At long last, the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) recruits have graduated from its Training Academy in Foya, Lofa County.
The trainees have been at the Joseph N. Boakai Training Academy in Foya for six weeks undergoing intensive training in immigration formalities.
The LIS new officers’ graduation ceremony was held over the weekend in Foya district, Lofa County. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Minister of Justice & Attorney General, of the Republic of Liberia expressed appreciation to authorities of the LIS for the success of the training of 517 new officers of the LIS.
He noted that the Government of Liberia (GOL) considers the training of the new officers as a major achievement undertaken by the administration of the LIS.
Cllr. Tweh cautioned the graduates to be professional in the execution of their official duties and responsibilities, and assured LIS that the government will provide reasonable salaries and benefits, including healthcare and insurance benefits.
“We admonish, implore and beseech you to be loyal to your country and people; focus and wherewithal to accomplish and achieve your goals,” the Minister of Justice encouraged the LIS new officers.
He told the new LIS officers to avoid violence and never be in deviance of the established rules of society, never disrespect their superiors and fellow officers of the LIS, and never disrespect authorities to assert their rights or correct wrongs.
He said the naming of the LIS training academy in honor of President Joseph N. Boakai shows a tribute to an extraordinary commitment to public service and national development. He noted that President Boakai’s tireless contributions to the growth and development of Liberia exemplify the spirit of the LIS.
He noted that the government stands with the LIS in its developmental agenda.
For his part, Senator Momo T. Cyrus, Chairman of the Committee on Defense Intelligence and Veteran of the Liberian Senate, told the LIS new officers that their task goes beyond enforcing immigration laws, but that the safety of the nation’s borders is vital to its security and prosperity.
According to Senator Cyrus, Liberia’s borders must not only be secure, but also welcoming to legitimate travelers, investors, and returning citizens. He said when this is done, the balance between security and service will be crucial in the discharge of official duties.
Several local officials from Lofa County commended authorities of the LIS for the success of the training in their county. According to them, this is the first of its kind in the county.
The new LIS officers received certificates in a number of categories, ranging from basic immigration formalities to performance.
The graduation was held under the theme, “LIS: Spirited, Rejuvenated to Serve”, and was well attended by authorities of the LIS.
The Acting Commissioner General of the LIS, Elijah F. Rufus, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Government of Liberia (GOL) for the support given the LIS during the period of the training.
According to the LIS Acting CG, the training was necessary, and was designed to replace the old officers expected to be retired by the Civil Service Agency (CSA) soon.
