By Patrick N. Tokpah
The president of the University of Liberia, Julius Sarwolo Nelson, Jr. says peace and patriotism are critical elements for sustainable development and prosperity in Liberia.
He said peace and patriotism can foster social cohesion, inspire unity and encourage a sense of responsibility and pride in the country.
“As we work towards building a better future for ourselves and for generations to come, let us embrace these values and work together to build a strong, prosperous, and peaceful nation,” the State-run University president noted.
Dr. Nelson said patriotism undoubtedly fosters the growth of an egalitarian society where there is social justice and a strong merit system that reinforces values and beliefs that contribute to social cohesion.
“No society, no nation, no people in this world prospers without the appropriate dose of peace and patriotism. Because it fosters a sense of pride in a nation’s achievements and motivates citizens to strive for excellence in all that they do. Patriotism also promotes a strong sense of community and encourages citizens to work together to overcome challenges and achieve their goals,” Dr. Nelson added.
He further said it is incumbent upon every Liberian to uphold the tenets of peace and patriotism that are vital to the prosperity of Liberia.
“It is imperative for us as leaders of this society to use every platform to consistently and persistently speak on peace and patriotism as well as models thereof for the development of our nations,” Dr. Nelson emphasized.
According to the University of Liberia’s 15th president, to sustain peace, every citizen must embrace dialogue and compromise, adding, “We must also promote understanding and respect for diversity, because it creates a society that is tolerant and inclusive, and further fosters social cohesion and unity.”
Additionally, Dr. Nelson said, “We must all ensure that our Justice system is fair and impartial and that it delivers justice to all members of society, regardless of their status or background.”
Dr. Nelson who served as keynote speaker during the 3rd commencement convocation of the Bong County Technical College over the weekend in Gbarnga said Liberians must capitalize on the positive moments of their history to capture the imagination and saturate a strong sense of peace and patriotism in the younger generation as they move towards the pending general and presidential elections.
Speaking on the theme: “The role of peace and patriotism in sustaining development and prosperity in a nation” he said peace is freedom from violence, from peers, partners, family, strangers, and the state, noting that peace is compassion for others.”
“Peace is being able to grow and thrive and be who you are. Peace is freedom from binary concepts and thinking. Peace is accepting various religious and traditional practices or the lack thereof,” he said, reiterating that “Peace is the absence of hostilities of all kinds, noting if we should consider the importance of peace in our nation, we will note that without peace, no meaningful development can take place.”
Dr. Nelson further revealed that conflict and violence create a climate of fear and uncertainty, and this can discourage investors and hinder economic growth.
Furthermore, the University of Liberia’s prexy said conflicts can also disrupt the provision of basic services such as health care and education, leading to poor health outcomes and reduced educational opportunities.
“It is therefore imperative that we strive for peace in our nation Liberia. Let us emphasize the little gains made by looking at the glass half full and not confusing our young people, engendering cynicism, bitterness, and hatred in this political season. We should remember the role of peace and patriotism in sustaining the development and prosperity in this nation under this elections period remains a sine-qua-non,” he stated.
“To be a good patriotic citizen in a peaceful and prosperous nation, you must obey the laws and respect Constituted authority; contribute to society and your community and perform your civic duty; love your country and respect the rights of others; be trustworthy, honest and tolerant, and be accountable and of moral courage,” the preacher maintained.
The University of Liberia’s president urged the Bong County Technical College graduates to be torch-bearers in promoting peace and patriotism for a prosperous Liberia and at the same time told the graduates to go forth and be exemplars of respect for constituted authority, diligence, discipline, integrity, civility, and humility.
The Bong Technical College was established in 2010 by the Act for the sole purpose of educating aspiring students in disciplines that are technical and skill oriented and graduated 210 students from its 3rd commencement convention in Gbarnga.
The college is accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education to offer undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Agriculture Technology, Science Education, and Nursing.
In Agriculture Technology 64 students graduated, Science Education 71, Civil Engineering 2, Mining Engineering 12, Nursing 59, and Computer Science 2.
