affairs of the Liberia chapter for the next two years.
Other members of the leadership include Bro. J. Alben Greaves as Vice President, Bro. Adolphus Scott as Secretary, Bro. Prince W. Kieh, Sr. as Treasurer, Bro. Eric Clarke as Financial Secretary, and Bro. William K. Morris as Acting Chaplain.
Shoniyin, who serves as Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates (ADMA), delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech emphasizing service, love, and humility. He stated, “I have come cast in humility to serve you.”
He noted that leadership must reflect the wellbeing of the people served, saying, “When the people you serve are not doing well, you are a failure.” He urged members to hold their leaders accountable, stating, “On my behalf and on behalf of the entire leadership, when we err, call us and acknowledge it.”
He praised the humility and dedication of the past president, expressing pride in the love, compassion, and dignity with which the chapter was previously led.
Shoniyin announced that within 30 days a fully functional Alpha Secretariat would be established. He highlighted the need for a physical space—an office and conference room—to serve as a mentoring and planning hub.
He also confirmed the relocation of the Alpha House project from Marshall to Monrovia, noting strong interest and support from several members to make the project a reality.
“So brothers, I want to say thanks to all of you. I think this is a wonderful opportunity given me to lead, and it is an honor I am not going to forget,” he said. He called for unity and recommitment to the ideals of Alpha Phi Alpha.
The induction was performed by T. Nelson Williams, Executive Director of the International Alumni Affairs Committee (IAAC), a global structure designed to support and engage alumni brothers. Williams praised Shoniyin’s dedication and expressed confidence in the new team’s ability to lead with pride and dignity.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. established a significant presence in Liberia with the chartering of the Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter on October 6, 1958, in Monrovia. This historic charter was the fraternity’s first on the African continent, founded by David N. Howell, former CEO of the Liberia YMCA, along with 17 other Alpha brothers.
Since its founding, the Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter has been pivotal in promoting leadership, education, and community service across Liberia. Shoniyin committed to continuing this legacy, which includes scholarship programs, peace and security initiatives, and vital public health campaigns.
Notably, during the Ebola epidemic, the chapter actively contributed to the national response and was awarded a presidential medal by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in recognition of its outstanding service.
The Eta Epsilon Lambda Chapter is part of the International Association of Alpha Chapters (IAAC), which includes Alpha Phi Alpha chapters in Bermuda, Germany, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating a global brotherhood committed to service and excellence.
