The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the State of the Nation Address, commending him for laying out his plan and agenda for his administration and the year.
“We look forward to seeing the full framework of the ‘ARREST Agenda’, as we also emphasize the need to include young people in all policy conversations and discussions,” FLY noted.
The young people organization said their involvement should be a fundamental matter of principle rather than a plea for representation.
FLY indicated that, while they acknowledge the collaborative and inclusive approach outlined in the President’s message, they advocate for a shift in which youth inclusion will be integral to good governance.
“Young people should not be perceived as beneficiaries seeking benevolence; instead, their participation should be a prerequisite for comprehensive policymaking,” FLY observed.
President Boakai, FLY noted, in his speech placed emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity which are align with FLY’s vision, “yet FLY asserts that youth involvement should transcend occasional consultations, becoming a norm in governance.
“FLY urges that young people’s presence should be anticipated and valued as an inherent aspect of national development,” the umbrella youth group said.
At the same time, FLY said they commend and appreciate the President for the appointment of the Minister of Youth and Sports, and expressed keen interest in working collaboratively with the appointed minister. However, FLY called for the appointment of more qualified and experienced young individuals to key positions within the government.
“Additionally, FLY calls for the consideration of former youth and student leaders, especially former presidents of statutory youth organizations, highlighting the wealth of experience and insights they can bring to the decision-making process,” FLY stated.
In echoing President Boakai’s call for a mindset shift and selfless service, FLY emphasized that engaging young people is not a charitable act but a recognition of their energy, creativity and dynamism.
“We support the President’s commitment to prioritize economic reform for sustainable growth and job creation, and the current economic challenges, as highlighted, necessitate urgent attention to address unemployment and economic instability,” FLY pointed out.
The young people umbrella group said they also welcome the President’s initiative to train 10,000 young people in a number of digital skills in the first half of 2024, and looks forward to collaborating with the government to ensure the success of the program. FLY recommended the establishment of a comprehensive youth empowerment fund to further support youth-led innovations.
“At the same time, FLY shares the President’s concern about corruption and pledges to actively support efforts to fight corruption.
“We call for swift and non-discriminatory enforcement of anti- corruption measures, ensuring that anyone caught in the act should face the full weight of the law.”
Speaking more on the President’s State-of-the-Nation Address, FLY stated that they acknowledge the declaration of a public health emergency regarding drug abuse, and used the occasion to join President Boakai to mandate all his nominated officials to take a mandatory drug test as a way of buttressing the President’s statement and leading by example. “President Elliott will lead the leadership of FLY to take our drug test,” FLY added.
Moreover, FLY maintained that their alignment with the proposed legislative agenda hinges on the principle that young people’s participation is non-negotiable and commits to engaging with the Legislature as stakeholders, demanding a rightful place in the decision-making process, and not as supplicants seeking representation.
“FLY stands united with the government, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift where the integration of young people in all policy conversations is not a concession but a matter of principle,” FLY noted.
FLY stated that it will also continue to constructively engage the government on issues affecting the well-being of Liberian youth, as collective effort will lead to a Liberia where youth participation is an integral component of a prosperous and inclusive nation.