By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Email fellajuahstepheng@gmail.com
The Ministry of National Defense (MOD) in partnership with Lonestar CellMTN, has officially released series of events in commemorating the 66th Armed Forces Day celebration which will begin February 3 to 11, 2023.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections”, while the topic for the symposium is “Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy”,
Addressing a major press conference Thursday, February 26, 2023 at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia, Sam K. Collins, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of National Defense said on February 11, 2023, the AFL will be celebrating its 66th Armed Forces Day and 115 years of existence, dating back to 1908.
The Armed Forces Day celebration, according to him, has always been used as an opportunity for the public, foreign guests, and dignitaries to be acquainted with activities regarding the development and progress within the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL).
For her part, speaking briefly during the press conference, Nula Enders, Brand and Media Coordinator at Lonestar CellMTN expressed excitement for this year’s celebration particularly about the theme “Inter – Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections”.
Ms. Enders underscored, “As we all know, we are approaching election, it is important that we all come together and enjoy the unity and the peace that we continue to enjoy over the past years”, she said and underscored that the introduction of the unit display will encourage more people to sign up for the Armed Forces
Further outlining events of the celebration, Mr. Collins explained that the 66th Armed Forces Day celebration which begin 3 February 2023 will be interspersed with several activities, the activities, he said will include the following:
Friday, February 3, 2023, the Jumma Service at the EBK Military Barracks (EBK) will conduct a Muslim prayer service that dedicates the nation and Armed Forces of Liberia to the Almighty Allah for his continual guidance and protection.
Also Mr. Collins said on Saturday, February 4, 2023, there will be a Civil-Military Relations, to include Cleanup Campaign and it will be conducted within the general area of Duport Road from 0600-1200hrs. 100 AFL personnel along with employees of the Ministry of National Defense and the residents of Duport Road will give the community a facelift. The AFL Band will provide music.
“The AFL is executing this year’s cleanup campaign in partnership with the Lonestar Cell MTN and Paynesville City Corporation (PCC)”, he added.
The Medical Outreach, he said will be held within the general area of Po River, Bomi County. The exercise will be conducted from 0500hrs -1500hrs. A team of 20 personnel from the Medical Command will cover general health education, HIV prevention messages, and basic medical screening for the local inhabitants. A few outpatient treatments will be applicable.
Additionally,, he mentioned that a Mini-Sport Tournament which will bring together the Joint Security, Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY), Liberia Motorcycle Union, Tri-Cycle Union, and the Liberian National Student Union (LINSU) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, commencing at 1000hrs.
The tournament will also see 2 female soccer teams from the Liberia Football Association participating at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex.
Sunday, February 5, 2023- Thanksgiving Service – International Military Church, Edward Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks, Schiefflin, Margibi County.
He went further to say that Tuesday, February 7, 2023, a symposium will be held at the Monrovia City Hall, beginning at 1000hrs. It will bring together relevant stakeholders to deliberate a carefully selected topic- “Fostering Effective Stakeholders Engagement for Sustainable Democracy.” The topic is aimed at ensuring adequate preparation for the 2023 general and Presidential elections.
The Keynote Speaker for this intellectual occasion is Mr. Stephen Rodriguez, UNDP Resident Representative to Liberia. Other panelists include Mrs. Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS; Honorable Jonathan Fonati Koffa, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Honorable Eugene Nagbe, Commissioner, Liberia Maritime Affairs; Reverend Father McDonald W. Nah, National Director, National Commission for Justice, Peace and Caritas (NCJPC); Imam Sheikh Ali Krayee, Chief Imam, Republic of Liberia; Honorable Williametta Piso Saydee-Tarr, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection; Honorable Steve J.H. Zargo, Senate Committee on Defense, Security, and Intelligence and Veteran Affairs.
Guests at the event include Ambassadors, the Legislature, Clergies, international and local NGOs, some prominent citizens, Academics, and the Fourth Estate. Additionally, several paramilitary institutions, students, and members of the Press Union of Liberia will participate in this auspicious event.
The Assistant Minister furthered revealed that Wednesday 08- Thursday 09 February 2023, the AFL conduct Units’ Display which will last for two days at the Barclay Training Center. The event will be open to the student community from 0800hrs to 1500hrs. Students attending the Unit’ Display must be dressed in uniforms. During this exhibition, various units of the AFL will showcase their equipment at different stations. The units will display the capabilities, roles, and functionalities within the AFL.
Collins added that on Saturday 11 February 2023- The official celebration will kick off at 6000hrs at the Barclay Training Center (BTC). This year Armed Forces Day will be hosted under the theme: “Inter-Agency Collaboration: Working Together for Peaceful Elections.” Maj Gen Pablo Estrada, Commanding General, of 46th Military Police Command (Task Force 46), Lansing, Michigan, will serve as the Guest Speaker for the 66th Armed Forces Day.
The Parade will be reviewed by His Excellency Ambassador George M. Weah, President of the Republic of Liberia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. It will be graced by the presence of very imminent and distinguished traditional leaders, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Diplomatic Corps, the Clergy, the Academia, Distinguished Liberia Citizens, and Senior Officers of the AFL, retired and serving alike. Other important dignitaries will include the Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, United States, and the AFL Principal Staff Officers.
The official celebration brings together all National Security Services (Armed Forces of Liberia, Liberia National Police, Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Fire Service, Liberia Custom Service, Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency, Monrovia City Police, Liberia Seaport Police, Bureau of Correction and Rehabilitation, Forestry Park Rangers, and Liberia Scout Association) to form part of the parade at the BTC Parade Ground and a march through the principal streets of Monrovia.
Colonel Washington Bowier (Rtd), Liberia Air Wing; and Lt Col Nathaniel NP Nah, Sr., (Rtd), Liberia Air Wing, have been selected as recipients of this year’s Distinguished Service Order (DSO). These distinguished personalities have served the Armed Forces of Liberia over the years with unwavering dedication and distinction. Thus, they are well-placed to receive the DSO.
The day will be climaxed with a demonstration, display of equipment, and a parade through the principal streets of Monrovia, commencing from the Barclay Training Center (BTC).
