In the vibrant portiere of Liberian history, a recurrent theme has often been the quest for leadership that resonates with the heartbeat of its people, especially the youth.
By Austin S Fallah, A Young Liberian with a Vision for the Best Liberia
Our generation has witnessed an unprecedented shift in the global landscape, where information travels faster than thought and where digital platforms bring down the traditional barriers that once hindered communication and collaboration.
Despite these advances, a sobering question echoes in the corridors of our discourse.
Why has our generation lost an election to a generation we arguably should have transcended in resonance and relevance?
It is time to ignite a conversation about the future we envision, a future that cradles the dreams of our youth, cultivates progress, and upholds the tenets of genuine democracy.
It is time to scrutinize who should lead us, under what paradigms, and with what qualifications.
All tethered to the elasticity of our constitution and the fabric of applicable laws.
In this parley, I endeavor to address these questions, drawing a roadmap for young Liberians who yearn to craft a legacy for our children and our unborn great-grandchildren.
Foremost, the undeniable failures of past leadership must be acknowledged.
Mistakes were made, and promises were left unfulfilled.
Our generation, eager for change, vested trust in those we believed could progress us into the 21st century and beyond.
However, that trust was frequently met with inadequacy as the messages delivered by these leaders fell short of igniting the flames of inspiration within the youth.
It raises the question of dissonance.
What disconnect occurred that caused the ideals and visions to be so vastly misunderstood by those in power?
Perhaps complacency has played its part, allowing tradition and the status quo to wield more power than innovation and forward-thinking.
Too often, young minds are dissuaded from the political sphere and relegated to roles of followership rather than positions of command.
It is an issue firmly embedded in our cultural weave but one we must overcome to thrive.
Our ancestors and brothers and sisters weathered colonization, repatriation, civil wars, and dictatorial regimes.
They fought with the belief that future generations, ours included, would become architects of stronger, more just Liberia leaders of their minds and trailblazers for change.
It is a legacy we have inherited, and we must honor it.
Understanding the gravity of our role as young Liberians requires a rejection of passivity.
Leading our minds means resisting the pull of political apathy.
It demands active engagement with the issues that mold our nation, from the ravages of corruption to the disparities in education, living conditions, and healthcare for the elites.
Too often, young voices are seen but not heard, their perspectives lost amidst the din of more experienced voices.
This must change. We must infiltrate the political sphere with vigor and purpose, advocating for policies that align with our needs and aspirations.
The question of who should lead us is more intricate than a mere game of names and popular appeal.
Leadership, especially in a context as intricate as Liberia’s, demands a blend of intellectual prowess, ethical fortitude, and an unwavering commitment to public service.
It necessitates leaders who not only articulate grand visions of the future but also possess the practical acumen to navigate the complex socio-economic and political landscapes that define our reality.
Young Liberians are not bereft of these qualities.
Across the country, in the bustling streets of Monrovia, the diaspora, and the quiet towns, Villages, districts, and counties nestled in the countryside, young men and women demonstrate daily their aptitude for leadership.
They are entrepreneurs, educators, activists, artists, and thinkers.
They hold within them the seeds of innovation and reform, but the soil of our political environment must be conducive to their growth.
For us to plant these seeds, we must first cultivate an understanding of the qualifications that a modern leader should possess, not those expired political slogans that hold no value in our contemporary Liberia and the world.
It is time to be creative and involved in the social, economic, political, and justice lives of our nation and people, seeking the common good.
These qualifications should ram with the tenacity of our constitution, embodying the spirit of democracy, accountability, and the promotion of fundamental human rights.
Legislative prowess, policy formulation, diplomatic savvy, and a heart for the common good must be at the forefront of our leadership criterion.
Yes, our leaders should be as diverse as the population they serve, but they must also be unyielding in their pursuit of excellence for the nation.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Yet, our education system must evolve to encapsulate more than theoretical knowledge, but the practicality (hands-on) of knowledge.
It must teach the value of civic responsibility, the intricacies of governance, and the cultivation of moral integrity.
It is through such holistic education that we will raise a generation of aware and capable leaders.
I think there have been more minuscule strides in the inclusion of the youth in governance through initiatives such as the establishment of a National Youth Office in the Executive Mansion and the inclusion of Young Legislators within the National Legislature.
However, these strides are not enough.
A systematic overhaul of our engagement with governance is essential, where more youths are not only included but are also prepared to take on the responsibilities of leadership through mentorships, internships, and capacity-building programs.
Moreover, this juncture calls for more than a change of guard.
It calls for a renaissance and rebranding of leadership ideology.
The values that have steered nations into prosperity, innovation, transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability are the very ones we must anchor our leadership aspirations.
A leader’s age should not be the benchmark for their capability.
Instead, their vision for Liberia, bolstered by demonstrable skills and an unshakeable resolve to serve, should be the measuring stick.
And so, my fellow young and youthful Liberians, as we contemplate the future of our nation, we must resist the temptation to be mere pawns on the political chessboard.
We must aim higher to be the hands that direct our collective destiny.
The generation that lost the election could not connect with us, yes, but it is also a reflection of the environment we have yet to change.
It is incumbent upon us to do more than ask ‘who should lead us.’
We must become the leaders we seek.
This begins with assuming responsibility for our lives and our communities, fostering a culture that values discourse, respects, embraces innovation, and champions the will of the people.
To this end, I urge every youth, every young man, and every woman to think big and think wise.
It is our season to break the cycle of followership and to stand at the helm of our destinies.
Let the stories of our time be ones of transformation, pioneered by homegrown leaders who once questioned, “Why not us?”
Let us weave a new narrative, one where the echoes of our aspirations harmonize with the actions of our hands.
Our generation has a choice, either remain spectators to the unfolding of our future or grasp the reins with both hands and steer our beloved Liberia towards a horizon beaming with potential.
The time has come to ignite the torch of progress and lead the charge into a future where young Liberians are not only questioners but custodians of a destiny that glimmers with hope and unity.
Let us begin the work today, for it is indeed our birthright to lead Liberia into a flourishing era that belongs as much to us as to our children and unborn great-grandchildren.
In the scope of history, we stand at a crucial crossroads.
We can either repeat the patterns of old or chart a new course grounded in the needs and aspirations of our generation.
The mantle of leadership awaits those who dare to think differently, act boldly, and lead with an unwavering compassion for our nation and its people.
The question no longer is who should lead us, but rather, how we, as the young and youthful Liberians, can lead ourselves and our country toward a brighter, more inclusive future.
Let that question drive us, let it inspire us, and let it pave the way for a legacy marked by resilience, innovation, and visionary leadership.
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