By Moses M. Tokpah
/MARGIBI
In a spirited ceremony held over the weekend in Compound, Larkay-Ta Township, District 4, Margibi County, former Liberian track athlete and founder of the Bill Rogers Youth Foundation (BRYF), Ambassador Bill Rogers officially sashed and commissioned Ruth G. Yah as the newly elected Queen of the district.
The event which symbolized the empowerment of a passionate young woman committed to serving as a voice for women and girls in District 4, was attended by local women, youths, chiefs, and elders.
Amb. Rogers described the occasion as a beacon of hope, urging young Liberians to remain focused, determined, and consistent in pursuing their dreams despite the many challenges they face today.
“If God can change my life, he can do the same for anyone,” Amb. Rogers shared during his inspiring message. He continued: “First, know what you want, then build the right relationships to achieve it.”
He stressed the importance of ambition and discipline as key ingredients for personal transformation and success.
Amid the celebrations, Amb. Rogers took a somber tone to highlight the dire state of infrastructure in District 4.
He lamented the poor learning facilities, lack of safe drinking water, absence of pit latrines, and other critical amenities that continue to plague the community.
“This is not politics; this is our future, this is for the children, this is for the generation,” he emphasized. “How would you feel as a parent sending your kids to school where children sit on the floor, have no safe drinking water, no latrine, no bathroom, there is nothing?”
Amb. Rogers went further to express his dismay, saying he would rather see children in prison in the United States attending school there than seeing children in the district subjected to such vulnerable and risky conditions.
The BRYF leader disclosed ongoing discussions with government officials, including President Joseph Boakai, who assured him of Liberia’s potential for change, stressing the need for collective effort, especially from the youth.
In addition to these concerns, the foundation has actively supported youth development by providing sports materials to children in the Konoquelleh Clan, using sports to reduce violence and encourage school attendance.
Queen Ruth Yah in her acceptance remarks, expressed deep gratitude and a strong commitment to her role, pledging to uphold values of integrity, grace, and compassion.
She vowed to serve as a role model and work inclusively across the district, emphasizing that her reign will be defined by service rather than title.
“This title means a lot to me. It represents not only beauty but strength, perseverance, and commitment. “I will not merely bear the crown because I want to be queen; I will work with everyone,” she affirmed.
