Liberia’s 178th Independence Day orator Dr. Emmett Dunn, shed light on the growing divide between the wealthy and the poor, rampant unemployment, and the urgent need for investment in youth and education while advocating for a united front to heal the nation’s historical wounds.
Delivering his speech under the theme, “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past, Building the Future,” Dr. Dunn called for reflection on Liberia’s complex journey, which has been marked by years of resilience, struggle, and loss. “As we stand here today, we are called not just to remember, but to act,” he said, urging citizens to take responsibility for crafting a promising future.
He painted a grim picture of reality for many Liberians, noting that while a select few grow richer, numerous citizens continue to experience poverty and hardship. “A hungry child cannot wait for macroeconomic policy.
We must be honest about the pain of unemployment and economic disparity that lingers in our communities,” Dunn said, underlining that many Liberians still feel like strangers in their homeland despite the nation’s proud history.
He acknowledged recent governmental efforts to tackle corruption and promote economic growth, yet insisted that significant challenges remain. “Our economy is still predominantly controlled by foreign interests, undermining the dignity and opportunities of our own people,” Dr. Dun warned.
The speech also emphasized the essential role of education and youth development in building a stronger Liberia. “Liberia’s greatest resource is not buried in the ground; it walks on our streets,” he stated, highlighting that over 70% of the country’s population is under 35 years of age.
He urged the government and civil society to invest in vocational training and entrepreneurship, allowing the youth to become job creators rather than merely job seekers.
The orator did not shy away from addressing critical social issues, calling for an end to gender inequality and the systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress in society. “Promoting gender equality is not a favor; it is a fundamental human right,” he asserted passionately.
Dr. Dun proposed several pillars for national renewal: reimagining national identity, confronting economic disparity, reclaiming education as a public good, and ending prejudice and division among Liberia’s diverse communities. He argued that the synergy of these efforts could lead to a more equitable nation where opportunities are not exclusive to a privileged few.
He reminded the Liberians that true independence cannot be defined by historical milestones alone but must be reflected in the lived experiences of all citizens.
“Let us walk forward, together, with courage, with character, and with a single, unshakable conviction: Liberia must come first. Always. And for all,” he proclaimed, urging all Liberians to commit to a collective vision of unity and progress.
